Replacing cartridge with sand

[BigDave]

Earlier you said that the "pool isn't all that clean" is the reason you are considering filter change. I thought that meant water quality (to me: little tiny stuff in water that makes it look dull). Did you mean something else by clean?
No thanks needed (but appreciated), I like to help.

[Watermom]

No thanks needed (but appreciated), I like to help.

And, Dave, we appreciate all the help you do give! Thanks!

[BigDave]

Right back at you Lisa.

[dansdad]

what I meant was sometimes the filters seem like they don't do enough to keep the pool free from debris. The sweep works fine. Thanks, Dave

[CarlD]

You could either have inferior brand cartridges, you are not cleaning them correctly, or your cart is too small for your pump.
A properly sized cartridge filter, properly maintained, should perform better than a sand filter but not as well as a DE filter.

Most people here don't like them because they are tricking to clean, but those who figure out how to clean them well, and with little effort, swear by them.

[dansdad]

I have decent cartridges but I need to find a better way to clean them. I saw a device where you lay the filter down in a tray and run the spray nozzle over them, plus I may need to get rid of a couple. How long are they supposed to last if cleaned twice a year? Thanks to all Dave

[BigDave]

Have you seen PoolDoc's thread on Cleaning your Cartridge Filter without Damaging It!?

[kelemvor]

I have decent cartridges but I need to find a better way to clean them. I saw a device where you lay the filter down in a tray and run the spray nozzle over them, plus I may need to get rid of a couple. How long are they supposed to last if cleaned twice a year? Thanks to all Dave

Twice a year? I clean my cartridge weekly during the summer and fall. Twice a week in the spring. Once a month (roughly) in the winter.

I've never had a cartridge get ruined but after about a year the "clean" filter pressure ends up about 10psi higher than the "clean" pressure was when I bought it. I replace mine roughly every 18-24 months.

[dansdad]

just as you mentioned it, I looked and ordered cleaner for the cartridges. Will be ready for summer. Thanks Dave

[mas985]

Twice a year? I clean my cartridge weekly during the summer and fall. Twice a week in the spring. Once a month (roughly) in the winter.

Your cartridge filter is obviously way too small for your pool. A properly sized cartridge system should only need to be cleaned once per year. Also, frequent cleaning is probably the reason you are replacing them so often. I have had my cartridges for 8+ years, clean them only once per year and the filter pressure never gets more than 1 PSI above the clean filter pressure.

I am also one of those people who would never trade a cartridge for any other filter type. I just think cleaning it once a year is far easier than backwashing many times per year (my parents had a sand filter).