Trying to decide on an inground swimming pool filter and which one would work best for you? There is a lot of confusion about various pool filters but following is a brief description of three main types of filters to help you better understand each one:

Cartridge Pool Filters: This pool filter is referred to by some as the economic, low maintenance filter. Water passes through the filter material while it captures dirt, debris and particles 25-100 microns in size. Filter cartridges, especially the larger in size, have bigger areas available to filter and do not need to be touched often since they don't clog up as quickly as others. Cartridge filters are designed to run at a lower pressure and usually need a cleaning when pressure gauge rises 8-10lbs above its clean reading. Generally, these filters can be cleaned 1 -2 times per season depending on your pool use and specific factors of your pool. This cleaning of the cartridge can be done by simply removing the cartridge from the filter and hosing them off and then returning them clean to the filter equipment. Replacement of the cartridges can range from every 2-5 years again depending on use, care and the job the filter is asked to perform.

Sand Filters: These pool filters are known to some to be the lowest maintenance of all three types. Water is filters through a bed of filter sand and removed through a set of tubes on the bottom. Sand filters need to be back washed usually when the gauge is reading 8 – 10 lbs above the clean, starting pressure. Basically back washing is running the water backwards through the filter flushing out the dirt. The actual sand in the filter only needs to be changed approximately every 7 years.

DE Filter: or Diatomaceous Earth Filters are known to some as the water polisher. It can trap particles down to 3-5 microns, way smaller than the naked eye can see. DE filters also should be cleaned when gauge reads 8 – 10 lbs higher than its clean reading. You need to backwash your DE filter and then a new application of DE powder (which is fairly inexpensive) is added tot he filter by pouring into skimmer. Once a season is recommended to breakdown the filter and thoroughly clean DE filter grids. The DE powder is actually what filters your water so DO NOT operate your pump without having DE powder coating your grids.

Pool Doctor Contractors of Staten Island has a combined experience of close to 30 years with all different types of inground swimming pool filters and would happy to come consult you on what is the best option for your pool.