Best Pool Filters
Your pool filter is the workhorse that keeps water clear. The three types — sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth) — each filter to different micron levels and require different maintenance schedules.
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The 8 Best Pool Filters
Hayward W3S244T ProSeries Sand Filter, 24-Inch, Top-Mount
The most popular residential sand filter. 24-inch tank handles pools up to 33,000 gallons. 6-position multiport valve for filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate, and closed. Sand lasts 5-7 years before replacement.
Best for: Most inground pool owners who want low-maintenance filtration
Amazon product details
- The Hayward ProSeries 24-Inch Top-Mount Pool Filter features efficient, multilateral underdrain assembly with precision-engineered, self-cleaning 360°
- Integral top diffuser ensures even distribution of water over the top of the sand media bed
- Unitized, corrosion-proof filter tank is molded of rugged, colorfast polymeric material for dependable, all-weather performance
- 6-position Hayward VariFlo control valve with easy-to-use lever-action handle lets you dial any of the valve/filter functions
In The Swim Premium Pool Filter Cartridge 4-Pack Replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 CCP420 Filter
420 sq ft of filter area handles pools up to 42,000 gallons. Cartridge filters capture smaller particles than sand (10-15 microns vs 20-40). No backwashing needed — just hose off the cartridge every few weeks.
Best for: Pool owners who want cleaner water without backwashing
Amazon product details
- In The Swim Premium Replacement Filter Cartridge CCP420 4-Pack Set is designed for the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 Pool Filter.
- Made in the USA, each filter is crafted with meticulous detail to meet or exceed OEM specifications for superior filtration.
- Compatible with Pleatco PCC105, Unicel C-7471, and Filbur FC-1977.
- The filters are resistant to cracking and chemical deterioration, ensuring durability and ease of use.
60 Sq Swimming DE Pool Filter Grids Compatible with Hayward Pro-Grid DE6020,Micro-Clear DE6000,for Unicel FG1005,for Astrial,for Pentair,for American Products,60 Sq.Ft. 30 inch
DE filtration is the finest available — filters down to 3-5 microns for crystal clear water. The ProGrid design uses vertical grids instead of fingers for more even DE distribution. For pool owners who want the absolute clearest water.
Best for: Pool owners who prioritize water clarity above all else
Amazon product details
- 【Replacement Part Number】DEX6000DA, FC-9550, FG1005, FC 9350, FS2005, PFS3060
- 【Compatible with】Swimming DE Pool Filter Grids for Hayward Pro-Grid DE6020, Micro-Clear DE6000, for Unicel FG1005, for Astrial,for Jandy, for Pentair,
- 【Features】The cartridge's 60-square-foot filtration area reduces the risk of clogging of the filter cartridge and generates a relatively low resistanc
- 【Better Material】Made of high quality corrosion and weather resistant materials for better stability and durability, providing higher filtration effic
11484 Lateral Assembly with 11815 Center Pipe Hub Replacement for 12 inch Intex 26645EG Clear Sand Filter Pump…
Combo sand filter and pump designed for above ground pools up to 16,000 gallons. Includes the pump — no separate purchase needed. 6-function control valve. A significant upgrade over the cartridge filters that come with most above ground pools.
Best for: Above ground pool owners upgrading from cartridge
Amazon product details
- Replacement for INTEX 26645EG SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
- Easy to fold and replacement.
- The “MAX” and “MIN” sand filling amount has been marked on the center pipe.
- Before pouring into the sand, please ensure that the center pipe is firmly and located in the tank center.
Pentair TR100 Triton II 30" Side Mount Sand In-Ground Pool Filter
Pentair's fiberglass-reinforced sand filter built for durability. The one-piece construction won't corrode like metal-banded filters. Handles pools up to 62,000 gallons. A professional-grade filter for serious installations.
Best for: Large pools and long-term durability
Amazon product details
- Valve sold seperately
- Compatible with valves: 261173, 261049, 261050, 261055, 263064
- Heavy-duty closure provides easy inspection, and features an easy-to-read pressure gauge with air relief valve
- Swing-away diffuser allows instant access to sand and all internal parts
C3030 Pool Filter Cartridges, Compatible with Hayward SwimClear C3030, C3020, C3025, Replace Hayward CX580XRE, Pleatco PA81, Unicel C-7483, 325 sq.ft, 4-Pack
Hayward's cartridge filter at a lower price point than the Pentair Clean & Clear. Easy-access top lid for quick cartridge removal. Handles pools up to 30,000 gallons.
Best for: Budget cartridge filter for mid-size pools
Amazon product details
- COMPATIBLE WITH MAJOR MODELS: This filter is compatible with a range of brands and models for Hayward Swim Clear C580E, C3020, C3025, C3030, Replaces
- SPECIFICATIONS: Length: 19 3/4"; Outside Diameter: 7"; Top & Bottom Opening: 3"; Filtration Area: 325 Sq.ft; Material: 5 oz Heavy-Duty Trilobal Filtra
- NSF/ANSI 50 CERTIFIED SAFETY: Tested and certified against NSF/ANSI 50 standards to ensure safe materials for pool and spa use. Provides clean, clear,
- PRECISION 30-MICRON FILTRATION: Engineered with 30-micron precision filtration and an upgraded trilobal fiber structure with 40% more branches. The un
Optimum Pool Technologies® Pool Filter 4-Pack, Compatible Replacement for Pentair® Clean & Clear Plus 240 178569, R173572, Unicel C-7469, Pleatco PCC60, & Filbur FC-6460, FC-1975 Filter Cartridges
The smaller sibling of the CC 420 — 240 sq ft of filter area for pools up to 24,000 gallons. Same easy-clean cartridge design. Good for smaller inground or larger above ground pools.
Best for: Pools under 24,000 gallons
Amazon product details
- Made in USA with 100% Reemay filtration media that was made specifically for durability and cleanability. Includes support bands around each cartridge
- Compatible Replacement for Pentair CCP240 Cartridge (Filter PN 160310)
- Inside Diameter: 3", Outside Diameter: 7”, Length: 14-1/8”
- Compatible Replacement for Parts: OEM# 178569, R173572 Unicel# C-7469/C7469, C-7469-4, C-7469RA, C-7377 Pleatco# PCC-60/PCC60, PCC60-PAK4, PCC60-M, PC
INTEX C1000 Cartridge Filter Pump for AGP: 1000 GPH Pump Flow Rate - Cartridge Gauge Indicator - HydroAeration Technology - Includes Type A Filter Cartridge - Turnover Rate/System Flow 750 GPH
The standard filter pump for Intex and other above ground pools. Affordable, easy to set up, and replacement cartridges are cheap and widely available. Not the finest filtration, but gets the job done for seasonal use.
Best for: Entry-level above ground pool owners
Amazon product details
- ✔ CARTRIDGE GAUGE INDICATOR – Green, yellow and red color shifts tell you, at a glance, when to change the filter.
- ✔ 2–10 HOUR CYCLE – Ensure effective water circulation and filtration while conserving energy with the built-in, DOE-compliant automatic shutoff timer
- ✔ REPLACEABLE FILTER CARTRIDGE – Equipped with a durable dacron filter material for superior filtration and clear, debris-free pool water.
- ✔ HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY – Injection of air into the water enhances circulation, allowing smoother filtration and improving overall water quality.
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