Sand, cartridge and DE filters
Clear answers on pool filter maintenance
Sand, cartridge, or DE. How to clean it, when to replace it, and which products are worth buying, built from the filter makers' own manuals and spec sheets.
- Sourced from manuals and spec sheets
- No paid placements
- Honest affiliate policy
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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 guidesHow to change sand, how much you need, troubleshooting cloudy water, and which brand to buy.
Browse guidesCartridge Filters
5 guidesCleaning schedules, when to replace, chemical soak vs hose rinse, and the best cartridges.
Browse guidesDE Filters
4 guidesHow diatomaceous earth filters work, full grid cleaning walkthrough, and recharging DE powder.
Browse guidesBackwashing
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
The best pool filters and accessories at every budget, compared on specs and value.
Most Read
Popular guides
The questions pool owners search most, answered in full.
How to Backwash a Pool Filter
Step-by-step for sand and DE filters, including Hayward and Pentair.
How to Change Pool Filter Sand
Includes how much sand you need by filter size and model.
How Much DE for Pool Filter?
First charge vs recharge amounts, with a sizing table by filter model.
How Often to Backwash Pool Filter
The PSI rule explained, not the calendar rule.
How to Clean a Pool Filter
Sand, cartridge, and DE cleaning in one guide, with a frequency table.
Pool Filter Size Calculator
Enter your pool size to get the right filter, media amounts, and pump flow.
How Long Should a Pool Filter Run?
The turnover rate formula, per-gallon guide, and seasonal adjustments.
Our Standards
How this site works
Spec-Checked Research
Every recommendation is built from manufacturer specifications, published standards, and aggregated owner reports, and we say plainly when a claim is the manufacturer talking rather than us.
Manufacturer-First Advice
Maintenance guidance follows the filter makers' own manuals (Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, Intex). Where the makers disagree, the guide says so and gives the range.
Honest Affiliate Policy
We earn commissions on some links, but never change a recommendation for them. The full disclosure policy is public and linked from every guide.