A Homeowner’s Guide to...

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 A clean and healthy pool starts with the right filtration system. Whether you own an outdoor family pool or a luxurious indoor setup, your pool filter is essential for keeping the water clear, safe, and inviting

Choosing the correct filtration system isn’t just about water clarity — it also affects maintenance time, running costs, and energy efficiency.

At Essex Pool Supplies, we’re a professional, knowledgeable, and friendly UK-based swimming pool specialist and equipment supplier, helping homeowners across the UK choose the right filtration system for their pools. This guide explains everything you need to know before buying a new or replacement pool filter.

Every pool needs a filtration system to remove dirt, debris, oils, and microscopic contaminants from the water. Without proper filtration, water can quickly become cloudy, unhygienic, and even unsafe for swimming.

A good filtration system will:

• Keep your water crystal clear
• Maintain proper chemical balance
• Reduce the need for excessive chlorine
• Extend the life of your pool equipment
• Save time on cleaning and maintenance

Your filtration system works in tandem with your pool pump, circulating water through a filter medium that traps impurities before the clean water returns to the pool.

👉 Essex Pool Supplies provides complete filtration systems, pumps, and replacement filters, designed to keep your water clear and your system efficient.

There are three main types of swimming pool filtration systems commonly used in the UK: sand filters, cartridge filters, and glass media filters. Each has its strengths depending on your pool size, usage, and maintenance preferences.

Sand Filters

• How they work: Water is pumped through a tank filled with special-grade sand. Dirt and debris are trapped in the sand bed, and clean water flows back to the pool.
• Best for: Medium to large outdoor pools or those with heavier use.
• Advantages: Durable, easy to maintain, and suitable for most UK pools.
• Maintenance: The sand must be “backwashed” periodically to flush out trapped debris and typically replaced every 5–7 years.

👉 Essex Pool Supplies offers a range of high-quality sand filters with durable construction and easy backwash operation.

Cartridge Filters

• How they work: These filters use a pleated cartridge element to trap dirt and particles as water passes through.
• Best for: Smaller pools, spas, and pools with lower debris levels.
• Advantages: Fine filtration (removes smaller particles than sand), low water wastage, and easy to clean.
• Maintenance: The cartridge should be removed and rinsed periodically and replaced when worn out

Glass Media Filters

• How they work: Similar to sand filters, but use recycled glass media instead of sand to achieve finer filtration.
• Best for: Pool owners seeking improved water clarity and lower maintenance.
• Advantages: Finer particle filtration, less frequent backwashing, and long-lasting media (up to 10 years).
• Maintenance: Backwashing still required, but far less often than with sand.

👉 Glass filter media is one of our most popular upgrade options — it offers superior water quality and reduced chemical consumption.

Whether your pool is indoors or outdoors affects which filtration system is most suitable.

Outdoor Pools

• Challenges: Exposure to leaves, dirt, pollen, and insects increases debris load.
• Recommended filters: Sand or glass media filters are generally the best choice for outdoor pools due to their durability and higher debris capacity.
• Tip: Pair your filtration system with a skimmer and leaf net to reduce strain on your filter and extend media life.

👉 Essex Pool Supplies can help you design a robust outdoor pool filtration setup to handle seasonal debris efficiently.

Indoor Pools

• Challenges: Indoor pools are more protected from debris but require precise water balance and clarity for a pleasant swimming environment.
• Recommended filters: Cartridge filters are often ideal, offering finer filtration and minimal backwashing (which helps control indoor humidity).
• Tip: Ensure your filtration system integrates well with the pool’s air-handling and heating systems for consistent performance.

👉 Our team at Essex Pool Supplies can advise on quiet, energy-efficient filtration systems perfect for indoor environments.

Modern filtration systems are more energy-efficient than ever, especially when paired with variable-speed pool pumpsand low-resistance filter media.

To maximise efficiency:

• Match your pump flow rate to the filter’s capacity
• Keep the filter clean and backwash when pressure rises
• Run filtration during off-peak energy hours when possible
• Use glass media or fine cartridges for improved performance with less resistance

👉 Essex Pool Supplies can help you choose the most efficient combination of pump and filter, reducing your energy bills and environmental footprint.

Proper maintenance keeps your filtration system running efficiently and extends its life:

• Regular cleaning: Backwash sand or glass filters as needed; rinse cartridge filters weekly during peak use.
• Monitor pressure: A rise in pressure indicates the filter needs cleaning.
• Replace media: Sand every 5–7 years, glass every 8–10 years, and cartridges as required.
• Winter care: Drain and protect your system if your pool is closed over winter.

👉 Our expert engineers can provide replacement parts, and advice to keep your system performing like new.

Choosing the right filtration system ensures clean, healthy water and protects your investment in your pool. Working with an experienced supplier like Essex Pool Supplies ensures:

• Expert advice on filter types and sizing
• Supply of trusted, high-quality brands
• Professional installation and aftercare
• Ongoing maintenance and replacement support

👉 For personalised advice on pool filtration systems in the UK, contact Essex Pool Supplies today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect solution for your pool.

Your pool filtration system is the heart of your swimming pool — keeping water sparkling, balanced, and safe all year round. Whether you choose a sand, cartridge, or glass media filter, investing in a high-quality system will save time, reduce maintenance, and enhance your swimming experience.

At Essex Pool Supplies, we supply and install a complete range of filtration systems and accessories for pools of all sizes — backed by expert advice and reliable customer support.

👉 Get in touch with Essex Pool Supplies today for expert advice, professional installation, and friendly service from your trusted UK pool specialists.