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....