3 Things to Know When Buying a New Pool Filter Cartridge

They say your swimming pool’s filter is the kidney of the pool system, and without proper filtration, your pool will eventually become dirty and unhealthy (so to say). That being said, having a cartridge filter that’s in proper working order is essential to keeping your pool free from blockage. So if your filter’s cartridge is dirty, torn up and not in proper working condition, you should consider getting a swimming pool filter cartridge replacement as soon as possible.

When shopping for a swimming pool filter cartridge replacement, you need to know a couple of things in order to ensure you get the right one. These things include knowing the difference between OEM cartridges and generic brand cartridges, the differences between different filter materials and the purpose of cartridge’s bands.

OEM cartridge filters are generally more expensive, but they’re also generally made of better-quality materials. However, in terms of performance, generic brand cartridges perform just as well as OEM cartridge filters. Of course, not all generic parts are created equal, and if you don’t properly maintain the filter, you won’t get the filtration you need. That being said, some people prefer having OEM over generic filters, but for the most part, a generic brand filter is the preferred option for most.

In terms of filter materials, the most popular one is spun-bound polyester, which is specifically designed to increase surface area in less space, it is easy-to-clean and it is resistant to chemicals. Another popular material is microfiber, which is an antimicrobial blend which prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and mold around the cartridges. However, this doesn’t mean that these microorganisms can’t grow somewhere else like the pool’s skimmers.

And lastly, you need to consider the number of bands that the filter will have. The whole purpose of the bands is to prevent the pleats from moving when your pool is being filtered. As the glue on the bands starts deteriorating, the integrity of the pleats will be compromised. Further, bands help pleat spacing, which makes filter maintenance easier. So basically, the more bands the filter has, the sturdier the pleats will be, meaning the cartridge’s lifespan will be prolonged.

Generally, once the bands start deteriorating, it’s a sign that you need to replace the cartridge. Sure, the inner core of the cartridge may be intact, but it won’t stay like that for long, and the filter might not continue filtering optimally for much longer.