Every pool filter does the same basic job, pulling debris out of circulating water, but cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters do it differently, and the right choice depends on how much upkeep you want to do versus how fine you want the filtration to be.
Cartridge filters
Cartridge filters use pleated fabric elements that trap debris as water passes through. They filter down to roughly 15-20 microns, catch more than sand, and don't need backwashing, which also means no wasted water. Maintenance is a periodic hose-rinse of the cartridge and a deeper chemical soak every season or two. They're a strong fit for pool owners who want good filtration without a lot of hands-on upkeep, and for anyone on a well or with water restrictions, since they don't waste water the way backwashing does.
Sand filters
Sand filters push water through a bed of specially graded sand that traps particles down to about 20-40 microns. They're the lowest-maintenance option day to day. Cleaning is a simple backwash, running water backward through the tank to flush trapped debris out to waste, done with a single valve turn every few weeks. The sand itself needs replacing every 5-7 years. Sand filters are the most forgiving option and generally the least expensive to buy, though they filter slightly less fine than cartridge or DE.
DE filters
DE filters coat a set of grids with diatomaceous earth powder, a fine natural material that filters down to 5 microns or less, the finest of the three types, making for the clearest water. They need backwashing like sand filters, plus a fresh coat of DE powder added back after each backwash. They're the most maintenance-intensive and typically the most expensive to buy and service, but deliver the clearest result.
Which one fits your pool
For most residential pools in Florida, where algae growth and organic debris (pollen, leaves) are a bigger year-round issue than in cooler climates, cartridge filters hit a good balance of filtration quality and low upkeep. Sand filters make sense for pool owners who want the simplest possible routine and don't mind slightly less fine filtration. DE filters are worth it mainly for pools where water clarity is the top priority and someone is comfortable with the extra maintenance steps.
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What we carry
We stock Hayward SwimClear and Pentair System:2/System:3 replacement cartridges, along with Jandy cartridge kits. If you're not sure which filter is currently on your pool or which size you need, send us a photo of your filter tank and we'll help you match it.
