Choosing the right swimming pool filter is essential for maintaining crystal-clear water and a safe swimming environment. There is a variety of types of pool filters available, where each type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages for different needs. Whether you prioritize ease of maintenance, filtration efficiency, or long-term costs, understanding the features and benefits of each filter type will help you make the best choice for your pool. Let’s dive in.
What is a Pool Filter?
A pool filter is an essential component of any swimming pool’s circulation system. Filters keep your water clean and safe by removing dirt, debris, and algae. It works by channeling pool water through a filtration medium, which captures contaminants and prevents them from recirculating back into the pool. The most common types of pool filters include cartridge filters, sand filters, and diatomaceous earth filters, each offering varying levels of efficiency and maintenance requirements. Let’s take a closer look at each filter option.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters consist of the main tank with “cartridges” inside that act as the medium that water flows through. Depending on the make and model of the filter, there will be either one, two, or, most commonly, four cartridge filters inside. The cartridges are made of polyester, which filters out any particles down to 10 to 20 microns from your pool’s water.
Cost
The cost of a cartridge filter is between 1200 and 1900 USD for the most common sizes of filters. Additionally, you’ll need the cartridges, which cost between 150 to 250 USD depending on the quality. Lastly, the cost of installing the filter will be around 300 USD.
- Filter: 1200 – 1900 USD
- Cartridges: 150 – 250 USD
- Install: ~300 USD
Maintenance
The main advantage of cartridge filters is that the cartridges can be cleaned and reused. The filters need to be rinsed off with a hose or pressure washer every 3 months and deep cleaned every 6 months. For deep cleaning, soak the cartridges in a filter-cleaning solution and then pressure wash them clean. Cartridges should be replaced every 3 to 5 years; watch for any tears or fraying of the polyester layers to determine if they need to be replaced.
- Cleaning: 3 Months
- Deep Cleaning: 6 Months
- Replacement: 3 – 5 years
Sand Filters
Sand filters consist of the tank, the control valve or head, the lateral assembly, the standpipe, and the sand itself. These filters can range in size, where the amount of sand required for the filter can range from 50 to 700 lbs. However, the most common size for residential pools is a 24-inch filter that requires 300 lbs of sand. The sand filter removes particles as small as 20 to 40 microns by pushing water through the sand.
Cost
The cost of the sand filter is between 600 and 800 USD for the most common filter size of 24 inches. Additionally, you’ll need the sand, which costs around 20 USD per 50-lb bag; you’ll need 6 bags for a 24-inch filter, 120 USD total. Lastly, the cost of installing the filter will be around 300 USD.
- Filter: 600 – 800 USD
- Sand: ~120 USD
- Install: ~300 USD
Maintenance
With sand filters, the maintenance required to keep your filter working is more frequent but is easier when compared to cartridge filters. Sand filters must be backwashed and rinsed every one to two weeks or when the pressure gauge reaches 10 psi. Backwashing your filter reverses the flow of water in your filter, removing much of the dirt collected in the filter. This dirty water is then discharged through the waste/backwash hose. Lastly, the sand in the filter needs to be replaced roughly every 5 years. This is because the grains of sand become rounded and smooth due to the constant flow of water, reducing their ability to trap debris.
- Backwash & Rinse: 1 – 2 weeks
- Deep Cleaning: None
- Replacement: 5 years
Diatomaceous Earth Filter
A diatomaceous earth (D.E.) pool filter is a highly efficient type of filter that uses a white powder (D.E.) to filter your pool water. The filter works by coating either a “grid” or “fingers/tubes” with the D.E. powder inside the filter’s housing. The D.E. powder acts as the filter’s medium to filter out any dirt particles and algae down to 3 to 5 microns from your pool water.
Cost
The cost of a D.E. filter is between 1000 and 2000 USD for most filter sizes needed for inground pools. Additionally, you’ll need the D.E., which costs around 50 USD per 24-lbs bag; you’ll only need 1 bag per season. Finally, the cost of installing the filter will be around 300 USD.
- Filter: 1000 – 2000 USD
- D.E.: 50 USD (per 24 lbs bag)
- Replacement Grids: 150 USD
- Install: ~300 USD
Maintenance
With D.E. filters, the maintenance required is similar to that of a sand filter. D.E. filters need to be drained and “recharged” monthly or when the pressure gauge is higher than 10 psi. To do this, shut off the pump, push down and up on a bump handle 8 times, drain the filter, then turn the pump back on to rinse it out, and repeat steps if needed. Then, “recharging” requires you to put the required amount of D.E. powder for the filter into the skimmer (DO NOT breathe in or get the powder on your skin). Additionally, every 6 months, the filter must be taken apart, and the “grids” or “fingers/tubes” must be rinsed completely off. Lastly, the “grids” or “fingers/tubes” should also be replaced every 5 years or when you notice any tears when cleaning.
- Drained and Recharged: Monthly or at 10 psi
- Deep Cleaning: 6 months
- Replacement: 5 years
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right pool filter is a crucial step in keeping your swimming pool clean, safe, and enjoyable. Each of the types of pool filters—cartridge, sand, or diatomaceous earth—has unique advantages and maintenance requirements suited to different preferences and pool setups. By thoroughly evaluating the costs, features, and upkeep of each filter type, you’ll be well-equipped to create a safe and enjoyable swimming environment for years to come.
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