Choosing a suitable pool filters is essential for maintaining clear, clean water in your pool. Sand and cartridge pool filters are two of the most well-liked products available. Both types of pool filters are successful at removing dirt and impurities from water, but they operate differently and each has unique perks and drawbacks.
Sand Pool Filters
A sand pool filter is a type of filter used to clean the water in a swimming pool. It uses special sand as the filtering material to remove dirt and debris from the water as it flows through the filter.
The sand is housed in a large, round container that is connected to the pool's plumbing system. As the water is pumped through the filter, the sand traps the particles and removes them from the water. The clean water then flows back into the pool.
Sand pool filters are good at catching really small particles that are too small for us to see. They can filter out particles as small as 20 microns, which makes the water in the pool much cleaner and safer to swim in.
One advantage of sand pool filters is that they can last a long time before needing to be replaced. This makes them a cost-effective option for maintaining a pool over time. However, they do require more maintenance than some other types of pool filters. When the sand becomes too dirty, the water flow decreases and the filter pressure rises. This means that the filter needs to be cleaned, or "backwashed," to remove the dirty sand and restore proper water flow.
Overall, sand pool filters are an effective and reliable way to keep a swimming pool clean and safe for swimming.
Cartridge Pool Filters
A cartridge pool filter is another type of filter used to clean the water in a swimming pool. Instead of using sand to filter the water, cartridge filters use a replaceable cartridge made of pleated material.
The cartridge is housed in a two-piece tank and water is pumped into the tank by the pool pump. As the water flows through the cartridge, particles and debris are trapped in the pleated material, and clean water is returned to the pool.
One of the biggest advantages of cartridge pool filters is that they are very easy to maintain and clean. When the cartridge becomes dirty, it can simply be removed and hosed down to remove debris. This is much simpler than backwashing a sand filter.
Another benefit of cartridge filters is that they don't require as much space as sand filters, making them a good choice for smaller pools or pools with limited space. They are also more energy-efficient than sand filters because they require less water pressure to operate.
Overall, cartridge pool filters are an effective and efficient way to keep a swimming pool clean and safe for swimming
| Sand Pool Filter | Cartridge Pool Filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering Media | Silica sand | Replaceable cartridge made of pleated material |
| Filtering Capacity | Filters particles as small as 20 microns | Filters particles as small as 10 microns |
| Maintenance | Requires backwashing to remove debris from the sand | Easy maintenance, cartridge can be removed and hosed down to remove debris |
| Space | Takes up more space than cartridge filter | Requires less space than sand filter |
| Cost | Less expensive initial cost, but may require more frequent sand replacement | More expensive initial cost, but cartridge replacement is less frequent and maintenance is easier |
| Energy Efficiency | Requires more water pressure to operate | Requires less water pressure to operate |
Choosing between a sand filter and a cartridge filter ultimately depends on your specific pool and maintenance preferences. Sand filters are a cost-effective option with a long lifespan, but require regular backwashing to maintain proper function. Cartridge filters are easy to maintain and highly effective at removing small particles, but may require more frequent cartridge replacements. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific pool size, usage, and maintenance needs.
