Sand filter vs DE filter vs cartridge filter: Sand is best for most pools, DE for clarity obsessives

Sand filters are the easiest to maintain and good enough for most pools, trapping particles down to 20-40 microns. DE filters give the clearest water (down to 5 microns) but require more work—adding fresh DE powder after every backwash and cleaning grids. Cartridge filters are a decent middle ground at 10-15 microns but not really better than sand unless you have space constraints. Stick with sand unless you’re obsessed with clarity.