If you've never used a cartridge filter it may present "challenges" you don't like.

The biggest is cleaning. Most people find it EXTREMELY difficult and messy. You cannot back-wash as that destroys the cartridge. But there are some tricks that help, I understand. Search the board for those tips.

I had a small cart on a 15' donut pool and disliked it. Luckily, the carts were only $10 so I could toss them rather than struggle. But the big ones cost $150 or so which rules out discarding them.

There's a new kind of brush that attaches to a hose that's designed for carts. If it works as advertised, the cleaning problems are easily solved.

Apparently soaking it in automatic dishwasher detergent is also an easy way to clean them. But I've not tried it.

So be forewarned: You will either love your cart or you will hate it. Me? I have a sand filter and I'm perfectly happy with it.