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Sand vs Cartridge vs DE Pool Filters
Sand, cartridge and DE pool filters compared: how fine they filter, cleaning, water use, cost and lifespan, plus how to tell when your filter needs attention.
Key takeaways
- Sand filters are simple and cheap; cartridge filters filter finer and save water; DE filters filter finest.
- Clean or backwash when pressure rises about 8–10 psi above the clean reading.
- The right filter depends on your pool size, budget and how much maintenance you want.
On this page
Your filter does the physical cleaning your chemicals can’t: it strains out dirt, dead algae and the fine particles that make water dull. The three main types each trade off filtration quality, maintenance and cost.
At a glance
| Sand | Cartridge | DE (diatomaceous earth) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration | Good | Better | Best |
| Cleaning | Backwash | Remove and hose off | Backwash and recharge with DE powder |
| Water use | Higher (backwashing) | Low | Moderate |
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Media lifespan | Sand every 5–7 years or so | Cartridges every 1–3 years or so | DE added after each backwash; grids last years |
| Best for | Low-maintenance owners | Water-conscious owners, smaller pools | Owners who want the clearest water |
Sand filters
Water flows through a tank of special filter sand that traps debris. When pressure rises, you backwash, reversing the flow to flush dirt out to waste. The same waste setting is used when you vacuum a pool full of fine debris. Sand filters are simple, durable and forgiving, but they don’t catch the finest particles, and backwashing uses a lot of water. Some owners use glass media as an alternative to sand.
Cartridge filters
Water passes through pleated fabric cartridges. To clean them, you remove the cartridges and hose them off, and soak them in cartridge cleaner a few times a season. They filter finer than sand and use little water, but cleaning is hands-on.
DE filters
DE filters use grids coated with diatomaceous earth, a powder made of fossilised microscopic algae. They catch the finest particles of all, giving exceptionally clear water. The trade-offs: more complex maintenance, regular DE additions and care handling the powder. Wear a mask when adding DE, and check local rules on disposing of it.
When does your filter need attention?
Note the pressure gauge reading when the filter is clean. When it rises about 8–10 psi above that, it’s time to backwash or clean. Other signs: weak return flow, cloudy water that won’t clear and a pump that sounds strained. Our guide to cloudy pool water covers the full checklist.
How long should you run the filter?
Enough to turn the full volume of water over at least once a day, often around eight hours, more in hot weather or heavy use. Work out your volume with our pool volume calculator.
Which should you choose?
- Sand if you want simple, low-cost and low-effort.
- Cartridge if you want finer filtration and lower water use.
- DE if water clarity matters most and you don’t mind extra maintenance.
A robotic cleaner can reduce the load on any filter; see our robotic pool cleaner buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which pool filter is easiest to maintain?
Sand filters are usually the easiest: backwashing takes a few minutes.
Can I switch filter types?
Often, yes, if the new filter is sized correctly for your pump and pool. Ask a pool professional to check the plumbing and flow rates.
How often should I clean a cartridge filter?
Whenever pressure rises 8–10 psi above clean, and with a deep clean a few times each season.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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