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Pool filtration is where most homeowners lose time and money without realizing it. Cartridge, sand, or DE — each is a different beast with different cleaning schedules, replacement intervals, and failure modes. Get it right and your water stays clear with minimal chemicals; get it wrong and you're fighting algae, high pump pressure, and ruined equipment all season. The guides below walk through filter types, cleaning vs replacing, warning signs, and which brands are actually worth buying.
Starting from scratch? Why Pool Filters Matter covers the fundamentals, and Cartridge vs Sand vs DE helps you understand what you have and what you'd replace it with.
All Pool Filter Guides
Why Pool Filters Matter
Your filter is the difference between clear water and a chemistry nightmare. Here's what it's actually removing and why chlorine alone can't keep up.
Read the guide →Cartridge vs Sand vs DE
Three filter types, three very different maintenance routines and price tags. Here's how to pick the right one — and know which one you already have.
Read the guide →Clean vs Replace: When to Do Which
Cartridges can be rinsed, soaked, or tossed depending on condition. Here's how to judge the difference — and stop throwing out salvageable filters.
Read the guide →Warning Signs of a Failing Pool Filter
Cloudy water, high pressure, short cycles, sand in the pool — each symptom points to a different failure. Here's how to diagnose before you replace.
Read the guide →Hayward vs Pentair vs Jandy
The three big names in pool equipment — who makes the longest-lasting cartridges, best replacement parts availability, and best value?
Read the guide →Note your filter pressure right after a cleaning. When it rises 8–10 PSI above that baseline, it's time to clean again. Ignoring pressure is the #1 cause of blown manifolds and cracked cartridges.
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