Quote Originally Posted by gordyjamz View Post
For ease of maintenance, you also may want to look into cartridge filters, also. I replaced a sand filter 2 years ago with a Hayward Xtream, and love it. Rinsing the element only takes a few minutes with a hose. And, depending on the amount of debris in your pool, it only has to be cleaned a few times a season. I think the only drawback is with the initial setup, you can't vacuum to waste. But, all I did was install a pvc splitter valve between the pump and filter.
Some people love carts (like you), many hate them, finding the ONLY way to get them clean gets you soaking wet.

There is a new hose-mounted brush that may help, but we haven't gotten feedback on it yet.

There are also some AMAZING ideas to clean them that seem to work--a search of the forum should find them.