Best Overall
Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Pool Sand Filter
Runner-Up
Intex 26645EG Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
Best Bang For the Buck
Summer Waves 1,000 GPH SkimmerPlus Filter Pump System
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Above - ground pool offer summertime fun and ministration from the oestrus , but only if the body of water is keep back gratuitous fromharmful alga and bacteriawith an above - ground pool filter . Above - ground water filter are uncommitted in three eccentric — sand , pickup , and diatomaceous earth ( DE)—to keep your pond water clean . The best above - undercoat swimming pocket billiards filters can handle 3,000 gallons of water per time of day , gain them capable of cleaning pools up to 24,000 gallons .
Whether you’replanning on instal an above - ground swimming poolor already own one , it ’ll be useful to know that our best overall above - ground kitty filter is theHayward W3S180 T ProSeries Pool Sand Filterfor its high - caliber construction , compatibility with pools of up to 25,000 Imperial gallon , and effective recycling filter . However , all the hands - on tested and/or pick out models on this list were soundly vet for effectiveness and dependableness .
This guide dive deep into the cosmos of filters for above - groundpools , examining the feature that are crucial to consider when shop for one of the best above - ground kitty filters and detail what we like ( and do n’t ) about the models that made our list .
Above-Ground Pool Filters Comparison
Our Top Picks
We used hands - on testing and thorough enquiry to narrow down the force field ofpool filtersto some of the best models on the market . These swim kitty filter include light - duty models for above - ground pools under 10,000 gal and gravid models for pools up to 57,000 gallons .
This filter ’s utilitarian options for course , cleaning , and winterizing , along with its helpful gauge , make this model one of the more sophisticated above - undercoat swim pond filters on the market . While find out when it ’s time to backwash the pump to absent detritus can be a guessing game with other filter , that ’s not the font with this model . The ProSeries sand filter features a pressure valve that let you know when the pressure in the tank has dropped , indicating that the filter is full .
Operating mood that include filter , aftermath , waste , rinse , closed in , recirculate , and winterize make it easy to run and maintain the filter , while a big rotating knob on the top of the unit allows you to flip from role to run quickly . This filter ’s 18 - in tank holds 150 lbf. of backbone , making it big enough to handle a 1 - horsepower pump and treat pool with up to 15,000 gal of water .
What our tester says:“We have used this guts filter for 8 years with no issues beyond distinctive maintenance of supercede the sand every 3 to 5 year . The filter has an easy - to - consumption valve allowing for easy backwashing with the twist of a hold . This filter handles our 24 - pes above - ground pool with ease . Our water is always crystal clear . The filter even takes guardianship of small particles like bound pollen without getting choke . ”—Stephanie Cronk , Product Reviews tester and author
Get the Hayward W3S180 triiodothyronine above - ground pond filter atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Easy criminal maintenance , coupled with a high flow pace , make this model ideal for above - dry land pools . This heart - and - filter combo uses pool filter sand to take in little particles out of the water while an integrated strainer basket removes big debris . Its 2,100 GPH flow rate and integrated 0.3 - horsepower pump are enough to plow minor to metier above - land pools up to 12,800 gallons .
Six operating functions permit you to backwash , rinsing , recirculate , drain , filter , and end the system , making it prosperous to do the regular maintenance vital for all swim pool sand filter . Features like a 24 - hr timekeeper make control the pool pump simple by do away with the need to turn it on and off manually . Its 12 - inch filter tanks will hold up to 50 dog pound of pool filter sand , which lasts for about 5 days .
Get the Intex 26645EG above - ground kitty filter atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot(deluxe outfit ) .
Best Bang for the Buck
This heart - filter combo from Summer Waves raise enough flow to keep a small puddle clean without requiring a considerable investing . Despite its small sizing and modest pool pump , above - ground pond owner will make out that this manikin shoot a line a flow pace of 1,000 GPH . While that wo n’t do for larger pools , it is enough to handle modest above - priming coat pools up to 10 foot in diam .
Though this filter - and - heart unit does n’t have the lineament of more expensive choice , such as a 24 - 60 minutes timekeeper , it requires importantly less criminal maintenance to operate thanks to a disposable magazine that filters out small particle . When the filter cartridge is full , simply bump off it and supplant it . The SkimmerPlus also descend equipped with a build - in obliterable straining basket that filters out orotund detritus .
Get the Summer Waves above - ground pool filter atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Small Pools
Intex 28637EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
Small pools do n’t require a prominent amount of mightiness to keep the water watch glass readable . This filter - and - pump jazz group from Intex is low-priced , easy to habituate , and simple to instal . It has a capacitance of 1,000 GPH , making it worthy for small above - ground pools of up to 6,000 gallons . Note , rather than the stock 1.5 - in hosepipe that other swimming pool filters practice , this Intex apply smaller 1.25 - inch hoses , so it may demand an adapter for manipulation with some pools .
This filter uses a cartridge that is easy to install by simply remove the top of the filter housing . This ticker also does n’t take up much distance around the pond , as it is just 15 inch marvelous and 10 inches in diameter . Keep in mind that this is scab as a weak - duty ticker .
Get the Intex 28637EG above - land consortium filter atThe Home DepotorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Large Pools
Intex 28635EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
The simple mathematical operation and installation of this filter - and - ticker combination make it one of the more exploiter - friendly models for larger pool of up to 9,400 gallons . The ticker and filter get a 1,500 GPH flow rate , which is enough to treat round pools up to 18 feet in diam or oval pools up to 20 metrical foot foresighted by 12 feet wide . This filter also uses Intex ’s Hydro Aeration Technology , which oxidize iron and manganese to prevent maculation while also increasing the electronegative ions in the piddle to make the melodic line around it freshman .
Unlike other filters that apply pool filter sand or DE and command backwashing and other routine maintenance , this arrangement uses a replaceable cartridge filter . When the cartridge is full , only remove the top of the filter and trade out the magazine . This heart also includes a ready to hand reflexive timer , which allows you to preset 2- to 12 - hour cycles , extinguish the need to turn the system on and off manually .
Get the Intex 28635EG above - ground puddle filter atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTarget .
Photo: amazon.com
Easiest to Use
Hayward W3EC50AC Perflex DE Modular Pool Filter
Large above - ground pool require a powerful pump similar in capacitance to inground pool . This filter , which is compatible with a 1 - horsepower ticker , can address enough H2O to manage a large above - ground pool of up to 25,000 gallons or 2,400 GPH .
Its large filtration tankful holds DE to separate out little atom out of the water . As with Hayward ’s other above - priming pool filter system , this model uses its “ flex - tube ” technology to recycle DE repeatedly , increasing the time between media change . A handy heart lever tumbler creates a burst of pressure that pass the tubes if they become clogged .
Get the Hayward W3EC50AC above - footing pool filter atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Features
XtremePowerUS 2,640 GPH Sand Above-Ground Pool Pump
XtremePowerUS is well known for providing a change of reliable equipment at fairish prices , and its 13 - inch above - ground swimming pond sand filter pump set is a dear example . The rugged construction of this above - ground puddle heart is waterproof to the independent IPX5 criterion . A ¾-horsepower motor drive the pump at a competitive 2,640 GPH . Although the filter rate is not quoted ( and is usually slightly lower ) , the setup is ideal for pools up to 10,000 gallons .
A straightforward four - means multiport offers easy choice of filtering , backwashing , rinse , and waste . An unified digital timer can be set to course the filter for anywhere from 2 to 24 hour for proprietor convenience . A transparent lid wee-wee it well-to-do to see when the large pump strainer hoop involve to be void .
Get the XtremePowerUS above - soil consortium filter atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Filter Cartridges
Intex 29000E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge
While pumps that use disposable filter are ideal for maintenance and ease of use of goods and services , replacing a filter every 2 workweek when the pool is in use can get costly . This eight - battalion of pickup filters from Intex cuts that be down . These pool filter for above - solid ground pools , which assess 8 inches high and 4.25 inches in diameter , will work with various Intex pools and are easy to replace in compatible pump and filter systems . Each filter consists of 13.5 straightforward feet of Dacron , which will capture impureness as small as 10 microns , leaving the syndicate water clear while expand the life of the puddle filter .
Get the Intex 290000E above - ground kitty filter atLowe’s(6 - pack ) orThe rest home Depot(8 - pack ) .
Best Pump/Filter Combo
Hayward W3CC15093S XStream Pool Filter System
Pump and filter compatibility is a challenge when selecting the right system for an above - ground pool , but this 1.5 - horsepower Hayward model makes it simple . Made to act as an above - ground puddle filter - and - pump jazz group , this system of rules relies on pickup filters to houseclean 120 GPM in pools of up to 150 straightforward fundament .
It has an Easy - Lok closed chain that tolerate the user access to the filter ’s interior components and a quick - loss , high - capacity air respite valve . It work on with both pliant and unbending plumbing and sits on a stable base that can be mounted in the undercoat near the pool . It also follow with a filter cartridge , a 6 - pes - long by 1½-inch - wide hose , hosepipe adapter and clamps , and a union connexion .
Get the Hayward W3CC15093S above - ground pool filter atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Above-Ground Pool Filters
We considered the eccentric of filter — cartridge or sand — as that note affects the easiness and horizontal surface of sustentation you ’ll need to perform to keep your filter running swimmingly . All of our hand - on quiz or research products are meld pump - and - filter units , so there ’s no need to worry about filter compatibility with an existing puddle pump .
In addition , the gallons per hour ( GPH ) menstruation rate and system flowing rate are critical components of choosing the best filter for your above - solid ground pool : Too low a charge per unit and your pool will be cloudy , or too high and you ’re wasting money on electrical energy . Finally , we examined the ease of installation and use as well as ready to hand features such aspool skimmersand timers , strainer baskets , and any additional components you might need to purchase one by one .
What to Consider When Choosing an Above-Ground Pool Filter
understand the type and sizing of a specific pool and pump is essential to pick out the right filter for anabove - ground pond . To help with your search , keep reading to learn more about these factor and other critical characteristics of above - ground swim pool filters .
Type
Above - ground puddle filters can utilise three different type of media tokeep water clean for swim : DE , magazine , or sand .
Pump Compatibility
For the filter to work right with an above - ground syndicate , it must be compatible with thepumpto ensure there is the correct amount of flow and pressure level to station water through the filter . If the filter is too large for the pool pump , the pump wo n’t produce enough imperativeness to push piddle through the filter adequately . With too small a filter , the pump can overload the filter , hurting its performance and even damaging it .
Most manufacturers rate their swim pool filters by flow rate , which is the amount of water they can filtrate in an 60 minutes . Pool pump for above - ground syndicate also have a flow rate , which is directly come to to the H.P. of the motor . A heart and filter should go no more than 8 hours each day to avoid filter out the heart and filter and running up the electric bill . They should be able-bodied to turn over all the piddle in a swimming puddle once during that period of time .
Some filter and pumps are conveniently sell as a single unit , pass the need to find out compatibility .
Photo: amazon.com
Additional Features
Above - background puddle filter include features that make them easier to use . Some higher - end simulation have pressure gauges , which allow you to supervise the pressure sensation of the ticker and filtration system . The pressure inside the filter is a good index of how well the system is drawing water and assist to determine if the filter is full and needs to be backwashed .
Using the filter ’s drain interface , sand and DE filter must be sporadically backwashed to clear out the debris they ’ve pick up from the swim pool . By attach a hose to these drain ports , you may orchestrate the waste product to an appropriate drainage area when backwashing the filter .
Some filters have obliterable skimmer basketful that help collect and remove tumid debris such as leaves and twigs .
Photo: amazon.com
Ease of Use
Above - ground puddle filter change in their easiness of use . Sand and DE filters are more complex , requiring you to aline the filter to different context to backwash , rinse , and even winterize the filter . They also necessitate you to tally grit or DE to the system periodically .
Cartridge - based filter are gentle to use . Most magazine filter consist of a immix pump and permeate . When the filter is full , you simply turn off the ticker , launch the top of the filter , replace the magazine with a raw one , close down the hat , and reverse the ticker on . They require no backwashing and typically have a exclusive switch that turn the pump on and off .
Higher - destruction model of all three types of pool filters may have programmable timekeeper that mechanically cycle the pump and filter on and off , excrete the need to turn the ticker on and off manually .
Photo: amazon.com
Installation
Unlike inground pool filter , which are more complicated to instal and often require professional installing , most above - ground filter instalment are mere . Many models sport filter integrated with pumps , carry off the pauperism to make connectedness between the two pieces .
induction typically involves connecting tubing from the ticker to the pool , which draws water into the filter and an escape that sends the water back into the pond . The inflow connectedness is ordinarily on the wall near the bottom of the pool , while the outflow is most often on the wall near the surface of the pond urine .
DE and Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin pump above - ground pool systems are usually more complicated , require connections between the pump and permeate as well as the coating of the sand and Delaware media . These filters generally take about an time of day to set up . In contrast , set up a dim-witted cartridge filter organization can take 10 minutes or less .
Photo: homedepot.com
Cleaner Type
While pool filter system do an excellent job of off contaminants and impurities floating in the water , they ca n’t remove muck sticking to the walls or level . Pool cleaners that sequester to the syndicate filter do this duty . Thebest puddle vacuumsconsist of three types : robotic , pressure side , and suck side . Suction - side pool cleaners are suitable for smaller pools with less powerful ticker , while robotic and pressure - side cleaners are idealistic for big pool heart and filter .
FAQs
If you ’re wondering how gravid a filter you need for your pool or how to set up and operate your new above - ground puddle filter , then show on for answers to some of the most commonly asked doubt about these puddle accessories .
The filter size of it depends on how many gallons of H2O the pool bear . Generally , a pool filter should be capable to treat the integral content of the pool in 8 hours . A filter subject of treating 750 GPH is desirable for pools with 6,000 congius of capacity , whereas a pool filter capable of treat 7,000 GPH is suited for a pool with up to 56,000 gallons of water system .
It depend on the app program . A sand filter is more efficient at take away contamination from a pool ; however , it does ask moremaintenance . You must backwash a George Sand filter to wash out impureness sporadically , whereas a cartridge filter organisation use disposable cartridges that can be replaced in a few minutes . With this in mind , most magazine filter systems are well suited for modest puddle of 10,000 gallons or less , include those that are n’t used yr - round . Above - terra firma pocket billiards filtration system that rely on Baroness Dudevant are ideal for large lasting above - ground pool .
Photo: amazon.com
An above - ground kitty filtration system that relies on Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin filter will require backwashing . Backwashing annul the flow of the pee to scour out contaminant and rubble . Depending on the ticker , this process should take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes . Pools that bank on magazine filter should not expect backwashing , but always read your merchandise ’s manual before range the unit .
The filter on an above - ground pond should be run away daily when used regularly . It should be run long enough to filter the entire pocket billiards ’s mental object . The sizing of the pocket billiards , filter , and the power of the pump will obviously have an impact , but for most people , this will signify start the filter for 6 to 8 hours a Clarence Day . Many experts say that the filter does n’t have to be endure consecutively . In other tidings , it could be run for 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the eve . This schedule may make it possible to benefit from depressed electrical energy rates by start the filter at off - peak times .
No . Leaving an above - ground pool filter on all the sentence will wear off out the filter and pump , and it is n’t necessary to clean the urine . The filter should run long enough to wrench the pool water over once a day , a process that should not take more than 8 minute .
For safety reasons and for maintain the pool clean , an above - ground pool with filter system should be cover every night . Firstly , people or creature can fall in the pool at nighttime and a cover could prevent drowning or injury . second , covering the pool overnight can keep debris and dirt out of the water . finally , pool with heaters could misplace heating plant overnight as pocket billiards water will melt .
A act of things will affect how often you should exchange an above - primer filter , including the case of filter spiritualist or magazine , oftenness of use , product lineament , and how well it is keep . A key issue is always following manufacturers ’ recommendations to maximize the filter ’s working life . Generally verbalise , sprightliness expectancy is potential to be 5 years or more , though this could be as low as 3 years in areas where wad of junk find into the pool . A drop curtain in syndicate water quality indicates the filter is past its good .
Cartridge filters are equal to of hold out for 2 to 3 years before requiring a replacing while moxie filters may last for 7 to 10 years before they postulate replacement Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or DE . To keep the lifetime of filter long , ensure that any detritus and dirt are remove regularly and check the filter periodically to ensure it is operating properly .
change a pool filter involve the following steps:—Begin by assembling the pool filter according to the producer ’s instructions.—check that the pump is turned off and unplugged.—Attach a hosiery that runs from the filter ’s pump port to the arc side of the pump.—Next , attach the filter ’s return port to a hose that connects to the side of the pool.—If you have a sand or DE filter that take backwashing , then connect a hose to a waste larboard that offer to a drainage area.—Turn the pump on to ensure for news leak and to make trusted the arrangement has the appropriate pressure .
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