Pool Filters: DE Filter, Sand Filter, and Cartridge Filter

I have labeled the DE Filter as the most efficient pool filter because it filters out the smallest particles, down to 5 microns in size. The D.E. Filter has a series of filter grids and then uses an organic powder called Diatomaceous Earth to coat the grids and soak up the junk in your pool water. The DE is actually microscopic Diatoms, or an ancient sub aquatic sea creature. The diatoms look like tiny sponges, and therefore are able to trap the tiny particles in your pool water. Once trapped by the DE on the filter grids, the DE filter must be "backwashed" when the pressure gauge on your pool filter rises 7-10 psi above its normal level (as determined when the DE is first put in and everything is working properly). When the pressure has risen, the pool filter must be backwashed by running the water through the filter the opposite direction, flushing out the DE, along the with trapped dirt and debris. After its been backwashed, new clean DE is put into the skimmer and the pool pump will suck the DE into the pool filter grids to coat them. And the process starts all over again. The amount of DE used is based upon the filter size and model. The specific amount for your filter can be found on the outside of the filter.

DE pool filters do have some maintenance. The grids always hold onto some of DE, even when you backwash your filter. Over time the DE gets caked on and starts to clog the grids. The grids should be taken out, inspected, and cleaned every 6 months. This can be a rather tedious process, and homeowners may wish to hire a quality pool professional to do a DE filter tear down and clean for them.

The Sand Filter works exactly as it sounds. The filter has a sand bed that contains hundreds of pounds of sand. The water is pumped through the sand and the jagged edges of the sand collect the unwanted particles from the pool water. This filter is also "backwashed" to remove the contaminants from the sand when the pool pressure gauge indicates.

Over time, the sand breaks down and becomes smooth, losing its ability to filter the water. Usually, sand in a sand filter needs to be completely changed out approximately once every 5 years.

The cartridge pool filter is a pleated paper filter similar to your car or vacuum filter. All of the pleats give the cartridge filter a lot of surface area to filter out dirt and contaminants from your pool water. But just like your car or vacuum filter, if you don't clean it or replace it as recommended, it can't do its job of keeping your pool water clean.

A cartridge filter is recommended to be cleaned every 4-6 months. Please see my pictures posted below of cartridge filters before and after they have been cleaned. After looking at the pictures, I think you'll agree with how important it is to clean your cartridge filter.

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