Pool Filter Cartridges - D.E. Grids
Pool Filter Cartridges
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Pool Filter Cartridges are used inside cartridge filters, in contrast to other types of filters that use sand or D.E. powder to catch debris. The cylindrical, pleated cartridge fits inside the filter tank. One thing that tends to be confusing regarding these is that people often refer to the cartridge as the “filter”. For anyone who is familiar with changing the oil filter in their car or replacing the disposable filter inside an air conditioner, this would seem logical. But in the world of pools, the filter refers to the complete unit that is made up of the tank, usually a valve, and the medium inside the tank – in this case, the cartridge. If you are looking to purchase a replacement cartridge, be sure to say “cartridge” and this will help you get the correct item much faster. The main question regarding cartridges is whether to buy the original manufacturer's brand (also referred to as OEM) or generic. The OEM cartridge is made by the manufacturer of the filter. When you purchase a brand new filter, the OEM cartridge comes inside. |
Third party companies, such as Unicel, Filbur and Pleatco, make what are known as generic cartridges which are less expensive. These three companies are the main manufacturers of generic pool filter cartridges and they produce them for many different brand pool and spa filters.
In our years of selling generic pool filter cartridges, we have had very few complaints from customers regarding their quality and durability. They seem to hold their own alongside the OEM cartridges and offer customers a lower priced option. That being said, there are some customers who swear by OEM pool filter cartridges and will not use anything else. This comes down to a matter of personal preference and budget. If you are seeking the OEM model, it is good idea to specify this when buying replacement pool filter cartridges as many are cross-referenced by the generic model numbers.
There are a few ways to figure out which replacement you need if you aren't sure. The first and easiest is to look at the filter and try to find the filter model number which is usually on a plate or label affixed to the tank. Remember, this number will be the model number for the complete filter, not just the cartridge, but most retailers should be able to look up the correct replacement cartridge based on this model number.
If there is no plate or label or it's unreadable, the second option is to open the filter tank and look at the existing cartridge inside. Most pool filter cartridges have a plastic ring or cap on one or both ends and this will usually have a part number imprinted in it.
In the absence of any identifiable model or part numbers, the third option is to measure the cartridge itself. You would need the length, the outside diameter, and the inside diameter of both the top and bottom. This is not the ideal way to find a cartridge as there are literally hundreds of different cartridges of all different sizes. With dimensions only, you will probably have the most success if you bring the cartridge to a local pool products retailer and see if they can match it up to one of the cartridges in stock.
D.E. Grids
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DE Grids have the same purpose as pool filter cartridges – catching debris that passes through the filter – but they are used in D.E. filters. D.E. stands for diatomaceous earth which is a silica-based powder derived from fossils. The individual D.E. particles are porous and catch very small bits of debris from only one to three microns in size. D.E. filters have cloth grids inside which are coated with the powder. Over time, these grids will need to be replaced.
Grids are available in OEM and generic models like the cartridges we discussed above. The same holds true for grids – the generic versions are completely acceptable however some pool owners prefer to use the original manufacturer's grids which will be more expensive. |
Unicel and Filbur are two major manufacturers of generic grids. To determine which grids you need, you can follow the steps outlined above for pool filter cartridges.
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