Follow the journey of choosing a pool filter. Compare sand, cartridge, and DE filters with pros, cons, and maintenance needs.
Choosing a pool filter felt overwhelming at first. Sand, cartridge, DE — every guide seemed to contradict the last. Here’s the journey I went through, what I learned, and how I made the final decision.
Step 1: Understanding Options
- Sand: Cheapest, easy to maintain, filters down to 20 microns.
- Cartridge: Mid-range cost, filters to 10 microns, no backwashing needed.
- DE: Best filtration (3–5 microns), but highest maintenance.
Step 2: Talking to Other Owners
Forum threads leaned heavily toward cartridge for simplicity, while old-school owners swore by sand’s reliability. DE was praised for clarity but groaned about during cleaning.
Step 3: Factoring My Lifestyle
I didn’t want to handle messy DE powder or backwash constantly. Cartridge fit my schedule better.
Final Decision
I chose a large cartridge filter. The upfront cost was higher, but I valued the low-maintenance routine.
See more equipment comparisons in Gear Lab. For circulation tips, head to Pool Lessons. For standards, see PHTA standards.
FAQ
Which filter is cheapest to maintain
Sand filters are usually cheapest long-term. Cartridges cost more upfront but last 2–3 years.
Which filter gives the clearest water
DE filters give the clearest water, but they require the most maintenance.