🔍 Pool Filters

Cartridge filters are the most popular choice—they filter down to 10-15 microns, require no backwashing (saving water), and work great with variable speed pumps. DE filters provide the finest filtration (3-5 microns) for crystal-clear water but require more maintenance. Sand filters are lowest cost but only filter to 20-40 microns. For most Florida pools, we recommend cartridge filters.

Cartridge filters: $800-$1,500 installed. Sand filters: $600-$1,200 installed. DE filters: $1,200-$2,000 installed. Price varies by filter size (square footage), brand, and any plumbing modifications needed. Larger pools require larger filters—we'll size yours correctly during the consultation.

Cartridge filters: Clean every 4-6 weeks by hosing off, deep clean with filter cleaner every 3-4 months. Sand filters: Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above clean pressure (typically every 1-2 weeks). DE filters: Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 PSI, add fresh DE powder after each backwash. Our maintenance plans include all filter cleaning.

Filter tanks last 10-15+ years. The filter media inside needs periodic replacement: Cartridge elements: every 2-3 years ($150-$400 for replacements). Sand: every 5-7 years ($200-$400 for sand replacement). DE grids: every 5-7 years ($300-$600 for grid replacement). Regular cleaning extends media life.

Filter size is measured in square feet of filtration area. General rule: 1 sq ft of filter area per 10,000 gallons, but bigger is better. A 15,000-gallon pool should have at least 200 sq ft of cartridge filter area. Oversized filters clean better, require less frequent cleaning, and create less resistance for your pump. We always recommend sizing up when possible.

High filter pressure (8-10 PSI above your "clean" baseline) means the filter is dirty and restricting flow. Clean your cartridge or backwash your sand/DE filter. If pressure stays high after cleaning, the filter media may be worn out and need replacement. Consistently high pressure can also indicate undersized plumbing or a clogged return line.

Yes! Converting from sand to cartridge is a popular upgrade. Benefits include better filtration (10-15 microns vs 20-40), no backwashing (saves hundreds of gallons of water monthly), and better compatibility with variable speed pumps. We remove the old sand filter and install a properly-sized cartridge filter, usually in half a day. Typical cost is $1,000-$1,500.

Cloudy water with a clean filter usually indicates a chemistry problem, not a filter problem. Common causes: low chlorine allowing algae, high pH reducing chlorine effectiveness, high calcium hardness, or fine particles too small for your filter. Try adding clarifier (which clumps small particles so filters can catch them), or shock the pool. If cloudiness persists, bring us a water sample for analysis.

Yes, cartridge filters are ideal for variable speed pumps! Unlike sand and DE filters which need minimum flow rates to function properly, cartridge filters work great at low pump speeds. This allows your variable speed pump to run at its most efficient low speeds while still filtering effectively. It's why we recommend cartridge filters for most new installations and upgrades.

We install all major filter brands: Pentair (Clean & Clear Plus cartridge, FNS Plus DE, Triton sand), Hayward (SwimClear cartridge, Pro-Grid DE, Pro Series sand), and Jandy (CV/CL cartridge, DEV/DEL DE). All are excellent quality—we typically recommend matching your filter brand to your pump for a cohesive equipment pad.