Pool Equipment – Filtration FAQs

• Media filters use sand or glass inside a large tank and require backwashing to clean.

• Cartridge filters use removable filter cartridges and are cleaned by hosing them out, not backwashing.

Media filters are simple and common; cartridge filters are water-efficient and ideal for properties without sewer access.

There are two types:

• Sand media – the traditional, economical option

• Glass media – a modern upgrade that filters finer particles and requires fewer backwashes

Water is pushed through a bed of silica sand, which traps debris before returning clean water to the pool.

Pros:

• Low upfront cost

• Simple to operate

• Easy to backwash

• Suitable for most pool sizes

Cons:

• High water usage

• Sand needs replacing every 5–8 years

• Only filters down to 20–40 microns

• Cannot be used on septic/enviro-cycle sites

It uses recycled crushed glass with sharper, angular surfaces that trap finer particles and resist clumping.

Pros:

• Filters finer (10–20 microns)

• Requires fewer backwashes → saves water

• Media rarely needs replacing

• More hygienic and bacteria-resistant

Cons:

• Slightly higher upfront cost

• Still requires backwashing

• Not suitable for septic/enviro-cycle sites

Yes. Glass provides better water clarity, fewer backwashes, longer life, and lower total running costs. It is the recommended choice for almost all households with standard sewer access.

Cartridge filters use one or more pleated filter cartridges that physically trap debris. Instead of backwashing, you remove the cartridge and hose it clean.

• Single-element filters have one cartridge and suit smaller pools.

• Multi-element filters have multiple cartridges, offering higher flow, fewer cleans and better performance for larger or heated pools.

Pros:

• No backwashing → extremely water-efficient

• Fine filtration (5–10 microns)

• Ideal for septic or restricted drainage sites

• Compact footprint

Cons:

• Requires cleaning every 4–8 weeks

• Cartridge needs replacing every 2–3 years

• Not ideal for large pools

Pros:

• Handles higher flow & larger pools

• Excellent fine filtration

• Longer intervals between cleans

• Ideal for heated pools, spas and water features

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost

• Larger footprint

• Replacement cartridges cost more

Cartridge filters offer the finest filtration (5–10 microns). Glass media filters follow closely (10–20 microns). Sand filters provide the least fine filtration (20–40 microns).

Cartridge filters. Because they do not backwash, they are the only compliant choice where waste water cannot be sent to sewer.

Single-element cartridge filters are ideal due to their compact size and excellent fine filtration.

• Glass media filters → best all-round choice for large pools

• Multi-element cartridge filters → best for heated pools, spas, or high-usage pools

Not harder—just different. Cartridge filters need periodic cleaning (removing and hosing), whereas media filters require backwashing. For many homeowners, cartridge cleaning is quick and simple.

Cartridge filters. They use almost no water during cleaning because there is no backwashing.

• Sand: every 5–8 years
• Glass: typically lasts the life of the filter
• Cartridge elements: every 2–3 years

Glass media filters generally offer the lowest lifetime cost, especially when factoring fewer backwashes and extended media life.

• Choose Glass Media if you want simplicity, low maintenance, and sewer connection is available.

• Choose Cartridge Filters if you need water efficiency, have septic restrictions, or want ultra-fine filtration.

 • Single-element: small–medium pools

 • Multi-element: medium–large pools or heated systems