Clicking this article means that you are interested to know the best above ground pool filters in the market. Luckily, we will give you so much more than just the above ground pool filter system reviews, but also some effective tips on how to score the best value for the money.
Why Are Pool Filters Very Important?
Contents
- 1 Why Are Pool Filters Very Important?
- 2 How does it work?
- 3 Things to Look for When Shopping for Above Ground Pool Filters
- 4 5 Best Above Ground Pool Filters Reviews
- 4.1 1. Intex Above Ground Pool Krystal Clear Filter
- 4.1.1 Best Features:
- 4.2 2. Sand Master Pool Sand Filter
- 4.2.1 Best Features:
- 4.3 3. Hayward XStream Pool Filter Pump System
- 4.3.1 Best Features:
- 4.4 4. GAME SandPRO Complete Pool Sand Filter
- 4.5 5. Rx Clear Pool Sand Filter
- 4.5.1 Best Features:
- 4.1 1. Intex Above Ground Pool Krystal Clear Filter
If you still have doubts about buying a pool filter on top of getting the best pool filter pump, then it’s time to let go of that inhibitions.
The more time you spent on thinking whether or not to buy, the more time you waste and put your pool water vulnerable to algae, bacteria, debris, and other contaminants.
The best pool filter system is a must-have pool technology as it is the one responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the pool water, thus enhancing the pool water’s quality. This means that you will have a clean and refreshing water to swim in anytime.
How does it work?
Pool filters don’t work alone; they can only function when the above ground pool filter pump is also turned on. Therefore, the pool filters and the pool filter pump work together. They push the water through the filters, which then traps and removes the debris and contaminants present in the water. Depending on the type of filters used, some filters can remove particles at a microscopic level.
Things to Look for When Shopping for Above Ground Pool Filters
Now that we have established the importance of a pool filter, we will now discuss the features to look for when buying one.
Check them out below:
- Compatibility
This is the most important thing to consider. In order for the pool filters to work efficiently, you must choose the right filter for the specific pool that you have.
In addition, since the filters work in conjunction with the pool pump, it is smart to always check the pump unit and model number. Make sure your filter and pump are compatible. The size and the flow rate of the filter are some of the crucial things to check.
As a rule of thumb, the flow rate or the GPM of your filter must be at least the same with the GPM indicated in the pool pump. This means you can have higher flow rate but nothing lower. This is to ensure that the filters can withstand the volume of water push through the filters by the pool pump.
- Installation Process
Another important thing to consider is the installation steps. Above ground pools are a type of pool that is installed above ground level. Thus, they follow a different installation process as compared to the most common pool type—the inground pools.
Fortunately, some pool filters can be installed within 10 minutes. There are also installation manuals available so that you can set up the filters properly.
It pays to always research if you need professionals to complete the installation, if the manual says so, then it is not worth it to buy that filter.
You need not have to hire a professional to install the filter. But you can, however, ask friend or family to help you out if they have the know-how. If you are a first-timer, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to watch and follow.
- Durability
Of course, you want the filter to last longer. Who wouldn’t?
Ideally, the best above ground pool filter should last a year or a full season cycle. But these models are usually the advanced type and may cost a lot. If you want to settle in the mid-range price, get the filters than can last up to 6 to 9 months.
5 Best Above Ground Pool Filters Reviews
We want you to get the best deal in the market. That is why we created this list to help you narrow down your list.
After thorough research, we finally made our list of the 5 best pool filter system kits:
1. Intex Above Ground Pool Krystal Clear Filter
Intex has been a trusted name when it comes to pool system and equipment. They are known to produce some of the best and high-quality pool filters in the market as well.
This Krystal Clear Pool Filter is a sand filter/pump system that is the perfect choice for those seeking a filter that runs automatically with a set time.
A smart and advanced technology is what makes this filter a constant favorite by many. Included in the package is control valve with 6 functions and the 24-hour timer setting.
This is the perfect and best pool filter pump system for 16-feet pools and above.
Best Features:
- This runs quietly and smoothly, thus perfect for both outdoor and indoor above ground pools.
- A very powerful filter with 3,000 gallon per hour (GPH) flow rate
- Uses natural sand that gives excellent water filtration
- Cleans and removes debris and particles at a microscopic level
- Allows you to filter, backwash, rinse, and drain the pool system
- Buying this pool filter system includes a strainer for trapping large clumps of debris
- You can also buy this filter with a surface skimmer or maintenance kit (at an additional cost).
2. Sand Master Pool Sand Filter
Another familiar and reputable name that manufactures some of the best above ground pool filters is the Sand Master. As the name entails, this brand masters the technology of the pool system.
This is a soft sided pool filter that is capable of cleaning pools up to 9,600 gallons. Thus, you can only use this pool filter for small above ground pools. Nevertheless, this model is an excellent choice for a quiet and fast filtration task.
It’s important to follow the recommended operation steps when using this pool pump filter. This is because the filter can easily jam up. Also, this filter starts immediately when connected to the pump as it doesn’t have a switch to turn on/off the filter.
Best Features:
- Operates quietly without unpleasant noise
- The perfect choice for smaller above ground pools that hold up to 9,600 gallons of water
- It has a total of 42 pounds of sand
- Has 4 functions, allowing you to backwash, rinse, and drain the system
- The tank is also corrosion-resistant, making it really durable.
- Comes with all the complete accessories needed such as the hoses and all the needed fittings
- With one-year warranty service
3. Hayward XStream Pool Filter Pump System
If you are looking for the most durable above ground pool filter in the market today, then the XStream Filter Pump System by Hayward is the perfect match for you.
This is a cartridge pool filter that is praised for its glass reinforced and corrosion-resistant filter tank. One glance and you can already tell that this is a premium pool filter.
Not many people are keen in using this filter because it’s quite expensive. However, if you take into consideration the durability, power, and efficiency of this pool filter, then you get so much value to your money.
Best Features:
- Ideal for large above ground pool a sit can filter water of up to 57,000 gallons
- Very powerful and efficient and removes contaminants at a very microscopic level
- Provides hassle-free and quiet operation, giving you optimum filtration and pool water sanitation
- Has a safety catch which prevents the lid from being too tight
- Can filter a lot more and a lot longer as compared to average pool filters available
- Easy to install as it has flexible and robust plumbing
4. GAME SandPRO Complete Pool Sand Filter
The next pool filter kit we have is a replacement filter kit for above ground pools. It works best for Intex pools and Bestway pools.
A lot of buyers vouch for its filtration performance and its efficiency. This is also recommended for beginners and novice as it has an easy to follow installation manual. On top of that, the GAME SandPRO pool filter is also easy to clean and maintain.
After some research, we can say that this is the best above ground pool filter replacement for medium-sized above ground pools.
Best Features:
- Designed and engineered for above ground pools that hold up to 10,000 gallons of water.
- Equipped with ultra-quiet filtration system that runs on a high flow rate at ½ HP pump power
- Easy to operate and easy to install
- Has 4 functions that allow you to backwash, filter, rinse, and winterize the entire pool filter pump system
5. Rx Clear Pool Sand Filter
Last on our list, but definitely not the least, is this complete sand pool filter by Rx Clear. This is a full system that has a premium Niagara pool pump, corrosion-safe filter tank, high-pressure hose, hose fittings, and stainless-steel clamps.
When asked which of the pool filters on the list is the most economical choice for medium-sized pools, then the Rx Clear pool filter is what we would recommend.
Best Features:
- Perfects for pools with 26,000 gallons of water
- Very easy and safe to use
- Installation instruction is simple to follow, ideal for beginners
- At a budget-friendly price and full system package, this is an excellent pool filter for pool owners
- With a 3-year limited warranty
Our Top Pick!
If you consider getting a highly durable and high-performance pool filter system, we would suggest you invest in Hayward XStream Above Ground Pool Filter Pump System. It is packed with amazing features, built to last for a long time, and has safety features too.
For the practical and economical individuals, we recommend the Rx Clear Above Ground Pool Sand Filter. It’s inexpensive, can clean great amount of water, and has a 3-year warranty service.
Read more:
- Best Above Ground Pool Pumps Reviews and Buying Guide
- Variable Speed Pool Pump Guide
- Best Pool Cleaners: The Must-Haves For Effortlessly Clean Pool
FAQs
What filter system is better of an above ground pool? ›
Diatomaceous earth filters are the most effective of the three filter options for above-ground pools. With its ability to remove particles as small as 2 microns, this model from Hayward is one of the best in this category.
What is the most advanced pool filter? ›Diatomaceous earth
DE pool filters are the most expensive type of pool filter, but they are also the most effective. These filters use a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of algae to trap contaminants as water flows through the filter.
- Best overall: Pentair Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter.
- Best value: Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump.
- Best D.E.: Hayward ProGrid for In-Ground DE Pool Filter.
- Best sand: Hayward Pro Series Pool Sand Filter.
- Best for aboveground: Carvin Laser Above Ground Swimming Pool Sand Filter.
Efficiency and Performance:
If you are looking for a highly efficient solution with the least amount of bacteria and debris left swimming around in your pool, the cartridge filter is your best solution. The cartridge filter can catch finer debris than a sand filter, being 10-20 microns versus 20-40 microns.
Maintenance: Sand filters are considered to be the easiest to maintain. Sand filters are backwashed when the pressure reads 10 psi over the normal operating level. With proper water chemistry, you can expect your filter media to last 5-10 years.
What is the lowest maintenance pool filter? ›If you're on a budget, and you want to spend minimal time on maintenance, a sand filter is the best choice for you. It's also optimal for large pools because it won't clog as easily as other filters.
Which filter has highest rate of filtration? ›Explanation: The rate of filtration is highest in pressure filter and its filtration rate lies between 6000 to 15000 litres per hour per m2 of filter area while in rapid sand and roughing filter, it is between 6000 to 8000 litres per hour per m2 of filter area.
Are sand filters better for above-ground pools? ›Cartridge Filters are a great choice for Above Ground Pools
Although they both have some advantages, a cartridge filter would be your best choice for your pool's filtration system. A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount.
Pool filter cartridges can run for about 2,000 hours in a filter pump and should be replaced every 1-2 years. Note that the filter cartridge will not last as long due to sunscreen, deodorants, hair care products, and other chemicals that come into contact with your pool water.
Which sediment filter is best? ›Surface filters are best if you are filtering sediment of similar-sized particles. If all particles are five micron, a pleated 5-micron filter works best because it has more surface area than other filters.
Which water filters last the longest? ›
Brita's Longlast filter is by far the most cost effective, lasting three times more water than most of the other brands and removing more heavy metals than the basic Brita. Brita's new filter does everything most people need, and it lasts a long time.
What are the two most common water filtration systems in pools? ›There are three types of pool filters commonly seen in the residential pool market today: Sand Filters, Cartridge Filters, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters.
What is the most common pool filter? ›Sand filters and cartridge filters are the most popular of the three because they are small and inexpensive.
What are the disadvantages of sand filter? ›Some of the disadvantages of slow sand filters include the large amount of land they require; the filters can be easily clogged by excessive amounts of algae; they are not very effective at removing color; and intermittent operation of the filters may degrade the quality of the filter effluent by promoting anaerobic ...
How many hours a day should I run my pool filter? ›The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.
How often should I rinse my pool filter? ›- A pool needs a clean filter and it needs to be cleaned periodically-usually once a month in swim season and perhaps less frequently in the offseason.
- If your pool's filter is oversized by design, these filters need cleaning 3-4 times per year by a pool professional.
The best time to run your pool pump is during the warmest hour of the day; however, keep in mind that this means you will have higher energy consumption, which may lead to an increase in your electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, you can run your pool pump at night to avoid peak hours.
Should pool filter run all night? ›It may be cheaper to run the pump at night, but honestly you should run it 1 hour a day per 10 degrees of temperature at least, and it should be during the day. Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up.
How many times should a pool filter its water in a day? ›To keep your pool clean, all the water must run through your pump's filter system at least once a day. This is called turnover rate. It's simple: in order to run your pump effectively for eight hours, your pump should be able to process all of your pool water during that time.
Are sand filters better for above ground pools? ›Cartridge Filters are a great choice for Above Ground Pools
Although they both have some advantages, a cartridge filter would be your best choice for your pool's filtration system. A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount.
What are the different types of above ground filters? ›
Filter Type – Sand, Cartridge or DE
There are three main types for above ground pools: sand, cartridge and D.E. filter systems. Each has their own benefits and filter to different microns. DE removes particles down to three microns, all the time.