What Is The Best Pool Filter?

From www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag... - There are three types of swimming pool filters to choose from - diatomaceous earth (DE) filters, cartridge filters and sand filters. Each one filters different sizes of debris and materials from the swimming pool water.
Sand filters remove the largest types of debris, 20-50 microns. Switching the sand media to glass media inside this filter allows for a finer debris removal from the water. A sand filter, though, has a multiport valve which is a major water flow restriction. This means the maximum flow rate (gallons per minute being filtered) is much less than other types of pool filters.
Cartridge filters remove smaller particles (10-15microns) than traditional sand filters resulting in cleaner water for swimming. They also do not have a flow inhibiting multiport valve making this a more efficient pool filter with a higher maximum flow rate - more pool water filtered faster.
Diatomaceous earth filters have the finest media that can remove extremely fine debris (2-5 microns), and that means well filtered swimming water. Although this is the one of the best mediums to use for filtering your pool water, working with DE and doing regular maintenance on DE filters can be more difficult than some pool owners care to take on.
Cartridge filters could be the best choice compared to DE filters and sand filters. The paper cartridges remove tiny debris, they are more flow efficient than the sand filters with a minimal and easier maintenance schedule than DE filters.
#swimmingpoolsteve #poolfilter #bestfilter

[@MrOlvidado89]

Great clarification to a new pool owner as to why you rate the filters in that order. Thank you

[@dukeplc]

Great info as always. I have a sand filter and use socks on my skimmer baskets. Need to be aware that it does affect the flow a bit, but it works great for catching some of the silt and smaller floating particles. Running the pool cleaner regularly also helps keep the strain on your filter to a minimum. Thanks for the GREAT content.

[@danaparish1644]

Steve, great video (as usual). I converted from sand to cartridge last season (along with changing pump from single speed to B & D Variable Speed) and WOW what a difference it made! I used the information I got from your videos and questions I asked you and programmed the pump and you’re right-the flow rate is incredible! I had a HUGE sand filter (300 # Sand filter) and with the cartridge and the new pump, my pool is cleaner than ever before and I’m only using about 71 watts for the majority of the filtration day (vs about 1.6 kw) while the single speed was running. At night, with the pool light on, I don’t see all the little “floaters” in the pool like I did with the sand filter. Perfectly clear!

[@BastiAdventure]

Thank you for explaining the 3 types of filters.

[@jdaveyhome]

Good info. An additional issue important to all of us is operating cost. The filters seem to last a few seasons but cost $400+ to replace them. Once a year I wash them real well and that seems to keep them going longer

[@FENATECH]

Came across your video and found it very informative. I started helping my fiancé with her pool in LI NY, and have been opening and closing it for her the past 3 years. It’s a 15’x30’ rectangular pool with a 3-4’ shallow end, and an 8’ deep end so approximately 19,000 gallons from what I can figure. She has a Jandy 1HP FloPro pump and a Jandy DVE48 DE Filter with multiport valve. Really find it a big pain to open the pool and maintain it each season as the debris from the winter that gets under the loop loc cover along with the late spring polly noses and strings seem to easily fill up the skimmer baskets. We have to not just backwash but also open the DE filter and spray down each fin thoroughly several times just to help get the pool somewhat clear and clean. And also not fun to maintain as it is considerable amount of time to pull apart and clean and reassemble and deal with adding DE. Based on this video I am thinking it may be good to look at changing over to a cartridge filter setup? Would also changing to a variable speed pump be better? I will look to watch your videos on that next but figured I would ask here based on filter being main topic. Thank you again for your time in putting these videos together.

[@apple-guy9394]

I’m a new above pool owner .. and I have a Hayward cartridge filter system.. can’t say much about the other kind of filters but I definitely like mine and I feel the maintenance is much better and quicker for me.

[@CraigFogus]

We have used DE filters for years. The maintenance really isn't that bad in my opinion. The clarity they provide is worth it again in my opinion. Good video.

[@Lookieduke]

Totally agree. The only thing that sucks is for me when I open my pool I have to clean the filter fingers like 3 times before I can get the pool clear

[@drock7601]

100 percent correct and agreed! DE is the Cadillac of pool filters, hands down! They are very safe to use and clean, and the DE is just fine if you're not sorting the stuff! Put it directly in your skimmer, wear a mask if you're that worried about what LITTLE amount might go airborne!

[@dudleydooright]

@@drock7601 Used to be. Now it's sand with zeolite, which technically filters 1 micron better than even DE.. but without all the hassle. Go with sand/glass and you'll never go back. That Cadillac will feel like an 1970s caddie. :D

[@drock7601]

@@dudleydooright , that is just not true! Glass only filters to 5 micron while DE goes to 1! I am not going to waste my time arguing with you, since I own both and my pool was, is crystal clear with the DE filter.... So save it! I know what works better, and it's DE filter!

[@dudleydooright]

@@drock7601 I did just check and saw it goes to 1. I had previously read 3.. but zeolite goes to 2, so that it not even a difference the human eye could see.. and would be hard to even test and see. They are equal in every way.. except the sand will be far less hassle. Yes.. I had a sand too (so I understand why you wouldn't prefer them if basing it only on that).. but glass media with a sand filter is a whole different world.

[@danlah1303]

Love my sta-rite system 3. 25 years old - Inherited it when I bought house. One set of cartridges lasts season - never see an increase of more than 5psi between opening and closing.

[@mikemassie8966]

Thanks!

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Thank you!

[@krehbein]

Used to have DE for years, went to cartridge and will never go back. I guess backwashing DE is easier, but I never really knew how clean it was. At least with cartridge I can see how well I’m cleaning it. Never buying DE is a bonus.

[@lrc87290]

Would you still prefer a cartridge over sand in a situation where you had a heavy bather load like a condo or hotel pool?

[@Tavares21]

I’m putting in a new vinyl liner pool with a sand filter question is should I put glass media instead of sand?

[@acearvingando6848]

Steve, can we use sand filter with another de filter? so the pool water will be filtered by sand, then the water will go to de filter before going back to the pool (pool -> pump -> sand filter -> de filter -> pool) what are the advantages and disadvantages?

[@ricardoborsatto7cordas603]

Hi Steve. What about the zeolite filter medium?

[@roshanrakshikar4342]

Which is the best filter catridge or bag filter?

[@michaeldufault9385]

Hi steve! Any thoughts on filter balls to replace sand media? We have a 16x32 that we are doing a full reno on and I am debating using filter ball or glass instead of sand. Filter balls claim to be able to capture 3 to 5 microns.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

I would upgrade to cartridge or just keep the sand filter as is...but between filter balls and glass media it's glass media for sure. It is a legitimate upgrade to silica sand. I have not seen evidence to say the same about filter balls

[@vickj1286]

Which is the best salt water pump and filter for fiberglass pool for 9000 gallon water ?

[@drdrew3]

So cartridge filters are effective, efficient, low maintenance, reliable, reusable, available, serviceable and economical - and there’s ready no downside. Tough decision

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Lol when you say it like that...

[@qb1872]

What do you do when you use flock in a cartridge pool System. How do you get rid of the bottom mist and debris . My auto cleaner allow for the fine debri to go right through.

[@mayorb3366]

These days, people are putting a 3-way valve between pump and filter. The 3rd port goes to a waste line.

[@robertantunovich7504]

Since changing from a cartridge to a DE filter I have been having a problem with seals on my pumps leeking should i go back to using a cartridge or do you think there is a different problem in my system

[@dakotak8437]

Yes go back to cartridge bc the pump that was made for that can't handle the finer high pressure that earth requires

[@arthurott4561]

Hello Steve, I have a 16X32 pool with a sand filter and I've been wondering for several years if you could use a sand filter and a cartridge filter in series. The sand filter would catch the larger particles and then the cartridge filter would catch the smaller particles. This way your cartridge filter wouldn't get clogged up with the large particles. My house has a multistage filter system for the well water and this seems to work well. Would this create too much resistance for the pool pump? Thx!

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

It would. The cartridge filter does not need the help. It IS the upgrade. When sized correctly it does not need any help from a sand filter

[@arthurott4561]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve Understood, have you done a video on how to size a cartridge filter for your pool if you want to replace your sand filter? Thx.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

@arthurott4561 300# sand for a pool your size would be adequate, no prob. Larger is always better. Look at maximum design flow rate per model and buy the largest one you can afford. Well, not actually. No need door 600lb 300 to 400# would be good for a pool your size. If cartridge 300 square feet, bit 400 better if not a bit overkill for your pool. Cheers.

[@arthurott4561]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve One other idea I had was to have both a sand filter and a cartridge filer in your system but have valves so that only one was active at a time. That way you could use the sand filter when you open the pool and then switch to the cartridge filter once you have the water clear and clean.

[@paulmelanson1527]

Great video's. In one of your videos you spoke about degreasing sand filters. I cannot find it. What do i use to degrease it.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Any pool filter cleaner that lists sand filters on the label. There are some

[@paulmelanson1527]

Thanks

[@jag4790]

I have a question. I have a 60,000 gallon pool and i have 2 jandy cl580 filters with 4 cartridges for each filter. I clean them out every 6 months. The cartridges are 3 years old. The filters are blowing dirt back into the pool. I was thinking about installing a spin down filter with a 50 micron after the jandy filters to stop from shooting dirt in my pool. Will a spin down filter work?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

If your filters are allowing dirt to return to the pool there is a problem with the filter. Probably a hole in the filter paper somewhere. Another filter is not required to prevent dirt going back to the pool. You have a very robust filtration system that should be accomplishing this already.

[@greghackney8437]

Back washing is a hugh advantage.

[@luthervaughn1]

I've been installing sand filters for years. Ironically last year, I had 2 sand filters need to be backwashed every other day or psi would get to 35-40 range. It shut down heaters, caused problems. I put a cartridge filter on it, and it worked beautifully. psi never climbed. It boiled down to me, both were new construction subs who's soil was very fine sand. Rare in this state. It actually just made me change completely to cartridge, and I'll tell you. My pools are clearer than they ever looked, no problems with heaters and the flow rate they need. Going cartridge moving forward on every job here in the midwest.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Sand filters are okay but cartridge filters are premium.

[@13panda13]

Why not use both?

[@luthervaughn1]

@@13panda13 More you use, more options you give customers, more your life becomes more difficult when you can just say cartridge filters, and it's done. Bing bOng!

[@nathenzuber4021]

If using glass media in a sand filter. Just use a slider (plunger) type of valve for backwashing.

[@francemitchell9183]

Do you know about the New Aquastar pipeline cartridge filters. It won the "BEST RESIDENTIAL FILTER AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCT OF 2022 BEST RESIDENTIAL FILTER OF 2023." I am choosing this filter because it is safe compared to the other ones and clean closer to a DE even though it is a cartridge. Cleans super fast and smaller footprint. It is cheaper too. You did not seem to have anything on it but if you do not know about it I thought you might be interested since you like Clear Comfort which is also innovative. The attendant by poolside is automation to connect different brands so you do not have to buy only one brand you can pick and choose and can warn you if there is a problem at a pump or other equipement and is smart about heating your water it is super cool. I always come here first to check out what you have to teach me but I did not see anything on these newer super cool products like the Aquastar pipeline filter. Just wondered what you thought of them.

[@jaxwylde2139]

Hi Steve. I'm a recent subscriber (after watching many of your informative videos). A pool builder that I've been talking to told me that we should focus more on the sand filters because our area has a lot of pine tress (which is true), which generate a lot of pine pollen. Due to this high pollen issue, they stated that cartridge filters aren't recommended. I thought it interesting that they weren't trying to push me towards a much more expensive Cartridge filter, but have never heard anyone else mention this, as a disadvantage of a cartridge filter. Wondering if you (or anyone else reading this) has any thoughts on this. Thx.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

There are definitely regional concerns which affect filtration and best filtration choices. Sand, like from the beach or ocean nearby, pine needles, pollen, maple keys, and just plain old organic debris loading can make pre-filters necessary or cartridge filters less optimal. I think if this were my pool I might consider a pre-filter and a cartridge filter. But failing that a sand filter IS a viable option. Especially if you look at glass media versus silica sand, and then oversize the unit for better flow dynamics and less resistance through the head. Side mount valves are a possibility as well. Just check the maximum designed flow rate (residential) on the label or look up the specs online. Higher is better. Your dealer is probably not steering you wrong here.

[@jaxwylde2139]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve Thank you for the quick and clear response. I don't have a pool yet...lol...we're getting quotes, but I thought I'd educate myself as much as possible, while we wait, so that we can make a more informed decision. Your videos have been an excellent resource!

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

@jaxwylde2139 if you have having a new pool installed make sure you have seen this longer form video I made about this subject kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnitqaKZp6qZftEsi=TsDuHD5Asz_sSsie

[@jaxwylde2139]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve Thanks Steve. I had actually started watching that specific video a few days ago, and got side-tracked...finished it now. Ironically, the dealer/installer I was referring to in my first message did include a Del AOP 25 as part of his pool quote. when we first met, I had mentioned salt-water chlorinators but he recommended the AOP system, which I liked, since I had already watched one of your previous videos on AOP systems. Anyhow, thanks again for everything you're doing for the existing and (soon to be) pool community.

[@mooky407]

The cartridge filters are the easiest to deal with from a maintenance perspective, too. No laterals to replace or sand to remove and refill, no grids to reassemble or manifolds to replace when they inevitably tear or break. Yes, you're replacing a cartridge every 1-2 years... but the average homeowner won't need to hire a pool contractor for this. In the long run, in my experience, cartridge filters are the least expensive option.

[@angusmcpherson]

I've found cartridges to be _worthless_ when it comes to vacuuming algae from the pool bottom. It just comes back out. 15 microns will not capture algae.

[@shellyharrell4865]

I would rather have a bypass option for my cartridge pool so I can vacuum the bottom of the pool and let it go on the ground instead of going through my filter to me it’s like dumping flood water out with a screen bucket the green comes back in

[@BadMonk78]

What about filter balls in a sand filter?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

I would use glass if you are set on an alternative to sand. Not a fan of the results I have seen with filter balls

[@arod7404]

In terms of wasting water (especially in CA), I feel rinsing DE filters consumes less water than cartridge filters.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

You might be right. How often would you estimate that you complete a maintenance wash of your DE grids?

[@IntegrityPoolCare]

Single Cartridges are the best bigger is not better for residential

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

I endorse multi-cartridge units as being the best. I also teach that bigger is better for cartridge filters for residential pools. What is your reasoning that a smaller filter is better than larger ones for swimming pools. With a 400sf or 500sf cartridge filter in my area you can go 3 to 6months between needing to open and clean the filter.

[@IntegrityPoolCare]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve You clean them more often so you have cleaner filters more often. Then the ease of cleaning a single vs quad is 10-15min vs 45min-60min. Also no tools need for disassembly. Cost of replacing or having extra cartridges for easy swaps is another advantage. My thoughts is a dirty filter also uses more energy maybe you can do video test on that. We install the Jandy cs250 single cart which is 250sqft.

[@IntegrityPoolCare]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve maybe you can make some dirty filter video and how they effect the pumps energy use.

[@stormyskyz4251]

Wanted a cartridge filter, have a sand filter. It’s ok, works I guess, but I advise anyone to get a cartridge if you can.

[@johnstewart2946]

Yeah… cartridge filters have a low maintenance cycle or upkeep or Maint. Required… unless ur the poor sap that has to clean them off after reclaiming the water from the previous year or all the plaster that got stuck into it after an acid wash of a plaster pool with such a filter…. I vote glass media filled sand filters all day… commercial pools have a single sand filter & a single multiport & run at 90+GPM in Schedule 40 pipe all the time… granted they r commercial pools with 2” pipe going into & out of the multiports instead of 1&1/2” like some residential pools… but still… loss in max flow rate seems negligible next to the ease of maintenance that comes with operating a sand filter, especially one with a superior media like glass & therefore having to backwash far less than with sand

[@tomcook5813]

Glass is made from sand.