74+ expert guides · updated 2026

Clear answers on pool filter maintenance

Sand, cartridge, or DE. How to clean it, when to replace it, and which products are worth buying, written and tested by people who actually own these filters.

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NSPF-referenced data
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What type of filter do you have?

Pick your filter type to jump to the right guides and maintenance advice.

Sand Filters

8 guides

How to change sand, how much you need, troubleshooting cloudy water, and which brand to buy.

Browse guides

Cartridge Filters

5 guides

Cleaning schedules, when to replace, chemical soak vs hose rinse, and the best cartridges.

Browse guides

DE Filters

4 guides

How diatomaceous earth filters work, full grid cleaning walkthrough, and recharging DE powder.

Browse guides

Backwashing

When to backwash, how to do it right, and brand-specific steps for Hayward and Pentair.

Maintenance

Run times, PSI guides, seasonal schedules, troubleshooting, and winterizing your filter.

Product Reviews

Tested and compared: the best pool filters and accessories at every budget.

Popular guides

The questions pool owners search most, answered in full.

Backwashing 8 min read

How to Backwash a Pool Filter

Step-by-step for sand and DE filters, including Hayward and Pentair.

Sand Filters 10 min read

How to Change Pool Filter Sand

Includes how much sand you need by filter size and model.

DE Filters 5 min read

How Much DE for Pool Filter?

First charge vs recharge amounts, with a sizing table by filter model.

Backwashing 6 min read

How Often to Backwash Pool Filter

The PSI rule explained, not the calendar rule.

Maintenance 9 min read

How to Clean a Pool Filter

Sand, cartridge, and DE cleaning in one guide, with a frequency table.

Maintenance Tool read

Pool Filter Size Calculator

Enter your pool size to get the right filter, media amounts, and pump flow.

Maintenance 6 min read

How Long Should a Pool Filter Run?

The turnover rate formula, per-gallon guide, and seasonal adjustments.

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Hands-On Testing

We own and use the products we review. Every how-to is written from direct, first-hand experience, not manufacturer copy or spec sheets.

Data-Backed Advice

Maintenance schedules and water chemistry guidelines are cross-referenced with NSPF standards and published pool industry research.

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