Pool Filters for Sale

Choosing the Best Pool Filter Type for Your Home: Sand, Cartridge, or D.E.

Owning a swimming pool is a significant investment, and maintaining clean, healthy water is key to protecting that investment. Pool filters play an essential role in keeping your water clear by removing dirt, debris, and contaminants, reducing the workload on your sanitizer and chemicals. Choosing the right filter for your pool depends on your pool size, water conditions, maintenance preferences, and budget.

There are three main types of pool filters commonly used in Canada: sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth (D. E.) filters. Each type has unique features, pros, and cons, so understanding these will help you make an informed decision.

Sand Swimming Pool Filters

Sand filters are the most widely used pool filter systems across residential pools. They operate by pushing water through a bed of special silica sand that traps particles and debris. These filters typically capture particles sized between 20 to 40 microns, making them excellent for filtering larger debris like leaves, dust, and algae clumps.

Advantages:

Low purchase and operational costs
Simple design with minimal maintenance
Can process large volumes of water quickly
Durable tanks made of corrosion-resistant materials, suitable for Canadian climates

Maintenance:

Over time, debris accumulates in the sand, increasing pressure inside the tank. When the pressure monitor reads 8–10 psi above normal, it’s time to backwash—flushing out trapped debris to restore filter efficiency. Sand usually needs replacement every 3 to 5 years as it loses its gritty texture and filtering ability.

Popular Brands & Models:

Pentair, Hayward, Jacuzzi, and Sta-Rite offer durable sand filters for both inground and above-ground pools, designed with features like multi-port valves, pressure gauges, and easy drain options to simplify maintenance.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use pleated polyester cartridges inside the tank to trap finer particles, typically filtering down to 10–20 microns. Unlike sand filters, cartridge filters don’t require backwashing, which conserves water—a valuable advantage in areas with water restrictions.

Advantages:

Higher filtration efficiency for small particles
Water-efficient—no flushing needed
Lower maintenance; just remove and hose off cartridges periodically
Generally more energy-efficient pumps due to lower flow resistance

Maintenance:

Cartridges need cleaning when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 psi above normal, and replacement every 2 to 5 years as fibers degrade. Replacement cartridges cost between $30 and $100, depending on brand and size.

Ideal Use Cases:

Cartridge filters suit smaller pools, spas, and saltwater systems, especially in urban or established residential areas where backwashing isn’t permitted. They are also a popular choice for above-ground pools due to ease of maintenance and compact design.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

D.E. filters provide the highest filtering efficiency, capturing particles as small as 1 to 3 microns. They use grids coated with natural mineral powder inside the tank to trap even the finest contaminants, resulting in the clearest pool water.

Advantages:

Superior filtration for the smallest particles
Can filter large volumes efficiently
Excellent for rapid water clarity improvement, such as during algae blooms

Maintenance:

These filters require flushing like sand filters, but after each backwash, the lost mineral powder must be replenished via the pool skimmer. This ongoing cost and maintenance make D. E. filters the most expensive and labor-intensive option.

Comparing Efficiency, Cost, and Maintenance

Filter Type	Filtration Rating (Microns)	Maintenance Needs	Initial Cost Range (CAD)	Water Use for Cleaning
Sand Filters	20–40	Backwash; sand replacement every 3–5 years	$300–$1,400	Highest (due to frequent flushing)
Cartridge Filters	10–20	Cartridge cleaning & replacement every 2–5 years	$500–$1,400	Lowest (no flushing needed)
D.E. Filters	1–3	Backwash; powder replenishment; grid maintenance	$1,100–$1,800	Moderate (less frequent flushing)

Sand filters offer affordability and simplicity, making them great for large pools or situations with lots of debris.
Cartridge filters provide a balance of water efficiency and fine filtration, ideal for smaller pools or environmentally conscious homeowners.
D. E. filters excel at the finest filtration but come with higher maintenance and cost.

Popular Brands

Additional Considerations

Filter Media Lifespan:	Filter tanks can last 25+ years, but media life varies: sand lasts 3-5 years, cartridges 2-5 years, and mineral powder grids up to 15 years with proper care.
Water Restrictions:	If your area has water usage limits, cartridge filters are usually preferred due to their water-saving operation.
Pool Type:	Above-ground pools often benefit from cartridge filters due to ease of installation and maintenance. Inground pools typically use sand or D. E. filters depending on desired water clarity and maintenance tolerance.
Environmental Factors:	Leaves, pollen, and wind-driven debris may influence your filter choice—sand filters handle heavy debris better, while other types offer finer cleaning for clearer water.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best pool filter depends on your pool size, budget, water quality needs, and maintenance preferences. Sand filters are durable and cost-effective for most Canadian pools, cartridge filters save water and require less upkeep, and D. E. filters deliver the highest water clarity for those willing to invest in maintenance.

Explore our range of high-quality pool filters from trusted brands like Pentair, Hayward, Sta-Rite, Jacuzzi, and Carvin, tailored to Canadian conditions. Whether you prefer low maintenance, water efficiency, or superior clarity, we have the right pool filter to keep your water sparkling clean all season long.

Pool Filters for Sale

Sand Filters

Cartridge Filters

Above Ground Filters