Pool filters and pumps, how to choose?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>My in ground pool filter is failing. The manufacturer (American Products, Quantum Line) is no longer in business and I cannot find the parts(the retention ring). The cartridges cost as much as half the filter. Therefore, I am shopping for a replacement.</p>

<p>I found there are three kinds of filters:</p>

<p>Traditional Cartridge
D. E.
Sand</p>

<p>It looks like Sand filters is only used for above ground pools and the cleaning requires backwash. The DE filters look nice and seems able to clean the water better than the Cartridge, but I do not know why it is not so popular.</p>

<p>In the mean time, if I were to change the filter, should I also consider change the pump as well?</p>

<p>Here is some thing from Hayward I am considering.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-Extended-Ground-Filter-System/dp/B0035LVLZY/ref=sr_1_75?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1372970060&sr=1-75&keywords=hayward+extended+cycle[/url]”>http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-Extended-Ground-Filter-System/dp/B0035LVLZY/ref=sr_1_75?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1372970060&sr=1-75&keywords=hayward+extended+cycle&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>But I can also buy Pentair etc.</p>

<p>Which brand is more reliable?</p>

2

<p>We’ve had all three types over the years in different houses. The cartridge filter is easiest to work with and filters fine…just rinse it out every few weeks. D.E. is supposed to filter best but it gets expensive having to buy the big bags of earth, especially for a larger pool, and it gets a little messy handling D.E (earth). The sand filters don’t filter as well and pool water is hard to keep ‘crystal’ sparkly with it. Too, make sure your circulation lines are best size for filtering and for using less electric…bigger lines are better. Pump place, or pool supply can match filter to right pump…the pump you have now may be just fine. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>We have a Hayward sand filter; our pool is in ground but also indoors. It keeps the water crystal clear which I suppose isn’t a surprise. We have had a few problems with it but I have no idea how old it is. (It came with the house which was built 50+ years ago.)</p>

4

<p>Our in-ground pool growing up had a sand filter. Never had any problems with it over several decades of use. Backwashing was a minor procedure.</p>

<p>Don’t know anything about the other types.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the tips on the sand filter, I will look into it.</p>