Best Overall
Hayward Pool Filter Pump System
- It has a 120 GPM flow rate and is ideal for pool’s with a capacity of 15,000 gallons.
It has a 120 GPM flow rate and is ideal for pool’s with a capacity of 15,000 gallons.
- Replacement filters are rather pricey.
Replacement filters are rather pricey.
According to the pros, high-quality cartridge pool filters—like this Hayward W3CC15093S XStream Pool Filter Pump System—are commonly used in above-ground pools. This is because they require very little maintenance, are easy to install, and offer superior filtration.
The XStream has a fantastic 120 GPM flow rate, and a powerful 1.5 HP pump. It quickly and effectively removes debris and contaminants from pool water and can be used with both rigid and flexible plumbing.
This pool filter system comes with a pressure gauge, hoses and adaptors, clamps, a filter base, and all the fittings so you can get started on installation immediately. It also features a safety catch that will prevent you from over-tightening it and causing accidental damage.
There’s an Easy Lok ring which opens in one turn for insertion and removal of the cartridge, and easy access to any of the internal parts. The pool filter comes with a 6-foot cord which means you may have to arrange an extension if your pool is further out on a deck, for instance.
The filter is large, enabling the unit to equally distribute the contaminants through the filter, ensuring thorough cleaning for healthy and clear water.
The replacement filters are more expensive than other filters on our list, but because this is a quality and reliable pool filter system, it’s our top pick.
Product Details: Dimensions: 37.3 x 21.6 x 29.6 inches | Filter Type: Cartridge | Pool Type: Above ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 15,000 gallons | Flow Rate: 120 GPM
Best Budget
Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
- This features an affordable filter cartridge that’s easy to install, clean, and maintain.
This features an affordable filter cartridge that’s easy to install, clean, and maintain.
- It’s not ideal for larger pools as it can only run for eight hours a day.
It’s not ideal for larger pools as it can only run for eight hours a day.
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have crystal clear pool water that’s healthy enough for the whole family to enjoy those sunny days. The Intex 28637EG C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is designed for smaller pools as you can only use it for eight hours a day.
However, for a pool with 6,000 gallons of water or less, this is more than enough time to get plunge-worthy swimming water. For even smaller pools, there are smaller pumps available starting from 330 GPH that are even more economical.
Maintenance consists of replacing the cartridge in the filter every couple of weeks, and it’s compatible with both type A and C cartridges. It has a 25-foot power cord and is extremely lightweight at just 6.8 pounds.
If any air gets trapped in the pump, this is easily rectifiable by utilizing the unit’s air release valve. You will, however, need an adaptor if you need a 1.5-inch hose fittings as this model comes with 1.25-inch hoses and screw fittings.
It comes with one replaceable filter cartridge, and an aeration technology inlet fitting—an innovative feature that improves the filtration by making finer particles clump together and fall to the bottom of the pool instead of floating around in your swimming space.
It also increases the negative ions on the surface for even fresher water. Keep in mind, this purchase doesn’t come with a plunger valve or outlet fittings, and partial assembly is required. However, it does come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Product Details: Dimensions: 10.62 x 10.62 x 15 inches | Filter Type: Cartridge | Pool Type: Above ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 6,000 gallons | Flow Rate: 1000 GPH
Best Splurge
Hayward ProGrid DE Pool Filter
- This filter is a great pick if you have a large in-ground pool and need an efficient and long lasting filtering system.
This filter is a great pick if you have a large in-ground pool and need an efficient and long lasting filtering system.
- You have to buy the valve, which is an additional cost on top of an already expensive pool filter.
You have to buy the valve, which is an additional cost on top of an already expensive pool filter.
Those with extra-large in-ground pools need an effective water filtering system that won’t struggle to clean all the water in a day. Hayward’s W3DE6020 ProGrid DE Pool Filter is made for the task and can take on pools of 57 gallons with ease.
It’s a high-capacity, highly efficient DE filter and pump combo system and while it is an investment, it’s a quality purchase. This filter is made from extremely durable materials (glass-reinforced polymer) and is corrosion proof and weatherproof.
It has a rapid-release air valve that you can manually turn—only a slight quarter-turn of the valve’s lever will easily get rid of any trapped air.
The one-piece flange clamp keeps the top and bottom aligned, is heavy-duty and tamper-proof, and fastens tightly, though it is easy enough to release so you can access all the filter’s internal components when you need to. It’s also compatible with slide and multiport valves.
It comes with two-inch full-flow internal pipes, and the base is low profile so you can quickly remove the grid nest. You’ll have to buy the valve separately, and it’s compatible with the SP0740DE, SP0710XR50, SP0715XR50, and SP0410X502S models.
It comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, is easy to maintain, and is considered one of the best filters for in-ground pools.
Product Details: Dimensions: 23.1 x 24.6 x 47.8 inches | Filter Type: DE | Pool Type: In-ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 57,600+ | Flow Rate: 120 GPM
Best Sand
Doheny's Sand Filter System
- It’s effective at catching larger debris.
It’s effective at catching larger debris.
- It’s only compatible with certain types of sand.
It’s only compatible with certain types of sand.
If your pool is surrounded by trees and plants and you never remember to bring out the pool cover, you may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against all the fallen leaves, petals, pollen, and other debris that manage to make its way into your pool.
This 16-Inch Sand Filter System from Doheny's Pool Pro is designed especially for the task of filtering larger debris thanks to its large basket. This basket has a see-through lid that twists off easily so you can see when it’s getting full.
This pool filter comes with a one HP pump, a base, a hose, and a pressure gauge so you can see when you need to backwash the sand. There’s also a glass window for you to monitor the water’s cleanliness.
If you already have a pool pump, this filter is also available for purchase without one. Maintenance is a breeze thanks to its easy-access drain plug, and there’s a six-position valve with a flange clamp to make sure it’s securely sealed.
It has a 40 GPM flow rate, and if the 16-inch is not suitable for your pool, it also comes in 14-inch, 19-inch, and 24-inch versions. The 14-inch, however, does not have a sight glass and has a four-way valve. The hoses come with the filter, but there’s only a two-foot power cord which may mean you’ll need an outdoor extension cord.
It needs about 50 pounds of sand, but it’s only compatible with AquaQuartz 20 silica sand 5451, ZeoSand 4429, or Aqualoon 7832.
Product Details: Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 33 inches | Filter Type: Sand | Pool Type: Above ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 16,800 gallons | Flow Rate: 40 GPM
Best DE
Hayward Filter Pump System
- This is a small, energy efficient, and effective pool filter that removes contaminants of all sizes and doesn’t need backwashing.
This is a small, energy efficient, and effective pool filter that removes contaminants of all sizes and doesn’t need backwashing.
- It’s only for above ground pools.
It’s only for above ground pools.
If you’re looking for a good DE filter for your above-ground pool, the Hayward W3EC40C92S Perflex Diatomaceous Earth Filter Pump System is one of the best you can find. It has a one HP pump that churns water at a flow rate of 40 GPM, and it’s compact and lightweight, too, since it only has 4 pounds of diatomaceous earth powder.
This filter can filter even the smallest of debris and dust particles to provide you with clean, clear, and healthy swimming pool water. It clears cloudy pool water within 24 hours, and although it has a higher price tag, its durable and reliable.
When it comes to maintenance, as opposed to other pool filters, the Perflex DE doesn’t require any backwashing. The only thing needed is to activate the system’s special feature that activates the tubes in order to get rid of any dirt.
Another great thing about this filter is that it uses less resistance than other similar models which means it's more energy efficient, too.
In addition, you can also use it if you have a saltwater pool. This filter is designed for installation below the water level and gravity-fed water on the side of the intake. There’s no cover for it (it can handle being outdoors perfectly fine), and it comes with the hoses and clamps and practically everything you need for installation.
Product Details: Dimensions: 25.9 x 16.4 x 28.9 inches | Filter Type: Diatomaceous earth (DE) | Pool Type: Above ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 19,000 gallons | Flow Rate: 40 GPM
Best In-Ground
Rx Clear Filter System
- It features a pressure gauge which lets you know when it’s time for backwashing.
It features a pressure gauge which lets you know when it’s time for backwashing.
- It doesn’t come with the hoses and can’t be shipped to California or Florida.
It doesn’t come with the hoses and can’t be shipped to California or Florida.
If you’ve been scouting around for a high-quality in-ground pool filter, you may have noticed most filters on the market seem to be made for above-ground pools. (We had the same problem.)
Still, we found the Rx Clear Radiant Complete Sand Filter System works great even in large in-ground pools of up to 33,000 gallons. It has an impressive flow rate of 84 GMP and offers longer filter cycles that can catch and thoroughly filter even more debris, small and large.
This is an all-in-one system that includes the pump, tank, and filter. It’s easy to use, and its one HP capability makes it a powerful unit that’s economical to run. It features a six-position multi-valve port, and it has a see-through screen so you can monitor the sand.
The included pressure gauge will let you know when it’s time for backwashing, and there’s a two-piece strainer cover and a pool filter basket. It even comes with a three-year warranty. You will, however, need to purchase the hoses separately since it doesn’t come with them.
The unit has a large sand bed that can hold 150 pounds of sand to help catch debris, and it can hold six boxes of the Rx Clear Luster Filter Media. Though this sand alternative is optional, it can filter particles as small as five microns, and just 1.5 pounds of the media is equal to 50 pounds of sand.
It provides a longer life span, won’t clog the filter, reduces bacterial growth, and can even be cleaned in the washing machine. It also requires less backwashing than sand, so it’s definitely worthy of consideration.
Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 43.7 inches | Filter Type: Sand | Pool Type: In-ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 33,000 gallons | Flow Rate: 84 GPM
Best for Small Pools
Doheny's Cartridge Filter, 25 sq ft System with 3/4 HP Pump
- It comes with a pump and is made from a durable and sturdy weatherproof thermoplastic.
It comes with a pump and is made from a durable and sturdy weatherproof thermoplastic.
- It doesn’t come with hoses.
It doesn’t come with hoses.
The Doheny's Pool Pro Cartridge Filter works best for small pools. This cartridge filter has a smaller pump with 0.75 HP, and is made with a non-woven material for a maximum flow rate of 73 GPM. It can filter pools of up to 12,000 gallons, and comes with a six-foot power cord, a pressure gauge, release valve, and a 1.5-inch connector.
The filter’s construction is impressively hardy and made from a long-lasting and weather-proof plastic so you won’t have to worry about it being out without a cover.
Both the pump and cartridge elements are top-loading with ring-lock lids that seal tightly and prevent them from getting stuck. The filter lid has a pressure gauge and a release valve for releasing any accumulated air pressure.
The pump is rated at 115 Volts/60 Hertz and has CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories) certificates, meaning that its been tested to, and is compliant with, the North American safety standards set out by associations such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute).
The filter and pump are available in different sizes if this is too small for your pool. If you don’t need the pump, you can also purchase the filter only (it doesn’t ship to California though). The hoses don’t come with the unit so you’ll have to buy them separately, although you do get a 1.5-inch threaded/quick connector.
Product Details: Dimensions: 25 x 23 x 12 inches | Filter Type: Cartridge | Pool Type: Above ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 12,000 gallons | Flow Rate: 73 GPM
Best for Large Pools
Hayward ProSeries Sand Filter
- It has a self-cleaning system and can be used for freshwater or saltwater.
It has a self-cleaning system and can be used for freshwater or saltwater.
- You have to buy the valve separately.
You have to buy the valve separately.
The Hayward W3S310S ProSeries Sand Filter may be expensive, but it only makes sense to spend a little more for crystal-clear water in your extra-large swimming pool. This filter has a flow rate of 98 GPM which can turn over the water in a 47,000-gallon pool in just eight hours.
The W3S310S model is a side-mount filter, but, depending on how your plumbing is set up, there’s also a top-mount version, the W3S310T. It needs 500 pounds of pool filtration sand and it’s recommended to check the sand level every six months.
The filter has a self-cleaning system which evenly distributes the water for optimal backwashing and provides an efficient flow. It can even be used for a natural pool, like a large pond. Its extremely durable construction is corrosion- and weather-proof.
There’s an inspection cover that gives you quick access to the filter, and a water drain that quickly gets rid of any water for maintenance or winterizing. It doesn’t come with the 6-position Hayward VariFlo control valve, but you can purchase the 1.5-inch or 2-inch valves separately.
Product Details: Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 48.3 inches | Filter Type: Sand | Pool Type: In-ground | Recommended Pool Capacity: 40,000+ | Flow Rate: 98 GPM