The Best Above-Ground Pool Filters of 2024 

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Above-Ground Pool Filters of 2024  and hope the blog can help you.

Keep your above-ground pool clean and sparkling clear with one of these top filters.

An above-ground pool can offer summertime fun and relief from the heat, but only if the water is free from harmful algae and bacteria. Above-ground water filters are offered in three types—sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE)—to keep your pool water clean. The best above-ground swimming pool filters can treat 3,000 gallons of water per hour, making them capable of cleaning pools up to 24,000 gallons. 

Whether you’re planning on installing an above-ground swimming pool or already own one, it’ll be useful to know that our best overall above-ground pool filter is the Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Pool Sand Filter for its high-quality construction; compatibility with pools of up to 25,000 gallons; and efficient recycling filter. However, all the hands-on tested and/or selected models on this list were thoroughly vetted for effectiveness and reliability. 

This guide dives deep into the world of pool water filters, examining the features that are crucial to consider when shopping for the best above-ground pool filter, and offers a list of some of the top models on the market that we hands-on tested and/or thoroughly researched. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Pool Sand Filter 
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2. RUNNER-UP: Intex 26645EG Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Summer Waves 1,000 GPH SkimmerPlus Filter Pump System
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4. BEST FOR SMALL POOLS: Intex 28637EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
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5. BEST FOR LARGE POOLS: Intex 28635EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump 
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6. EASIEST TO USE: Hayward W3EC50AC Perflex DE Modular Pool Filter
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7. BEST FEATURES: XtremePowerUS 2,640 GPH Sand Above-Ground Pool Pump 
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8. BEST FILTER CARTRIDGES: Intex 29000E Type A Pool Filter Cartridge 
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9. BEST PUMP/FILTER COMBO: Hayward W3CC15093S XStream Pool Filter System
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How We Chose the Best Above-Ground Pool Filters

We considered the type of filter—cartridge or sand—as that distinction affects the ease and level of maintenance you’ll need to perform to keep your filter running smoothly. All of our hands-on tested or researched products are combined pump-and-filter units, so there’s no need to worry about filter compatibility with an existing pool pump. 

In addition, the gallons per hour (GPH) flow rate and system flow rate are critical components of choosing the best filter for your above-ground pool: Too low a rate and your pool will be cloudy, or too high and you’re wasting money on electricity. Finally, we examined the ease of installation and use as well as handy features such as pool skimmers and timers, strainer baskets, and any extra components you might need to purchase separately.

Our Top Picks

We used hands-on testing and thorough research to narrow down the field of pool filters to some of the best models on the market. These swimming pool filters include light-duty models for above-ground pools under 10,000 gallons and larger models for pools up to 57,000 gallons.

Best Overall

Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Pool Sand Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: Sand filter 
• Recommended pool size: 15,000 gallons
• GPH: 2,100 
• Weight: 32 pounds

Pros

• Precision-engineered high-performance filter with corrosion-proof materials for all-weather durability
• 7-position valve maintains maximum flow even if water pressure drops
• Large sand/water drain valve for easier servicing and rapid winterizing

Cons

• Installation can be challenging, and using a professional will add to the pool filter cost

This filter’s useful settings for running, cleaning, and winterizing, along with its helpful gauge, make this model one of the more sophisticated above-ground swimming pool filters on the market. While determining when it’s time to backwash the pump to remove debris can be a guessing game with other filters, that’s not the case with this model. The ProSeries sand filter features a pressure valve that lets you know when the pressure in the tank has dropped, indicating that the filter is full. 

Operating modes that include filter, backwash, waste, rinse, closed, recirculate, and winterize make it easy to run and maintain the filter, while a large rotating knob on the top of the unit allows you to switch from function to function quickly. This filter’s 18-inch tank holds 150 pounds of sand, making it large enough to handle a 1-horsepower pump and treat pools with up to 15,000 gallons of water. 

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. This filter handles our 24-foot above-ground pool with ease. Our water is always crystal clear. The filter even takes care of smaller particles like spring pollen without getting clogged.”

Get the Hayward W3S180T above-ground pool filter at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Runner-Up

Intex 26645EG Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

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Product Specs 

• Type: Sand filter 
• Recommended pool size: 2,800 to 12,800 gallons
• GPH: 2,100 
• Weight: 38.5 lbs

Pros

• High-quality, reliable, and durable filter system from one of the world’s leading pool brands
• 6 operating functions, integrated strainer basket, and built-in ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) safety shutoff
• 2- to 24-hour timer and pressure gauge allow practically effortless day-to-day operation

Cons

• Maximum pool size is 12,800 gallons, and additional hose adapters may be required

Easy maintenance, coupled with a high flow rate, makes this model ideal for above-ground pools. This pump-and-filter combo uses pool filter sand to catch small particles out of the water while an integrated strainer basket removes larger debris. Its 2,100 GPH flow rate and integrated 0.3-horsepower pump are enough to handle small to medium above-ground pools up to 12,800 gallons.

Six operating functions allow you to backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, filter, and close the system, making it easy to perform the regular maintenance vital for all swimming pool sand filters. Features like a 24-hour timer make operating the pool pump simpler by eliminating the need to turn it on and off manually. Its 12-inch filter tanks will hold up to 50 pounds of pool filter sand, which lasts for about 5 years.

Get the Intex 26645EG above-ground pool filter at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot (deluxe kit).

Best Bang for the Buck

Summer Waves 1,000 GPH SkimmerPlus Filter Pump System

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Product Specs 

• Type: Cartridge filter
• Recommended pool size: Unlisted
• GPH: 1,000 
• Weight: 9 pounds

Pros

• Combination skimmer/filter/pump reduces clutter and comes with a budget-friendly price tag
• Easy to fit to the side of a pool with an integrated pool skimmer to extend cartridge life
• Includes 25-foot power cord with GFCI for safety as well as hose connections

Cons

• Is not suitable for all pool types and requires some assembly

This pump-filter combo from Summer Waves produces enough flow to keep a small pool clean without requiring a considerable investment. Despite its small size and modest pool pump, above-ground pool owners will love that this model boasts a flow rate of 1,000 GPH. While that won’t do for larger pools, it is enough to handle smaller above-ground pools up to 10 feet in diameter.

Though this filter-and-pump unit doesn’t have the features of more expensive options, such as a 24-hour timer, it requires significantly less maintenance to operate thanks to a disposable cartridge that filters out small particles. When the filter cartridge is full, simply remove it and replace it. The SkimmerPlus also comes equipped with a built-in removable straining basket that filters out larger debris.

Get the Summer Waves above-ground pool filter at Amazon.

Best for Small Pools

Intex 28637EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

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Product Specs 

• Type: Cartridge filter
• Recommended pool size: Up to 6,000 gallons
• GPH: 1,000
• Weight: 8.52 pounds

Pros

• Intex HydroAeration Technology increases circulation for improved pool water clarity
• Straightforward installation; low-maintenance cartridges that are easy to clean and change
• Air-release valve prevents over pressurization and filter complies with Underwriters Laboratories (UL)/Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) safety standards

Cons

• Extra fittings may be needed, and there is no integrated skimmer or backflow option

Small pools don’t require a large amount of power to keep the water crystal clear. This filter-and-pump combo from Intex is affordable, easy to use, and simple to install. It has a capacity of 1,000 GPH, making it suitable for small above-ground pools of up to 6,000 gallons. Note, rather than the standard 1.5-inch hoses that other swimming pool filters use, this Intex uses smaller 1.25-inch hoses, so it may require an adapter for use with some pools.

This filter uses a cartridge that is easy to install by simply removing the top of the filter housing. This pump also doesn’t take up much space around the pool, as it is just 15 inches tall and 10 inches in diameter. Keep in mind that this is rated as a light-duty pump.

Get the Intex 28637EG above-ground pool filter at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Large Pools

Intex 28635EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

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Product Specs 

• Type: Cartridge filter 
• Recommended pool size: 700 to 9,400 gallons
• GPH: 1,500 
• Weight: 16.39 pounds

Pros

• User-friendly filter-and-pump combination is easy to install and operate
• Hydro Aeration Technology filters efficiently, reduces pool staining, and increases negative ions for fresher air
• Replaceable pool cartridge filters plus sediment flush valve and backflow outlet keep maintenance easy

Cons

• 1,500 GPH pump but only 1,180 GPH filter, with maximum pool size of 9,400 gallons

The simple operation and installation of this filter-and-pump combination make it one of the more user-friendly models for larger pools of up to 9,400 gallons. The pump and filter produce a 1,500 GPH flow rate, which is enough to treat round pools up to 18 feet in diameter or oval pools up to 20 feet long by 12 feet wide. This filter also uses Intex’s Hydro Aeration Technology, which oxidizes iron and manganese to prevent staining while also increasing the negative ions in the water to make the air around it fresher.

Unlike other filters that use pool filter sand or DE and require backwashing and other routine maintenance, this system uses a replaceable cartridge filter. When the cartridge is full, simply remove the top of the filter and trade out the cartridge. This pump also includes a handy automatic timer, which allows you to preset 2- to 12-hour cycles, eliminating the need to turn the system on and off manually.

Get the Intex 28635EG above-ground pool filter at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target. 

Easiest to Use

Hayward W3EC50AC Perflex DE Modular Pool Filter

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Product Specs 

• Type: DE filter
• Recommended pool size: 25,000 gallons
• GPH: 2,400 GPH
• Weight: 30 pounds

Pros

• High-efficiency filter suitable for pools of up to 25,000 gallons; filters 2,400 GPH
• DE filter tank with “flex-tube” technology to recycle filter material
• Internal pressure gauge monitors performance, and bump handle allows rapid purging

Cons

• Comes with a premium price tag; a separate motor purchase is needed

Large above-ground pools require a powerful pump similar in capacity to inground pools. This filter, which is compatible with a 1-horsepower pump, can treat enough water to handle a large above-ground pool of up to 25,000 gallons or 2,400 GPH. 

Its large filtration tank holds DE to filter small particles out of the water. As with Hayward’s other above-ground pool filter systems, this model uses its “flex-tube” technology to recycle DE repeatedly, increasing the time between media changes. A handy pump lever creates a burst of pressure that clears the tubes if they become clogged. 

Get the Hayward W3EC50AC above-ground pool filter at Amazon.

Best Features

XtremePowerUS 2,640 GPH Sand Above-Ground Pool Pump