If your pool water looks cloudy or the pressure gauge just won’t drop, your filter might be the problem. Pool filters work hard to trap dirt, oils, leaves, and debris so your water stays clean and clear. But how long do pool filters last before they call it quits?
The short answer: it depends. Let’s break it down by filter type, usage, and care. Great Falls Pools is here to help you understand your system and keep it running smoothly.
What Do Pool Filters Actually Do?
Pool filters trap particles that make water cloudy or unsafe. Your pump circulates water through the filter, where debris is caught and clean water is returned to the pool. But no filter lasts forever.
“Filtration impacts water quality, and perhaps that translates to air quality too. One thing we do know is more contaminants trapped in the filter means less contaminants circulating.” – Chloramine Consulting
Types of Pool Filters and Their Lifespan
Cartridge Filters
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Best for: Residential pools with lighter loads
- Care tip: Rinse monthly and replace when pleats look worn or water flow doesn’t improve after cleaning
Cartridge filters are simple and effective, but clog more quickly than sand or DE. Think of them like heavy-duty coffee filters.
Sand Filters
- Lifespan: 5–7 years for sand, 10–15 years for the tank
- Best for: Larger or commercial pools
- Care tip: Backwash regularly and change sand every 5–7 years
Sand doesn’t wear out as much as it gets gunked up. Cleaning or replacing the media helps your system stay efficient.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters
- Lifespan: 10+ years for the tank
- Best for: Pools that need crystal-clear water
- Care tip: Replace the DE powder after each backwash
These offer the best filtration but require the most maintenance.
What Impacts How Long Your Filter Lasts?
- Bather load: More swimmers = more debris to trap
- Water chemistry: Imbalanced water damages filter parts
- Debris levels: Leaves, pollen, and dust clog filters faster
- Maintenance habits: Cleaning keeps filters running better, longer
- Equipment quality: Higher-end filters hold up better under pressure
Signs You Need a New Filter
- Water stays cloudy after cleaning
- Pressure gauge stays high
- Cracks in tanks or worn filter media
- Reduced water flow
Still not sure? Our weekly pool service can help you stay ahead of the curve.
How to Make Pool Filters Last Longer
- Backwash or rinse on schedule
- Monitor pressure gauges for spikes
- Balance your pool water chemistry
- Clean skimmers and baskets regularly
- Use a pool cover to reduce debris
- Schedule expert maintenance checks
Need help keeping up? Just contact us to schedule professional service.
Service Area
We proudly serve Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Falls Church, Annandale, Burke, Springfield, and Reston), eastern Loudoun County (Sterling, Ashburn, and Lansdowne), Arlington, and the City of Falls Church. We also serve Northwest Washington, D.C. (Georgetown, Spring Valley, and Palisades) and Potomac, Maryland.
Let Great Falls Pools Help
Wondering how long do pool filters last? Let Great Falls Pools inspect your system, maintain your equipment, and keep your water looking amazing. We’re here so you can relax and enjoy your swim.