What type of pool filter is best?

This is a question that comes up almost every time I sell a pool. There are three main types of pool filter.

1.       Sand Filter:  In this method, impurities are extracted from the water utilizing sand to collect and attract the debris. Sand filters must be backwashed (running it in reverse) to unload the water waste. This is a manual process that must be performed every few weeks. Sand filters trap debris as small as 20 to 40 microns.

2.       DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filter: Diatomaceous earth is mined and is the fossilized exoskeletons of tiny diatoms. They are used to coat "grids" in the filter housing and act as tiny sieves allowing for the removal of debris as small as 5 microns. Once the pressure rises, the filter is backwashed just like a sand filter and then "recharged" with more DE powder. DE filters trap debris as small as 2 - 5 microns.

3.       Cartridge Filter: Cartridge filters have a greater surface area than sand allowing for fewer clogs and easier maintenance. Cartridge filters are designed to run at lower pressure than sand which puts less backpressure on the pump, providing more flow and turnover. Cartridge filters should be cleaned once or twice a season by simply hosing them off. Cartridge element filters trap debris as small as 10 to 15 microns.

First I will start off saying that in most circumstances any of these three will work just fine. For the lucky few that have a town building department that makes this decision for you, you are stuck with the filter they choose.

·         If you want low maintenance cartridge is hard to beat

·         Sand is a great choice if you are looking for simple and effective

·         The cleanest water is made by DE filters

·         Both sand and DE filters require backwashing

When someone asks me what type of pool filter is best I usually ask them if this is their first pool? If they have had a pool in the past and had a filter system that they already felt comfortable with then by all means use the same style again. If they are new to pool ownership I recommend a cartridge filter for its ease of maintenance. Yes it is true that DE filters are able to “polish” the water more. A pool clarifier can be added to the pool water to make the tiny particles stick together so that they will be caught in the cartridge filter. And on top of all this cartridge filters are simpler to use.