Filter Media

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

How it works:
Able to trap anything larger than 2 microns, this type of filter gives you the cleanest pool water out of the four types. Diatomaceous earth, the medium used in this filter, is made up of fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae, and each grain has microscopic holes running through it to trap even the finest particles. DE filters have internal elements that become coated with DE. It is this ‘filter cake’ that strains dirt, dust, algae, and some forms of bacteria from the water.

Pros:

Filters down to 2 microns
Large surface area requires less maintenance

Cons:

Needs to be backwashed as well, though not as often as sand filters
Costs to replace DE each time you backwash it
Time and effort to replenish the DE powder in the filter

Glass Pearls

How it works:
One of the newest filter media on the market, Glass Pearls offer a filtration level comparable to DE. Made from pure glass, the Glass Pearls filter out anything larger than 3 microns, giving you superior quality water.

Pros:

Small effective size of only 0.6mm to 0.8mm. Its narrow particle size range allows very effective in-depth filtration
Spherical shape of beads means less friction levels inside the filter and therefore requiring only 20% of the water you would use to backwash a sand filter
Chemically inert, safe, smooth and high purity

Cons:

Still requires backwashing occasionally
More costly than sand and Zeoplus