A clean pool is not just about relaxing in crystal-clear waters—it’s about the health and safety of your loved ones. Proper filtration is key to clear water without bacteria and algae. Removing debris like leaves and bugs makes our swimming environment enjoyable.
In this post, we will examine the different types of filters and decide which one is best for us. Let’s begin by finding our filter.
Types Of Pool Filters
There are three main types of filters—sand, Diatomaceous Earth (DE), and cartridge filters. Each has its pros and cons, so here’s a quick summary to help you decide which one is best:
Sand Filters
How They Work: These are tanks full of graded sand. They trap debris and dirt; as water flows through them, the particles are caught, allowing clean water to return to the pool.
- Pros:
- Sand filters have the benefits of lower cost and easier backwashing.
- Cons:
- Sand can harbor bacteria and reduce filtration efficiency.
- Replacing the sand in the filter can also be a big job.
Sand filters are best for large commercial pools. They can handle heavy debris and are cheaper than others. But they don’t filter out small particles, nor do DE or cartridge filters. They can remove particles between 20 to 40 microns or larger.
Replacing the sand by a glass media can increase the filtration of such a filter.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
How They Work: DE filters provide the finest filtration of all filter types. They use a powder made from fossilized diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms. This powder coats a grid inside the filter and traps the smallest particles.
- Pros:
- DE filters have the best filtration efficiency. They trap particles as small as 2-5 microns.
- Good for clean water if your pool has debris and algae problems.
- Cons:
- More maintenance than sand filters, they require the addition of DE powder.
- Grids are delicate and prone to damage, requiring careful cleaning and handling.
- DE powder is not eco-friendly and needs to be handled with care. It is also a harmful chemical.
While DE filters are the most expensive, it’s worth it for its water clarity and quality. It is suitable for in-ground and above-ground pools.
Cartridge Filters
How They Work: Cartridge filters are known for their simplicity and eco-friendliness. They use replaceable cartridges that trap dirt and debris. We don’t need to backwash them like sand and DE filters.
- Pros:
- Easy to clean—just remove and hose it off.
- Less maintenance than DE filters.
- No backwash, cartridge filters are the best for water conservation.
- Cons:
- The cartridge material wears out over time, leading to reduced efficiency.
- Cartridges may need to be replaced more often, depending on pool usage and water quality.
Cartridge filters are suitable for above-ground and smaller in-ground pools. With proper care, they can last up to five years longer than sand filters. They don’t filter as finely as DE filters (15 to 20 microns)but offer a good balance of performance and maintenance.
| Filter Type | Filtration Level (Microns) | Water Conservation | Robustness | Ease of Maintenance | Cost of Maintenance | Rebate Availability |
| Sand Filter | 20-40 | Low (Backwashing wastes water) | High (Durable and long-lasting) | Moderate (Backwashing required, sand replacement every 3-5 years) | Low | No |
| Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter | 2-5 | Low (Requires backwashing) | Medium (Grids are delicate) | Low (Frequent DE powder addition, backwashing, delicate cleaning) | High | No |
| Cartridge Filter | 15-20 | High (No backwashing required) | High (Durable and long-lasting) | High (Easy to clean, just rinse and replace cartridges, replace every 3-5 years) | Medium | Yes (Austin Water: $250, LCRA WaterSmart: up to $600) |
What To Look For When Choosing a Pool Filter
1. Pool Size and Type
- Residential vs. Commercial: Commercial pools require a more powerful filtration system because they are used more frequently. Residential pools can use smaller and more affordable filters.
- Above-Ground vs. In-Ground: Above-ground pools go well with cartridge or sand filters, and in-ground pools with DE filters for better filtration.
- Shape and Depth: Larger or irregularly shaped pools need a filter with more capacity to ensure even and effective filtration.
2. Budget
- Initial Cost: Sand filters are the cheapest.
- Maintenance Cost: Cartridge filters need cleaning and replacement, and DE filters need cleaning and DE powder.
- Replacement Cost: When evaluating the overall cost, consider the lifespan and cost of replacement parts like filter cartridges or sand media.
3. Maintenance
- How much time and effort are you willing to commit to maintenance?
- Low-Maintenance: Sand filter backwashes must only replace sand every 3-5 years.
- Moderate: Cartridge filters need cleaning but are easy to remove and rinse.
- High-Maintenance: DE filters backwashes and needs frequent DE powder application but provides the best filtration.
4. Water Quality Issues
- If your pool has high algae, bacteria, or debris issues, DE filter levels offer the best solution, capturing even the smallest particles.
- Cartridge or sand filters may be enough for mild water quality issues with less maintenance.
5. Aesthetics
- Some homeowners like filters with a slim, compact design that blends with the pool’s surroundings. Consider its look and size if the filter housing is visible near the pool.
Choosing The Right Filter For You
What’s The Best Filter For Your Pool?
Choosing the right filter is confusing, but this guide makes it easy. Here’s to help you decide which one is for you:
- If you want Low Maintenance:
Cartridge filters are for you if you want a simple filter to clean and maintain. They are easy to remove, rinse, and replace when needed. - For High Efficiency and Fine Filtration:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters provide the best filtration, capturing particles as small as 2-5 microns. They are for homeowners who want crystal-clear water and are willing to put more effort into cleaning and maintenance. - For Budget-Friendly:
Sand filters are reasonable and affordable if you want a budget option. It is durable and needs less cleaning but may not filter out the finest particles or others.
Specific Recommendations Based on Pool Type and Needs
- For large in-ground pools with high algae issues:
Sand filter for durability and UV filter to kill algae and bacteria. - For small above-ground pools with minimal debris:
The cartridge filter is a budget and low-maintenance option for small pool systems. - For pools in areas with fine dust or pollen:
DE filter is the way to capture the smallest particles and produce spotless water.
Knowing your pool’s needs and matching them with the strengths of each filter type will help you make a wise decision for clean, healthy, and fun swimming water.
Rebates for Switching to Cartridge Pool Filters
Austin Water and Lower Colorado River Authority offer pool owners rebates to replace their sand or DE filters with cartridge filters. Upgrading your pool’s filtration system is good for you.
Austin Water offers $250 to customers who switch from sand or DE pool filters to cartridge filters, which reduces backwashing frequency and saves 2,000 to 8,000 gallons per year.
LCRA WaterSmart Rebate Program
LCRA offers up to $600 per residential property for water-saving upgrades, including pool filters, 50% of the total cost to promote water conservation and support efficient technologies.
Take Advantage of These Rebates Today!
Upgrading to a cartridge pool filter is a no-brainer that promotes pool efficiency and regional water conservation; rebates can help offset the cost and long-term savings.
Aqua Clear Pool Care Makes Choosing the Right Pool Filter Easy and Stress-Free
Choosing the right filter is essential for clean swimming water. There are three types of filters: sand, cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth filters. Each has its pros and cons. Sand filters are easy to use and maintain, and cartridge filters capture small particles. When choosing a filter, consider pool size, installation, budget, and maintenance.
Get the right filter, and your pool will be clean all season. Our team provides custom recommendations and pool filter repair for residents in West Lake Hills, Lakeway, and Dripping Springs. Call our pool service for a free consultation and installation.
Leave a Reply