An effective pool filter not only keeps your water clean and clear, but also removes contaminants, reduces chemicals and heat, and kills algae and bacteria from your pool.
We researched and tested pool filters from the top pool filter brands, evaluating ease of installation and maintenance, efficiency, and capacity. Our top pick, the INTEX 26643EG SX1500 Ground Pools, has a long-lasting cartridge filter and an extra large capacity, making it a great choice for larger pools.
Here are the best pool filters.
Best Sand Pool Filters: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Sand Pool Filters Reviews
- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
- EASY INSTALLATION – Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump is a must have for any above ground pool up to 12,800 gal (Partial assembly required)
- 24 HOUR TIMER – The SX2100 has a built-in 24-hour timer with 2 to 12 hour pre-set cycles for automatic operation. The timer adds to the hassle-free experience with maintaining a cleaner pool
- 2100 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE – Water flow rate at pump (pump capacity): 2,100 gph (7,949 lph); in pool (system flow rate): 1,600 gph (6,056 lph); suitable for INTEX pools up to 12,800 gallons
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- 💦【Easy Installation】- Portable 115V prefilter pool pump with Integrated 12in small-sized filter tank and 6-foot power cord can be easily moved and installed to your above ground pool/bathing tub by common 1.5”PVC tubing/discharge hoses for high flow.
- 💦【Efficient Performace and Quiet Operation】- 0.35HP hight effiency pump ensures the lower system cost and quiet operation. 12in filter tank holds 42 lbs. of sand, can be simply filled and cleaned. Suitable for pools up to 7500 Gallons.
- 💦【Easy Maintenance and Quickly Clean】- The strainer basket can be simply detached and assembled from the large filter bucket for quick cleaning, and you can observe the internal status through the transparent lid visually.
- 💦【Corrosion Proof System with Overload Protection for High Durability】- The whole set is coupled with reinforced thermoplastic housing, it brings portable and corrosion proof for long-lasting, all-weather performace to serve the promotion of clean water quality.
- 💦【Safety Assurance and Customer First】- ETL certificated and 100% manufacturer testing. We supply the most safe and comfortable products specially for family health&joy. For any question, please feel free to write to us through our storefront and click "ask a question", or support email to us, we will respond within 24 hours.
- Sand Filter System - The Filter are perfectly engineered to provide optimum flow rates that promotes clean water quality
- Dependable Performance - This filter keeps the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface level possible for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient back-washing
- Multi-Port Filter - Multi port provides for easy use and quick back-washing (Filter, Backwash, Winter, Re-Circulate, Closed, Rinse and Waste)
- Heavy Duty Design - Compact housing for all-weather functionality Impeller designed with brass inserts for long life and superior performance. Each tank is individually tested to ensure quality and reliability. Above ground pool owners can enjoy the same high performance, outstanding operating efficiency, and long-term reliability as inground pool owners
- With a threaded connections, a filter base and user's manual. Includes 6-position valve, this tank holds 175lbs of media sand; Overall Dimension: 19"(W) x 19"(L) x 35-1/4"(H) *Pump not included. Pump is Required*
- Sizable Capacity - This sand filter pump is housed in a one-piece 13-inch tank with a capacity of 42 pounds of sand that can filter above ground pools up to 10,000 gallons
- Simple and Easy to Use - 4-way valve, 3-prong plug w/ electric cable, portable, quick start and simple operation, take less than 5 minutes to install
- Dependable Performance - This filter keeps the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface level possible for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient backwashing
- Low Noise Design - This sand filter pump is designed and optimized for running with low noise, to make your work more comfortable and energy efficient
- Multi-Port Filter - Multi port provides for easy use and quick back-washing. These pumps are capacitor start and not for use/sale in California.
- Sizable Capacity - This sand filter pump is housed in a (1)-piece 12"-inch tank with a capacity of 42 pounds of sand that can filter above ground pools up to 10,000 gallons *Filter Media Included (Bonus)*
- Simple and Easy to Use - 7-way valve, 3-prong plug w/ electric cable, portable, quick start and simple operation, take less than 5 minutes to install
- Low Noise Design - This sand filter pump is designed and optimized for running with low noise, to make your work more comfortable and energy efficient
- Dependable Performance - This filter keeps the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface level possible for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient backwashing
- Multi-Port Filter - Multi port provides for easy use and quick back-washing
- The Filter are perfectly engineered to provide optimum flow rates that promotes clean water quality
- This filter keeps the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface level possible for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient back-washing
- 7-Way multi port provides for easy use and quick back-washing (Filter, Backwash, Winter, Re-Circulate, Closed, Rinse and Waste)
- The core of these systems is the one-piece blow-molded tank that sits atop a universal base that accepts most pumps. Also includes a top mount, with a 7-position multi-port valve and has a high capacity sand bed to catch more debris and extends filter cycles
- With a threaded connections, a filter base and user?s manual. Includes 7-position valve, this tank holds 300lbs of media sand; Overall Dimension: 24"(W) x 24"(L) x 35-1/4"(H)
- High-Quality Filtration: U.S. Silica Mystic White II Pool Filter Sand provides superior filtration for above ground and inground pools; This bag contains 50 pounds of high-purity white silica sand
- Convenient Packaging: Also available in packs and bags, making it easy to store and handle; Ideal for use with sand pool filter pumps, ensuring thorough cleaning of pool water
- Effective and Reliable: Consistent-sized pool filtration solution captures and removes dirt, dust, leaves, insects, moss, oil, cosmetics, gum, and other debris, ensuring your pool water remains clean
- Easy Application: Quality angular-shaped sand maximizes solid entrapment and ensures uniform flow to prevent clogging; Compatible with any standard pool filter system
- The U.S. Silica Expertise: For over 100 years, U.S. Silica has led the industrial silica and minerals industry with resilient, reliable, and innovative solutions.
- Sand Filter System - The Filter are perfectly engineered to provide optimum flow rates that promotes clean water quality. This filter is designed to handle the filtration needs of many of today's pools. It provides an efficient, easy-to-use operating system that will assist in keeping your above-ground pool water crystal clean and safe for swimming
- Dependable Performance - This filter keeps the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface level possible for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient back-washing
- Heavy Duty Design - Compact housing for all-weather functionality Impeller designed with brass inserts for long life and superior performance. Each tank is individually tested to ensure quality and reliability. Above ground pool owners can enjoy the same high performance, outstanding operating efficiency, and long-term reliability as inground pool owners
- Multi-Port Filter - Multi port provides for easy use and quick back-washing (Filter, Backwash, Winter, Re-Circulate, Closed, Rinse and Waste)
- With a threaded connections, a filter base and user's manual. Includes 7-position valve, this tank holds 300lbs of media sand; Overall Dimension: 24"(W) x 24"(L) x 35-1/4"(H) *Pump not included. Pump is Required*
- Sand Filter System - Pump and filter are perfectly engineered to provide optimum flow rates that promotes clean water quality
- Dependable Performance - This filter keeps the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface level possible for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient back-washing
- Low Noise Design - This sand filter pump is designed and optimized for running with low noise, to make your work more comfortable and energy efficient
- 7-Way Multi-Port Filter - 7-Way multi port provides for easy use and quick back-washing; These pumps are capacitor start (These pumps are capacitor start and not for use/sale in California)
- Strainer Basket- Pump strainer basket is the largest in its class with an easy open, quick lock, transparent pump lid which mean less work and more swimming
- The Hayward ProSeries 24-Inch Top-Mount Pool Filter features efficient, multilateral underdrain assembly with precision-engineered, self-cleaning 360° slotted laterals for totally balanced flow and backwashing
- Integral top diffuser ensures even distribution of water over the top of the sand media bed
- Unitized, corrosion-proof filter tank is molded of rugged, colorfast polymeric material for dependable, all-weather performance
- 6-position Hayward VariFlo control valve with easy-to-use lever-action handle lets you dial any of the valve/filter functions
- Large pressure sand/water drain for rapid winterizing or servicing
Best Sand Pool Filters Buying Guide
Before choosing the best sand pool filter you should consider the following options:
1. Sand Filter Size: The size of your sand filter will depend on the size of your pool.
Sand filters come in two sizes: standard size and oversized size.
Standard-sized sand filters usually measure 20 inches in diameter.
Sand filters with oversized tanks measure 22 inches in diameter.
If your pool is 24 inches or less in diameter, then you need a standard-sized filter. If your pool is 24 inches or more in diameter, then you need an oversized filter.
2. Flow Rate: Most sand filters have a GPM (gallons per minute) of between 5 and 15.
This number tells you the rate at which water will move through the filter. The higher the GPM, the more powerful the pump.
The higher the flow rate, the more powerful the suction of the pump. You will need a powerful pump if you have a large pool or one with a lot of water features.
You will need a less powerful pump if you have a small pool with few water features.
3. Suction Rate: This tells you the rate at which water will be drawn from your pool and into the filter.
The higher the suction rate, the more powerful the pump. You will need a powerful pump if you have a large pool, or one with a lot of water features.
You will need a less powerful pump if you have a small pool with few water features.
4. Sand Size: Pool sand comes in various sizes, depending on the application.
There are four grades of pool sand: standard, medium, coarse and ultra-coarse.
Standard sand is the most common and is used in all-purpose filters.
If you use your pool for swimming, then you will need a sand filter with standard sand.
If you use your pool for water play, such as water slides and splash pads, then you will need a sand filter with coarse or ultra-coarse sand.
The grade of sand you need will depend on the type of water play you have.
5. Tank Size: Your tank size will depend on the flow rate of your filter.
The higher the flow rate, the larger the tank. If you have a powerful pump, then you will need a larger tank.
What else you should know about the best sand pool filters
1. What are the best sand pool filters?
The best sand pool filters are those that are made of high-quality materials and that are designed to last. There are many different brands and models of pool filters on the market, so it is important to do your research to find the best one for your needs.
2. How do sand pool filters work?
The sand in the filter helps to trap dirt and debris in the water as it passes through the filter. The dirt and debris are then removed from the water when the filter is cleaned.
3. How often should I change the sand in my pool filter?
The sand in your pool filter should be changed every 3 to 5 years.
4. What are the pros and cons of sand pool filters?
Some pros of sand pool filters are that they are relatively low-maintenance, they are easy to backwash, and they are effective at trapping debris. Some cons of sand pool filters are that they can be difficult to clean, they can be less effective at trapping smaller particles, and they can require more frequent backwashing.
5. How do I choose the right sand pool filter for my pool?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a sand pool filter for your pool. The first is the size of your pool. The second is the type of pool you have. The third is the type of filtration system you have.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best sand pool filters. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best sand pool filters will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.