Pool Filter Systems

There are really three types of pool filter systems to consider, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

They are Diatomaceous Earth Filters (D.E. Filters for short), Sand Filters and Cartridge filters.

The type of filter to have installed for your pool depends more on size than anything else, but may also have much to do with the area you live.

This is because some of these filters clean the water more than others, while the other filters might be more durable.

Generally, you should go for a filter that is one size bigger than you think you need, but the choice is up to you.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters (D.E. Filters)

D.E. pool filter systems use diatomaceous earth to filter the water.

Diatomaceous earth is a form of powder, which is actually fossilized exoskeletons of very small diatoms (a form of microscoping marine or freshwater plankton.)

The DE Filter has plastic grids covered with a sort of plastic fabric.

The diatomaceous earth covers these grids.

The tiny size of the diatomaceous earth makes the DE Filter the most effective when it comes to filtering out dirt particles.

DE filters do run at higher pressures, and also need to be 'backwashed' when cleaning and recharged with more DE powder.

For these reasons, there is some flow loss and inefficiencies which need to be considered.

Cartridge Filters

These use a paper-type cartridge for the filter.

The water passes through this filter, much like water filters in the home.

They tend to clog up less than the other types of filters, but the cartridge may need regular replacement.

However, there are models you can buy where a cartridge may only need to be replaced once every five years.

Less pressure is placed on the pump with cartridge filters, when you compare it to sand or DE filters.

As far as filtering quality goes, cartridge tends to do better filtering than sand but is not quite as good as DE filters.

Sand Filters

As its name suggests, sand filters use sand as the filter media.

They tend to need regular cleaning, however, and as more dirt is trapped in them, less water flow occurs.

A backwashing process is needed to clear the filter.

Sand filters are highly durable, though, and present far less mechanical problems as the other filters.

They are also easier and cheaper to maintain. Therefore, they are often quite preferred.

These are pool filter systems and are very important to understand and maintenance correctly because a clean and useable pool relies on it.

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