Nothing beats a long pool day out in the summer sun with your friends or family—that is if the pool is clean enough for you to go near it.

Many homeowners install a swimming pool, only to never bother maintaining it. Making it look clean and inviting is not just something you can do by scooping a few leaves out with your net. A complete cleaning system is important if you want to maintain pool health, and a pool filter is a vital part of that system.

There many varieties, brands and models of pool filters in the market. The Hayward pool filter is usually considered the best, with Waterway, Jendy, and Pentair close behind.

If you want to know more about pool filters and their different types, keep reading.

How Does a Pool Filter Work?

Pool filters are typically fixed to the plumbing system of your pool. These water filters use various mechanisms to remove debris and other impurities from the water. Depending on the type, they can catch even the smallest of debris by acting as physical barriers.

They work alongside your pool’s pump and motors. The water pump pulls water from the pool using the power from the motor and helps it pass through the filter. Once the water goes through the filter, the pump circulates it back out.

Both above-ground and in-ground systems are available. Above-ground systems are usually known as a ‘plug and play’ type that you can easily attach to the pool cleaning system.

Types of Pool Filters

Cartridge Filters

You can find loads of Hayward pool filters under this category because they're quite popular in residential pools. Cartridge filters are most effective for small to medium-sized pools and will filter particles that are sized 10 microns.

Side note: A micron refers to a micrometer, which is around one-millionth of a meter. For reference, a human hair strand is around 50 microns.

Cartridge filters are a medium-priced option because they cost more than sand filters but less the DE filters.

A cartridge Hayward pool filter will contain around three to four filter cartridges made of polyester or paper. Both of these materials have a tight weave that allows them to trap fine contaminate particles easily. As the particles get trapped in the cartridges, they can start to get clogged. You will need to clean them at this point. Remove the cartridge from the tank and spray it with a hose.

Cartridge filters are effortless to use, energy-efficient and inexpensive to maintain. They require much less water pressure to work than the other two types.

However, keep in mind that most cartridges will only last two to three years and will need deep cleaning twice a year.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are the budget choice for owners who want to spend the least amount of time and money on maintenance. They’re typically used in big pools because they don’t clog as bad as the other options.

You can find loads of Hayward pool filters of this type for a much lower price than any cartridge or DE filters. They're made up of a large filtration tank containing, you guessed it, sand. The pool pump drives water through the tank and the sand filters particles over 20 microns.

The pool sand is specially designed for this job and cannot be replaced by just any other option. You have three choices when it comes to sand:

• #20 Silica Sand: This is the standard sand for this filter and the cheapest.

• ZeoSand: ZeoSand is made of zeolite and is more efficient than the previous options. You only need half as much of it. It also filters finer particles.

• Filter glass: This is recycled, finely crushed glass that can help filter particles up to 5 microns.

Sand filters, however, are inefficient and require backwashing.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

DE Filters are the highest-end, premium options when it comes to pool filters. They are able to trap the tiniest of particles. There aren’t many Hayward pool filter models that fall under this category.

DE filter tanks consist of grids lined with crumbly, white powder made of the crushed fossilized scraps of plankton. The pump drives water through the bottom of the filter and back out into the pool.

They’re not a very popular choice for residential pools because of how expensive they are to install and maintain.

Find Hayward Pool Filters at Discount Pool Supply

Now that you know all about pool filters, you’re ready to make your choice. We would recommend that you go with a Hayward pool filter since they’re usually the best.

However, DiscountPoolSupply also has all kinds of pool filters, including Carvin, Unicel, Pentair, etc., at the best prices. Before choosing any pool filter, make sure you consider your needs and budget.