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Common Questions About Pool Filters

• SHOULD I BUY A SAND FILTER OR CARTRIDGE FILTER FOR MY POOL?

  The best filter depends on your backyard setup and maintenance preference. Sand filters are incredibly easy to clean if you have a built-in waste line for backwashing, while cartridge filters clean the water down to a much finer micron level but require you to manually remove and spray down the filters.

  • Sand Filters: They filter out debris down to about 20–40 microns. You clean them simply by turning a valve to backwash the dirt out the waste line. The sand needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

  • Cartridge Filters: These filters capture much smaller dirt particles, providing clearer water. However, you must physically remove the cartridges to clean them, and the internal cartridges need replacing every 4 seasons or so.

  Compare the classic Hayward 24″ Pro Series Sand Filter with the ultra-clear Hayward SwimClear Cartridge Filter and find the perfect match for your pool!

• HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN OR BACKWASH MY FILTER?

  You should clean your filter when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI higher than its “clean” starting pressure.

  • Sand/Glass: Usually requires backwashing every 2–4 weeks.

  • Cartridge: Usually requires a deep spray-down every 4–8 weeks depending on bather load.

• WHAT IS GLASS MEDIA, AND WHY IS IT BETTER THAN SAND?

  Yes, upgrading your sand filter with glass media is one of the best investments you can make for water clarity. Glass media filters particles down to 3–5 microns, whereas traditional sand only filters down to 20–40 microns.

  • Lifespan: Standard filter sand breaks down and requires replacement every 3 to 5 years. Glass media is highly durable and can last for 8 to 10 years or more.
  • Less Maintenance: Because glass media is lighter and less prone to clogging, you will not have to backwash it nearly as often as traditional sand, saving you both time and water.

  Want crystal-clear water with less maintenance? Contact us today about upgrading your current sand to premium glass media during your next Pool Filter Installation.

• HOW LONG DO FILTER CARTRIDGES LAST?

  With proper cleaning, most high-quality cartridges last 2–3 seasons. If you notice the fabric is fraying, the plastic ends are cracked, or the pressure remains high even after a thorough cleaning, it’s time for a replacement.

• CAN A BETTER FILTER REALLY SAVE ME MONEY?

  Yes. A high-efficiency filter (like a large-capacity cartridge or glass media) creates less “back-pressure.” This allows your pump to move water more easily, which reduces wear and tear on the motor and can lower your daily energy consumption. Plus, cleaner water means you’ll spend less on “shock” and clarifying chemicals.

• DO I NEED TO REPLACE MY POOL FILTER WITH THE EXACT SAME BRAND?

  While you can switch filter types (like moving from a sand filter to a cartridge system), we highly recommend replacing your filter with the same brand and model style whenever possible to save money on installation labor.

  • The “Like-for-Like” Rule: Sand and cartridge filters are essentially large pressure vessels with minimal electronic tech built in. If you swap an old Hayward sand filter for a new Hayward sand filter, the PVC plumbing and valves will line up perfectly, meaning less pipe cutting and a faster, cheaper installation!

  Need help identifying your current filter? Send a photo to our team, or book a seamless Professional Filter Installation in the GTA today!

• WHAT SIZE POOL FILTER DO I NEED?

  Your pool filter must be sized appropriately to handle the maximum flow rate (Gallons Per Minute) produced by your pool pump. As a general rule of thumb, you should always size up your filter when possible to improve water circulation and put less strain on your pool equipment.

  • Why Bigger is Better: A larger filter has more surface area to trap dirt. This means your water stays cleaner, you don’t have to backwash or rinse the filter as often, and your pump doesn’t have to work as hard to push water through the system.

  Don’t risk blowing out your plumbing with an undersized filter! Let our experts pair the perfect filter to your pump by booking a Pool Filter Installation with Crush Pools.