9 Best Pool Sand Filters of 2021

Sand filters are among the most commonly used pool filters. Even so, it isn’t always easy to decide which are high in quality as there are dozens on the market. To help you narrow down your search, the following article will go over 9 top-rated filters so you find the best pool sand filter.

The filters on our list have an adequate flow rate (depending on individual requirements), are easy to maintain, and have good durability. We focused on these features and others when creating our top nine products list.

Want the TLDR Version? We’ve got you covered! Our #1 pick for the best pool sand filter is the Hayward S166T ProSeries Sand Filter.

Why Should You Buy a Pool Sand Filter?

The top three reasons you should buy a pool sand filter are that they are user-friendly, cost-effective, and effective filtering for your swimming pool!

User-Friendly

It can become tedious to maintain your pool. Sand filters can ease some of that stress in terms of maintenance. Once you have installed them, unless there’s a defect, you usually don’t bother with them for a few years when the sand needs changing.

When it comes to using them, backwashing is relatively simple and done about once a week on average. Of course, depending on individual use, you may backwash more or less often than that.

Cost-Effective

Owning a pool can become expensive. One of the main reasons sand filters are commonplace is that they’re rather affordable. It’s true that some of them can sell for more than two hundred dollars, but even so, other pool maintenance equipment easily exceeds those costs. In addition, the sand itself is easy to come by, and it only needs replacing every handful of years.

Effective Filtering

Of course, an advantage of buying any type of pool filter is its overall ability to perform. Sand filters perform by having water flow through and the sand then traps containments. This process allows the filters to catch finer particles that can otherwise get by the likes of cartridge filters.

Check out our updated pool sand filter reviews below!

9. Blue Wave 22-Inch Sand Filter System w/ 1-1/2 HP Pump

First up on our search for the best pool sand filter is the Blue Wave 22-inch filter. It leans more toward the expensive”end in terms of sand filters. In terms of performance, it’s stated to have a 24,000-gallon turnover in about 8 hours. It requires 220lbs of sand to operate.

This uses a high-efficiency pump, and the tank itself is a molded one-piece polyethylene tank design to withstand corrosion. The top mount features a multi-port in an effort to simplify and speed up backwashing.

8. Best Choice Products Pro 2400GPH 13-Inch Sand Filter

The Best Choice Products Pro Sand Filter is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice its value. It’s meant for above ground pools up to 10,000 gallons. This doesn’t have the best instructions for installing, but help is available online.

This sand filter is housed in a one-piece 13-inch thermoplastic tank with a capacity of 42lbs of sand. The self-priming pump features a top mounted 6-position multiport valve and a filtration rate of 2400 GPH. Lastly, this sand filter meets safety standards as it is ETL and UL listed, and its CSA certified.

7. GAME Complete 0.5HP Replacement Pool Sand Filter Unit

Next, on our best pool sand filter list is the GAME Complete Sand Filter Unit that has an easy-to-use 4-position rotary valve. It filters, backwashes, rinses, and winterizes. This has a 40 GPM flow rate, and it is designed to work with above ground pools up to 15,000 gallons.

This SandPro 50D sand filter is known to be an energy-saver; the ½ HP pump helps it maintain a lower energy cost without interfering with its functionality. Along with this sand filter, you get a large capacity hair and debris strainer basket that has a see-through lid.

6. Sand Master Soft Sided Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System

With the Sand Master Soft Sided Sand Filter System, you can get an economical filter that features a stable pump (20 GPM). It is suitable for pools that are up to 9,600 gallons and has a 4-position multiport valve and system base.

Concerning what this sand filter is made of, it features a 12-inch filter tank. This is designed to be corrosion proof to help give it longevity. The tank is capable of housing 42lbs of sand. This system can readily be installed, and it operates on 115V.

5. Intex 28675EG Krystal Clear 1500 GPH Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System

Another product seen by many as the best pool sand filter is this Sand Filter Pump and Saltwater System from Intex. This is because it aims to keep water safe and clear by merging sand filter and saltwater systems together into one product. The saltwater system has an E.C.O. (electrocatalytic oxidation) that can make it more comfortable to swim in the water.

This sand filter is intended for above ground pools from 2,600 to 8,500 gallons. It has a pump flow rate of 1,600 GPH and a system flow rate of 1,500 GPH. The tank has a 55lb sand capacity or a 40lb glass filtration media capacity.

4. Hayward S244T ProSeries Sand Filter, 24-Inch, Top-Mount

The Hayward S244T ProSeries is another sand filter that tips the scale toward expensive in terms of these types of filters. With that said, it claims to be a dependable all-weather performer made of corrosion-proof materials.

This top-mount model can come in either a 6-position or 7-position VariFlo control valve. On this model, it uses 1-1/2-inch VariFlo. It features large pressure draining meant to help with rapid servicing or winterizing. This requires about 300lbs worth of sand to operate. By using full-flow technology, this sand filter attempts to help you cut back on energy costs.

3. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump, 16-Inch, 110-120V

Next on our best pool sand filter list, we have the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump that features a built-in 24-hour time to offer you more convenience when maintaining your pool. This timer has 2 to 12-hour preset cycles. The filter has a 6-function control valve that does the following: filter, backwash and rinse, recirculate, drain, and close the system.

The pump flow rate for this filter should generate 3,000 GPH. As for the system flow rate, it’s about 2,450 GPH. This has a sand capacity of 120lbs, and it can work in above ground pools from 5,500 gallons to 19,600 gallons.

2. Rx Clear Radiant 24-Inch Inground Swimming Pool Sand Filter

The Rx Clear Radiant Sand Filter is built for above ground pools that measure up to 33,000 gallons. With traditional sand, it has a 300lbs capacity. Whereas with zero-clear filter media, the sand filter has 150lbs capacity. You can even use six boxes of filter media instead.

This sand filter features labeled ports on the 6-way top mount filter valve. When you acquire this product, it comes along with 1.5-inch threaded connections and a filter base.

1. Hayward S166T ProSeries Sand Filter, 16-Inch, Top-Mount

The Hayward ProSeries Sand Filter is dubbed by many as the best pool sand filter for its quality features. This high-performance filter uses a corrosion-resistant tank to help it last longer. For installation purposes, the flange clamp allows for 360-degree rotation.

It has a 7-position VariFlo valve to cut back on pressure drop. This filter can support 100lbs of sand. It’s a multipurpose tool as you can use it for above ground pools, in-ground pools, aquariums, and even ponds.

Conclusion on Our Swimming Pool Sand Filter Reviews

At the end of the day, the best pool sand filter is one that is basic to maintain. This is a core feature of this type of pool filter.

To better take care of your pool when you are not using it you can also look at our best solar covers for inground pools recommendations. Agree with what we have on our list? Let us know how you feel in the comment section below!