Thinking about replacing my filter

[gordyjamz]

I also have a hayward xtream cartridge filter, and am very happy with it. What is so hard cleaning it? It takes me 10 min tops to spray down with a hose. Plus, my water has been crystal clear with it so far. I used to have (inherited from previous owner) a hayward sand filter, and they're a pain. I constantly battled cloudy water the 2 years I had it . If you get a lot of leaves and tree junk like i do, cleaning the cartridge every couple weeks or so is a lot easer than cleaning or replacing the sand. Leaves and large debris will not backwash out, and WILL cause algae blooms. Also, if that goofy gasket for the multiport valve decides to go, you're gonna have a real fun time replacing it. A lot of sand owners here use the DE trick, which is fine, I guess. But if a product doesn't do the job you want it to do, or the way it's supposed to, why invest your hard-earned money on it?

[Watermom]

Sand filters do not need to be cleaned, nor does the sand need replaced very often. I'm on my 7th season with the same sand. I think Al (Poconos) is on his 10th and CarlD is on his ....?? 6th? I can't remember, but I know it is several years. Also, you should not be getting leaves or other large debris in your sand filter. Those things should either be caught by the skimmer basket or the pump basket before they ever get to the filter.

Everyone has an opinion about the type of filter they like. I have always had a sand filter and it works well for me and causes me very little maintenance. My water is always clear. If a cartridge filter is working for you then you are lucky. A lot of people think they are a pain because you do have to clean the cartridges. My sand -- I never have to clean. Good luck with your pool.

[b2001]

I have a cartridge filter and it works for me. It wasn't always this way - it was a pain with bacquacil - constantly cleaning it. I was going to switch to a sand filter, but I switched to bleach first. I don't have many problems anymore. My water is always clear.

I rotated two old cartridge filters when I opened this year to get all of the crap out of my pool - I'm under several oaks, and apparently my cover has some small holes in it - and I switched to a new filter when the pool was ready to go. I cleaned it yesterday, after about 3 to 4 weeks of running. I bought several filters a year with bacquacil - one a year with bleach.

I always use a skimmer sock to catch a lot of stuff; to reduce what goes to the filter. This helps save cleaning the filter.

[NWMNMom]

Have a 22" Meteor Sand Filter (Pentair) Love the filter, perfectly clear water all the time - we do use a skimmer sock and a leaf canister with our automatic cleaner, other than that, just empty out the skimmer and the pump pot strainer basket when needed (not often.)

We used to have a sand years ago and tried a cart filter system with our last 18' round, but went back to sand with the new pool last year. No regrets - almost maintc free (minimal backwash at start after opening and at end of season before draining) No "cleaning" required.