It’s easy to think that on a hot 100°July afternoon in Austin, there is nothing better than a refreshing dip in a clean, sparkly clear pool. But having a clean pool isn’t just about relaxing in glassy water – it’s about having peace of mind that your family is safe from bacteria and algae. Filtration is the first step to maintaining clean water. But around these parts, your filter isn’t just fighting leaves and bugs. It’s fighting spring Live Oak pollen, winter Cedar season, and every dust storm that sweeps through the Hill Country when it hasn’t rained.
From Round Rock to Lakeway and even Georgetown, your pool filter can mean the difference between pool maintenance frustration and curling up by the pool with a good book. We’re going to discuss the three different types of filters and determine which one is right for us. First, let’s locate our filter.
Types Of Pool Filters
The three basic types of filters are sand, DE, and cartridge. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so here’s a brief rundown to help you choose what’s right for you:
Sand Filters
How They Work: Sand filters are pretty much what they sound like: tanks filled with graded sand. Debris and dirt are caught by the sand as water passes through it and flows back into the pool.
- Pros
- Cost is lower, and backwashing is easier.
- Cons
- Sand holds bacteria and can cause loss in filtration ability.
- Replacing the sand in the filter itself can be quite labor intensive.
- Backwashing will flush thousands of gallons of water back into your drain each year not a great feature during Austin’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 water restrictions!
Sand filters are best for large commercial pools. There’s just no better option when it comes to price and handling heavy debris loads. However, sand filters can’t filter out small particles. (Neither can DE or cartridge.) Sand filters can eliminate debris that is 20-40 microns or larger.
Replacing the sand with glass media will enhance the filtration ability of a sand filter.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
How They Work: DE filters provide the finest filtration of all filter types. They use a How They Work: DE filters offer the cleanest filtration of any pool filter. Inside the filter is a grid that is coated with a powder made from fossilized diatoms, a type of microscopic aquatic life.
- Pros
- Offers better filtration than any other filter media. Traps small particles down to 2-5 microns.
- Perfect for clean pool water if you struggle with debris and algae.
- Eliminates Live Oak pollen and Hill Country dust before they can discolor your water.
- Cons
- Requires more maintenance than sand filters by having to add DE powder to the filter.
- Grids are fragile. They can be damaged easily and must be handled and cleaned gently.
- DE powder itself is not a chemical. It’s actually a natural, organic media that is composed of fossilized diatoms. However, the dry powder can cause irritation if you inhale it. (Think kitty litter) When adding DE powder to your filter, always wear a mask and handle with care.
- Must be backwashed just like sand filters. This means you are washing clean water down the drain when Austin and Central Texas are having water restrictions.
DE filters are the most expensive but totally worth it for their effectiveness. Cleanest water quality you will find. Ideal for in- ground and above-ground pools.
Cartridge Filters
How They Work: Cartridge filters are known for their simplicity and eco-friendliness. THow They Work: One of the simplest and most environmentally friendly filters on the market, cartridge filters work through replaceable cartridges that collect dirt.
- Pros
- Easy to clean. Simply remove the cartridge and hose it off.
- Require less maintenance than DE filters.
- No backwash – Cartridge filters are best when it comes to conserving water.
- When it rains in Central Texas – Who doesn’t love a good rain shower? Thousands of gallons of water are saved during Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions because there’s no backwashing.
- Cons
- Over time, cartridge material begins to break down and become less effective.
- You may have to change cartridges more frequently depending on how often you use your pool and the condition of your water.
When used in above-ground and some smaller in-ground pools, cartridge filters can last up to five years longer than sand filters. Cartridge filters don’t filter quite as small as DE filters (15 to 20 microns).
| 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
- Commercial vs Residential: A commercial pool will need something much more powerful, filtering the water more often. Residential filters can be smaller and cost less.
- Above-ground vs In-ground: Pair an above-ground pool with a cartridge or sand pool filter. In-ground pools work great with DE filters for improved filtration.
- Shape & Depth: An oddly shaped pool or larger pool may require a filter with higher capacity to allow for better flow and more complete filtration.
2. Budget
- Purchase Price: When looking strictly at purchase price, sand filters are by far the least expensive.
- Maintenance Price: Both cartridge filters and DE filters require maintenance. Be sure to factor in the cost of cleaning cartridges or replacing them, as well as purchasing DE powder.
- Replacement Price: Replacement cost is something to consider when looking at the price. How long will the filter last before you need to buy a new one? Do you need to replace filter cartridges or can you just replace the sand media inside?
3. Maintenance
How much maintenance are you willing to perform on your filter?
- Low-Maintenance: Requires little maintenance. Only sand needs to be replaced every 3-5 years with a sand filter backwash.
- Medium Maintenance: Cartridge filters do require some maintenance. However, they are easily removed and rinsed off.
- High-Maintenance: Backwashing a DE filter and adding DE powder can be labor-intensive. However, DE filters remove the smallest particles from your pool water.
4. Water Quality Issues
- Struggling with high levels of algae, bacteria, or debris? Look to DE filter levels. These filters pick up even the smallest of particles before they can get dispersed through your pool.
- Mild water quality issues can be resolved with a cartridge or sand filter that requires minimal maintenance.
- If you live in West Austin, Lakeway, or Dripping Springs, you know we get a lot of wind-blown hill country dirt or heavy oak pollen in the spring. Standard cartridge or sand pool filters can struggle during these seasons, which is another reason many homeowners use a DE pool filter or high-quality cartridge pool filter.
5. Aesthetics
- Many people prefer filters that have a slim, compact design. If your pool equipment will be seen, you might want to consider how it looks.
Choosing The Right Filter For You
What’s The Best Filter For Your Pool?
Picking your filter can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve made this handy guide to help you determine which filter is best suited for you:
- If you want Low Maintenance: If you are looking for an easy filter to clean and maintain, a cartridge filter may be best suited for you. Cartridge filters are great because they can be easily removed, rinsed, and replaced as needed.
- Crystal Clear Water: If you’re a homeowner who wants the best filtration possible (down to 2-5 microns), you’ll want to go with a Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter. DE filters require more effort when it comes to cleaning and maintenance but are great for those who want crystal-clear water.
- For Budget-Friendly: Looking for a reasonable price? The sand filter is your best bet. It’s also durable and doesn’t require too much cleaning. However, it may not pick up the finest of particles or anything else.
Specific Recommendations Based on Pool Type and Needs
- Large in-ground pool that gets a lot of algae: A sand filter offers longevity, and the UV filter will kill algae and bacteria.
- Small above ground pool with little debris: A cartridge filter is the inexpensive and easiest-to-maintain option for smaller pools.
- Central Texas pollen & dust storms: Does your pool reside under a bunch of West Lake Hills oak trees or does Hill Country dust just pelt your pool during a drought? If so, get a DE filter. Nothing traps those fine particles like a DE filter before they make your pool water cloudy.
- Lakeway pools near Lakeway Lake: Lakeside pools can accumulate more bugs and organic matter. A sand or cartridge filter with routine skimming should do the trick.
- Dripping Springs pools with well water: Iron-rich or hard well water can leave scale deposits in your pool.
Make sure you have the water chemistry right to prevent damage to your filter and keep your pool water clear.
Rebates for Switching to Cartridge Pool Filters
Switching your pool filter from sand or DE to cartridge-style can earn you a rebate from Austin Water and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Read below about how an upgraded filter is good for both you and your pool. We also have a link to current local rebates offered in Austin right now.
Austin Water is currently offering $250 back to swimmers who trade in their sand or DE filter for a water-conserving cartridge filter. By reducing backwashing, your new cartridge filter will save you 2,000-8,000 gallons of water each year.
LCRA WaterSmart Rebate Program
The LCRA is offering Residential households up to $600 for water conservation projects. This rebate covers 50% of your overall project cost and includes pool filters.
Take Advantage of These Rebates Today!
Upgrading to a cartridge pool filter is an easy decision when it comes to creating a pool that runs efficiently while conserving water in your area; rebates are available!
Aqua Clear Pool Care Makes Choosing the Right Pool Filter Easy and Stress-Free
Selecting the correct filter ensures you and your family swim in clean, clear water. There are 3 kinds of filters that are used: sand filters, cartridge filters, and DE or Diatomaceous Earth filters. While sand filters are easy to operate and maintain, and cartridge filters catch even the smallest of particles. When selecting the proper filter, there are a few things you should keep in mind, such as pool size, filter installation, your budget, and how much time you would like to spend maintaining your pool.
Select the correct filter, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning your pool all season long. Whether you live in one of the many neighborhoods in Central Texas we service, we will help you choose a filter that can handle our pollen, dust, and harsh summers. We offer custom recommendations and pool filter repair for homeowners in West Lake Hills, Lakeway, and Dripping Springs. Call our pool service for a free consultation and installation.
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