The main function of your swimming pool filter is to keep your pool and water clean and free of debris so you can enjoy it. They are all made to remove dirt, debris, and organic matter that is introcuded from the elements and pool users. They can also filter out bacteria and algae. Another purpose of the pool filter is to use the least amount of pump energy to achieve the needed flow and turnover rate. The lower the pump power needed, the lower your energy bill will be! Take this factor, as well as pool size and your pool goals, when considering which filter to purchase.
Sand Swimming Pool Filters
Sand pool filters are our first choice for filters in the Michigan climate. They 
are easy to operate and require low-maintenance. They allow the use of FerriIron Tabs which helps with the high iron content in the water. With sand filters, water is forced through the filter from the top, through the bed of sand, and into laterals (fingers) at the bottom of the filter. Water then passes back through the laterals, up through a center tube, and back into the multiport valve. It can then be sent through the chlorinator or chlorine generator installed on your equipment pad.
Sand filters are known to filter out particles as small as 20 microns.
D.E. Swimming Pool Filters
D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filters can filter out particles as small as 3-5 microns, much smaller than sand filters. Picture this: 40 microns cannot even be seen with the eye, so imagine how small a 3 micron particle is. Does it make that much difference in your swimming pool experience? That’s up to you to decide.
These filters work with D.E. powder. There are filter grids inside of the filter that hold the powder. The dirt gets trapped inside the powder inside your filter.
Cartridge Swimming Pool Filters
These filters can filter particles anywhere from 25-100 microns. Cartridge filters work with a cartridge that needs to be cleaned as often as you deem necessary, depending on the cleanliness of your pool. Care for cartridge filters is relatively simple; it should be cleaned approximately once a season and checked once in a while to make sure it’s functioning properly.
Not sure which filter is right for your pool? Call your local pool service team and they can help guide you through the decision process.