I had cartridge before the sand filter. Sand is better I think, but way heavier. I have the system mounted on a garden cart and wheel it out for the season. It's about 200lbs all together. Filter system you can toss the filter cartridge when you get a new one. Sand you have to find a place to dump the 150lbs of sand. I don't have room in the yard anywhere and not sure how to get rid of it really.