Do you think you're effectively filtering your pool water? However, your choice of filter could be costing you a lot without you even knowing it. Water savings, maintenance, performance… one filter stands out in 2025. Here's everything you need to know to avoid a mistake that impacts your budget (and the planet).
Why your pool filter is more strategic than you think
80% of a pool's cleanliness depends on filtration. A good filter allows you to:
- Capture fine and visible impurities
- Limit the use of chemical products
- Maintain clear water with less effort
But not all filters are created equal. Their choice impacts water quality, energy consumption, and your water bill.
Sand filter vs. cartridge filter: what are the concrete differences?
Two technologies, two approaches
A sand filter uses a tank filled with sand or filter glass: water passes through it, and impurities are retained. A cartridge filter, on the other hand, passes water through a pleated fiber cartridge that retains finer particles.
Result on filtration fineness
Here's what each filter type can retain:
| Filter type | Filtration fineness |
|---|---|
| Sand filter | 30 to 50 microns |
| Cartridge filter | 10 to 20 microns |
The finer the filtration, the clearer the water, and the less impurities accumulate. Clear advantage: cartridge filter.
Installation, maintenance, consumption: which is the most practical?
Installation: compact or bulky?
Sand filters take up space and require connection to a drain. Conversely, cartridge filters are compact and can be easily installed in small technical rooms or above-ground pools.
Maintenance: how much water are you wasting without knowing it?
- Sand filter: backwash cleaning = 300 L of water per operation
- Cartridge filter: quick rinse with a jet of water = no discharge
Over a season, a cartridge filter can save up to 90% of water. A real lever for savings and a gesture for the planet.
Durability and hidden costs: what to expect over 10 years
Sand filter: robust but resource-intensive
The filter body lasts more than 10 years, but the media (sand or glass) must be changed every 5 to 7 years. And numerous backwashes increase the water bill season after season.
Cartridge filter: consumables, but a real saving
Cartridges need to be replaced every 2 to 5 years depending on use, but their simple cleaning and the absence of backwashing allow for lasting savings.
The cartridge filter, the champion across the board
The 3 reasons to prefer the cartridge
- Quick installation, even in a small space
- Easy maintenance, without water waste
- Finer filtration = fewer chemicals
It is also compatible with variable speed pumps, which further reduces energy consumption.
Replacing a sand filter: a simple and profitable renovation
What signs indicate it's time to change?
Cloudy water, more frequent cleaning, reduced flow… these are the first signs that a replacement is necessary. It's also the ideal opportunity to switch to a more modern solution.
Check 3 points before installing a cartridge filter
Before making the change, ensure that:
- Your pump's flow rate is suitable
- The pressure does not exceed 1.5 bar
- The diameter of the connections is compatible (or adaptable)
Choose the right size for optimal results
A filter that's too small gets clogged quickly, while an oversized model performs better. Here are some guidelines:
- Pool < 30 m³ → flow rate 4-6 m³/h, filtering surface 3-6 m²
- Pool 30-60 m³ → flow rate 6-12 m³/h, surface 6-10 m²
- Pool > 60 m³ → flow rate 12-18 m³/h, surface > 10 m²
And in the long run, who wins?
The cartridge filter, hands down. Less water consumption, faster maintenance, cleaner water… and ultimately, a real saving over 10 years. Even with regular replacement of cartridges, you save on water and chemicals.
? Need help choosing or replacing your filter? Contact our team of specialized advisors for personalized support.
