{"id":956,"date":"2022-09-26T09:45:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-26T09:45:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/?p=956"},"modified":"2023-07-27T03:46:35","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T03:46:35","slug":"cartridge-vs-sand-pool-filters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/cartridge-vs-sand-pool-filters\/","title":{"rendered":"Cartridge Pool Filters vs Sand Filters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean and clear, you need a quality filter to run the water through. The two main pool filters are the cartridge filter and the sand filters although there is a third one, the diatomaceous earth (D.E) filter, with features almost similar to those of the sand filter. In this guide, we focus on the cartridge and sand filters in terms of how they differ or are similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In choosing between pool filters and sand filters for your pool, we\u2019ll focus on some important aspects such as the ease of use, the size of the dirt particles removed, the reliability of the filter among many other factors. Between the two, it\u2019s all up to the user although the cartridge filter slightly edges the sand filter in some vital areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartridge Pool Filter Vs Sand Filters: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
 <\/strong><\/td>Cartridge Pool Filter<\/strong><\/td>Sand Filter<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Size of dirt and debris removed<\/strong><\/td>10-15 microns<\/td>20-40 microns<\/td><\/tr>
Ease of use<\/strong><\/td>Needs frequent cleaning and careful handling.<\/td>Easy to use as it doesn\u2019t require frequent cleaning or too much careful handling.<\/td><\/tr>
Reliability<\/strong><\/td>Highly reliable.<\/td>Highly reliable.<\/td><\/tr>
Pool GPM (gallons per minute)<\/strong><\/td>Works well for low GPM pools.<\/td>Works well for higher GPM pools.<\/td><\/tr>
Level of maintenance required<\/strong><\/td>Low and simple maintenance required.<\/td>Requires more and frequent maintenance.<\/td><\/tr>
Backwashing<\/strong><\/td>No backwashing and will thus not waste salt on salt water pools.<\/td>Backwashing involved and will thus leads to higher salt costs on salt water pools.<\/td><\/tr>
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Higher purchase and running costs.<\/td>Lower purchase and running costs.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Comparisons Table<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

NB: 1 micron = 0.000001 meters<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sand Filters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As their name suggests, sand filters use sand to clean water and the filtration process is simply running the water through the sand to trap the debris in the sand. The sand used, however, isn’t normal sand but specially designed rough shaped pool filter sand meant specifically for this purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How
Sand filter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sand filters are usually quite affordable and thus favored by lots of people. You can use various types of sand including #20 silica sand, zeosand, filterglass or even D.E. powder. These usualy have better filtration than other types of sand for the same process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The filtration process is the same whether it\u2019s for in-ground or above ground pools. The water enters the filter from the top then runs through the sand where it\u2019s filtered. The amount of dirt captured depends on the sand used with sand filters above to capture substances above 20 microns in size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The water then exits the pool from the bottom part and back into the pool. With sand filters, there is a backwashing effect that occurs when the water flows out through the waste line cleaning the filter in the process. For this reason, you’ll need to replace the sand every 5 to 8 years as per your usage rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few sand filters have automatic backwashing capabilities. Instead, they build up pressure on the upper side of the filtration chamber and gives a signal for when backwashing is needed. Thankfully, the backwashing process is an easy one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sand filter pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the upside, you have the following advantages with sand filters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n