Comparing 3 Main Pool Filters! Which Is Right For You!
Did you know that your pool filter is the most critical component of your swimming pool? This is because it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to remove debris like dirt and leaves from your pool. Keeping your pool water crystal clear! The chemicals you add work alongside your filter to destroy and neutralise any bacteria that can grow. Side by side, they work tirelessly to achieve clean and clear water for your family and friends to enjoy. However, not all filters are built to clean your pool the same way. In this article, we will compare the three most common types of pool filter systems: Sand Filters, Cartridge Filters, and DE Filters. This will help you on your research journey to find the best filter for your pool and situation.
3 Filters
Sand Filters
A sand filter tank is filled with #20 silica sand which is used to filter the water. The #20 silica sand can also be referred to as 20 grit or 20 grain. This size of sand is about 0.45-0.55 mm granules. If you use a smaller grain you will run into problems with the sand particles ending up in your pool and possibly causing damage to other components in your pool plumbing system. When water enters the tank, it moves down through the sand. That sand will trap the dirt and debris while pumping the now-clean water back into the pool. These sand filters can capture bacteria and particles that are 20 Microns or bigger. So you are aware of what that means in terms of sizing, for reference, a single strand of human hair is about 50 Microns. This means for anything to enter back into your pool it would have to be microscopic.
Benefits
Sand filters are the most cost effective option for your filter needs, and they are also the most popular. This is because over the years, they have remained efficient, have had low maintenance costs, and are a natural approach to filtering out all of the unwanted particles and bacteria from your pool. The sand filter also uses less power to run, and is optimal for large sized pools.
Challenges
Sand filters are the most cost effective option for your filter needs, and they are also the most popular. This is because over the years, they have remained efficient, have had low maintenance costs, and are a natural approach to filtering out all of the unwanted particles and bacteria from your pool. The sand filter also uses less power to run, and is optimal for large sized pools.
Cartridge Filters
Even though the cartridge filter is quite a simple design, the filtering process requires a bit more hands-on maintenance than the sand filter. Each of the filters contain pleated polyester cartridges that are coated in a robust filter media, when the water enters the tank it is then passed through the pleats in the filter. These filters have a few recommendations to keep them operating at their optimal capacity. One recommendation is that you pair it with a variable speed pump. The reason is that the cartridge filters operate at their best when the pump that fuels them is running at a steady and low speed. It is also recommended that with whatever brand of cartridge filter you choose, that it has the ability to utilise at least 2 to 4 filters. The reason for this is that your filter will be able to operate at a much higher capacity than if you had a single filter system–and you will only have to clean your multifilter system about once or twice per season.
Benefits
The Cartridge Filter has the largest filter radius of the 3 filters listed in this article–filtering between 18-55 square metres. This cleanses the water of any bacteria as small as 10 Microns! This makes it more effective in filtration, compared to the Sand Filter previously mentioned. It also performs well at low speeds.
Challenges
The cartridge filter requires more hands on maintenance more often, and is not recommended for use in large pools. It also has a higher operating and ongoing maintenance cost.
DE Filters (Diatomaceous Earth)
It’s amazing to know that these filters have been around since late WWII. They were originally used to filter potable water for the soldiers back in the day. Unlike the sand or cartridge filters, the D.E. filters are so effective that pool owners won’t have to worry about their electricity bills increasing due to long operating times, or any extra expenses in purchasing additional chemicals. There are some ongoing regular maintenance and long term replacement costs to be aware of though.
Benefits
For 70 years, the D.E. filter has been the most effective of all pool filters. capturing and removing particulates as tiny as 1-3 microns in size! D.E. filters are truly the superior option here in terms of delivering a pool that leaves you fresh and invigorated once you exit those waters. But like most things which are superior, they are going to come with a slightly higher price tag and more maintenance. The great thing is that this filter performs well for all sized pools.
Challenges
The DE filters do need to have replacement DE powder regularly added, and must be completely taken apart every 6 months for a thorough cleaning to get all those tiny caught particulates out. So there is a fair bit of maintenance to do. Also you must note that replacement filters can get quite expensive. They do have a life expectancy of upwards of 15 years– so at least it isn’t an expense you’ll have to do frequently.
In the end, determining which pool filter is right for your swimming pool will depend on how you want to balance the initial costs, your time dedicated to the upkeep and the overall maintenance costs. The all-rounder, in our opinion, is the D.E. filter, however, with high cost and high maintenance input, these filters are ones that will be better utilised by swimming pool enthusiasts, or those who are very serious about the hygiene of their swimming pool. Reach out to the team at Barrier Reef pools so our friendly team can help you make the decision as to which filter will work best for your pool, your family and your budget.
