New Member: Pool Filter: Sand vs DE

[PoolDoc]

You use less water with DE.

But, DE filters have to be manually opened and cleaned at least 1x per season. If you go with DE, make sure you get a filter you can manage. It takes 8 hands to re-assemble some models .

[JimK]

..... It takes 8 hands to re-assemble some models .

lol

I had to laugh because I have a DE filter (Hayward Pro Grid 6020) and it does take a little practice taking it apart for cleaning and reassembling (I do this at the end of every season and have gotten pretty good at it ).

That said, I like my DE filter. Keep in mind though this is the only filter I've used. It was installed in 2004 when we had the pool installed; our first and only pool, btw. So I really can't say if I would still like it better than a sand filter.

It does a great job keeping the pool clean. Once spring clean up is done I usually only have to backwash/recharge with DE once during the season (early May to early Oct here). This season after spring clean up I haven't had to backwash at all.

Some don't like to handle DE powder. I don't mind so much; I just make sure I'm not inhaling it when recharging the filter.

In terms of expense to maintain, I would think sand would be cheapest, followed by DE, then cartridges being the most expensive.

It's probably more important that filter/pump be sized correctly than whether you choose sand or DE.