A clean pool is a must-have if you want to enjoy spending time in your pool burning calories or cooling yourself during summer. The pool collects a lot of dirt like leaves, debris deposited by swimmers, algae, and many other forms of dirt that you may not know about. The best above-ground pool filter can help you maintain your pool's cleanliness and keep it safe for entertaining yourself, family, and friends.
There are various types of filters, but above-ground pool filters are those filters intended for above-ground pools only. The general working of pool filters is that they circulate the water, suck it, filter it and then pump the same water back into the pool.
A strainer basket is used where the larger particles of dirt are also concentrated and quickly removed and emptied. Pool filters can help you a lot since they will shave some time off your work than a pool vacuum.
You are probably looking for recommendations for the best above-ground pool filters, and that is why you are here. We will talk about those in detail, but let’s first take a look at the kinds of above-ground pool filters.
Types of Above Ground Pool Filters
These pool filters come in three types;
a). Diatomaceous Earth
These pool filters are also known as D.E filters. They are great for filtering out very tiny particles of approximately 2-4 microns.
D.E filter powder is added through the skimmer to coat the filter grids. The filter cake is reset with a bump handle after three to six weeks, and at least once every season, the tank is drained, flushed, and refilled with fresh powder.
b). Sand Filters
Sand pool filters trap particles that are 20-30 microns. Sand filters use graded filter sand to trap the particles. To clean a sand pool filter, backwash it every two to four weeks.
c). Cartridge Filters
Cartridge pool filters have a simple design, and they use a pleated polyester cartridge that traps particles of about 10-20 microns. Remove the filter every 1-4 weeks and hose to clean cartridge filters.
Knowing the types of above-ground pool filters, let us now check the best in ensuring your pool water is clean and clear. Read on!
1. Intex C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools
- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above...
- EASY INSTALLATION -– Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump...
- EASY-TO-CLEAN CARTRIDGE -– The C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge...
- 1500 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE -– Water flow rate at pump (pump...
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests...
This Intex C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is arguably one of the best above-ground pool filters and it offers nothing but clean water. The pond pump flow rate is 1500 GPH and it offers better water circulation thus ensuring that you have effective filtration to ensure that your pool water is fresh. Additionally, the unit is completely portable and is easy to install for those who would like to maintain their swimming pool on their own.
The cartridge system is easy to replace and the pump is also very easy to clean thus will require less time to maintain. Being optimized for water clarity, this pump is perfect for small to medium size above ground pools and works great during the entire swimming season.
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2. CIPU 12-inch Sand Filter Pump System Handy 4-Way
- 💦【Easy Installation】- Portable 115V prefilter pool pump...
- 💦【Efficient Performace and Quiet Operation】- 0.35HP hight...
- 💦【Easy Maintenance and Quickly Clean】- The strainer basket...
- 💦【Corrosion Proof System with Overload Protection for High...
- 💦【Safety Assurance and Customer First】- ETL certificated...
The CIPU Sand Filter Pump System, measuring at 12 inches, is a strong, easy to maintain investment into ensuring that above ground swimming pool is clean ad clear at all times. Fitted with a 4-way ball valve, this makes it easy to control the priorities such as filtration, backwashes, rinse and waste discharge.
To increase its filtration efficiency, this system has a prefilter pump and has a power cord of 6 feet. It was developed for 115V outlets, it provides stable work without the need of complicated connections.
The sand filtration takes longer to wear out than cartridge filters; replacement of the sand takes only a few years hence suitable for pools that many people use.
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3. VEVOR 3000GPH Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground
- Efficient Performance: Are you ready to enjoy your pool this...
- Multifunction & Intelligent Timing: The sand pump for above...
- Easy to Maintain and Clean: Our sand filter pump system includes...
- Durable Motor and Material: Our sand pool pump has a copper wire...
- Meet All Your Pool Needs: VEVOR's pool sand pump is versatile and...
This filter has a unique skimming technology that continuously removes debris from the water surface. It is easy to maintain as it attaches to the sidewalls of the pool and also prevents tripping. It is featured with a 1.25-inch circle connection and a hose.
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4. SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS 12 Inch Sand Filter Combo Set
- {EFFICIENT WATER FILTRATION} Hydrotools sand filters are designed...
- {OVERSIZED CAPACITY} This sand filter features a double...
- {SILENT BUT POWERFUL} This filtration unit houses a freshly...
- {SIMPLE COMPLETE COMBO} Complete set including the Tank, Pump,...
- {MULTI-PORT FILTRATION} Integrated Multi-Port Valve provides...
If you have an above ground swimming pool that is up to 9000 gallons in capacity then SWIMLINE HYDROTOOLS 12-Inch Sand Filter Combo Set is a complete filtration system. A 0.3 THP DOE-compliant pump with a 2220 GPH that enables proper water circulation and debris filtration.
This units comes with a 42-pound sand capacity and has a facility of multi-port valve making it possible for the users to select the basic modes of processing including filtration, back washing and rinsing. This set comes with stand making it easier to install and is perfect for pool ownership looking for a drainage and filtration gadget.
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5. Funsicle 10in Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 1100 GPH Flow Rate
- NATURAL & COST-EFFECTIVE: Filter pump uses silica sand for...
- CONVENIENT DESIGN: Durable sand tank fits all pumps with 1.5"...
- LOW-MAINTENANCE: Sand only needs replacing once every 5 years
- SAFETY FIRST: ETL listed –10" Sand Filter Pump with GFCI...
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Factors to Consider When Buying Best Above Ground Pool Filter
a). Pool Size
When you are buying a pool filter, the size of your swimming pool is one of the major factors you may need to consider. When you are buying a pool filter, the size of your swimming pool is one of the major factors you may need to consider. On the surface, pools are of different dimensions, and the same applies to the filters as well.
The size of your filter will in one way or the other be determined by the size of your pool. You need to know the capacity of the water your pool will hold before you purchase a pool filter. Never use a filter that is smaller than your pool as it will be annoying to you.
b). Compatability
This can only be possible if your pool filter is compatible with your swimming pool and therefore your pump will work with efficiency. Different filters for swimming pools are always manufactured with certain requirement that define their compatibility with a particular type of pool. This is an important bit of advice to the client as it helps in ensuring that the particular pool filter you intend to buy has the approval of the manufacturer.
c). Cleaner Type
Above ground pool filters operate in three different ways, which include;
- Suction type
- Robotic
- Pressure side
It is important that you should be able to control the cleaning type of your pool filter before purchasing it. This gives the maintenance work an easy process for you. It also has its benefits and demerits depending on the type of cleaner you intend to purchase on the market.
d). Filter Type
Filters come in three main types, which include the following;
- Diatomaceous Earth-also is known as the D.E filter
- Sand filter
- Cartridge filter
Each of these pool filter types has a special method of pool cleaning. As mentioned earlier, a sand filter uses graded pool filter sand to clean your pool water, and a cartridge pool filter uses filter cartridges to filtrate and sanitize the water. In contrast, the DE filter uses diatomaceous earth to clean your swimming water. So, you want to be sure that the filter type of your pool filter is simple to use, and it does not give you a hard time when using it. Also make sure that the type that you settle for is ideal also for your swimming pool if you have one.
e). Price
When selecting the right pool filter to invest in, then it is important to ensure that the filter is one that you can afford. The prices of the best pool filters vary, but you can acquire a filter that will require no effort and burden your wallet as their prices fall under a wide band of cheap to expensive. It is important that you do your groundwork and try to find out what the various prices in the market are so that you can always buy wisely while keeping the price factor in mind all the time.
f). Ease of Use
The right pool filter should be easy to use. This will save your time and make the process hassle-free. It should be easy both to install and maintain because this will allow you to work effectively with your product and managing the cleanliness of the pool as well. To make it even easier, the best policy is always to read the user manual of a certain product then follow the instructions properly to avoid committing any silly mistakes which are dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Above Ground Pool Filter
1. Are sand filters better than cartridge filters for an above-ground pool?
Sand filters do not remove all microorganisms and work at a depth of down to 20 microns. While cartridge filters, however, are more effective and able to filter part of up to 10 micron size. Sand filters require backwash and this makes your water level reduce thus making you loss the chemicals too.
2. How often should you backwash a sand filter?
It is more desirable to backwash your filter as soon as the gauge is reading 8-10 psi over the starting point. If you backwash after heavy rains, clearing cloudy water or even treating algae go a long way in maximizing filter efficiency.
3. How large should my filter be?
It is important that you know that the size of your filter has to do with the size of your pool. If your pool is small, then you might need a smaller filter, do not make a mistake of buying a filter that is smaller than the pool as it won’t perform efficiently and on the other end, if you get a filter that is bigger than your pool it will also be a waste.
