While some people are into extreme activities such as snowboarding or hot air ballooning, I like to spend my time as stress-free as possible. This doesn’t mean I don’t want to be active, though.
If you know what I mean, I’m referring to swimming ….
A nice leisurely swim in the pool or lake is something that’s good for your body and mind. I’ve created this article solely to bring the best above ground pool filters to your attention.
There are many different types of swimming pool filters out there. I’ve taken the time to research and test the most popular ones.
Although each type of pool filter has its own strengths and weaknesses, I’ll tell you what I find to be the best above ground pool filter.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Hayward W3S166T ProSeries Sand Filter | Best Overall |  |
| Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump | Budget Pick |  |
| Hayward EC40AC Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Hayward W3S166T ProSeries Sand Filter
Pros:
- Easy Set-up
- High-quality
The modest price tag on this filter is likely due to the fact that it is more basic than others. But it is still a solid choice, and there are many copies of this filter on the market.
A sand filter can make your pool water crystal clear without expensive chemicals. This filter, in particular, can keep a 19-inch deep pool clean and clear. The filter has a one-year warranty. You should be quite pleased with this purchase.
When you are cleaning the filter, you will find that it is very simple to remove and replace the sand. It is also very easy to set up if you consider all you have to do is place it over the drain.
2. Summer Waves 1500 Gallon GFCI SkimmerPlus Filter Pump System
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Excellent customer service
The Summer Waves 1500 features an automatic and manual back-up pump system that allows you to quickly and easily return your pool to its original state, whether that be full or empty and with the filter off or on.
Parts of this above ground pool pump are also relatively cheap as opposed to more expensive brands. The pump comes with a collection cup that can catch objects larger than 1/4-inch. It is also capable of catching 99% of all debris, including grass, leaves, twigs, and bugs.
Summer Waves also makes a day and a night timer with 6 different settings to ensure you save energy during those pesky peak hours. These easy timers will reduce the electricity needed to run this pool pump.
3. Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
Pros:
- Nice Price
- GFCI Protected
- Pool Pump
The above ground pool filter is powered by KC-1 cartridge. You should be able to clear the pool water without any problems. This filter is great for swimming pool size up to 10 x 34. With this filter, you should be able to get the maximum pleasure out of your pool.
The cost of this filter is low, and it is durable. It can keep your pool clean and good enough for swimming. It comes with instructions that are well written, so it can be very easy to assemble.
The main body has all the controls for the pump on it. The Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is simple and easy to maintain. It can increase the reasonable pool filtration while reducing overall costs.
4. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
Pros:
- Great Price
- Easy to put together and install
- Very quiet compared to other filters
Cons:
- It is not self priming, so you have to prime it yourself
- You need to buy the skimmer separately
This is one of the best basic models that you will find on the market. It is very simple to mount and operate. This filter pumps the water at a rate of 2,000 gallons per hour. This is more than enough for most above ground pool systems.
The skimmer is constructed with highly durable material and has a plastic body. The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump comes with a complete white finish to match the interior and exterior of your above ground pool. It comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, making it incredibly easy to install.
5. Hayward EC40AC Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter
Pros:
- Includes a black skimmer
- The EC40AC can continuously filter 40,000 gallons per day
- The filter is easy to install and program
- The cartridge lifespan can be up to 4 weeks
- A pre-filter included (helps filter out debris)
- It is quiet when filtering
- Little maintenance is required for the filter
Cons:
- This filter is more expensive than some of the other filters
- It's large, so it's hard to hide it in the backyard
This is considered a smart pool filter, so it's very efficient and it keeps your swimming pool very clean.
It's an efficient system, so it uses minimal energy and is very quiet.
If you are going to install this filter, your pool needs to be round and it needs to have a diameter of at least 40 inches.
6. GAME SandPRO 75D Series
Pros:
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Operates Quietly
- Easy to assemble and use
- Can be applied on Intex swimming pools
Cons:
- filter baskets are prone to collapse
- Must be replaced often
Includes 5-Stage Filtration System, UL Listed Power Cord and 7-Foot Suction Hose.
This above-ground Pool Sand Filter is created for Intex and Bestway pools. It was created to meet the cleaning and water circulation requirements. It is offered with multiple sizes to choose from. This filter is created to meet your high price expectations and is exceptional.
The GAME SandPRO 75D filters sand with force. It is capable of filtering all of the sand from your swimming pool in no time. The unit is specially created to be used with above-ground pools. It also includes a cleaning brush. The perfect use of this filter is using it with Intex and Bestway swimming pools. It is created for those with small pools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size filter do I need for my above ground pool?
Above ground pools require a different filter than inground pools. Above-ground filters have a cartridge design that fits nicely around the outside perimeter of the pool. Most above ground pools have a pump that sits in the middle of the pool and a standard filter cartridge can be attached by slip-fitting over the pump. The surface area at the top of the pool is small, but it can make a big difference in the operation of the pool.
Above ground pool filters generally require less maintenance than inground pool filters. For the most part, they just need the filter cartridges to be replaced when they show signs of debris.
What is the best filter for an Intex pool?
If you have an Intex molded-in-place pool, the most popular in-ground replacement filter is the Intex 2400 GPH Above Ground Swimming Pool Sand Filter with Backwash. It removes debris from your pool will also filter out the chlorine.
Depending on your needs, you may also want to see our Intex XP3 filter. It is both cheaper and more durable than the Sand Filter, although it will not remove your pool's chlorine. If you have an iside mounted pool, the easiest way to tell if you need will need to will need the sand filter or XP3 is as follows:
If your pool has a sand filter and the body of your pool is the same size as above (24 x 52), you will need an XP3 filter.
If your pool has a sand filter and your body of the pool is slightly smaller, say 24 x 50, you will need the sand filter.
What is the best above ground pool to buy?
If you are looking for an easy to maintain pool and don’t want to deal with any of the hassle associated with the installation of an inground pool, the best above ground pool to buy would be any rectangular or square style you can find.
Rectangular and square above ground pools look nice, and are easy to handle. Their only disadvantage is that you cannot take the best above ground pools to your friends house. They do not fit into a standard truck bed. They are very difficult to transport.
Another thing you can do is look for used above ground pools. This is a great way to get an excellent pool at a discounted price. With an above ground pool that you can afford, you can have a great time with your family and friends.
Conclusion
So, what makes one above ground pool filter better than another? Beyond the price and the filter's effectiveness, there are a number of other factors to consider, and you may find that these can make or break a purchase. Here are 6 such things that you must look at.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Hayward W3S166T ProSeries Sand Filter | Best Overall | |
| Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump | Budget Pick | |
| Hayward EC40AC Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter | Upgrade Pick | |