Pool Filters in Ottawa

A properly working pool filter is essential for clean, safe water. At GBI Pools, we provide supply, installation, and replacement of inground pool filters in Ottawa, including both sand filters and cartridge filters. Our team ensures your system is sized correctly, maintained properly, and compliant with Ottawa bylaws, so your pool stays crystal clear all season.

Sand Pool Filters for Inground Pools in Ottawa

Sand filters are the most common choice for Ottawa pools, trusted for their durability and effectiveness.

  • Capture debris as small as 7-10 microns, meeting Canadian health standards
  • Require backwashing every 1-2 weeks to flush out trapped debris
  • Need sand replacement every 5-7 years for peak performance

Important: Ottawa bylaws prohibit discharging salt pool water into city sewers. If you own a saltwater pool, you cannot backwash a sand filter into the sewer system. In these cases, a cartridge filter is the recommended solution.

Cartridge Pool Filters and Replacement in Ottawa

Cartridge filters are increasingly popular for inground pools in Ottawa because they offer finer filtration and lower environmental impact.

  • Filter debris as small as 1-3 microns, removing even fine particles and dead algae
  • Require no backwashing, making them more eco-friendly
  • Need cleaning 2-3 times per season, depending on pool usage
  • Cartridges last 3-5 years before replacement is required

We offer pool filter cartridge replacement services in Ottawa, supplying high-quality cartridges designed to extend filter life and improve water clarity.

Sand vs Cartridge Filters: Which Is Best for Your Inground Pool?

Both sand and cartridge filters are effective, but the right choice depends on your pool and lifestyle:

  • Sand filters: Durable, cost-effective, and lower maintenance.
  • Cartridge filters: Finer filtration, eco-friendly, and ideal for saltwater pools.

Our team will recommend the best option based on your pool size, water system, and usage patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Filters

Signs that your filter may need replacement include water that remains cloudy even after balancing chemicals, reduced water flow through the return jets, or frequent clogging that cleaning does not resolve. If your sand filter is older than 7 years or your cartridge is beyond 5 years and these issues persist, it’s often more cost-effective to replace rather than repair. 

Yes. An undersized filter forces your system to work harder, leading to poor circulation, cloudy water, and increased strain on pumps. Properly sizing an inground pool filter is crucial to maintaining healthy water quality. At GBI Pools, we match the filter to your pool’s volume and expect swimmer load to ensure optimal performance.

Maintenance typically involves cleaning or backwashing your filter to restore flow and efficiency. Replacement is needed when the filtering medium (sand or cartridges) is no longer effective due to age, wear, or damage. For example, sand gradually becomes smooth and loses its ability to trap debris, while cartridges lose their pleats and filtering surface.

Yes. A properly functioning filter reduces the amount of chlorine and other chemicals required to keep water clear because it removes fine particles that would otherwise feed algae growth. An ineffective filter may cause you to overuse chemicals, increasing operating costs and swimmer irritation.

For high bather loads such as community or family pools used daily, a sand filter is often preferred because it can handle larger volumes of debris and is easier to clean frequently through backwashing. For homeowners prioritizing superior clarity and lower water waste, a cartridge filter may still be the better choice, especially when paired with proper maintenance routines.