In order for a pool to have a consistently pure water supply, you absolutely need a filter. Even above ground pools benefit from having water pumped through a filter to remove problematic contaminants. The best above ground pool filter reviews will help you find the right type and size of filter for your pool, whether new or needing a replacement, so you can always relax in a clean and sanitary environment.
THE BEST CHART FOR ABOVE GROUND POOL FILTERS
Many filters are make and model specific, but you still may have design options from which to choose. Some pools may accept generic filters. Others are a pump and filter combination that will hook up to your above ground pool. Which of these top-rated options is right for you?
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Intex Pack of 6 Filter Cartridges | 4.6 | $ |
 | Coleman Type III A/C Pool Filter Cartridge 6 Pack | 4.6 | $ |
 | Intex Type B Pool Filter Cartridge | 4.4 | $ |
 | Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter | 4.1 | $$ |
 | Pleatco Above Ground Pool Filter Cartridge | 4.8 | $$ |
 | Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump | 4.5 | $$$$ |
 | Best Choice Products Pro Sand Filter | 4.0 | $$$ |
 | Best Choice Products 4500 GPH Sand Filter | 4.0 | $$$$ |
 | Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump 1500 GPH | 4.3 | $$$ |
 | Sand Master Soft Sided Above Ground Pool Filter System | 4.3 | $$$ |
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABOVE GROUND POOL FILTERS?
One of the most common questions that vendors are asked in our industry is this: what filter will help my swimming pool the most? To answer that question, you need to consider some variable factors, such as personal water preferences, your weather, and the location of the pool. A dusty climate requires a different filter than one that is protected from Mother Nature.
That means each of these three primary filter options could be the right fit. Let’s take a look at each one and its individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Sand Filters. These are very affordable, easy to maintain, and could last for up to 7 years. These filters require backwashing weekly, however, and will only filter down to about 20 microns. Not every residential community is zoned for backwashing either.
- Cartridge Filters. These are the gold standard filters for energy efficiency. They can take out small particles and save water, but need more maintenance. You usually need to swap out filter cartridges every couple of weeks to maintain water purity levels.
- Mineral Filters. This type of filter works well when you have a hard water supply. They cost more since they use diatomaceous earth to filter out particles, but only need to be cleaned 1-2 times each year.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T USE A POOL FILTER?
Above ground pools that are not filtered will have water that grows stagnant over time. Stagnant water is the perfect home for algae colonization. You’ll basically be draining and refilling your pool more often than necessary without a filter or spending more on pool shock chemicals – either way, the costs are about the same to maintain an above ground pool.
WHICH IS THE BEST ABOVE GROUND POOL FILTER FOR ME?
Most above ground pools benefit from using cartridge filters. It’s relatively cost-effective as a filtering system, the maintenance needs are relatively simple, and the filters and cartridges are usually pretty easy to find. You just may need to purchase a specific filter for the make and model of your pool – and that can sometimes be difficult to do.
WHAT ARE THE PRICES OF THE BEST ABOVE GROUND POOL FILTERS?
Most filters that you’ll want to use for an above ground pool cost less than $20 each. Some are priced below $10. If you’re purchasing a pump/filter combination, however, the initial expense may be in the $250-$400 range – but mostly because of the pump. Look for 3-packs or 6-packs of filters as a way to save some cash on the per unit cost.
WHAT DO OUR REVIEWS HAVE TO SAY?
INTEX
If you’ve purchased an Intex pool, then there’s a good chance that this 6 pack of filters is designed to work with your unit. This Type A filter cartridge will generally last about two weeks before it needs to be cleaned or replaced with a fresh filter. Type C filter cartridges are also available through this link. Designed for smaller pumps that operate up to 1,500 gallons per hour, this is an affordable way to swap out filters, save time during cleaning, and still maintain good water quality levels.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get the best deal.
COLEMAN
This 6-pack of filter pump replacement cartridges will definitely take care of any water quality issues that you are facing. Make sure it will work with the specific pool model that you’re needing to work on so you’re not stuck with a return and a longer waiting period to get your water clean. Changing out these filters is easy and cleaning them out from the inside out will give you fast results. These filters are also generally recommended for use in pumps that offer up to 1,500 gph of performance.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get the best deal.
PLEATCO
What impressed us about this particular above ground pool filter was the anti-microbial layer added to the end caps of the product. This helps the filter be able to better resist chlorine degradation so that the product can better support your pool for a longer period of time. The REEMAY filtration fabric does an excellent job of taking out contaminants, yet the free flow core allows water to pass quickly and freely through the filter so you don’t get stuck with a backlog.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get the best deal.
BEST CHOICE
Let’s face it – paper filters are nice to have and effective at what they do, but they’re also a maintenance headache. At best, you’re replacing them at least once every 2-3 weeks. You’ve got to clean out the old one, put in the new one, and they all eventually wear out in a year or two. A better solution might be to upgrade to a sand filter. You receive natural filtration that is just as effective as a paper filter and don’t need to replace the sand for 5 years. Does it cost more? A little – but the time saved is enormous.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get the best deal.
SAND MASTER
With a powerful 20 gallons per minute pump, a 4 position multi-port valve, and the strength to support above ground pools up to 10,000 gallons in size, this sand filter is going to save you a ton of time. It will work with soft-sided pools or framed pools, though it doesn’t have a strainer basket to remove large debris from getting into the filter. If you’re concerned about leaves, bugs, or other items of similar size, you may wish to add in the strainer to reap the full rewards this filter is able to provide.
Click here to look at prices on Amazon and get the best deal.
The best above ground pool filters will help you to maintain a water environment that is balanced and crystal clear. Get your filters on order right now and that way you’ll save yourself from a season-long cleaning headache.