Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Cartridge pool filters have a loyal fan base, and they also get hit with the same two critiques over and over: you cannot backwash them, and you cannot easily vacuum to waste. We take those arguments seriously and walk through what is actually true, what is overstated, and what you can fix with smarter equipment choices. If you have ever wondered whether you picked the “wrong” pool filter, this breakdown will help you decide with confidence.
We start with backwashing. Sand filters and DE filters rely on backwash to restore flow and drop rising PSI, but cartridge pleats do not shed debris that way. The key detail most people miss is capacity: a large quad cartridge filter in the 400 to 500 square foot range can hold dramatically more dirt than smaller DE setups, and it often goes four to six months between cleanings in many areas. In dusty regions like the desert, cleaning is more frequent, but the job can still be faster and simpler than you might think.
Then we tackle filtration myths and real-world water clarity. DE filters can filter smaller particles on paper, yet the difference between 3 microns and typical cartridge filtration is not something you can spot with your eyes when chemistry, circulation, and maintenance are dialed in. We also get practical about the “vacuum to waste” advantage of multiport valves, how to add a waste bypass to a cartridge system, and the gear pros use when a pool is trashed after a storm or during a green pool cleanup. We finish with ways to reduce cleaning frequency using a cyclonic prefilter like the Waterco MultiCyclone, plus an honest look at mess, safety, and how long cartridges and DE grids really last today.
If this helped you think more clearly about cartridge filters vs DE vs sand, subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
We break down the biggest complaints about cartridge pool filters and test whether they hold up in real pool service. We compare cartridge, DE, and sand filtration on backwashing, water clarity, vacuum-to-waste options, cleaning mess, and long-term costs.
• why cartridge filters cannot be backwashed and why that matters less with large quad cartridges
• how square footage affects PSI rise, flow, and cleaning intervals
• micron ratings and why water clarity looks the same between cartridge and DE
• when vacuuming to waste is genuinely useful and what cartridge owners can add to get it
• prefiltration with a Waterco MultiCyclone to trap dirt before the cartridge
• cleaning speed tradeoffs and tools that reduce bending and time
• DE cleanup downsides, mess around the pad, and health concerns with DE dust
• realistic lifespan and replacement costs for cartridges versus DE grids today
Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you also are interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.
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Support the show (buzzsprout.com/110832/support)
Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
Visit my Website: swimmingpoollearning.com
Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@SPL
Podcast Site: the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com
UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA
Pool Guy Coaching Group
Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business.
Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)
$59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! patreon.com/poolguycoaching
Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits
[ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]
$50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road
Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits
Cartridge pool filters have a loyal fan base, and they also get hit with the same two critiques over and over: you cannot backwash them, and you cannot easily vacuum to waste. We take those arguments seriously and walk through what is actually true, what is overstated, and what you can fix with smarter equipment choices. If you have ever wondered whether you picked the “wrong” pool filter, this breakdown will help you decide with confidence.
We start with backwashing. Sand filters and DE filters rely on backwash to restore flow and drop rising PSI, but cartridge pleats do not shed debris that way. The key detail most people miss is capacity: a large quad cartridge filter in the 400 to 500 square foot range can hold dramatically more dirt than smaller DE setups, and it often goes four to six months between cleanings in many areas. In dusty regions like the desert, cleaning is more frequent, but the job can still be faster and simpler than you might think.
Then we tackle filtration myths and real-world water clarity. DE filters can filter smaller particles on paper, yet the difference between 3 microns and typical cartridge filtration is not something you can spot with your eyes when chemistry, circulation, and maintenance are dialed in. We also get practical about the “vacuum to waste” advantage of multiport valves, how to add a waste bypass to a cartridge system, and the gear pros use when a pool is trashed after a storm or during a green pool cleanup. We finish with ways to reduce cleaning frequency using a cyclonic prefilter like the Waterco MultiCyclone, plus an honest look at mess, safety, and how long cartridges and DE grids really last today.
If this helped you think more clearly about cartridge filters vs DE vs sand, subscribe, share this with a pool owner or pool pro, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
We break down the biggest complaints about cartridge pool filters and test whether they hold up in real pool service. We compare cartridge, DE, and sand filtration on backwashing, water clarity, vacuum-to-waste options, cleaning mess, and long-term costs.
• why cartridge filters cannot be backwashed and why that matters less with large quad cartridges
• how square footage affects PSI rise, flow, and cleaning intervals
• micron ratings and why water clarity looks the same between cartridge and DE
• when vacuuming to waste is genuinely useful and what cartridge owners can add to get it
• prefiltration with a Waterco MultiCyclone to trap dirt before the cartridge
• cleaning speed tradeoffs and tools that reduce bending and time
• DE cleanup downsides, mess around the pad, and health concerns with DE dust
• realistic lifespan and replacement costs for cartridges versus DE grids today
Are you a pool service pro looking to take your business to the next level? Join the pool guy coaching program. Learn more at swimmingpoollearning.com. If you also are interested in the coaching program, you can learn more at PoolGuyCoaching.com.
Send us Fan Mail (buzzsprout.com/110832/fan_mail/new)
Support the Pool Guy Podcast Show Sponsors!
HASA REWARDS App
hasa.com/hasa-app
The Bottom Feeder. Save $100 with Code: DVB100
store.thebottomfeeder.com
Try Skimmer FREE for 30 days:
getskimmer.com/poolguy
Get UPA Liability Insurance $64 a month! https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA
Support the show (buzzsprout.com/110832/support)
Thanks for listening, and I hope you find the Podcast helpful! For other free resources to further help you:
Visit my Website: swimmingpoollearning.com
Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@SPL
Podcast Site: the-pool-guy-podcast-show.onpodium.com
UPA General Liability Insurance Application: https://forms.gle/F9YoTWNQ8WnvT4QBA
Pool Guy Coaching Group
Join an exclusive network of Pool Service Technicians to access the industry’s leading commercial general liability insurance program. Protect your business.
Premium is $64 per month per member (additional $40 for employees and ICs)
$59 per month for Pool Guy coaching Members - join here! patreon.com/poolguycoaching
Limits are $1,000,000 in occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate - Per member limits
[ $1,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate available for $75 per month ]
$50,000 in HazMat Coverage - clean up on-site or over-the-road
Acid Wash Coverage - Full Limits
