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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Pool Filters

Clear water requires proper filtration. We compared filters from sand to cartridge to DE, finding what keeps your pool crystal clear.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Hayward

SwimClear Cartridge Filter

4.6 (4,567 reviews)

Set it and nearly forget it. Cartridge filters trap particles down to 10-15 microns—finer than sand—without the hassle of backwashing. Open the lid, hose the cartridge, done. Modern pool filtration made simple.

Filter Area

225 sq ft

Flow Rate

112 GPM

Type

Cartridge

Pool Size

Up to 30,000 gallons

Pros

✓ No backwashing needed
✓ Easy cartridge access
✓ Low maintenance

Cons

✗ Cartridges need replacement
✗ Higher long-term cost
✗ Requires periodic cleaning

$599

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
SwimClear Cartridge Filter Best Hayward	4.6	$599	View
Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filter Pentair	4.7	$799	View
Pro Series Sand Filter Value Hayward	4.5	$399	View
Perflex DE Filter Hayward	4.4	$749	View
Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump Intex	4.2	$69	View

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All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Hayward

SwimClear Cartridge Filter

4.6 (4,567 reviews)

Filter Area

225 sq ft

Flow Rate

112 GPM

Type

Cartridge

Pool Size

Up to 30,000 gallons

Pros

✓ No backwashing needed
✓ Easy cartridge access
✓ Low maintenance

Cons

✗ Cartridges need replacement
✗ Higher long-term cost
✗ Requires periodic cleaning

$599

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Pentair

Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filter

4.7 (3,456 reviews)

Four cartridges mean four times the filter area and four times the time between cleanings. Pentair's premium cartridge system handles serious pools with minimal maintenance. The quick-release lid makes the rare cleanings actually quick.

Filter Area

420 sq ft

Cartridges

Flow Rate

150 GPM

Lid

Quick-release

Pros

✓ Four-cartridge system
✓ Huge filter area
✓ Longest cleaning intervals

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Four cartridges to replace
✗ Large footprint

$799

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Best Value

Hayward

Pro Series Sand Filter

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

The classic that never goes out of style. Sand filters are simple, reliable, and the media lasts for years. When pressure builds up, backwash for two minutes and you're good. Proven technology at a proven price.

Filter Area

3.14 sq ft

Sand

250 lbs

Flow Rate

62 GPM

Valve

Top-mount multiport

Pros

✓ Sand lasts 5-7 years
✓ Backwash cleans itself
✓ Top-mount valve

Cons

✗ Larger than cartridge
✗ Uses water when backwashing
✗ Lower filtration microns

$399

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Hayward

Perflex DE Filter

4.4 (2,345 reviews)

For pool perfectionists. DE filters catch particles down to 3-5 microns—the finest filtration money can buy. Water sparkles differently. The trade-off is more involved maintenance and regular DE powder additions.

Filter Area

40 sq ft

Type

DE (diatomaceous earth)

Cleaning

Bump handle

Microns

3-5

Pros

✓ Finest filtration available
✓ Bump to clean
✓ Crystal clear water

Cons

✗ DE powder required
✗ More complex maintenance
✗ Higher operating cost

$749

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Budget Pick

Intex

Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

4.2 (23,456 reviews)

Everything you need for small above-ground pools in one box. Pop in a cartridge, plug it in, start filtering. Cartridges are cheap and available everywhere. Entry-level filtration that actually works.

Flow Rate

1,000 GPH

Pool Size

Up to 12' diameter

Type

Cartridge

Voltage

110V

Pros

✓ Complete pump and filter
✓ Above-ground compatible
✓ Easy setup

Cons

✗ Cartridges clog fast
✗ Limited flow rate
✗ Not for large pools

$69

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Pool Filters

How to Choose a Pool Filter

Your filter determines water clarity. A good pump pushing water through a bad filter equals a cloudy pool. Understanding filter types helps you make the right choice for your pool, budget, and maintenance tolerance.

Filter Types Compared

Sand Filters
The traditional choice. Pool water passes through a bed of special filter sand that traps debris. When pressure builds, you backwash—reverse the flow to flush out dirt. Sand lasts 5-7 years before replacement.
Filtration: 20-40 microns
- Maintenance: Low (occasional backwash)
- Cost: Moderate upfront, low ongoing

Cartridge Filters
Fabric cartridges trap particles as water passes through. Remove and hose off when dirty. No backwashing, no water waste. Cartridges need replacement every 1-3 years.
- Filtration: 10-15 microns
- Maintenance: Moderate (cleaning, replacement)
- Cost: Moderate upfront, moderate ongoing

DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters
The premium option. Water passes through grids coated with DE powder—fossilized microscopic organisms. Finest filtration available, but requires regular DE additions and more complex maintenance.
- Filtration: 3-5 microns
- Maintenance: Higher (DE additions, grid cleaning)
- Cost: Higher upfront, higher ongoing

### Sizing Your Filter

Filters are rated by square footage of filtration area. More area = longer intervals between cleaning. Oversizing is fine; undersizing means constant maintenance.

Rule of thumb: Filter should handle your pump's maximum flow rate without excessive pressure.

### Matching Filter to Pump

Your filter and pump must work together. A powerful pump with a small filter creates excessive pressure. A weak pump with a large filter wastes money. Match flow rates—filter GPM should exceed pump GPM.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Filters

How often should I clean my pool filter?

When pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above clean baseline. For sand filters, this triggers backwashing. For cartridge filters, remove and hose clean. For DE filters, backwash and add fresh DE. Cleaning frequency depends on debris load—weekly in heavy seasons, monthly otherwise.

Which pool filter is easiest to maintain?

Cartridge filters are generally easiest—no backwash plumbing, no water waste, no DE powder. Just remove the cartridge and hose it off. Sand filters are low-maintenance too, requiring only occasional backwashing. DE filters require the most attention.

How do I know if my filter needs replacing?

Signs include: pressure stays high even after cleaning, water clarity decreases despite proper chemistry, filter cleaning frequency increases dramatically, visible damage to cartridges or sand channeling. Most filters last 5-10 years with proper maintenance.

Can I switch from sand to cartridge filter?

Yes, but it requires replumbing. Cartridge filters don't have multiport valves, so backwash plumbing needs modification. Many pool owners make the switch for easier maintenance and better filtration. Budget for installation labor unless you're comfortable with PVC plumbing.

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