For pools that get heavy use, sand pool filters are superior choices to cartridge and DE pool filtration systems. Sand pool filters strain particles down to about 60 microns, while cartridge and DE filters strain particles down to 20 and 7 microns, respectively. Sand filtration systems deal with extreme amounts of dirt and waste better because such high levels of debris would clog up a cartridge or DE pool filtration system quickly. This reduces your pool maintenance time.