Cartridge vs Sand Filter

[LooLooPoolNoob]

Currently we have a Hayward super clear star 3000 pool pump and filter that we inherited with the house that we bought.

My husband and I have been talking, and our friends have thrown in some input. And they're under the impression that it would be the most economical thing to do is actually switch the pump out to a sand filter pump next year. My husband and I both know that pools do require money and maintenance, but we also have five kids and we don't want to be cheap, but if one is going to be more economical than the other, that's definitely the way we want to go. We're willing to put out the money for the initial cost of switching over the pump if needed.

Anybody have any suggestions comments or insight into this? What's your guy's thoughts?

Basically breaks down too what's better economically, cartridge or sand.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Since you have the cartridge, as long as there's nothing wrong with it, I wouldn't consider changing it to anything else. One is not more economical than the other. Cartridge filters require replacing the cartridges every few years, but they usually last 5 years or so. With sand you have to backwash them so the wasted water may be a concern depending on where you live.

 

[LooLooPoolNoob]

Good point. We were told by the "pool people" the change the filters yearly, but I think that just must be more pool store logic.

 

[mknauss]

The cartridge filters in my system are 6 years old and functioning fine. As you winterize the pool, removing the cartridges from the filter and storing once dry would be a good idea. Making sure they are clean before storing would also be a good idea. A TSP soak at the end of the year is a good idea too.
The only reason to replace the filters is if the media is compromised (torn) or the end caps start to disintegrate.

 

[Teald024]

Keep the cartridge filter. Since you just put new filter elements in it, you should be good for a while. Once key to making the filter elements last is to not use any "magic potions" from the pool store. Many can gum up the filter element and force replacement. Once you finish the SLAM process, you may find that you need to clean the elements a couple of times a season. I only had to clean mine once in the middle and once at the end of the season. Skimmer socks can also help catch the big stuff and extend the periods between a full cleaning.
I will say that sand filters are easier to clean once they are dirty. It is a simple backwash vs tearing apart the cartridge housing and spraying each element.
More info can be found in the Pool School article on filter comparisons

I would also like to invite you to read about pool equipment and what each piece does. This way we can all use the same name for each component.
Good questions so far. Keep them coming.

 

[LooLooPoolNoob]

Oh man, pool socks are the bomb. They're so cheap and literally cut us from having to rinse Poolio's filters almost hourly to once or twice a day. They are a fabulous invention!