I don’t think you’re issue is that a cartridge filter isn’t right for your pool, just that your current one is too small.
At a minimum it should be 200 sq ft for your pool size & ideally larger especially if you have alot of debris that gets into the pool. With an adequately sized cartridge filter it should only need to be cleaned once/twice per season unless you have an algae problem. When properly sized & cared for the cartridges can last for several years (5+) before needing replacement.
Cartridge filters are really great at their job (trapping finer particles than sand) so if they’re undersized they can become a headache due to the frequent need to clean them.
The same holds true for all filter types. The smaller they are, the more often you must clean/backwash them. If you purchase a sand filter or a de filter that is too small you will likely have the same experience you’re having now.
Get the biggest filter you can afford & that also fits in your space for best results. An appropriately sized sand filter may be cheaper than an appropriately sized cartridge filter but it doesn’t filter as small of particles. Many fall into the trap of undersizing cartridge filters because of their expense.
Here’s some info on picking/sizing equipment
www.troublefreepool.com
Your pool's filter is a vital part of your equipment pad. We'll take a look at each type of filter and list the pro's and con's of each.
www.troublefreepool.com
As far as brands go there are several to choose from- hayward & pentair are the most popular for their longevity & generally the most expensive ones.
Carvin/jacuzzi, waterway & house brands at doheny etc. are sometimes a lower cost middle of the road option. The xtreme power ones on Amazon are the lowest cost option that many above ground folks here have gone with. It really depends on your budget & risk tolerance/warranty expectations.
Check the warranties & how you go about obtaining warranty service.
For instance, i have a carvin/jacuzzi pump that was bought through family leisure as part of my pool package so for my warranty replacement I had to go through Family Leisure which is 50 miles away, Carvin wouldn’t deal with me directly or ship it to my house. For some things it’s worth dealing with a local place.
I saved thousands of dollars on my pool build by going with them vs a closer shop so I was willing to deal with the inconvenience.
Upgrading to a 2 speed pump is a great energy saver if you run it on low the majority of the time. Most people only use high speed to vacuum.
Variable speed pumps can offer even greater energy savings but their upfront cost is steep.
My personal experience:
I have a 250# 31” sand filter & a 1.5hp single speed pump on my 26k gal pool.
I would love a 2 speed for the energy savings because I like to skim for 8-12 hours a day while looking at or using the pool. In the heat of the summer I also use a fountain to cool the water so sometimes I run the pool day & night.
Perhaps one day I’ll make the upgrade to 2speed or vsp. If $ was no object I would already have one.
My sand filter operates well enough I suppose, I also add a little DE after backwashing which seems to help with the finer particles.
Again, If $ were no object I would probably have the largest cartridge or de filter available since I have alot of gravel around my pool which results in dust when it’s been very dry. We also have a large property & use a tractor to cut the grass which also creates alot of dust.
If you make the switch to a sand filter be prepared to deal with the water backwashing produces - even on my large property it can pool & cause issues because of where my shop is & how the land falls. I don’t need to backwash very frequently (maybe 3-4 times per season) but it’s quite a bit of water when it happens.
