Nothing compares to the inviting sparkle of a crystal-clear swimming pool on a hot day. Achieving that pristine water quality, however, relies heavily on one crucial piece of equipment: the pool sand filter. These workhorses of pool maintenance use natural sand to trap dirt, debris, and even microscopic particles, ensuring your water stays hygienic and visually appealing.
With numerous options on the market, selecting the right sand filter for your pool’s size and type can be a challenge. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best-performing models. From trusted industry leaders to value-packed complete systems, you’ll find a filter to meet your needs and keep your pool water perfectly balanced and clear all season long.
Our Top Picks for Pool Sand Filters
- Hayward W3S244T ProSeries Sand Filter, 24-Inch
- Doheny’s Pool Pro Sand Filter System | 24″ with 1.5 HP Pump
- XtremepowerUS 19″ inch Sand Filter with 1.5HP Pool Pump 4500GPH
- XtremepowerUS 22″ Sand Filter for Inground/Above Ground
- XtremepowerUS 19″ Sand Filter 1.5HP Pump 4500 GPH Combo Set
- Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Sand Filter, 18 In.
- XtremepowerUS 4500GPH 19″ Sand Filter with 1.5HP Pump
- XtremepowerUS 19″ InGround Above Pool Sand Filter System
- AQUASTRONG Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pool with Timer
- Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools
Hayward W3S244T ProSeries Sand Filter, 24-Inch
Hayward is a renowned name in pool equipment, and this 24-inch ProSeries model demonstrates why. It is built for dependable, all-weather performance with a unitized, corrosion-proof filter tank molded from rugged polymeric material. This construction ensures the filter can withstand the elements season after season without succumbing to rust or degradation.
Performance is enhanced by its efficient, multilateral underdrain assembly. The system features precision-engineered, self-cleaning 360-degree slotted laterals that provide totally balanced flow and highly effective backwashing. An integral top diffuser works to ensure water is distributed evenly over the entire sand media bed, maximizing filtration efficiency and contributing to exceptionally clear water.
Doheny’s Pool Pro Sand Filter System
This Doheny’s package offers a complete filtration solution, combining a high-performance 24-inch sand filter with a powerful 1.5 HP pump. It is engineered to deliver top-quality sand filtration and maximum flow at a competitive price point, making it an excellent value for pool owners seeking performance without the premium brand cost.
The system is built for durability and ease of use. The filter tank is constructed from strong polymeric materials and includes a user-friendly 6-position dial valve for precise control over filter functions. Designed for quick setup and long-lasting reliability, this combo is fully tested and inspected, providing a robust system ideal for many above-ground pools.
XtremepowerUS 19″ inch Sand Filter with 1.5HP Pool Pump
This XtremepowerUS combo is a popular choice for above-ground pool owners, featuring a 19-inch sand filter paired with a 1.5 HP pump capable of a 4500 GPH flow rate. The pump and filter are engineered together to provide optimum flow rates that actively promote clean, high-quality water throughout your pool.
Beyond its cleaning power, this system is designed with user comfort in mind. It operates with a low noise design, making it a less intrusive presence in your backyard oasis. The filter is also designed to maintain the correct sand height level, which exposes water to the maximum sand surface area for optimum filtration, consistent performance, and efficient back-washing cycles.
XtremepowerUS 22″ Sand Filter for Inground/Above Ground
This versatile 22-inch sand filter from XtremepowerUS is suitable for both inground and above-ground pool applications, handling pools up to 37,200 gallons. Its design focuses on delivering clean water quality through an optimized flow rate and a precision-engineered umbrella fold self-cleaning lateral system.
This lateral system ensures efficient water flow and even distribution, which is crucial for totally balanced backwashing and long-lasting filter performance. Operation is simplified with a multi-port valve that provides several settings, including Filter, Backwash, Winter, Re-Circulate, Closed, Rinse, and Waste, giving you complete control over your pool’s filtration and maintenance.
XtremepowerUS 19″ Sand Filter 1.5HP Pump 4500 GPH Combo Set
Another reliable combo set from XtremepowerUS, this package includes a 19-inch sand filter and a 1.5 HP pump with a 4500 GPH flow rate. It is engineered as a cohesive system to ensure the pump and filter work in harmony, providing the optimum flow rates necessary for maintaining clean and healthy pool water.
The filter is built for dependable performance, designed to keep the sand at the ideal height level. This exposes the water to the maximum possible sand surface area, which is key for optimum filtration and consistent results. Like other models in the line, it also features a low noise design for quieter, more energy-efficient operation.
Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Sand Filter, 18 In.
The Hayward W3S180T brings the trusted ProSeries quality to a compact 18-inch size, making it an excellent choice for many above-ground pools. It is constructed with durable, corrosion-proof materials that guarantee dependable performance through various weather conditions, ensuring a long service life.
At the heart of its filtration is a precision-engineered, umbrella-fold self-cleaning lateral system. This technology provides highly efficient water flow and even distribution for balanced backwashing and reliable, long-term performance. The system is topped with a 7-position VariFlo valve that delivers maximum water flow while maintaining a lower pressure drop for improved efficiency.
XtremepowerUS 4500GPH 19″ Sand Filter with 1.5HP Pump
This XtremepowerUS sand filter and pump combo is designed to handle the filtration needs of many above-ground pools with its 4500 GPH flow rate. The system is perfectly matched to provide optimal flow, which is fundamental for circulating and cleaning pool water effectively.
It emphasizes a quiet and pleasant user experience with its low noise design, allowing the pump to run without being disruptive. The filter’s internal design ensures dependable performance by maintaining the correct sand level, which maximizes the water’s exposure to the sand for superior filtration and makes the essential back-washing process more efficient.
XtremepowerUS 19″ InGround Above Pool Sand Filter System
This 19-inch XtremepowerUS filter offers versatility for pool owners, as it can be used with both inground and above-ground pools up to 24,000 gallons. Its engineering focuses on promoting clean water quality by providing optimum flow rates through the filter media.
The filter is built for consistent and dependable performance, designed to keep the sand at the ideal height to expose water to the maximum surface area for filtration. A multi-port valve makes operation straightforward, offering settings for Filter, Backwash, Winter, Re-Circulate, Closed, Rinse, and Waste, which simplifies the maintenance process.
AQUASTRONG Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pool with Timer
The AQUASTRONG sand filter pump stands out with its integrated timer functionality, a feature that adds significant convenience for automated pool care. It offers nine time settings from 2 to 24 hours and a choice between single or continuous cycles, allowing for highly customized filtration schedules to keep water clear with minimal effort.
This is a powerful system, capable of a maximum flow of 8917 gallons per hour, making it suitable for larger above-ground pools up to 38,000 gallons. Its enhanced durability is supported by a substantial 200-pound sand capacity, which ensures long-lasting, efficient filtration and reduces the frequency of maintenance intervals.
Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools
Intex is a well-known brand for above-ground pools, and their Krystal Clear sand filter pump is designed to integrate seamlessly with their products. This 16-inch model provides a robust 3000 GPH flow rate, offering a significant upgrade in filtration power over standard cartridge systems for cleaner, clearer water.
As a dedicated above-ground pool filter, it is built with the user in mind, focusing on straightforward installation and operation. The sand filtration method is effective at capturing fine particles, and the system provides the reliability and performance that Intex pool owners have come to expect from their equipment.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Pool Sand Filter
When I was first looking for a sand filter for my own pool, I was overwhelmed by all the numbers and specs. It seemed like a foreign language. But after years of maintaining my pool and helping friends with theirs, I can tell you that choosing the right one boils down to a few key factors. Getting this right means you spend less time fighting cloudy water and more time enjoying your clear pool.
The single most important specification is the filter’s flow rate, measured in Gallons Per Minute (GPM), and its related metric, the filter area in square feet. You need a filter that can handle the volume of your pool. A filter that’s too small will work overtime, leading to poor cleaning and frequent backwashing. A good rule of thumb I follow is to find a filter with a GPM rating that matches or exceeds the flow rate of your pool pump. If you have a 20,000-gallon pool, you generally want a filter that can turn over that entire volume in 8-10 hours. An undersized filter is one of the most common mistakes I see.
Next, consider the tank material. Most are made from durable polyethylene, which is great for resisting corrosion and UV damage from the sun. However, for in-ground pools or if you just want maximum durability, look for a filter with a reinforced composite or fiberglass tank. These can handle higher pressures and are generally more robust over the long haul. The multi-port valve is another critical component. This is the brain of the operation, allowing you to switch between Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, and other settings. I always look for a valve that feels sturdy, turns smoothly without sticking, and has clear, easy-to-read labels.
Finally, think about the practicalities. How easy is it to access the sand for later replacement? How simple is the backwashing process? A clear sight glass on the backwash hose is a small feature that makes a huge difference, as it lets you see when the water runs clean. Also, check the included fittings to make sure they are compatible with your existing plumbing. Taking a little time to understand these details will lead you to one of the best pool sand filters for clear water, saving you money and frustration down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I backwash my sand filter?
I don’t backwash on a strict schedule; I do it based on the pressure gauge. When the pressure rises 5-10 PSI above the clean, starting pressure (your “clean pressure”), it’s time to backwash. Backwashing too frequently can actually waste water and prevent the sand bed from filtering effectively. After backwashing, remember to run the pump on the “Rinse” setting for about 30 seconds to reset the sand bed before returning to “Filter” mode.
What type of sand should I use, and when do I change it?
You must use specially graded #20 silica sand, which is the standard for these filters. Don’t use play sand or any other type, as it can damage your system and cloud your pool. As for changing it, sand doesn’t “wear out” quickly. Under normal conditions, you only need to change the sand every 5-7 years. The granules become rounded and smooth over time, losing their filtering efficiency. If you’re dealing with persistent cloudy water even after proper chemical balance, it might be time for a change.
Why is my sand filter leaking sand into the pool?
This is a frustrating but common issue. It usually points to a broken part inside the filter called a lateral. These are the slotted pipes at the bottom of the tank that hold the sand in while allowing clean water to pass. If a lateral cracks, sand can get pushed back into the pool. The only fix is to empty the filter and replace the damaged lateral assembly. It’s a bit of a chore, but it’s a direct solution to the problem.
Can I use glass media instead of sand in my filter?
Yes, you absolutely can! Recycled glass filter media is a popular and effective alternative to traditional silica sand. Many users, including myself, find that it filters to a finer degree, resulting in slightly clearer water. It’s also lighter and more environmentally friendly. Just make sure your specific filter model is compatible with glass media, as some manufacturers require a slightly different amount compared to sand.
My filter pressure is reading high, but the pool is dirty. What’s wrong?
This is a classic sign that your filter is doing its job, but it’s overwhelmed. The high pressure means debris is trapped, creating a blockage. The solution is to backwash the filter to clear out that trapped gunk. If the pressure doesn’t drop after a thorough backwash, you might be dealing with oils, fine clays, or hardened calcium scale that a standard backwash can’t remove. In that case, using a filter cleaner product designed for sand filters can help break down those stubborn contaminants and restore flow. Finding one of the best pool sand filters for clear water is the first step, but consistent maintenance is what keeps it that way.