Sand filter vs cartridge type filter

Which is better, cheaper, more maintenance free? I just put a new pool on layaway and it came with the cartridge type filter. Now all my buddies are saying sand is cheaper and better. Seemed to me that the cartridge was easier and more maintenance free. Also a little cheaper.

Anyway, I am new to this pool stuff -like really "green". So, is the sand better? Does the cartridge type not clean the pool as well? Should I change to a sand filter?

So, in case pool size matters, I bought a 15x26 Quest pool from The Great Escape. 54" deep. Came with all kinds of crap that I have no idea about. -Solar cover, start-up kit, Premium maint. kit, etc....

Either type of filter has its advantages. Cartridge filters, if filtering a clean, clear pool, probably do the best job--they filter smaller particles than a sand filter. However, they don't work worth a flip if you're trying to clear up an algae bloom, because live algae clogs them up quickly, and you have to stay on top of cleaing them to keep your pump from burning up. They are also typically mismatched with the pump (pump being too large) when coming from the factory. Cleaning the cartridges can be a PITA, and must be done on a regular basis. MOst people keep one in the filter working, while the other is out being cleaned.

Sand filters are usually bigger, and not as likely to be overdriven by an AG pump, they are better at trapping live algae, and you have the option with a sand filter to vacuum to waste, if there's something you need to vac out of the pool but don't want to go through the filter. Backwashing (cleaning) the filter is quick and easy, although you do lose a good bit of water in the process. However, they don't catch particles as small as a cartridge filter can (unless you add a little DE to the sand).

there are people out there who love their cart filters, and people who love their sand filters, so you're liable to get lots of opinions on this one. Me, I'm a sand filter fan :)

This was one question I had and you allude to the answer. It sounds like I CAN ad DE to my sand filter without harming anything. How much DE should I ad to a 26" filter with 200# of sand? Will I lose the DE when I back flush?

Thanks again for your help,
Mike

You can add DE to the sand filter, but not to replace the sand!! What you would do is fill the sand filter to its normal capacity, and the add a cup or so of DE through the skimmer so that it will go into the filter and coat the sand. You only want enough for a 1 psi rise--and that rise happens gradually--so add a little, give it 1-15 minutes, check your gauge, and add a little more if you need to. It can take up to 30 minutes for the amount that you put in to register the total rise on the gauge. If you overshoot, just backwash it out and start over...and yes, you'll lose the DE anytime you backwash.

Janet

Hi! I am brand new, so I don't know if I can reply, but we replaced a DE filter with a sand filter. DE filter seemed very difficult to clean (perhaps we didn't know how to do it properly?), and I didn't like having the DE powder around - not good for the lungs, and with kids, I didn't want a bag of it near any of them. So far I am very happy with the sand filter.

Thanks for the replies. The package did come with a 2hp pump and cartridge filter, so I have been wondering if I should change to a sand type. Sounds to me like the sand type is a better general filter type where the cartridge is better for clean pools. He really kinda sold me on the cart. type though. I mean wow is that easy! lol

By the way, while there the sales guy said that the DE filtering system is being outlawed soon because it's so dangerous, so it's a good thing you did away with it.

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Originally Posted by stevens23

By the way, while there the sales guy said that the DE filtering system is being outlawed soon because it's so dangerous, .

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LOL, that's the first time I've ever heard of that!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevens23

The package did come with a 2hp pump and cartridge filter, so I have been wondering if I should change to a sand type.

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That pump is WAY too big for that size pool. In order for your filter to be able to hand that much water coming through, you either need to upgrade to a much larger sand filter, or downgrade the pump. Pooldoc, Mas985, or one of the other equipment gurus can help you there, but I really think you'll be making a mistake putting that large a pump on a cartridge filter.

Janet

What is the actual make/model# of the unit?

Well, went there to change to a sand type filtering system and decided to stay with what we have in the package. I did take some pics of the equipment while I was there. The pump is a dual speed pump and hayward pool products model number sw159412stl. Hope that helps. I am not sure it is 2 hp, I'm just trying to decipher the paperwork.

One other question for you. Do you recommend buying water to fill your pool with or just filling it with your hose at initial install? Is it much more expensive? Is there any benefits besides possibly being able to swim right away?

I'll let Mark help you with the pump part of your question. But, as far as filling a pool, I always just fill mine from the hose. I recently replace my pool and this time got a 27ft AG with 54" walls and it took us about 24 hours to fill it. I don't have any idea of the cost of trucking in water but I'd assume it will be more than using your hose. One thing I do know is that if you can avoid it, you do NOT want to fill from a well.

That seems like a number from a discontinued product line since I can't really find any good info. Is this a new purchase?

Take a look at the pump motor label. It should have a HP rating and a service factor. Sometimes the service factor will be a number, blank or SPL. Also, does the filter housing have any information such as the size of filter and/or maximum flow rate.

Second time responding.... It is a Hayward model no. sw159412stl

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I think it says 2.25spl for hp. so about a 1hp? p/n is 7-193824-01

I is a new purchase, it is something I put a down payment on last week. Expecting to have installed in spring/summer next season.


(Edit by Moderator: 2 posts in queue merged.)

I still can't find any information on that setup so my suspicion is that it is a discontinued product which might be difficult to find parts in the future.

If you are looking for a good AG setup, might I recommend the following:

Sand - Pentair PNSD0060DO2260
Cart - Pentair PNCC0200OP2260

Well, I had my backyard marked out by "Julie" and had to go in and change the package to a 18' round pool. Just too many comed wires going right thru the middle of my back yard.