How to select the best pool filter?
Steps
- Find the surface area and the volume of water your pool can hold. Pools come in all types of shapes.
- Find the pool’s maximum volume of water. Then, use your pool’s volume to find out how much water can move through your filter in about a minute.
- Establish your pool’s turnover rate. ...
- Choose the right filter. ...
What's the best swimming pool filter?
Recap: The Best Pool Filters Hayward W3S220T ProSeries Sand Filter: Best high-end sand filter Hayward W3DE3620 ProGrid D.E. ... Hayward W3C17502 SwimClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter: Best cartridge filter for large pools Intex Krystal Clear Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: Best for above ground pools XtremepowerUS 75141 Inground Pool Sand Filter: Best value sand filter pump More items...
What is the best pool filter system?
- BEST OVERALL: Hayward DE6020 ProGrid D.E. ...
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: XtremepowerUS 19″ Above Inground Pool Sand Filter
- BEST CARTRIDGE: Pentair 160332 Clean and Clear Pool Filter Cartridge
- BEST SAND: Hayward ProSeries Pool Sand Filter
- BEST ABOVE-GROUND: Carvin Laser 22.5 Inch Above Ground Pool Sand Filter
What size of pool filter should I buy?
The correct filter size depends on the size of the pool. To maintain good water clarity you must run the pump each day so that all the water in the pool is turned over. All filters have gallon per minute design rating and turnover rate. For example: A 24 feet (7.3 m) round above ground pool has approx 13,500 gallons (51,103.1 L).
What is the most efficient type of pool filter?
If you're on a budget, and you want to spend minimal time on maintenance, a sand filter is the best choice for you. It's also optimal for large pools because it won't clog as easily as other filters. Your pool pump sucks water in from the skimmers, then pushes it through a large filtration tank full of sand.
Which pool filter is better sand or cartridge?
If you are looking for a highly efficient solution with the least amount of bacteria and debris left swimming around in your pool, the cartridge filter is your best solution. The cartridge filter can catch finer debris than a sand filter, being 10-20 microns versus 20-40 microns.
Which is better DE or cartridge filter?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are better at filtering than cartridge filters. A DE filter will result in clearer pool water than a cartridge filter.
What is the most common type of pool filter?
sand filtersThe most common types of filters you will see are sand filters. They will effectively clean the pool for years with little or no problems. They are the most inexpensive filters to provide so are often offered as part of the basic pool package. DE filters are used less often because they are so maintenance intensive.
How often do you need to change the sand in a pool filter?
When do I need to replace my sand? On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.
Is a sand pump better than a filter pump?
A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount. This means that a cartridge filter system will be able to rid your pool of more particles (dirt and debris) leaving it cleaner and more sparkling.
Can I backwash a cartridge filter?
Cartridge pool filters cannot be backwashed and must be cleaned by hand. Because they were not built for reverse water flow, cartridge filters can't be "backwashed" simply by reversing the water flow in the pool's filter system. These filters must be cleaned by hand when they are dirty.
Is a DE pool filter worth it?
Sand filters are least effective but also the least expensive to buy and use. Cartridge filters are more effective but are more expensive to buy and use. DE filters are the most effective but are the most expensive to buy and use.
How often should a pool cartridge filter be cleaned?
every two to six weeksTypically, cartridge filters need to be cleaned every two to six weeks. One of the most important factors that affect a cartridge filter operating effectively is that there not be too much flow through the filter. Too much flow significantly decreases the cartridge life and lowers the efficiency of the filter.
How long are pool filters good for?
1-2 yearsPool Filter Life Pool filter cartridges can run for about 2,000 hours in a filter pump and should be replaced every 1-2 years. Note that the filter cartridge will not last as long due to sunscreen, deodorants, hair care products, and other chemicals that come into contact with your pool water.
Which pool filter removes smallest particles?
DE FiltersDE Filters remove the smallest particles of any filter, from 3-5 microns. Maintenance: Must be backwashed as with a sand filter when the pressure is 10 psi over the normal level.
What type of above ground pool filter is best?
BEST OVERALL: Intex 26645EG 2100 Gph Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump.RUNNER UP: Hayward EC40AC Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Filter.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Summer Waves SkimmerPlus 1000GPH Filter Pump System.BEST FOR SMALL POOLS: Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump.More items...•
Is a sand filter worth it?
“Sand Filter” Vs. The pool water filters through the sand, which catches debris and small particulates, and sends clean water back into the pool. Sand filters are less expensive initially than their cartridge counterparts, are easy to maintain, and only require filter media changes every 5-7 years (depending on usage).
How long does a cartridge pool filter last?
Pool filter cartridges can run for about 2,000 hours in a filter pump and should be replaced every 1-2 years. Note that the filter cartridge will not last as long due to sunscreen, deodorants, hair care products, and other chemicals that come into contact with your pool water.
Can you backwash a cartridge filter?
Cartridge pool filters cannot be backwashed and must be cleaned by hand. Because they were not built for reverse water flow, cartridge filters can't be "backwashed" simply by reversing the water flow in the pool's filter system. These filters must be cleaned by hand when they are dirty.
What is the best pool filter?
There are three kinds of pool filters: sand, cartridge and DE (which stands for diatomaceous earth). All three are capable of properly maintaining the water. There is no one best pool filter for all applications, but many owners have a preference for one over the other. This will help you decide which pool filter type is best for you.
Which is cheaper, a pool filter or a sand filter?
Cartridge filters are cheaper than DE filters, with fewer parts, plus no separate backwash valve to buy. Sand filters are the cheapest pool filter because they are the simplest type of pool filter, with few parts and a simpler design to fabricate.
What is a DE filter?
DE, or Diatomaceous Earth, filters remove particles down to 1-3 microns in size, a smaller particle size than can be seen by the naked eye, making them the most effective filter type. The filter contains either fingers or grids (grid assembly shown) that is covered by a fine powder called diatomaceous earth. It is this powder that actually does the bulk of the filtering. DE powder is generally sold separately from the filter itself and is added by pouring it through the skimmer.
How many microns are in a sand filter?
Sand filters are capable of filtering particles about 20-40 microns in size, which technically makes them the least effective among the three pool filter types in terms of the particle size removed. They are the easiest to maintain, requiring backwashing or cleaning to remove dirt from the filter when the pressure gauge has a reading of 8-10 psi over the startup reading.
Why are cartridge filters called cartridge filters?
Cartridge filters are so named because they contain a pleated spun polyester filter cartridge that looks similar to the air filter you will find in your car. Water is forced through the cartridge pleats and it will trap debris as small as 5-25 microns, a significant improvement over sand filters.
What is the advantage of a DE filter?
Pros – The DE filter has the advantage of filtering the water to the smallest particle size (2-3 microns) and will keep the water cleaner than a sand filter or cartridge filter. This can translate to less pump run time and less sanitizer needed to keep the water clean and clear.
What is the first step in cleaning a pool in 2021?
by. Jackie. February 9, 2021. A properly sized swimming pool filter is the first and most important step to maintaining clean and clear pool water. Pool filters remove dirt and debris which allows chlorine, bromine or other sanitizer to focus on destroying bacteria.
What is the best filter for a pool?
If you are looking for the best way to filter your pool, D.E. filters are the way to go. Although they are most similar to sand filters, the approach to filtering is much different. Diatomaceous Earth, or D.E., filters use fossilized remains of diatoms to filter the pool. They collect particles and debris as small as 2-5 microns. Of the three types, a D.E. filter provides the most thorough cleaning.
What is the most effective pool filter?
The most traditional type of pool filter is the sand filter. Of the three types of filters, sand filters are the least effective. They filter particles that range from 20-40 microns. Sand filters use sand to filter dirt and organisms from your pool water. Once the debris is at capacity or full, the pressure inside the filter increases.
What does it mean when a filter is backwashed?
Once the debris is at capacity or full, the pressure inside the filter increases. This is an indication that you need to backwash the filter. In short, backwashing is simply running the water inside the filter in reverse direction. With the help of your multiport valve, you can easily switch valve positions from filter to backwash.
How do cartridge filters work?
Cartridge filters take advantage of pleated cartridges by maximizing the square footage of the filter. The larger the surface area, the more dirt particles you can filter out. Cartridge filters can capture debris as small as 10-15 microns. In terms of efficiency, cartridge filters fall in the middle.
What happens if you backwash a pool?
First, if you continually backwash your pool, you can disrupt your water chemistry and affect the water levels. After backwashing your pool, you might find yourself rebalancing and refilling your pool. As a result, you spend more money on chemicals and water.
What is poolside chat?
Poolside Chat is INYO Pools’ You Tube show where hosts Matt and Rob answer pool-related questions submitted by pool owners across the country. In a recent episode, Matt and Rob tackle whether pool owners should switch from a D.E. filter to a sand filter.
What to consider when choosing a pool filter?
Before choosing your new pool filter, consider factors such as initial costs, maintenance routines, maintenance costs, costs associated with repairs, and the ease of operation.
What type of filter do pool pumps use?
Most pool pumps use one of three filtration methods: sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), or cartridge. Each method has a wide range of effectiveness depending on the filter model, so we judged effectiveness as compared to other filters in the same category. Effectiveness accounted for 30% of our overall score.
How many gallons of water can a pool filter hold?
Filter Capacity. While some filter setups are ideal for pools of all sizes, others can only filter a set number of gallons of water. If you have a 25,000-gallon inground pool, for example, you’ll want a filter with a higher capacity – a filter that accommodates 6,000-gallon pools won’t work out.
How does a sand filter work?
Like it does underground, sand filters particles out of the water, preventing debris and soil from clouding up your pool water. The finer the sand, the smaller the particles (microns) it can clear from the water.
What is a DE filter?
A DE pool filter contains a special type of sedimentary rock that has silica deposits in it. Diatomaceous Earth filter tanks contain rods or “fingers” that are covered in DE powder, which is made from tiny fossilized pieces of diatoms, a single-celled alga.
When should I clean my pool filter?
Generally, a cartridge filter needs to be cleaned when your pool filter pressure gauge reaches 8-10 psi above its normal level, after major rain storms, and when opening and closing the pool. I have a full article on when to replace your filter cartridge, so be sure to give that a read for more details.
Can you use zeolite sand in pool?
powder after backwashing or replacing your sand, or replace your silica sand entirely with ZeoSand or filter glass. ZeoSand is made from zeolite, a mineral that is really good at capturing small contaminants – and you only need about half as much as you do silica sand. Filter glass is fine recycled glass with a negative electrical charge that attracts positively charged particles like iron and magnesium that you want to filter out.
Is XtremepowerUS a good sand filter?
If sand filtration is a must-have for your pool maintenance, XtremepowerUS’s sand filter system might be an ideal fit. Compatible with both in- and above-ground pools, the sand filter offers a multi-port for filtering, backwash, winter, re-circulation, closed, rinse, and waste modes.
Which is cheaper, a top mounted or a side mounted sand filter?
Top-mounted systems are the cheapest type of installation for sand filters. The piping is easier to install, making it lighter on parts and labor. However, it’s impossible to reach the sand inside without removing the top pipes, so it makes maintenance difficult. Side-mount ed systems are more expensive, but they are easier to maintain.
Why is Hayward pool filter used?
Hayward made this filter to be hassle-free and simple to maintain. All of the sand inside the filter is used because of a better spread of water.
What is a cartridge filter?
Today’s pool experts usually talk about cartridge filters as a great choice because they offer a lower maintenance option that filters down to 5-10 microns. Cartridge filters use a thin cloth-like material to filter out particles and debris from your pool water.
How many square feet is a Pentair pool filter?
This Pentair residential cartridge pool filter system is made with 420 square-foot filter capacity. It’s great for collecting a large amount of dirt and smaller particles in between cleanings without impacting the overall performance of the filter.
Why do people use sand filters in pools?
A lot of people with in-ground pools use sand filters because they are cheap and the maintenance is easy. With a pool filter sand, all of the particles coming through your pump go through a large bed of sand that filters them out to as small as 20 microns. Larger debris won’t get through, but small particles pass through sand filters fairly easily.
Why is the filter debris area large?
The filter debris area is large enough to keep you from having to service your filter system as often, because it can hold a fairly high volume of dirt and debris before it needs to be emptied . Once it comes time to wash off the filters, opening the system and removing the filter for hosing is very easy.
What is special filter design?
The special filter design keeps the sand bed level, which is critical for ensuring consistent performance.
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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Filter
There are a variety of factors one needs to consider when shopping for the right pool filter including type, flow rate, and compatibility. Read on to learn more about these and other attributes of pool filters.
Our Top Picks
The list below narrows the field to some of the top pool filters on the market. It includes all filter types as well as both above-ground and inground models with flow rates for pools both large and small.
Our Verdict
For its high flow rate of 120 gallons per minute and ability to filter out contaminants down to 5 microns, the Hayward DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter is one of the top pool filters on the market.
How We Chose the Best Pool Filters
In evaluating dozens of pool filters for this guide, we considered several criteria. A pool filter should be both easy to maintain and durable. We chose models with tough, molded plastic construction that could resist harmful UV rays as well as extreme cold.
FAQs
If you’re wondering whether a cartridge of a sand filter is better or if all filters can be used or how often a cartridge filter should be replaced, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about pool filters.
What is the best filter for a pool?
Cartridge pool filters have become the most popular option for residential pools. They’re by far the most environmentally-friendly option. But they’re also economically priced and require only moderate maintenance.
What to consider when buying a pool filter?
Considerations When Buying a Pool Filter. Before deciding what type of filter you are going to get, you need to determine the size of your pool so that you choose the correctly sized pool filter. If you get a filter that is too small, it won’t be able to do an effective job of cleaning the pool.
What is the difference between a skimmer and a pool drain?
The large drains catch heavier dirt and debris that sinks down whereas the skimmer drains are for the lighter debris, like leaves, which float along the water’s surface. As the pool water flows through these drains, the filter will clean the water. This freshly filtered water then flows back into the pool.
What is the best pool filter for variable speed pumps?
Cartridge filters use pleated polyester filters to clean the water and since the water is not backwashed, they waste less water as compared to other types of filters. This style is the best pool filter for variable speed pumps and operates at a lower level of energy consumption than other cartridges.
How much water does a pool filter waste?
With a DE filter, you need to reverse the water flow which backwashes the filter. Depending on the size of your pool, it may waste up to 500 gallons of water in the cleaning process.
How many types of pool filters are there?
There are three main types of pool filters for you to choose from. There are pros and cons to each of these options so the best pool filter will come down to what’s best for you and your family’s pool maintenance and usage habits.
Why are sand filters out of fashion?
While sand filters were once the most popular type of pool filter, they’ve fallen out of fashion in recent years due to being the least effective and requiring significant maintenance.
Best Pool Filter Reviews
How to Choose The Right Size Pool Filter
- Pool filters have to be measured correctly to your pool size or else they will not work effectively. Ideally, the filter you choose should turn over the entire amount of water in your pool a minimum of twice per 24 hours. Commercial pools should turn over at least 4 times per 24 hours. Calculating your pool turnover rate requires you to know the size and volume of your pool. Once …
Maintenance and Cleaning of Pool Filters
- A properly maintained pool filter ensures clean pool water. It is thus of the utmost importance that your pool filter is cleaned regularly. The thing is a filter that works properly filters your pool water and collects any debris. After a while, however, this debris gets caught up in the filter and clogs it up. It also tends to increase your water pressure. This results in a reduced water flow, cloudy wa…
Conclusion
- Hopefully, you now have a better idea about how to choose the best pool filter for your needs. Out of the three different types of filters, you have to choose the one which works the best for your specific pool setup and preferences.