10 Best Sand For Sand Filters 2025 in the United States

The Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is designed for above ground pools, making it a great choice for pool owners. It uses Hydro Aeration Technology which enhances circulation, filtration, and water clarity, and adds negative ions to the water surface. This pump is easy to install, requiring just a simple hookup of hoses and plug-in, which is a plus for users who prefer a hassle-free setup.

It's suitable for pools up to 12,800 gallons, and features a 24-hour timer with pre-set cycles that make maintaining your pool straightforward and less time-consuming. The pump’s flow rate is quite efficient at 2,100 gallons per hour (GPH) at the pump and 1,600 GPH in the pool, ensuring good water turnover and filtration.

Safety and durability are key features, with Intex products being built to high standards. However, at 35.97 pounds, it is relatively heavy and the plastic material might not be as durable as metal counterparts. Additionally, while it promises easy cleaning, some users might find maintaining a sand filter more challenging than cartridge filters. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a reliable and efficient option for those needing a sand filter pump for their above ground pool.

The XtremepowerUS 24" Sand Filter is designed for both inground and above-ground swimming pools, capable of handling up to 29,400 gallons. One of the standout features is its excellent engineering that ensures optimum flow rates, promoting clean water quality. The filter is designed to maintain the sand height level, which maximizes the filtration efficiency by exposing water to the maximum sand surface area.

This results in consistent performance and efficient back-washing. The 7-way multi-port valve offers easy operation for various functions such as filtering, backwashing, recirculating, and rinsing, adding to its user-friendly nature. The filter's one-piece blow-molded tank is durable and sits on a universal base that fits most pumps, making it versatile and easy to integrate with your existing pool system.

It has a high-capacity sand bed, which catches more debris and extends the filter cycle, reducing the frequency of maintenance. However, the filter requires a significant amount of sand (300lbs), which could be a drawback for some users considering the effort and cost involved. Additionally, the dimensions (24" x 24" x 35-1/4") indicate it is quite sizable, so adequate space is necessary for installation. Ideal for pool owners looking for efficient and easy-to-use filtration, this product combines functionality with durability, though the initial setup might be resource-intensive.

The Doheny's Harris Pool Pro Sand Filter Pump is designed for above ground pools and comes as a complete set with a 24-inch tank and a 1.5 HP pump, making it a convenient all-in-one solution. It accommodates up to 300 pounds of #20 silica sand or 150 pounds of ZeoSand, offering flexibility depending on the type of sand you prefer. The sand grade (#20) is a common choice that balances effective filtration with ease of maintenance. The large tank size means you get good sand quantity, which helps with longer intervals between sand replacements and maintaining cleaner water.

The system features hydraulically balanced laterals that enhance water flow and filtration efficiency while keeping energy use relatively low, which is beneficial for saving on electricity bills. Switching between different modes like filtration, backwash, and rinse is straightforward with the 7-position dial valve, making it user-friendly even for those new to pool maintenance. This product is not sold in California, so availability may be restricted based on location. The pump’s 50 gallons per minute flow rate is suitable for many above ground pools, though it may be insufficient for larger or heavily used pools.

The plastic construction contributes to durability and reduced weight but might not feel as sturdy as metal alternatives. This model provides a reliable, easy-to-use sand filter system for an average-sized above ground pool, offering a good balance of sand quantity, energy efficiency, and operational simplicity.