New Member: Pool Filter: Sand vs DE

[JimK]

..... It takes 8 hands to re-assemble some models .

lol

I had to laugh because I have a DE filter (Hayward Pro Grid 6020) and it does take a little practice taking it apart for cleaning and reassembling (I do this at the end of every season and have gotten pretty good at it ).

That said, I like my DE filter. Keep in mind though this is the only filter I've used. It was installed in 2004 when we had the pool installed; our first and only pool, btw. So I really can't say if I would still like it better than a sand filter.

It does a great job keeping the pool clean. Once spring clean up is done I usually only have to backwash/recharge with DE once during the season (early May to early Oct here). This season after spring clean up I haven't had to backwash at all.

Some don't like to handle DE powder. I don't mind so much; I just make sure I'm not inhaling it when recharging the filter.

In terms of expense to maintain, I would think sand would be cheapest, followed by DE, then cartridges being the most expensive.

It's probably more important that filter/pump be sized correctly than whether you choose sand or DE.

[Watermom]

When I was asking the installer about the sand filter he indicated that the sand filter has to be back washed at least once per week

You do NOT have to backwash a sand filter once a week. You only need to backwash when the filter pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure. I only backwash a handful of times the entire summer.

[CarlD]

I only back wash when my pressure rises noticeably.

[JimK]

You do NOT have to backwash a sand filter once a week. You only need to backwash when the filter pressure rises 8-10psi over clean filter pressure. I only backwash a handful of times the entire summer.

I guess I should have specified this in my post, but I also backwash when pressure rises 8-10psi over clean pressure. I guess this has been an "extra clean" year as I haven't had to backwash all season.

[Brysz]

If you get an OVERSIZED sand filter, and run your pool on low speed 24/7, you'll get water clarity as good as with a DE filter, but with far less maintenance.

Tell us your pool gallons before you buy the filter, and we can size it for you.

Question...you mentioned low speed. My return jet has so much pressure I cant hold my hand in front of it. Could this be a reason for my poor filtration? Thank you...

[PoolDoc]

My return jet has so much pressure I cant hold my hand in front of it. Could this be a reason for my poor filtration?

Very possibly. Complete the Pool Chart, and we'll be able to make a better guess:

Pool Chart Entry Form