What Are the Three Types of Pool Filters?

• Sand Filters: Sand filters are one of the most popular types of pool filters, and for good reason. They are affordable, low-maintenance, and effective at removing debris and contaminants from pool water. You can expect to run the sand filter for at least 3 to 5 years before replacing the sand. Sand filter tank sizes range from 50-pound to 900-pound super-sized models. The biggest downside is its inefficient filtering. Due to the porous #20 silica sand used in sand filters, these models can only separate dirt particles as small as 20 to 40 microns.

• Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters are known for their superior filtration capabilities and efficiency. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice among pool owners. This is a good middle-ground option between the inexpensive low maintenance of a sand filter and the premium filtering quality of more expensive DE filters. Cartridge filters are available in single or four-cartridge designs, ranging from 25-square-foot spa filters to 720-square-foot residential-commercial pool filters.

• DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters: DE filters are the most efficient type of pool filter, capable of removing even the smallest particles from pool water. They do require more maintenance than other types of filters, but their superior performance makes them worth the effort. DE Filters can sift your water of dirt as small as 1 to 3 microns; particles so small, you’d need a microscope to spot them. This super-refined filtering is done by the DE powder you add to the filter during installation and after backwashes.

Which Type of Pool Filter Is Best?

It depends. There’s no definitive answer because it comes down to what each pool owner values most and the trade-offs they’re willing to make. A sand filter is the least expensive, mid-tier filter maintenance type but has the lowest water quality of the three filter types.

Sand filters can only capture dirt as small as 25 to 40 microns, whereas cartridge and de filters can capture dirt debris as small as 10-15 and 1-3 microns, respectively. In addition to capturing dirt debris of varying sizes, some pool owners prioritize choosing an efficient filter system that maximizes water circulation and filtration efficiency.

How Often Should I Filter My Pool?

Filter your pool's volume at least once daily during swim season, preferably two or more times. Turning over your pool's water at least once depends more on your pump's flow rate than on filter capacity. This presumes you correctly sized the filter to handle the maximum flow rate of your chosen pump.

How to Calculate Run Time for Filter Cycle

1. Calculate your Pool's Volume in Gallons

2. Identify your pump's make, model, and horsepower

3. Calculate the feet of the head

4. Use Your Pump's Flow Curve to Identify Your Pump's Flow Rate

GPM x 60 Minutes = GPH (Gallons Per Hour)

Then,

Pool Volume In Gallons / GPH = Minimum Time Needed For One Full Cleaning Cycle

Will a Filter Keep My Pool Clean?

All three filter types are essential for keeping your pool clear of debris and ensuring the water remains clean and safe for swimmers. Specifically, Hayward pool filters are renowned for their ability to offer incredible water quality and dependable all-weather performance, making them a top choice for maintaining a pool clear. Diatomaceous Filters, ranking highest in effectiveness, and Cartridge filters, positioned in the mid-tier, play a crucial role in keeping the pool water clear. These filters, especially when considering options like the Clean & Clear Plus Filters, utilize four hard-working cartridges to help maintain the clarity of the pool water, ensuring it stays clear of debris and contaminants. Sand filters, while still effective, are considered the least efficient in this regard.

What Happens When a Pool Filter Goes Bad?

To ensure your pool is running efficiently and effectively, it's important to know when your filter needs regular cleaning, a deep cleaning, or whether the filter media or the whole filter should be replaced.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Sand Filter's Sand

• The filter's pressure gauge reading spikes shortly after heavy backwashes

• Old, dirty sand clumps together, causing channels to form, which allows dirt to bypass most of the sand and re-enter the pool

Signs your Sand Filter Needs to Be Serviced

• Sand or other debris is rentering the pools from the return lines. Check there's no channeling in the filter sand.

• Odd sounds like bubbling, whistling, or hissing came from the tank or its valve.

• Water leaks from the backwash port when the valve is not set to the backwash setting.

Signs Your Pool Filter Cartridge Needs to Be Cleaned

• Lower than-average flowrate at the return lines

• Water pressure spikes or maintains a higher-than-normal level

• Pump Won't Prime

Signs Your Cartridge Needs to Be Replaced

• Dirt or debris coming from return lines.

• Water pressure spikes or maintains a high level even after a cartridge acid bath.

• The cartridge's bands are broken or missing

Signs You Need to Backwash Your DE Filter

• Weak water flow at the pool's return jets

• Higher than average PSI reading on pressure gauge

• Pool pump priming problems

Signs Your DE Filter Needs New Grids

• Visible tears in grid fabric

• The DE grid's plastic frame is damaged

What Is the Best Pool Filtration System?

Inyo recommends cartridge pool filters over the sand and DE options. These fall into the Goldilocks zone of being a close second in price and water quality but far and away more straightforward to maintain. Additionally, their efficiency in operation not only ensures a cleaner pool but also helps pool owners save money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs and energy efficiency. Customers can also enjoy the convenience of picking up the recommended cartridge pool filters in store, making it easier to start improving their pool's water quality right away.

Are Sand Filters Better Than Cartridge Filters for Pools?

Sand filters are suitable for most pool installations, but the cartridge filter is a better choice over the lifetime of the pool filter.

What Is the Lifespan of a Pool Filter?

A pool filter tank should last at least ten years in outdoor installations and at least twice that in indoor installations.

However, the filter's internal parts are like laterals for sand filters; with normal wear and tear, you may have to replace a cracked lateral or two every few seasons. Depending on the filter's workload, you may get 2-4 years out of a single-cartridge system in four-cartridge systems.

Using a multiport valve in sand and diatomaceous earth pool filters means replacing spider gaskets or multiport valve handles.