Advantages of a sand filter --- only having to backwash once or twice a month at most which involves turning the handle on the top of the filter into a couple of different positions and then back to filter. Takes about a total of 2 minutes. So, maybe 4 minutes per month. Nothing special to do at spring start up either. Hook up the pump and turn it on. Good to go. Just my personal opinion, but I would never have anything but a sand filter. Of course, a lot of people say the same thing about DE. Personal preference.