One of the most important pieces of pool equipment that’s essential for keeping a clean, healthy swimming pool is having a high quality filter installed. It’s what helps remove debris, dirt and other impurities from your pool water, keeping you and your family safe and swimming in beautiful, clean water. However, not all pool filters are the same - there are lots of different types of pool filters on the market and it can be challenging to know which one will work best for your pool, as they all offer various benefits depending on the pool and your situation. 

To help you make the best decision for your pool, we’ve put together a pool filter guide that explores the three main types of pool filters: sand filter, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.

Why Are Pool Filters Important? 

Before we jump into each type of pool filter, let’s take a moment to touch on why it’s so important to have a high quality pool filter. In Southern California, pool water is exposed to all of the outdoor elements: debris from leaves, dirt, insects, twigs, you name it! As time goes on, these items accumulate and can make your pool water cloudy, dirty and unsafe to swim in. Without the appropriate pool filter installed, you open your pool up to algae, bacteria and other unpleasant microorganisms.

With a great pool filter installation, you remove these impurities from the water and keep the swimming pool safe and clean. Along with this, it’s important to consistently replace your pool filter so that it continues to work well and keep your pool clean. This also can decrease the need for excessive chemical treatments, keeping your pool maintenance manageable. Now that we’ve covered how important a pool filter is, let’s break down how to choose the right pool filter for your home based on your pool size, budget and required maintenance. 

A Breakdown of the Three Main Pool Filters

As previously mentioned, that are three main pool filters. Here’s a breakdown of each one and in which environments they work best in. 

1. Sand Filters

Overview:

Typically the most common type of pool filter, sand filters are favored for their affordability and easy usability. The sand pool filter is a tank that’s made up of specially graded sand, typically made from silica. When pool water flows through this filter, the sand will trap the dirt particles and debris within the filter. This leaves only clean water to come back out of the filter and flows throughout the pool.

What’s great about the sand filter is that it usually will last about 5-7 years depending on how often it’s used. Every so often you will need to backwash the filter, which is a service our team at Tustin Pool Service is happy to take on. We also install sand filters in Tustin, CA and its surrounding areas.

Pros of the Sand Filter:

• Cost-Effective: Sand filters are typically less expensive than a DE filter or cartridge filter would be. 
• Minimal Maintenance: While it does need backwashing every few weeks or when the pressure gauge indicates it, that’s the only maintenance you should have to worry about, although please check with a pool maintenance specialist if you’re having other problems. 
• Long Lasting: Sand filters have a long shelf life. 

Cons of the Sand Filter:

• Filtration Abilities: Sand filters only filter particles down to about 20-40 microns, and cartridge or DE filters are able to do a better job at this. But not to worry - typically 20-40 microns are enough for most pools, it may not provide the absolute clearest water you can get out of a filtration system.
• Backwashing: Regular backwashing is required with a sand filter, which uses a significant amount of water and potential time. 

Who is this Best For? 

Sand filters are great for pool owners who want a low-maintenance, budget-friendly filtration option. It is also idea for those with larger pools where ultra-fine filtration is not as critical.

2. Cartridge Filters

Overview:

Another filter option is a cartridge filter. These filters use a pleated polyester filter cartridge that captures debris as water flows through. The pleats allow for a large surface area for filtration. That means that the filter can trap more dirt and debris than sand filters can. These filters are also able to filter particiles as small as 10-15 microns, much small contaminants than the sand filters allow. This provides better water clarity than sand filters as well.

A cartridge filter also does not require backwashing like sand filters. Instead, you just remove the cartridge and clean it when it gets dirty. Cleaning typically needs to be done every 1-3 months depending on how often the pool is used. The cartridge filter typically has a shelf life of 2-4 years before it needs to be replaced. 

Pros of the Cartridge Filter:

• Better Filtration: As mentioned earlier, cartridge filters can trap smaller particles, providing clearer and cleaner water.
• Water-Efficient: Because these filters do not need backwashing, home owners use less water when compared to sand filters. 
• Lower Pump Pressure: Cartridge filters typically work at a lower pump pressure, which means it can extend the life of your pool pump and save energy.

Cons of the Cartridge Filter:

• More Maintenance: Cartridge filters need to be cleaned more frequently than sand filters. While cleaning is simple, it can be time-consuming.
• Cost: Cartridge filters are more expensive upfront than sand filters, and replacement cartridges add to the ongoing costs.

Who is this Best For?

Cartridge filters are an excellent choice for Tustin, Ca home owners with a smaller to medium-sized pool where clear water is top priority. They also are a great option for those who are eco-conscious and want to conserve their water usage. 

3. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

Overview:

A Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter has the finest filtration of all three pool filter types. It can capture particles as small as 2-5 microns. So how does the DE filter do it? It uses a powder that’s made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of hard-shelled algae) to coat a series of grids inside the filter. As pool water passes through, the DE powder traps tiny particles of dirt, debris, and even bacteria.

Similar to sand filters, a DE filter does require backwashing. Plus, once the backwashing takes place, you have to add new DE powder to keep the filtration system effective. So while the DE filters offers the clearest water, keep in mind that it is also the filter that requires the most maintenance for homeowners. 

Pros of the DE Filter:

• Best Filtration: DE filters trap the smallest particles compared to the sand and cartridge filters. This means you will have crystal-clear water. 
• Excellent Water Quality: This type of filter is made for pools that require the highest level of cleanliness - like commercial pools or those who have allergies or skin sensitivity. If you find yourself in this situation, the DE filter is perfect. 

Cons of the DE Filter:

• High Maintenance Required: This filter demands consistent backwashing and adding in new DE powder after each cleaning which can be more maintenance that some Tustin homeowners might be interested in. 
• Price: Out of the three filter options, DE filters are the most expensive in terms of the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance it requires - like purchasing the DE powder for the cleaning process. 
• Complexity: These filters are more complicated to operate than the other filter types. But not worry! At Tustin Pool Service, we are experts in all three filter systems and can easily maintain your DE filter with ease. 

Who is this Best For?

The DE filter is a great option for those who see water quality and clarity as top priority. These typically are those operating commercial pools, pools that are used heavily and often, and luxury pools, where pristine water is a must.

Selecting the right pool filter for your home or commercial property is key for maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool. Whether you’re in need of a pool filter that is affordability and easy to maintain or a filter that provides the most clarity for high use volume, our team at Tustin Pool Service is here to help you select the best swimming pool filter for you. To learn more about our pool cleaning and pool maintenance services, contact us today.