Walk into any pool supply store — or browse any pool supply website — and you'll quickly run into three types of filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (D.E.). Each works differently, each has its own maintenance routine, and each suits a different kind of pool owner. Genesis manufactures all three, and they're all available at PST Pool Supplies. This guide breaks down how each filter works, who it's best for, and where the Genesis lineup fits in.
How Pool Filters Work (The Quick Version)
All pool filters do the same job: they remove particles — dirt, algae, oils, debris — from your water before it gets recirculated back into your pool. Where they differ is in the filtration media they use and how fine a particle they can catch.
- Sand filters use a bed of silica sand to trap particles as water passes through.
- Cartridge filters use pleated polyester cartridges that physically capture debris.
- D.E. filters coat a grid with diatomaceous earth powder — fossilized microscopic organisms — to achieve the finest filtration of the three.
Understanding these differences helps you pick the system that matches your pool's size, how often you use it, and how much maintenance you're willing to do. Below, we've featured one Genesis representative of each filter type so you can see them side by side with live pricing.
Sand Filters: Reliable, Low-Maintenance, and Budget-Friendly
Sand filters are the most common type of pool filter for good reason. They're durable, require minimal maintenance, and sand typically only needs to be replaced every 5–7 years under normal conditions.
How maintenance works: When a sand filter gets dirty, you backwash it — a simple process where you reverse the water flow to flush trapped debris out through a waste line. Most sand filters have a multi-port valve with a backwash setting built right in.
Genesis sand filter options:
- The Genesis 26" Oval Sand Filter features a one-piece corrosion-proof roto-molded tank, a 7-function top-mount multi-port valve, and a high-flow internal diffuser for even water distribution. The oval design gives you extra sand capacity compared to standard round tanks.
- The Genesis 19" Sand Filter and Genesis 22" Sand Filter come as complete bundles paired with 1 HP or 2 HP pumps — everything you need in one box.
Best for: Pool owners who want a proven, no-fuss system with a low day-to-day maintenance burden. Great for above-ground pools and smaller in-ground pools.
Trade-off: Sand filters catch particles down to about 20–40 microns — effective, but not as fine as cartridge or D.E. systems. You may notice water isn't quite as sparkling clear as with higher-end filtration.
Cartridge Filters: Finer Filtration, No Backwashing
Cartridge filters offer finer filtration than sand — typically catching particles down to 10–15 microns — without the need for a backwash line. Instead of backwashing, you periodically remove the cartridge(s) and rinse them with a hose.
This makes cartridge filters especially practical in areas where water conservation is a priority or where space doesn't allow for a waste line. Because they don't backwash, they also don't send water and chemicals down the drain — which means less water consumption and fewer chemical top-offs.
Genesis cartridge filter options:
- The Genesis 100 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter (bundled with a 2 HP pump) handles mid-size pools with a compact footprint and easy debris removal.
- The Genesis 150 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter (bundled with a 2 HP pump) steps up the capacity for larger pools, still in a manageable package.
- The Genesis 425 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter is a quad-cartridge commercial-grade system built for large residential or commercial pools. Its fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene body and NSF listing signal serious, long-term performance. It can also be converted to a D.E. filter by swapping internals.
Best for: Pool owners who want cleaner water than sand provides, live in drought-prone areas, or don't have space for a backwash line.
Trade-off: Cartridges need periodic cleaning (typically every 4–6 weeks during peak season) and replacement every 1–3 years depending on pool use. No backwash is a plus, but it does mean rolling up your sleeves occasionally.
D.E. Filters: The Gold Standard for Water Clarity
Diatomaceous earth filters offer the finest filtration available for residential pools — catching particles as small as 2–5 microns. If you want water so clear it looks like glass, D.E. is the gold standard.
How maintenance works: After backwashing a D.E. filter, you add fresh D.E. powder through the skimmer to recoat the filter grids. It's a bit more involved than the other two types, but many pool owners find the water quality worth it.
Genesis D.E. filter option:
- The Genesis 48 Sq Ft D.E. Filter is NSF listed, features 2.5" internal piping, a stainless steel pressure gauge, and a convertible design that allows it to be reconfigured as a cartridge filter if your needs change.
Best for: In-ground pool owners who prioritize pristine water clarity and don't mind a slightly more involved maintenance routine.
Trade-off: D.E. powder requires careful handling and disposal. Maintenance is more involved than sand or cartridge, and D.E. systems typically cost more upfront.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Feature | Sand | Cartridge | D.E. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filtration level | ~20–40 microns | ~10–15 microns | ~2–5 microns |
| Maintenance | Backwash as needed | Rinse & replace cartridge | Backwash + recharge with D.E. |
| Water conservation | Backwash uses water | No backwash | Backwash uses water |
| Typical cost | Lower | Mid | Higher |
| Best water clarity | Good | Very good | Excellent |
Which Genesis Filter Should You Choose?
- On a budget and want simplicity? Go with a Genesis sand filter bundle.
- Want cleaner water without a backwash line? A Genesis cartridge filter bundle — or the 425 sq ft cartridge for larger pools — is your best bet.
- Serious about water clarity? The Genesis 48 Sq Ft D.E. filter delivers the finest filtration available.
Browse all Genesis pool filters at PST Pool Supplies and find the system that fits your pool, your lifestyle, and your budget.