Your pool water looks fine at first. Then the afternoon sun hits it, and you notice a faint haze, fine dust settling on the floor, or that ‘not quite sparkling’ look that won’t go away. The pressure gauge is creeping higher than usual, and suddenly, you’re cleaning the filter more often than you remember.
These are usually the first signs your filtration system is working overtime and not in a good way.
If you’re deciding between a sand filter or cartridge filter, you’re likely dealing with an ageing setup, planning an upgrade, or simply tired of how much time your pool demands. Both options are proven performers, but they work differently and suit very different lifestyles. Understanding those differences is the key to choosing the right filter for your WA pool.
Key Takeaways
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Good filtration keeps your pool clear and your equipment working efficiently.
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Sand filters prioritise durability and quick cleaning.
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Cartridge filters prioritise water efficiency and finer filtration.
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Long-term costs are similar; maintenance style is the deciding factor.
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Choosing the right filter reduces ongoing maintenance and equipment stress.
Why Filtration Matters More Than Most Pool Owners Realise
Your filter is the workhorse of your pool system. Every litre of water passes through it multiple times a day—ideally twice a day—carrying fine dust, sunscreen oils, body fats, pollen, and microscopic debris.
When filtration is working properly, your water stays clear, and your chemicals stay balanced. When it isn’t, you’ll often see:
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Cloudy or dull water indicates inadequate filtration.
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Increased chemical use because the filter isn't removing organic matter.
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Higher pressure on pumps and chlorinators.
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More frequent cleaning or system alerts.
Good filtration supports everything else. It’s not just about how clean your pool looks, but how efficiently the entire system runs.
How Pool Filters Work
All pool filters do the same basic job: they trap debris as water flows through a porous material, then return clean water to the pool. The difference between a sand filter or cartridge filter comes down to the filter media used and the cleaning process.
Sand Filters: Durability and Ease
Sand filters use a large tank filled with specially graded filter sand or media. As water flows down through the sand bed, dirt and debris are caught between the grains.
Why Pool Owners Choose Sand Filters:
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Tough and reliable: Well-suited to outdoor pools and regular use.
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Easy to clean: Backwashing takes just a few minutes and is done by simply rotating a multi-port valve handle.
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Low effort day-to-day: No dismantling of the tank is required for standard cleaning.
Like any filtration system, sand filters work best when you understand their limitations as well as their strengths:
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Filtration level: Typically removes particles down to 20–40 microns.
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Water usage: Backwashing pumps water directly to the waste line, which reduces your pool's water level.
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Maintenance: Sand beds should be chemically cleaned twice a year to remove grease and oils.
Cartridge Filters: Precision and Efficiency
Cartridge filters use pleated fabric cartridges housed inside a compact tank. Water passes through the pleats, and debris collects on the fabric surface.
Why Pool Owners Choose Cartridge Filters:
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Finer filtration: Often filters down to 10–20 microns for superior clarity.
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Minimal water loss: No backwashing is required, saving significant amounts of water.
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Energy efficient: Lower system resistance can support modern variable-speed pumps.
That level of filtration comes with a bit more involvement. While cartridge filters are efficient and effective, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind:
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Manual cleaning: Cartridges must be removed from the tank and hosed down by hand.
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Time investment: Cleaning takes more time and physical effort than turning a backwash valve.
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Ongoing costs: Cartridges should be chemically soaked every six months and eventually replaced to maintain performance.
Sand Filter or Cartridge Filter: Side-by-Side
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Feature |
Sand Filter |
Cartridge Filter |
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Filtration Level |
20–40 microns |
10–20 microns |
|
Cleaning Method |
Backwashing (Turn a valve) |
Manual hosing (Dismantle tank) |
|
Water Usage |
Higher (Water sent to waste) |
Very low (No backwashing) |
|
Maintenance Effort |
Low |
Moderate |
|
Ongoing Cost |
Sand replacement (Years) |
Cartridge replacement |
Cost and Maintenance Over Time
When weighing up a sand filter or cartridge filter, upfront pricing is often similar. The bigger difference shows up over time in how each system is maintained. Sand filters use water during backwashing but are quick and simple to clean, while cartridge filters save water but require more hands-on cleaning and periodic cartridge replacement.
Over the long term, ownership costs are usually comparable. For most pool owners, the deciding factor isn’t price, but whether they prefer convenience or efficiency in day-to-day maintenance.
Which Filter Suits Your Pool Best?
There’s no universal ‘better’ option when it comes to pool filters. The right choice depends on how your pool is used, how much maintenance you’re comfortable with, and how your system performs in Western Australian conditions.
A sand filter is often the better fit if:
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You want quick, low-effort cleaning with minimal hands-on work
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Your pool sees heavy use from family, guests, or pets
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You prefer a robust system that handles larger debris loads reliably
A cartridge filter may suit you better if:
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Water efficiency is a high priority
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You’re aiming for the clearest possible, sparkling water
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Space around your pool equipment is limited
When to Upgrade Your Filtration
Most pool owners start comparing a sand filter or cartridge filter when their current system no longer matches how their pool is being used.
If your equipment is more than ten years old, no longer keeps up during peak swimming periods, or struggles to support newer pumps, chlorinators, or automation, it may be time to review your filtration setup. Changes to pool usage, family size, or maintenance expectations can also mean an older filter is no longer the right fit.
Upgrading to a correctly sized, modern sand filter or cartridge filter can significantly improve circulation and reduce unnecessary stress on pumps, chlorinators, and other connected equipment.
Get Your Filtration Working Properly
Choosing the right sand filter or cartridge filter is about more than water clarity. When your filtration system suits your pool and how it’s used, everything runs more smoothly, from chemical efficiency to equipment lifespan.
At Pool Assist, our licensed technicians have over 100 years of combined experience across Perth. We assess your full system, recommend the right filtration setup, and handle professional installation and servicing with ease.
Book a filtration health check or request a quote today and get your pool working the way it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which filter is easier to maintain long-term?
A. Sand filters are usually easier in day-to-day use, as cleaning involves turning a valve rather than dismantling the filter. Cartridge filters require more hands-on cleaning, but some pool owners prefer this trade-off for improved filtration and water efficiency.
Q. How long does a sand filter or cartridge filter last?
A. The filter tank itself can last many years if well-maintained. Sand typically needs replacing every few years, while cartridges wear over time and eventually need replacing. Regular servicing helps extend the life of both systems.
Q. Can I switch from a sand filter to a cartridge filter?
A. In many cases, yes. However, the suitability depends on factors like pool size, pump capacity, plumbing layout, and how the pool is used. A professional assessment ensures the new filter is correctly sized and integrated with your existing equipment.
Q. Should I upgrade my filter when replacing other equipment?
A. Often, yes. Upgrading pumps, chlorinators, or automation can change the demands on your filtration system. Reviewing the filter at the same time helps ensure everything works together efficiently.
Q. Are cartridge filters harder to clean than sand filters?
A. They aren’t difficult, but they are more hands-on. Cartridge cleaning takes longer than backwashing a sand filter and requires removing and rinsing the cartridge thoroughly.