2024’s Best Pool Filters for Clean Pool Water 

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Pool Filters for Clean Pool Water  and hope the blog can help you.

Keep your pool sparkling clean and clear all season long with one of these top pool filters.

A pool filter is absolutely vital to the function of any swimming pool. It’s responsible for removing contaminants from the pool water, ensuring that the pool not only stays crystal clear but also free of bacteria and other contaminants that present health hazards.

Pool filters use a variety of means for filtering water, including sand, paper cartridges, and diatomaceous earth. They come in various sizes to meet the needs of above-ground and inground pools, both large and small. With so many shapes, sizes, and brands to choose from, selecting the right model for one’s pool can quickly become an overwhelming process. Our top recommendation is the ProGrid from Hayward, thanks to its durable construction and impressive flow rates for pools up to 60 square feet.

This guide dives into the world of pool filters through research and/or hands-on testing to identify what factors are crucial to consider when shopping for the best pool filter, while evaluating some of the top models on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: Hayward DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter
2. RUNNER-UP: Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Sand Filter 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: XtremePowerUS 19″ Swimming Pool Sand Filter
4. BEST CARTRIDGE: Pentair 160332 Clean and Clear Cartridge Pool Filter 
5. BEST SAND: Hayward W3S244T ProSeries Pool Sand Filter
6. BEST ABOVE-GROUND: Carvin Laser 22.5″ Above-Ground Pool Sand Filter
7. BEST WITH PUMP: Hayward W3CC15093S XStream Above-Ground Filter Pump
8. BEST FOR SMALL POOLS: Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
9. BEST FOR LARGE POOLS: Hayward W3EC50AC Perflex DE Pool Filter 
10. BEST DESIGN: Hayward W3C12002 StarClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter
11. ALSO CONSIDER: Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

How We Chose the Best Pool Filters

In evaluating dozens of pool filters for this guide, we researched and/or hands-on tested an extensive list of products based on important shopping considerations listed below. In our research, we concluded that a pool filter should be both easy to maintain and durable. As such, we chose models with tough, molded plastic construction that could resist harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as well as extreme cold.

For ease of maintenance, we chose models with designs that allow the user to conduct minimal maintenance quickly. For cartridge filters, we chose models with quick-release fittings that allow the user to access the cartridge without having to remove a lot of hardware first. For sand and D.E. filters, we selected models with multiport valves that allow the user to easily change the filter to different operating modes for back-flowing and winterizing.

Our Top Picks

The list below narrows the field to some of the top pool filters on the market through rigorous hands-on testing and/or thorough research. It includes both above-ground and inground pool filters with flow rates for pools both large and small.

Best Overall

Hayward DE6020 ProGrid D.E. Pool Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: D.E.
• Flow rate: 120 gallons per minute (GPM)
• Size: 24 inches wide by 46.5 inches tall

Pros

• High flow rate and capacity; can accommodate pools of up to 60 square feet
• Quick-release flange clamp for easy maintenance; fastens the tank top and bottom
• High-impact grid elements aid upflow filtration and top-down backwashing
• Durable copolymer construction is built to withstand the elements for long-term use 

Cons

• Expensive compared to other pool filter options on the market 
• Multiport valve is not included with purchase 

Though more expensive and requiring more maintenance than other types of filters, D.E. pool filters do the best job when it comes to cleaning contaminants out of a pool. Of all the D.E. filters out there, this model from Hayward is one of the best. The DE6020 has an ample flow rate of 120 GPM and is constructed out of durable glass-reinforced copolymer, ensuring it will endure the elements. High-impact grid elements also aid upflow filtration and top-down backwashing. 

D.E. filters have high maintenance requirements but Hayward makes them easier to perform with a few useful design features, including a one-piece flange clamp that makes it easy to open the filter to access its interior and a quick-release valve for bleeding air out of the pool filter pump to improve flow.

Get the Hayward ProGrid pool filter at Amazon.

Runner-up

Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Sand Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: Sand
• Flow rate: 35 GPM
• Size: 18.5 inches wide by 35 inches high 

Pros

• Made with an umbrella-fold self-cleaning lateral system and a top diffuser for even distribution 
• Large drain and pump-to-filter union connection allows for quick checks and winterizing 
• 7-position VariFlo valve allows for complete control over the system 

Cons

• Only suitable for use with above-ground pool varieties 

Hayward is a renowned name when it comes to pool filters, and this model is no exception. This ProSeries sand filter is made for above-ground pools and comes with an umbrella-fold self-cleaning lateral system and top diffuser for even distribution, long lifespan, and an efficient flow rate of 36 GPM. 

This model also comes in multiple sizes to accommodate varying pool volumes, and the seven-position VariFlo valve allows for maximum control over the system’s operation. Need more? This model also has a large drain and pump-to-filter union connection that allows for rapid winterizing or quick adjustments as well as a pressure gauge.

What our tester says: Stephanie Cronk, executive editor of commerce at Bob Vila, notes that “we have used this sand filter for 8 years with no issues beyond typical maintenance of replacing the sand every 3 to 5 years. The filter has an easy-to-use valve allowing for easy backwashing with the twist of a handle. We leave our filter out in all elements, including Northeast snow and ice, and we’ve never had a problem with rusting or deterioration.”

Get the Hayward W3S180T pool filter at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang For The Buck

XtremePowerUS 19" Swimming Pool Sand Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: Sand 
• Flow rate: 20 to 160 GPM
• Size: 19 inches wide by 45 inches tall

Pros

• Works with above-ground or inground pools for peak versatility 
• 7-way multiport controls make maintenance tasks easier and adjust the system settings
• 360-degree valve rotation prevents clogs and keeps all plumbing in order 
• Affordably priced compared to other options currently on the market 

Cons

• Smaller capacity than some pool filters; may be ideal for smaller pool varieties 

With price tags that go into the thousands of dollars, a swimming pool filter replacement can quickly become a major investment. That’s why this sand filter from Xtremepower is such a nice option. It boasts a flow rate of 20 to 160 GPM, which is enough to service a 24,000-gallon pool.

Seven-way multiport controls located on the filter’s lid allow the user to change the filter’s flow to handle rinsing, filtration, backwashing, and even winterizing with just the turn of a lever. A large pressure gauge makes it easy to see when it’s time to backwash the filter. This option also comes with 360-degree valve rotation for smooth plumbing. In addition to being affordable, this filter is also versatile, since it will work with both inground and above-ground pools.

Get the XtremePowerUS pool filter at Amazon.

Best Cartridge

Pentair 160332 Clean and Clear Cartridge Pool Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: Cartridge
• Flow rate: 150 GPM
• Size: 55 inches tall by 21.5 inches in diameter 

Pros

• High flow rate can handle larger pools of 30,000 gallons or more 
• Easy-to-maintain cartridge filters; simply rinse with a garden hose and return to the pool 
• Continuous High Flow Internal Air Relief automatically releases pressure 
• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-listed product for effectiveness and reliability 

Cons

• Expensive option compared to some other filtration systems on the market 

With a broad filtration surface area and high flow rate, this cartridge filter from Pentair is a great option for larger pools. The filter boasts a flow rate of 150 gallons per minute, making it a worthy choice for larger inground pools of 30,000 gallons or more. Unlike sand and D.E. filters that require periodic backwashing, Pentair’s cartridge filter is easy to maintain. Simply remove the filter, rinse it with a garden hose, and replace it.

The NSF-listed Pentair filter also self-regulates its internal pressure, thanks to its Integrated Continuous High Flow Internal Air Relief, which automatically releases pressure that can inhibit the flow of water through the filter.

Get the Pentair pool filter at Amazon.

Best Sand

Hayward W3S244T ProSeries Pool Sand Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: Sand
• Flow rate: 62 GPM
• Size: 42 inches high by 24.5 inches wide 

Pros

• Comes with a 6-position VariFlo control valve for controlling the filtration system 
• Top-mounted handle eases performance of maintenance tasks 
• Tough polymer construction will not corrode or wear with time 
• Self-cleaning drain makes winterizing and maintenance tasks easier 

Cons

• Smaller capacity than other sand filters on the market 
• Only suitable for use with inground pool sand filters 

With its tough polymer construction, this Hayward sand filter’s tank is built like a tank and is one of the most well-built sand filters on the market. In addition to being durable, this model makes it easy to conduct regular maintenance, thanks to a six-position VariFlo valve on the top of the filter. With the valve, a pool owner can easily set this small pool filter for backwashing, rinsing, winterizing, and other functions.

The ProSeries Pool Sand Filter comes with some useful additional features, including a top diffuser that ensures even distribution of water through the sand, a self-cleaning drain that makes it easy to empty the filter come wintertime, and a gauge for monitoring pressure.

Get the Hayward W3S244T pool filter at Amazon.

Best Above-ground

Carvin Laser 22.5" Above-Ground Pool Sand Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: Sand
• Flow rate: 20 to 25 GPM
• Size: 24 inches wide by 41 inches tall

Pros

• 6-position valve makes maintenance and adjustments to the system easily
• Evenly distributes water for efficient operation; filters over 66 GPM 
• Good capacity for above-ground pools; provides a 20 to 25 GPM flow rate 
• 2 hose adapters included for added ease of use and installation 

Cons

• Bulkier than other above-ground swimming pool filters on the market 
• Cannot be used in any inground pool sand filter varieties 

This sand filter’s flow rate of 20 GPM can keep the water in a 31,000-plus gallon pool clean. Couple that with a six-position valve that makes it easy to backwash, rinse, drain, winterize, or test the filter, and the Carvin Laser is one of the best above-ground pool filter options on the market.

The filter efficiently filters water by using a side-slotted lateral design and an underdrain to distribute water evenly across the surface of 250 pounds of sand. It is durably built with a molded plastic UV- and corrosion-resistant tank and two hose adapters. A drain located at the bottom of the tank makes it easy to empty the filter for winterizing or sand changes.

Get the Carvin pool filter at Amazon.

Best With Pump

Hayward W3CC15093S XStream Above-Ground Filter Pump

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Product Specs 

• Type: Cartridge
• Flow rate: 100 GPM
• Size: 23 inches wide by 37.25 inches tall

Pros

• High flow rate of 100 GPM is ideal for pools of up to 150 square feet 
• Large size is capable of distributing dirt and debris evenly through the filter 
• Works with rigid or flexible plumbing varieties currently included in some pools 
• More affordable than buying units separately

Cons

• Not as powerful as some other filters included on this list 

Stop worrying about pump and filter compatibility with this pool pump and filter combo from Hayward, which includes both. It comes with a Hayward XStream cartridge filter and a 1.5-horsepower Hayward PowerFlo Matrix pump. This powerful combo can move up to 100 GPM, making it ideal for a large above-ground pool.

It’s also easy to maintain, thanks to an Easy-Lok ring design that allows access to the filter’s internal parts in a single turn. This versatile pool pump and filter combo will work with flexible or rigid plumbing. Both units sit on a rigid base, making it easy to mount on the ground next to the pool.

Get the Hayward W3CC15093S pool filter at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best For Small Pools

Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump