Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
A cartridge filter is the most common choice for a residential swimming pool. It will filter out particles down to 5 microns. (The smallest particle visible to the human eye is 35 microns.) If you feel that you need to filter out even smaller particles, or if your pool will be used for public purposes and is therefore subject to stringent codes, instead choose a diatomaceous earth filter (see Swimming Pool Filters: Diatomaceous Earth) or a sand filter (see Swimming Pool Filters: Sand).
A cartridge filter is less expensive than a DE filter but costs a bit more than a sand filter. Cartridge filters are the easiest to maintain, and cleaning them uses much less water than is required to clean the other two types. A cartridge filter also requires less water pressure to work than does a DE or sand filter, so there is less strain on the pump.
A typical cartridge filter houses three or four filters, or cartridges. The cartridges are usually made of paper or polyester, which has a tight weave to filter out all but the finest contaminate particles. The particles are trapped in the cartridges; after a time, the cartridges become clogged and must be cleaned or replaced.
Typically, about twice a season cartridges should be removed and cleaned by simply aiming a hose at them. If that does not work sufficiently, try soaking them in a mild detergent and then rinsing thoroughly. Or, simply replace the cartridges.
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