Are earth pool filters or sand pool filters better?
Question:i dunno which 1 we are buyinga new pool i dunno which 1 2 get
Answers:
DE or diatomaceous earth filters are very efficient, but they need to be backwashed and primed more often than sand filters. This is because they filter down to micron sized particles. The diatomaceous earth is actually skeletons of phyto and photo plankton. It comes in a powder form so any time you backwash the filter you will have to restore the DE medium by pouring DE into the intake on the pool with the pump running.
Sand filters work very well but they won't catch everything all the time. The sand only needs to be changed once every 5-8 years and when it's a little dirty it cleans better.
I'd choose a sand filter over a DE filter but that's personal choice as I hate disposable filter media.
DE filters do a better job at filtration but you have to put up with the headache of removing the elements occasionally to give them a thorough cleaning and re charge the system with DE.
Sand filters are a little more forgiving for a new pool owner and their maintenance is easier on the whole, but their filtration is 1/40th that of a typical DE filter.
Your chocie. Sparkling crystal looking water that looks lively but higher maintenance or duller looking water that is safe to swim in, but is visually less appealing. The difference isn't hugely apparent to a layperson but a pro can usually spot a DE filter at work without even looking at the equipment.
As a former pool Pro, my choice was always DE, followed by cartridge, then sand. Keep in mind that if you do go the DE route that the backyard environment can dictate how much maintenance you'll have to do on the DE filter. Construction next door or a tree blowing pollen in will all get caught in a DE filter meaning more cleaning of the elements and replacement of the DE. Only 1/ 40th of that will get caught and plug up a sand filter. Mind you, it will be suspended in the water column. There's always a trade off.
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