Pool Filters
The pool filter is a vital piece of pool equipment for every swimming pool. Pool Filters work to keep pool water clear by removing visible and invisible particles and help maintain sanitary water conditions. There are pool filters for every application, as well as different types of filtration media.
The 3 most common types of Pool Filters are Sand Filters, Cartridge Filters, and DE Filters.
Sand Filters
Sand Filters are affordable, low maintenance options for any pool type. Sand Filters are large tanks filled with Pool Filter Sand, specifically designed to remove debris as small as 20 microns. The pool pump pulls water from your pool and pushes it through the sand inside the tank to filter and clean before returning it to the pool. To clean the sand filter, simply run a backwash and rinse cycle to clear the filter.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge Filters generally offer high filtration rates, while providing energy efficient performance. The cartridge design is engineered with a pleated design to increase the surface area and capture dirt and debris down to 5 microns. This design also lowers flow resistance and ensures maximum efficiency for your pump. To clean, just remove the cylindrical filter cartridge from the tank, spray it down with a hose and/or soak with a cartridge cleaning solution. No backwashing required! Once the cartridge no longer filters at an efficient level, simply replace with a replacement filter cartridge.
DE Filters
Diatomaceous Earth Filters, also known as DE Filters, offer the highest level of filtration — down to 3 microns. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock formed out of fossilized exoskeletons of diatoms, a type of micro-algae. DE Filters require more frequent maintenance than Sand and Cartridge Filters, and are typically more expensive. To clean a DE Filter, simply complete the backwashing process and then add DE Powder through the skimmer.
Learn about the pros and cons for each type of Pool Filter with our Pool Filter Comparison article.