If you're lucky enough to have an above-ground or in-ground pool at your home, it's important to properly care for and maintain it. While there are many practices and factors that go into pool maintenance, the type of pool filter you use is one of the most important. When it comes to pool filters, there are two basic types available: aftermarket and OEM.
OEM (original) pool filters and cartridges are considered the better option between the two, but they're also more expensive. Aftermarket pool filters, while being more affordable, may not last as long or do as good of a job as an OEM filter. There's also a chance that an aftermarket brand isn't compatible with your pool.
If you know you need a new pool filter but aren't sure which option is right for you, you've come to the right place. This article will explain the difference between aftermarket and OEM pool parts and filters and how to decide which option is right for you. Let's "dive" in!
What Are OEM Pool Parts?
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and refers to the parts that originally came with your pool. In the case of your pool filter cartridge, the OEM filter is whatever the pool professional installed for you when you first purchased your pool.
On average, pool filter cartridges last for three to four years, but they can give out sooner depending on how much you use your pool. Traditionally, when cartridge filters needed to be replaced, the only option was to go back to the original manufacturer and purchase a replacement filter.
What Are Aftermarket Pool Parts?
aftermarket pool equipment refers to any pool filters and replacement parts that are not the same as your original brand. For instance, if you had a Polaris filter cartridge originally installed on your pool, aftermarket filter cartridges would be any filters other than Polaris.
Also referred to as aftermarket parts, aftermarket filters, and pool parts sometimes have an unwarranted reputation as not being as good as their OEM counterparts. However, as long as the aftermarket products you choose are high-quality and compatible with your pool and cleaner, they'll get the job done.
What's the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Pool Parts?
While both OEM and aftermarket pool filter cartridges perform the same task and get installed the same way, there are a few differences you should know about.
Warranty
Warranty coverage is something that all pool owners should consider when replacing their pool filter cartridges. If something goes wrong with your filter and it gets damaged or causes damage to another part of your pool, such as the pump, it likely won't be covered by warranty if you were using an aftermarket filter. If you're using an OEM part, however, the damage may be covered under warranty.
Price
While warranty coverage is a good reason to buy OEM, price is typically a good reason to buy aftermarket. OEM filter cartridges and parts can cost two or three times as much as their aftermarket counterparts. This is because major manufacturers have had a monopoly on the pool industry for so long and are used to being able to charge whatever they want.
However, as aftermarket parts are gaining in popularity, OEM prices have come down slightly but are still much higher than aftermarket ones.
Material and Bands
While price and warranty information are important, it's more important to consider the quality of the filter cartridges themselves. Quality often comes down to two factors - the material of the filter and the band count.
The band count refers to the bands that wrap around the entire length of the pool filters. They keep the filter pleats from moving around while they're filtering your water, and the more bands you have, the more stable the pleats will be. Therefore, if you choose an aftermarket brand, make sure it has enough bands to get the job done.
When it comes to the actual material of the pool filters, there are several options to choose from. A combination of microfiber and either polyester or nylon mesh are the best materials for pool filters. As long as the aftermarket filter you choose has this combination of materials, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
Durability and Filtration Performance
Finally, it's also important to consider durability and overall performance when comparing OEM and original pool filter cartridges. In general, as long as aftermarket filters are the same size and have high-quality bands and materials, they will perform as well as OEM parts for a fraction of the price. They will last just as long, too!
Are OEM or aftermarket Parts Right For Me?
In general, it's always safer to choose original pool parts if you're on the fence about which parts to choose. OEM parts that are exactly the same as those you're replacing will certainly be compatible and work with your pool. However, if you talk with a pool parts professional and they assure you that certain aftermarket parts are ok for your situation, you can use aftermarket parts.
Another option is to choose aftermarket replacement pool filter cartridges that are high-quality and work with any system and filter housing. If you prefer to go this route, consider choosing a Unicell pool cartridge filter from PVC Fittings Online. Unicell makes some of the finest replacement filter cartridges in the industry that are just as good, if not better, than your OEM cartridges.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Aftermarket Pool Parts
If you're leaning towards buying aftermarket pool parts, such as a Unicell pool filter cartridge, here are a few factors to consider before making your purchase.
•Do your homework on the brand in question and make sure they are a reliable distributor.
•Check Google reviews on the brand in question to see how their products are performing.
•Make sure the parts you choose are the same size as the parts you're replacing.
•Beware of aftermarket brands attempting to pawn their products off as original when they're knock-offs.
As long as you keep these things in mind when you're purchasing aftermarket replacement filter cartridges, you are good to go.
