Sand Filters VS Cartridge Filters; Which is better?
After making the exciting decision to upgrade your way of life by adding a pool to your home, you must choose the ideal filtration system. Your pool's primary circulatory system comprises a filter and a pump. The filter's primary function is to filter out particles from your pool's water so you can enjoy a sparkling-clean pool all year. Without it, the water in your pool could become cloudy, full of debris and bacteria, and even make you sick. The Pool Pump circulates the water and pushes it into the filter, to remove any small debris just before clean water is transferred to the heater or back to the pool.
When choosing a filter, we advise choosing either a cartridge or sand filter. The good news is that sand and cartridge filters will work regardless of whether your fantasy pool is made of fiberglass or concrete. How then do you determine which pool Filter is best for you? The primary factors when selecting a filter are efficiency, performance, maintenance, price, and size.
But first, what does a Pool Filter Do?
Contrary to popular belief, a pool's filtration does not disinfect the water. The chemicals that are cycled through the pool are responsible for that. One component of the pool's circulatory system is the filter. Its job is to collect debris to reduce the number of debris that floats in the pool. When the filter functions appropriately, it contributes significantly to producing the crystal-clear water every swimmer craves. The function of every filter is the same. The only significant difference is the medium it employs to complete that task (sand, cartridges, etc.). There are skimmers in every pool, and some pools have one or more drains on the pool floor. Water (and debris) are drawn into the skimmers or drains, down the pipes, into the filter pump, through the filter media, and finally ejected back into the pool when the filter pump works. This is basically the cycle of the pool filter!
Now let's take a look at the different types of pool filters.
Sand Filters
The most traditional method of pool filtration is sand filters. They are made out of a silica sand globe, often known as "filter sand," which is enormous and spherical. Sand is traversed by the water when it enters the filter. As a result, the sand traps dirt and other debris, allowing clean, filtered water to flow back to the pool. Sand filters remove particles as small as 5 to 20 microns and this filter can last 5–10 years between changes, making your filtration system incredibly affordable. A sand filter system's routine maintenance includes backwashing the filter. The sand's ability to trap particles prevents water from returning to the pool. Your pressure gauge will rise as the filter sand fills with dirt and debris. This is your signal to perform a backwash. The unclean water is released through a different valve port when backwashing, typically identified as "waste."
Shop the best pool sand filters from Australia's leading brands like Onga, Astralpool, Zodiac, Monarch, Davey, Hayward, and more at My Online Pool Shop.
Let's Check out the Pros of using a Sand Filter:
- Captures impurities as small as 5 microns
- The Davey Monarch EcoPure® DEP4050 Fiberglass Sand Filter is suitable for in-ground and above-ground pools, plunge pools, swim spas, glass/silica or zelbrite media, salt, mineral salt, as well as freshwater pools.
- It creates a more significant filtering area while putting less strain on the filter pump and consuming less energy.
- Environmentally friendly - the fiber balls are recyclable and deteriorate extremely slowly
- Certain sand filter brands, like the Onga Leisuretime II Fibreglass Sand Filter, have UV-resistant tanks.
Time for the Cons:
- Certain filter balls must be manually removed from the filter tank, soaked, and cleaned before they may be used again.
- A more significant upfront cost (filter unit price plus filter media)
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge Filters comprise a simple, two-piece tank (lid and bottom) containing a cartridge. The cartridge and the air filters in your car are similar. Your pump pushes water into the tank, passing through the cartridge membrane. Clean water refills the pool while particles and trash are trapped in the fabric. The cartridge should be able to filter down to 10 microns or less.
The fact that cartridge filters are low maintenance is a big plus for this above-ground pool filter system. First, the cartridge should be cleaned when the pressure gauge reads 10 Psi higher than usual. Then, it must be removed from the tank and thoroughly hosed off with your garden hose. With cartridge filters, backwashing is unnecessary, preventing chemical and water loss. Before it needs to be replaced, the filter's cartridge typically lasts between one and three years.
Shop the best range of Cartridge Filters from brands such as Poolrite, Astral, Davey, and Zodiac at My Online Pool Shop.
Let's check out the Pros of using a Cartridge Filter:
- The filter cartridge lasts three weeks but can last a month or more when washed at least once weekly.
- Filters like Pentair FreeFlo 75 sq ft Cartridge Filter provide reliability and corrosion resistance for product longevity.
- Simple maintenance: changing a filter cartridge takes a few minutes.
- Lower initial investment
And the Cons of a Cartridge Filter:
- Frequent cartridge replacement drives up maintenance costs.
- Filter cartridges that cannot be recycled
Size
No matter the type of filter you use, it is crucial to size the pump and filter combination properly. Every filter is intended to have a specific flow rate, which must be professionally sized and matched with the appropriate pump. Inadequate flow might result in increased back pressure on the system and higher pressure on the filter. This may harm pumps and potentially even the pipework.
Cost
- Installation: Sand filters require a plumber to be present during the installation of your pool or spa, which can raise the project's expense. A cartridge filter is more expensive but may not need a plumber.
- Efficiency: A cartridge filter can help you save money on water and electricity, as was already explained. In addition, due to the lack of backwashing, you can save up to 92% of the water a sand filter uses.
Ask the pros
You can always ask your pool specialist for guidance on what kind of pool filtration system would be most effective for your home environment and how you want to use and maintain your pool. No matter which system you choose, you’ll appreciate the toughness and ease of maintenance that My Online Pool Shop offers.
Happy swimming!