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Which Pool Filter is Best for My Swimming Pool?

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Categories: Q&A Topics, Filters
 
As you probably know, pool filters are designed to gently pull the water through a type of filter and catch and trap any dirt, sediment, and other such elements and then wash the clean water back into the swimming area. The actual materials used to clean out the water and to trap dirt and sediment will vary, as will the mechanics of the pool filters themselves. In some cases you need to buy a specific model that is meant for the type of pool you have, and in other cases you'll need to decide on what's best for your home or apartment or other area.

To understand your choices when it comes to pool filters, it's good to have a better understanding of how they work:
 
Cartridge Filters
 
Cartridge filters are known for their convenience. The pleated elements of a cartridge filter can easily be removed and rinsed. With cartridge pool filters, you will need to replace them on a regular basis, often once per year or every few years, depending upon your area and the other cleaning you do for your swimming area. These often give the best type of cleaning and are often recommended for public pools or those in apartment complexes and hotels, since their cleanliness is most important.
Diatomaceous Earth Filters (also called DE Filters)
 
DE pool filters use diatomaceous earth to coat the filter grid. This allows the filter to pick up dirt and sediment that is very tiny and invisible to the naked eye. Because the DE is much finer than sand, it is able to filter much more finely than a sand filter. DE filters run at higher pressures than cartridge filters which can lead to inefficiency and flow loss.
 
Sand Filters
 
Sand filters use, you guessed it, sand as the filter media. Water flows down though the bed of sand, dirt and debris is trapped between the grains, then the water is returned to the pool. These filters are relatively low maintenance – sand only needs to be replaced once every several years. In terms of particle size filtered out, sand is the lease effective filter - it can allow smaller particles to pass back into the pool. 
 
It's good to remember that pool filters can only do so much to keep your pool clean. Some wonder why their water is murky or dirty or why the sides of the pool do build up mildew and assume it's a problem with the filter, but water's chemical levels and regular cleaning of the walls are imperative. No matter the type of filter you have, it cannot keep mold and mildew from building up if the walls are not cleaned properly and if the water's pH is not maintained (read here about balancing your pool water). You can even increase the life of your pool filters by maintaining your pool according to your owner's manual and by vacuuming it regularly as well.
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