Replacing cartridge with sand

[BigDave]

If you have quality carts that are in good shape and you're still unhappy with water quality you could try using polyquat 60% to see if it helps filter some of the smaller bits.

An oversized sand filter will filter better than a smaller one (as long as it can be backwashed). With sand you can also polish the water with a little DE to catch finer bits than the sand can by itself.

Some parts of California have water use issues. Is water use limited where you live? Sand filters require occasional backwash - dumping water which must be replaced.

[dansdad]

I'm not sure of the water quality Dave but I do have a fresh bottle of 60% polyquat here. I will give it a try. Thanks one Dave to another

[BigDave]

Earlier you said that the "pool isn't all that clean" is the reason you are considering filter change. I thought that meant water quality (to me: little tiny stuff in water that makes it look dull). Did you mean something else by clean?
No thanks needed (but appreciated), I like to help.

[Watermom]

No thanks needed (but appreciated), I like to help.

And, Dave, we appreciate all the help you do give! Thanks!

[BigDave]

Right back at you Lisa.

[dansdad]

what I meant was sometimes the filters seem like they don't do enough to keep the pool free from debris. The sweep works fine. Thanks, Dave

[CarlD]

You could either have inferior brand cartridges, you are not cleaning them correctly, or your cart is too small for your pump.
A properly sized cartridge filter, properly maintained, should perform better than a sand filter but not as well as a DE filter.

Most people here don't like them because they are tricking to clean, but those who figure out how to clean them well, and with little effort, swear by them.