The 6 Best Swimming Pool Filters of Every Type

Recap: The Best Pool Filters

• Hayward W3S220T ProSeries Sand Filter: Best high-end sand filter
• Hayward W3DE3620 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter: Best DE filter for smaller pools
• Hayward W3C17502 SwimClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter: Best cartridge filter for large pools
• Intex Krystal Clear Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: Best for above ground pools
• XtremepowerUS 75141 Inground Pool Sand Filter: Best value sand filter pump
• Blue Wave 120-Square Feet Cartridge Filter System with 1.5 HP Pump: Best pump/filter combination

How They Compare

Effectiveness and Price Comparison

Here is a scatterplot looking at my scores for the effectiveness and price of each pool filter. XtremepowerUS really stands out as a great value pick. Hayward and Intex scored well, too.

Installation Comparison

1. Intex Krystal Clear Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 5
2. Hayward W3S220T ProSeries Sand Filter: 4
3. Hayward W3DE3620 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter: 4
4. Hayward W3C17502 SwimClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter: 4
5. XtremepowerUS 75141 Inground Pool Sand Filter: 4
6. Blue Wave 120-Square Feet Cartridge Filter System with 1.5 HP Pump: 4

Intex stood out from the pack, mostly because it's so simple. Most other brands have routine setup processes, although the instructions can sometimes be vague.

Other Notable Pool Filters Researched

• Pentair Clean and Clear Pool Filter Cartridge - The SwimClear filter from Hayward is a better cartridge filter option, in my opinion, and is (roughly) half the price.
• Carvin Laser Above Ground Pool Sand Filter - I think this is a decent option for above ground pools if you want a sand filter, but I still think Intex can work for most pool owners.
• Hayward XStream Above-Ground Filter Pump - I didn't love this model's effectiveness and power; it was pretty weak when I tested it.

My Research Criteria

Not sure where to start when it comes to buying a pool filter? No worries. Here are the research criteria I use to determine which filters are the best for each category. Let’s start with the different types of filters you can choose from; then, we’ll head into the other rating criteria that made up my research scores for each of my top picks.

Filter Materials

Cleaning the water in your pool is the primary function of a filter. But how does it work? When your pump comes on, it circulates water through the pool filter, cleaning it with a range of media.

Most pool pumps use one of three filtration methods: sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), or cartridge. Each method has a wide range of effectiveness depending on the filter model, so I judged effectiveness as compared to other filters in the same category. Effectiveness accounted for 30% of the overall score. If you’re not sure which type of filter to get, head over to my sand vs. cartridge vs. DE filter comparison.

Sand Filters

Sand filters circulate water through a canister with pounds of sand inside. As it does underground, sand filters particles out of the water, preventing debris and soil from clouding your pool water. The finer the sand, the smaller the particles (microns) it can clear from the water. The standard sand used in most filters is #20 silica sand, which grabs size 20 microns and larger.

However, many pool owners are opting for some sand alternatives to help improve filtration efficiency. You can add DE powder after backwashing, replacing your sand, or replacing your silica sand entirely with ZeoSand or filter glass. ZeoSand is made from zeolite, a mineral that is really good at capturing small contaminants – and you only need about half as much as you do silica sand. Filter glass is fine recycled glass with a negative electrical charge that attracts positively charged particles like iron and magnesium that you want to filter out.

If you look at the sand particles up close, you’ll notice lots of tiny rough edges on each one, which helps grab microns and prevent them from running into your pool water. Over time, those rough edges erode, and your sand needs to be replaced.

Unfortunately, because the sand is so heavy, it’s often tough to purchase online. However, if you can snag free shipping for your sand filtration system, that will obviously go a long way to cut down on costs.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

A DE pool filter contains a special type of sedimentary rock with silica deposits. Diatomaceous Earth filter tanks have rods or “fingers” covered in DE powder, made from tiny fossilized pieces of diatoms, a single-celled alga.

With DE, you can filter out microscopic-sized particles of stuff from your pool water. Plus, these filters tend to take up less space than alternative types.

You can buy DE at most hardware, pool supply, and livestock feed stores. Household uses for DE also make it a handy substance to have around—you can use it to control insect infestations and deworm animals.

Remember that you need to handle DE carefully, as it can be harmful if you breathe it in or swim in a high concentration of it.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use similar technology to air filters, incorporating materials like polyester fiber into cartridge units. The material filters out debris and particles as small as 10 microns, which is more effective than your standard #20 silica sand.

Cartridges are available online and in most retail stores, making them accessible no matter how many you go through. You will need to deep clean them at least once every few months (possibly more, depending on the size and condition of your pool) and replace them every 2 to 3 years.

Generally, a cartridge filter must be cleaned when your pool filter pressure gauge reaches 8-10 psi above its normal level, after major rainstorms, and when the pool is opened and closed. I have an entire article on when to replace your filter cartridge, so give that a read for more details.

Filter Capacity

While some filter setups are ideal for pools of all sizes, others can only filter a set number of gallons of water. For example, if you have a 25,000-gallon inground pool, you’ll want a filter with a higher capacity – a filter that accommodates 6,000-gallon pools won’t work out. Filters are measured in gallons per minute per square foot.

Make sure to match your filter with the right size pool pump and how many gallons per minute (GPM) it can process. Your filter should be rated at the same level or higher as your pool pump. You can use my pool pump size calculator to figure out the right model for you. You can also read my research on the best swimming pool pump for specific model recommendations.

And regardless of capacity, you will need to replace your filtering medium occasionally, which affects the overall ‘capacity,’ too. For example, you may need to change out cartridge filters more frequently than sand filters (depending on performance).

Ranges in capacity accounted for 20% of my overall ratings score.

Pump Compatibility and Pressurization

Filters are typically compatible with a range of pumps and water pressure levels. But sometimes, you might find that a filter isn’t effective at cleaning your pool water. It’s common for a filter to reduce water pressure slightly, but a huge dip after installation could mean your filter is not the right size for your pool or pump.

Compatibility accounted for 20% of my overall score for each filter.

Standalone or Pump and Filter Unit

While some filter units are also pumps, many are standalone units that tie into the pool’s plumbing system. I recognize that not every pool owner has the same type of system or needs—which is why I included a range of options on my list of recommendations.

In general, if you already have a pump, you won’t want a pump/filter combination. But if you are replacing an existing system or are just starting, consider whether a combo unit is the most efficient for your pool size, type, and setup.

Installation

I also looked at how easy each filter was to install and replace after months and years of use. Some systems are more complicated than others, so I looked for standardized markings on the filter, easy instructions to follow, and total time to replace. Installation accounted for 15% of my scores.

Price

Of course, price was also a consideration for me and should definitely be factored into your decision based on your budget. Generally, DE filters are the most expensive, cartridge filters are the least expensive, and sand filters are somewhere in the middle. Price and value accounted for 15% of my scores for each filter.

What Else to Consider

My research criteria outlined above are not all you should keep in mind when buying a swimming pool filter. Here are some other criteria that you should consider.

Ongoing Costs

The upfront cost of purchasing a pool filter will definitely play a part in your decision-making, but you should also consider the ongoing costs, which can add up. In particular, expect your energy bill to rise as you will be running your filter for at least 8 hours a day every day to maintain those crystal clear waters.

Another ongoing cost to think about is the filter media. Sand should last you three to five years before you need to empty the filter out and put new sand in. Sand filters are probably the most affordable option when you factor in ongoing costs.

On the other hand, DE filters need constant replenishing. The consistent backwashing needed with this type of filter washes away a lot of the DE, which needs replacing. On top of that, consider that you will need to purchase a new filter grid every 2-3 years or when your grids look worse for wear.

Finally, cartridge filters are in a similar league to sand filters. The cartridge itself will need replacing only every 2-4 years.

Maintenance Needs

You should consider the cost of your time when deciding on your pool filter. Most notably, DE filters require a lot of maintenance. So, although they are considered the most effective type of filter, ensure the efficiency is properly offset by the amount of time you spend maintaining the filter. If you don’t mind the backwashing required every 2-4 weeks, this may be a good fit for you. Alternatively, if you need a low-maintenance filter model, choose a sand or cartridge filter.

Energy Efficiency

If you want to think more about the environmental impact with the equipment you use or simply want to cut costs, look at how energy-efficient your pool filter options are. While pool filters do not take a lot of energy to run, every bit makes a difference.

If energy efficiency matters to you, go for a swimming pool filter with maximum efficiency for a faster filtration time, which will thereby save electricity. One way of achieving this is to install a larger pool filter to reduce the strain on the pool pump. Try to pair your filter with a variable speed pump to reduce energy use further.

And that’s about it. Questions? Let me know.

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