Which Pool Filter is Best? Sand or Cartridge?

Every pool owner eventually faces the big filter question:

Sand filter or cartridge filter - which one is better?

The truth is, both are excellent options when they’re properly sized for your pool. The right choice depends on how much debris your pool collects, how much maintenance you’re willing to do, and how often you want to replace your filter.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which type of pool filter fits your needs best.

Pool Filter Efficiency: What It Means

Pool filters are rated by how small a particle they can trap - measured in microns. The smaller the number, the finer the filtration and the clearer your water.

Filter Type	Particles Removed (Microns)	Efficiency
Sand Filter	20–40 microns	Moderate
Cartridge Filter	10–15 microns	High

So, a cartridge filter removes much finer particles (like dust and pollen), while a sand filter is best for trapping larger debris such as leaves and grass clippings.

Replacement Frequency & Cost

Many pool owners focus on the initial cost of the filter but forget about long-term replacement and maintenance costs. Here’s what to expect:

Sand Filters

• Replacement: Every 4–6 years

• Cost: About $100 total (roughly $10 per 50-lb bag of sand)

• Pros: Inexpensive, durable, minimal maintenance

Cartridge Filters

• Replacement: Every 3–4 years

• Cost: Around $120 on average

• Pros: Finer filtration, no backwashing, better for conserving water

While the upfront difference is small, cartridge filters may require slightly more frequent replacement but save water in the long run.

Pool Filter Cleaning and Maintenance

Sand Filter Cleaning

A sand filter works by pushing water through layers of sand, which trap debris. When it’s time to clean, you simply backwash - reversing the water flow to flush out dirt.Backwashing is fast and easy but uses a significant amount of water.

Cartridge Filter Cleaning

Cartridge filters use pleated fabric cartridges (similar to an air filter). They need to be removed and hosed down every 3–6 months.

Although it takes a bit more effort, cartridge filters capture twice as much dirt and fine debris as sand filters - making them ideal for pools that collect a lot of dust or pollen, or have pets that like to swim.

They’re also the more water-efficient choice, since rinsing cartridges uses far less water than backwashing a sand filter - an important factor in drought-prone areas like Arizona.

Which Pool Filter Is Right for You?

The best filter depends on your pool’s environment and your maintenance preferences:

Choose a Sand Filter if…	Choose a Cartridge Filter if…
You want low maintenance	You want the cleanest, clearest water
Your pool doesn’t get much debris	Your pool collects a lot of dust, leaves, or pollen
You don’t mind occasional backwashing	You want to conserve water
You prefer durability over precision	You prefer finer filtration and easier water balance

Both filters do an excellent job when properly maintained, so the right choice comes down to your lifestyle and priorities.

Professional Filter Cleaning & Replacement in Chandler & Gilbert, AZ

Whether you need to clean your existing filters or upgrade to a new one, Sunset Pool Care can help. Our technicians handle:

• Filter cleaning and inspection

• Sand replacement or cartridge installation

• System performance checks to ensure your water stays crystal clear

Call 480-682-7986 or request service online. We’ll help you choose the best filtration setup for your pool and keep it running at peak efficiency year-round.

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