Swimming pool filters are a necessary component for any pool that needs to remain clean and containment free. There are various types, based upon what model of pool you have, how many gallons the pool is, and what your specific requirements are. Some filters are specialized and designed to filter out sand and anything else that goes into the water, but others are more basic.

Sand filters are one of the most common filters available. They basically filter out everything that passes through, efficiently and quickly. They push the water through the sand particles, and clean water flows through the bottom, while waste water is emptied. They are easy to replace and clean, and very cheap.

Cartridge style filters are extremely economical and easy to understand for anyone, even swimming pool novices. They are also designed to last awhile and filter more per hour than other filter types. They are similar to sink filters that filter your tap water. Many contain carbon to purify the water, and keep it clean. There are cheap models and expensive models, which each have their pros and cons. Cheap filters are easy to find, and affordable. Expensive filters are a bit more specialized and expensive, but last for a very long time. You probably won’t need to clean either of these very often when compared to sand filters.

Diatomaceous Earth filters are filters that specialize in filtering even the tiniest bacterial particles that can infest your swimming pool water. They are not as efficient, but much better to use if you have issues with tiny particles in your water. Build up of small bacteria or dirt can eventually cloud your water, making it look less appealing. DE filters remove this issue, making your water pristine and clear.

Overall, there is no “perfect” filtration system. Each has their benefits and slight downsides, but all of them work quite well at getting the job done. Some swimming pools are capable of having multiple filtration options, which would be best. Your best bet for swimming pool filters would be to get the absolute best one you can afford. Inappropriate filters can cause pump problems and overall issues with your pool which would result in costly repairs.