DE filters vs cartridge filters: DE wins on clarity, cartridge wins on ease

DE filters trap particles down to 2-5 microns for sparkly water, but require backwashing and adding fresh powder. Cartridge filters catch 10-15 microns—still clean enough—and just need a hose-off and yearly replacement. Pick DE if you want the clearest water and don’t mind labor; pick cartridge if you’d rather spend less time on maintenance.