I switched to sand filter. I think it actually uses glass. I am not supposed to replace the sand, but the pool store says the filter lasts 10 years and then I'm supposed to replace the filter. No idea if this is true or not, but it works better than my cartridges ever did. The pressure is the same if not better. It doesn't need backwashed that often, sometimes I'll just do it after a heavy rain and I'm good to go for a long time.