Sand filter vs cartridge filter: Sand wins for most pools

Sand filters are simpler, cheaper, and more durable for most backyard pools. Cartridge filters catch finer debris (10-15 microns vs 20-40) but cost more and need manual cleaning every few weeks. Sand lasts forever with cheap sand changes every 5-7 years, while cartridges need replacement every 1-2 years. The human eye can’t tell the difference in clarity, so unless you have a tree-dropping problem, go with sand.