Comparison
| Sand | Cartridge | DE (diatomaceous earth) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical filtration | About 20-40 microns | About 10-20 microns | About 3-5 microns |
| Cleaning | Backwash (wastes water) | Remove and hose off | Backwash and add new DE powder |
| Media replacement | Sand every ~5-7 years | Cartridges every 1-3 seasons | Grids last years; DE added after each backwash |
| Water use | High | Low | Medium-high |
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Best for | Low-maintenance budget pools | Most residential pools, water-saving | Sparkling water; owners who don’t mind maintenance |
Micron figures are commonly cited ranges and vary by media and condition.
Which should you choose?
- Cartridge is the most popular choice for residential pools today: fine filtration, no backwashing and low water waste.
- Sand is simplest and cheapest, but filters least finely; glass media or a clarifier can help.
- DE filters finest but involves handling DE powder, which some areas restrict from going to drains.
Already have a cartridge filter? Find your replacement. Sizing a new one? Use the filter size calculator.