Pool filters are an essential auxiliary appliance associated with your pool that, as their name would suggest, work to filter out debris and contaminants from the pool's water supply. However, there are a multitude of different pool filters available on the market, each of which has a different set of advantages and drawbacks despite performing the same function. Understanding the differences between three of the most common types of pool filters can help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
Sand Filters
Sand filters work by forcing water through a large tank that is packed full of sand. Their main draw is their extremely low price point, since they consist of no special parts or materials, and the sand only has to be replaced after several years of use. This makes sand filters ideal for homeowners under a budget. However, sand filters do require quite a bit of maintenance and cleaning, usually needing a backwash every week or so, since trapped debris in the filter will increase the water pressure as water moves through the sand, slowing down the filtration rate.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge pool filters are designed to be both energy efficient and inexpensive. While slightly more expensive than sand filters are, cartridge filters are a step up in that they do not require backwashing. Instead, the filter itself can be pulled out of the pump and hosed down, which is a much quicker process than backwashing. Cartridge filters also filter water at a faster speed than sand filters do. However, the downside is that cartridge filters will need to be replaced every few years, with the exact length of time depending on how large your pool is and how much use they see, which can quickly add up due to the higher cost of the physical cartridges.
Diatomaceous Earth Filters
Diatomaceous earth is a type of mineral made up of crushed fossils that is commonly used as a pest repellent and for other landscaping needs. In your pool filter, the fine size of diatomaceous earth particles means that they are able to filter out other particles to a greater extent than either sand or cartridge filters are able to. However, the increased filtration ability is offset by the higher cost of diatomaceous earth filters against either of the alternatives listed above, and the fact that more earth has to be added every time the filter is backwashed, which will be every few weeks or so.
Contact a pool maintenance service for more information.