Pool Filter Reviews and Comparisons – Residential

What Type And Size Is Best For You And Your Pool?
The purpose of the pool filter is to remove impurities such as dirt, leaves, grass, hair, body oils, sunscreen, and even many bacteria from the water.  Our high efficiency filters keep your pool water clean, clear, and inviting.
There is no arguing that Diatomaceous Earth (D.E) does the best job of filtering and clearing water. D.E filters are able to catch the smallest particles.  Cartridge filters do the next best job, and then Sand. There are however, some pro’s and con’s of all 3 types. While all will keep the water clear, one type is most expensive, A couple are easier to maintain, and one is better for the environment.
When you are finished with this examination, you should be able to select the pool filter that is most appropriate for your circumstances. Also, I will share my opinion, explaining which specific filters are best for cleaning and maintaining residential inground swimming pools, all without your eyes glazing over (hopefully).
Filter Types & Efficiency: Sand, D.E, & Cartridge
Sand Filters
Pro’s
Sand filters are the least expensive. They require the least amount of maintenance.  Sand media lasts 5 to 7 years.
Con’s
Sand filters are the least efficient, so clearing dirty pools takes longer. Not appropriate for super dusty areas like California and require extensive back wash cycles for cleaning, which wastes a lot of water. You may require longer run times to clear pools in high pollen areas. Longer run times means higher energy bills.  These are the least environmentally friendly based on both water and electric usage.
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are the newest type of filter, and are the second best with its ability to grab particles @ 15 microns.
These fiber filter types have become extremely popular in the past few years, especially with above-ground swimming pools. Water enters the housing, water is them forced through the porous fiber cartridge material, trapping all particles larger than 15 Microns on the surface. Once the water makes it to the inner core, filtered water is directed back to the pool.
Pro’s
Cartridge filters are more efficient than sand. Require a lot less water to clean. These are the most environmentally friendly.
Con’s
Lacking a backwash cycle like the other filter types, you have to disassemble the filter every time the cartridge requires cleaning.  There are options on the type of assembly and some are a 5 minute clean and some are a ½ hr cleaning.  This obviously affects the cost of cleaning.
 D.E. Filters
D.E filters are the most efficient, they can catch particles as small as 4 microns. These filters are capable of giving you the cleanest and clearest water.
Pro’s
Clearest water possible! Clears dirty water fastest.
Con’s
Loss of water during backwashing. Requires new media (DE Powder) after every backwash. Most expensive to buy, and to maintain.
D.E backwash is not hazardous, but it does pose serious health risks in dry powder form, but that can be managed if handled in an open and well ventilated area. Basically, don’t breath it in, or get it in your eyes.

Bigger Is Better For A Reason
If your pool stays relatively clear and free of algae, just about any properly sized filter will work. But if your pool gets taken over by algae, you’re going to want a pool filter that is quick and easy to clean, and one that can handle the job. While no pool filter can keep up with live algae, once the algae is dead, you will need to filter a lot of suspended particles out of the water. For this reason I recommend going big!
The more you oversize your filter, the less maintenance you will have to do, and the longer it will last.
Whats The Best Pool Filter Type For Your Pool?
There is no escaping the fact that we are moving into a time in this valley, where we need to be more responsible, and preserve more water. If everyone went to cartridge filters, we would save millions, if not billions of gallons of water every year.
Filter Recommendations
I have given you all you need to know to make your choice.  No filter will work if it is not routinely cleaned.  Most units have a pressure valve that lets you know when cleaning is necessary.

For any additional questions, be sure to CALL DOUG – 760-409-3763
poolproblem@gmail.com
dougpoolproblems.com

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