It sounds to me like you're asking what kind of filter system to get (in addition to getting the best size)....
The 3 different types of filter systems differ in their cleaning efficiency, maintenance, and price. All, however, work well. From what I've read, you may only notice the difference at night when the pool lights are on.A sand filter is probably the easiest to care for, but doesn't filter as well as the other two. The filter medium, sand, lasts just about forever, so you should hardly ever need to add sand to it. It does need to be cleaned (backwash) when the pressure starts to rise, so if you don't have a place to backwash, you might want to rule out sand (and DE, for that matter). DE filters clean better than either sand or cartridge, but they do require a bit more maintenance than the other two. The DE filters need to be backwashed, but after backwashing replacement DE powder must be added. Also, I'm told they should be cleaned thoroughly at least annually. Some locales don't allow DE filters in pools because of the "dirty" waste from them. A cartridge filter cleans better than sand, but not quite as good as DE. A cartridge filter system never needs to be backwashed, which is a plus. However, the cartridges need to be taken out and cleaned...maybe 2-3 times/year or so (more or less depending on the pool's usage).
(Note: We have a sand filter on our pool, as we wanted the most "goof proof" system).
jamull2852 said:
Thanks for the replys. Just dont know which one to buy. I hear good and bad about both. Don't want to mess up and get a cartridge and have to clean it all the time. 1 time a month isnt bad, if thats the case. I am also going to bury the pool about 2.5-3ft into the ground. Should I get an inground filter?