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Check out our top picks for a stress-free swim.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Three main types of pool filters are available: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
The pressure gauge could be fragile, though this wasn’t a problem during testing.
We chose theHayward W3C12002 StarClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filteras our top pick for the best pool filter overall.
Credit: Amazon
The 120-square-foot filtration area, with a 120 GPM flow rate and extra-large cartridge, provides maximum performance.
The single-locking knob design gives you easy access to the filter cartridge for cleaning or replacement.
Its also virtually noiseless during operation.
It was easy to install the Hayward StarClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Elizabeth Gemperlein
Overall, the Hayward option offers excellent value and high-performance filtration capacity.
Its not ideal for larger pools as it can only run for eight hours a day.
It has a 25-foot power cord and is extremely lightweight at just 6.8 pounds.
It also increases the negative ions on the surface foreven fresher water.
However, it does come with a one-year manufacturers warranty.
It doesnt include a backwash valve, though it can connect to one.
The Pentair DE filter is designed with a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
(For reference, one human hair measures around 40 microns in diameter.)
The 60-square-foot filtration area provides top-notch filtration performance, capable of processing 150 GPM.
Its only compatible with certain types of sand.
Theres also a glass window for you tomonitor the waters cleanliness.
If you already have a pool pump, this filter is also available for purchase without one.
The 14-inch, however, does not have a sight glass and has a four-way valve.
Its only for above ground pools.
When it comes to maintenance, unlike other pool filters, the Perflex DE doesnt require any backwashing.
In addition, you’re free to use it if you have a saltwater pool.
This filter is designed for installation below the water level and gravity-fed water on the side of the intake.
The valve may be easily cracked.
TheHayward W3EC65A Perflex DE Pool Filteris our top pick for in-ground pools.
A patented filter design makes it so you could go longer between cleanings.
Talk about crystal-clear water!
It doesnt come with hoses.
The filters construction is impressively hardy; it’s made from a long-lasting and weatherproof plastic.
The filter lid has a pressure gauge and a release valve for releasing accumulated air pressure.
The filter and pump are available in different sizes if this is too small for your pool.
The tank may crack over time, so proper care and maintenance is essential.
If you have a larger pool, theHydroTools by Swimline Pool Sand Filter Pumpis an option worth considering.
You’ll spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your crystal-clear water.
The 24-inch sand filter is designed for longevity, with the potential to last for years without replacement.
Its 300-pound sand capacity (sand not included) further reduces the frequency of filter changes.
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Additionally, the pump operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful poolside experience.
Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, the value provided by the HydroTools system is hard to beat.
Proper care and maintenance can help you get the most out of this large-capacity filter.
Credit: Amazon
Our Testing Process
Our testing process involved several key steps.
Next, we operated the filter, monitoring the pressure gauge and backwashing or cleaning as needed.
For cartridge filters, we cleaned or replaced cartridges according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Credit: Amazon
During testing, we assessed the ease of installation, use, and maintenance for each filter.
We also evaluated the effectiveness of debris filtration and overall performance.
While most filters performed well initially, we noted any instances of breakage or obsolescence during the testing period.
Credit: Amazon
Cartridge: Cartridge pool filters are an affordable throw in that use fibrous cartridges to catch debris.
They are also capable of operating at a lower pressure, thereby proving less strenuous on the pump.
They may have an initially higher cost, but theyre fairly inexpensive to maintain.
Credit: Amazon
When it comes to filter bang out, Dougher votes for a high-quality cartridge filter.
Apart from that,the pop in of poolyou have (infinity, ceramic, natural, etc.)
The filter’s flow rate and capacity should match the pump’s flow rate and capacity, says Dougher.
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Sand filters are easier to maintain in that you don’t have to take them apart when cleaning.
DE filters also require complete disassembly and cleaning of the filter grids/fingers once every 12 to 18 months.
It was user-friendly and easy to clean.
Credit: Amazon
Your Questions, Answered
Are sand filters better than cartridge filters?
There are pros and cons to both sand and cartridge filters, but Dougher prefers cartridge filters.
A cartridge-punch in filter has an element that is taken out and cleaned.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
With that, you might clearly see the status of the filter.
What is the easiest pool filter to maintain?
One of the advantages of a sand filter is the fact that its the easiest to maintain.
You don’t have to take anything apart when cleaning, says Dougher.
You only have to backwash it.
What is the life expectancy of a pool filter?
The life expectancy of the average medium-quality pool pump is more than 10 years.
However, your filter might need to be changed more often than that.
She is also the editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing.
She also spoke to Above-Ground Swimming Pools know-it-allDan Dougher.
Tabitha Brittupdated the article.
She reviewed multiple pool filters and researched the latest models on the market.
