Types of Pool Filters Explained

Written By: poolgeek.com

Pool filters, along with a compatible pump, ensure your pool is free of all types of contaminants that can hurt water clarity and cause unhealthy conditions for swimmers. When working properly, your pool will require far less chemicals to stay healthy. Pool filters come in cartridge, sand and DE forms to give you different levels of performance and affordability.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are the most popular type of pool filter because of their affordable price and low need for maintenance, yet still removes large and medium particles that can accumulate in pools. No chemicals are ever needed to clean your sand filter, saving you money. Sand filters are considered the perfect choice for owners concerned more with price and ease of use rather than high performance.

DE Filters

DE filters are the most exotic filters available, using diatomaceous earth powder to trap even the tiniest particles for outstanding water quality that other filters cannot hope to match. They also require only slightly more maintenance than sand filters, yet also don't ever need any cleaning chemicals. The only downside to DE filters is its cost, which can be significantly more than sand or cartridge filters. However, for pool owners looking for the best possible water quality regardless of cost, there is nothing better.

Cartridge Filters

Pentair Clean and Clear Cartridge Filter

Cartridge filters are the true middle of the road filter type, offering superior filtering capability than sand filters while costing much less than DE filtrs. They use replaceable filter elements that can be changed in minutes, eliminating the need to handle messy powders or sand, and last for years if taken care of. While their filter elements do require chemicals if especially dirty, they normally can be cleaned by just being sprayed with a garden hose. Best of all, cartridge filters can be serviced with no downtime required simply by purchasing a second filter element, which can be swapped out when cleaning the other one. For pool owners looking for an excellent all-around filter, a cartridge filter will keep your pool water clean and healthy for years to come.

Questions and Comments

by Terri, Tampa, Florida on 9/14/2009

Title: Replacing Pool Filter Cover Hayward Star Clear Cartridge

I always have difficulty getting the center screw to catch in the bottom of the filter assembly. It sometimes takes hours to get it to catch so the filter top can be secured down over the new filter. Any suggestions on how to remedy this problem?

Answers

by Aurelie Martins, Brighton, MI on 9/14/2009

Title: Re: Replacing Pool Filter Cover Hayward Star Clear Cartridge

“Hi Terri! The most likely culprit is that the center rod may have been accidentally cross-threaded when it was replaced, destroying many of the threads in the filter body. This is easy to do if the rod is slightly off in terms of alignment. Unfortunately, the only solution to restore them is to buy another filter body or talk to a pool professional about any possible repairs he/she can perform, such as using loctite or other thread-locking compounds. Without being able to see the filter, it would be hard for me to be sure of the problem. The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to remove the center rod when servicing your filter, as you can slide the cartridge element up and out of the filter body with ease. If you have to remove the rod, gently turn it until you can feel it bite, then turn it with more effort. It should be fairly effortless until it is almost fully seated, and any resistance is a sign that it is cross-threading. If there is resistance, back out the rod and try again, as it's better to take a little more time than to damage the filter body. ”