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There are basically 3 types of pool filters: Sand Filter, Cartridge Filter and Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE Filters for short). Each of these have their pros and cons.
SAND FILTERSSand filters use a specially graded sand as the filter media. The water enters the tank through the diffuser. As the water goes down through the bed of sand, the dirt and debris is trapped between the grains of sand. Sand filters filter out debris down to about 40 microns in size. Anything smaller than 40 microns will probably not be filtered out.
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CARTRIDGE FILTERSCartridge filters use a paper-type cartridge as the filter media.They do not filter as finely as DE, and in our experience produce about the same water quality as sand filtration. Manufacturers have come up with newer filters with enough surface area (300-500 square feet) to need cleaning only 2-3 times per season. Cleaning this filter is often a messy and wet job. Filter cartridges should be replaced every couple seasons. |
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DE FILTERSDE filters use diatomaceous earth as a filter media. The DE filter has plastic grids covered with a plastic type of fabric. A layer of filter powder called Diatomaceous Earth covers the grids and does the filtering. As the water passes through the filter powder, any debris down to 5-8 microns is filtered out. Because the DE is much finer than sand, it is able to filter much more finely than a silica sand filter. A DE filter should be disassembled and acid washed annually. |
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