I'm not opposed to a sand filter if the maint is similar to a cartridge I've also not researched DE. I've used Diatomaceous Earth filters in my aquaria before and they were very effective. But I do like the notion of pulling a cartridge out of the filter cleaning it and putting it back in. Maybe I like the notion because of my many decades of keeping aquaria and it seems familiar.

I'm thinking that the dark color will stay though because while the pool will be used for swimming it will also be an integral design component of our back yard "living / entertaining space" and design/color are big issues to my wife. Me too to a point. But a bit warmer pool will be of benefit in early spring and late fall and will probably extend our swim season a bit too...eh?

I'm guessing by the post just above that there is a brand called "Intex" that is not too well respected....correct? What brands of cartridge filters are good quality? Also DE how does it work compared to sand and cartridge filters?

Thank you all so much for you valuable input and opinions.