There are 3 types of pool filters:
- Sand Filters
- DE Filters
- Cartridge Filters
Which pool filter is the best filter? On paper, based on most criteria, the DE filter is the best pool filter. But, a DE filter is also the most expensive and the most time-consuming to maintain. But, the expense and time are well worth it, once you are comfortable with DE filters.
It sounds as if we are pushing DE filters. We are. But, the best pool filter for you is the filter that you are most comfortable using and maintaining.
Our Pool Manual will get you comfortable with all 3 types of filters, including everyday use, maintenance, troubleshooting, and scheduling repairs or replacement.
Whatever pool filter you prefer, make sure that it is big enough to filter your pool. For pool filters, bigger is better. Therefore, for whatever pool filter you prefer, make sure that it is over-sized for your pool.
While a DE filter is universally considered the best pool filter (by solely analyzing the filtration of a pool in a vacuum), a DE filter that is too small for your pool is a lot worse than a sand filter or a cartridge filter that is properly-sized (over-sized) for your pool.
You can read the Pool Manual for additional information about the types of pool filters (including pros and cons for each type) as well as proper sizing for the pool filter that would work best for your pool.