A pool filter is required in every swimming pool. Your pool’s water will eventually turn green if the pump and filter aren’t working properly. Which pool filter, however, is the best: sand, cartridge, or D.E. filter? We frequently encounter pool owners who are undecided about whether to keep their cartridge filter or replace it with a sand or D.E. filter.
Different pool filters all have their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and each pool owner has his or her own set of priorities. When selecting a filter, it’s critical to keep your specific pool priorities in mind. The ideal pool filter for you is one that matches your pool’s requirements.
Sand Filters
The sand filter is the most common form of pool filter. Sand filters are the least effective of the three types of filters. They filter particles that are 20-40 microns in size. Sand filters remove debris and organisms from your pool’s water by filtering them through sand. When the debris inside the filter reaches capacity or is full, the pressure inside the filter rises.
This indicates that the filter needs to be backwashed. Backwashing is merely the process of flowing the water within the filter in the other direction. You can quickly switch valve positions from filter to backwash using your multiport valve. Backwashing, on the other hand, might cause additional pool-related concerns.
There are a few considerations to make when purchasing a sand filter. To begin with, backwashing your pool on a regular basis can cause water chemistry to be disrupted and water levels to fluctuate. You may find yourself adjusting and replenishing your pool after backwashing it. You wind up spending more money on chemicals and water as a result. Not to mention figuring out where you’re going to backwash the water.
To run a sand filter, you’ll also need a valve. The valve is frequently included with the filter. That isn’t always the case, though. Make sure the contents of the filter you wish to buy are double-checked.
Pros
- Typically, the smallest and most cheap
- Maintenance is minimal.
- Cleaning is a breeze (backwash)
- The procedure is simple.
- Sand should be replaced every 5 to 7 years.
Cons
- Filtering ability is lower as compared to cartridge and D.E. filters.
- Backwashing on a regular basis can throw off your water balance.
- Chemical and water prices have increased.
- You’ll need to figure out where you’ll backwash the water.
Cartridge Filters
The cartridge filter is the second type of pool filter. Pleated cartridges are used in cartridge filters to maximize the filter’s square footage. The more dirt particles you can filter out, the bigger the surface area. Debris as fine as 10-15 microns can be captured using cartridge filters. Cartridge filters are in the middle of the efficiency spectrum. The following is an illustration of how a cartridge filter works. They are, however, the easiest to maintain.
When your filter’s pressure rises or the cartridges become dirty, it’s time to clean it. Most pool owners clean their cartridges every six months, depending on the water chemistry. Cleaning is as simple as rinsing them with a garden hose. A cartridge filter does not require backwashing.
Slow flow rates are ideal for cartridge filters. An oversized pool pump has the potential to bypass the filtration stage entirely by pushing water straight through the cartridge filter. When using cartridge filters, it’s critical not to overload your pool pump. However, this improves the efficiency of cartridge filters. Cartridge filters use and waste less water than other types of filters. Using a cartridge filter instead of a sand filter saves you money on chemicals and water.
Pros
- Maintenance-free
- Filter cartridges are simple to clean and replace.
- Installing the simplest type of filter
Cons
- The cartridge may become clogged if there is a lot of algae growth. The cartridge will need to be rinsed more regularly.
- A new cartridge can be expensive depending on the make and model.
- It’s preferable if you have a slow flow rate.
D.E. Pool Filters
D.E. filters are the way to go if you’re seeking for the best approach to filter your pool. Despite their resemblance to sand filters, they filter in a very different way. Filters made of diatomaceous earth, or D.E., filter the pool by using fossilized diatom remnants. Particles and detritus as small as 2-5 microns are collected. A D.E. filter is the most thorough of the three types of filters.
The filter grids are coated with D.E. powder, which allows water to pass through while confining dirt to one side. D.E. filters, like sand filters, are cleaned by backwashing. You can use your pressure gauge, like with most filters, to determine when your filter needs to be backwashed.
D.E. filters need pool owners to clean the filter elements on a regular basis in addition to backwashing. The grids can be removed and hosed down with a regular water hose. You can also soak your grids, which cleans the filter cloth of all dirt, oils, minerals, and stains. One of the reasons why D.E. filters require the most upkeep is because of this.
Pros
- Exceptional filtration abilities
- Backwashing can be skipped for a few months.
- If properly cared for, grids can live for several years.
Cons
- After each backwash, you must add D.E. media to your grids.
- Costs of upkeep are higher.
- It can take a long time to disassemble the filter grids. D.E. is a known carcinogen, therefore avoid inhaling it.
- A backwash valve is required to run the filter, just as it is with sand filters.
