Written by Tony Carrick | Updated 12:11 PM, December 10, 2021

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Pool filters are essential to the function of any swimming pool. It is responsible for removing pollutants in the swimming pool water, ensuring that the swimming pool is not only crystal clear, but also free of bacteria and other health-damaging pollutants.

Pool filters use a variety of methods to filter water, including sand, paper tubes, and diatomaceous earth. They come in various sizes to meet the needs of above-ground and underground swimming pools, regardless of size. With so many shapes, sizes and brands to choose from, choosing the right model for your swimming pool can quickly become an overwhelming process.

This guide delves into the world of pool filters to determine the key factors to consider when buying the best pool filter, and also evaluates some of the top models on the market.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a suitable swimming pool filter, including type, flow rate, and compatibility. Read on to learn more about these and other properties of pool filters.

Buyers must consider three types of swimming pool filters, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.

The filters have different sizes to handle swimming pools of different capacities. Most filters are measured in gallons per minute. The flow rate of the filter must match at least the number of gallons per minute of the pump, or higher. The GPM of a pool filter is a good indicator of the pool size that the filter can handle.

The pool filter should be able to filter the entire contents of the pool in approximately 8 hours. Therefore, a pool filter with a flow rate of 50 GPM has sufficient filtration capacity to serve pools up to 24,000 gallons (50 x 60 x 8).

If there is no pump to push the water through the filter, the filter will not work. When selecting pumps and filters, it is important to ensure that they are compatible with each other. The power of the pump must be sufficient to push the water through the filter, but not too strong to damage the filter.

When selecting a filter, select a model with a flow rate slightly higher than the pump flow rate. Never choose a filter with a flow rate lower than the pump flow rate, as this will damage the filter. The pump and filter work together and should be able to clean all the contents of the pool approximately every 8 hours.

Most pool filters have features that make them easier to use. The pressure gauge measures how the system draws water from the pool. This lets the user know whether the filter element (for cartridge filters) or backwash (for sand filters or DE filters) should be replaced.

The filter usually has a function that makes routine maintenance easier. Many use quick-release knobs, allowing users to quickly open the filter lid without having to remove a lot of hardware. Other models have a multi-port design with a switch, allowing the user to prevent freezing, flushing, and backflushing the filter by turning the knob.

The following list narrows the field to some of the top pool filters on the market. It includes all filter types as well as surface and underground models, and its flow is suitable for large and small pools.

Although more expensive and require more maintenance than other types of filters, DE pool filters do the best at removing contaminants from the pool. Among all DE filters, Hayward's model is one of the best. DE6020 has a sufficient flow rate of 120 gallons per minute and is made of durable glass fiber reinforced copolymer to ensure that it can withstand various factors.

DE filters have high maintenance requirements, but Hayward makes them easier to implement through some useful design features, including an integrated flange clamp that can easily open the filter into its interior, and a quick release valve to remove The air pump is discharged from the filter to improve the flow.

With the price reaching thousands of dollars, replacing the pool filter will soon become a major investment. This is why this sand filter from Xtremepower is a good choice. It has a flow rate of 40 gallons per minute, enough to serve a 24,000 gallon swimming pool.

The multi-port control located on the filter cover allows the user to change the flow rate of the filter to handle flushing, filtering, backwashing, and even to pass the winter by simply turning the lever. The large pressure gauge makes it easy to see when a backwash filter is needed. In addition to the reasonable price, the filter is also versatile because it can be used with underground and above-ground swimming pools.

Pentair's cartridge filter has a wide filtering surface area and high flow rate, making it an excellent choice for large pools. The filter has a flow rate of 150 gallons per minute and is ideal for large underground swimming pools of 30,000 gallons or more. Unlike sand and DE filters, which require regular backwashing, Pentair's cartridge filters are easy to maintain. Just remove the filter, rinse it with a garden hose, and replace it.

Pentair can also adjust its internal pressure by itself, thanks to its integrated continuous high-flow internal air release device, which automatically releases the pressure to prevent water from flowing through the filter.

With its strong polymer structure, the water tank of this Hayward sand filter is like a water tank and is one of the most well-made sand filters on the market. In addition to being durable, this model can also be easily maintained regularly due to a six-position multi-port valve on the top of the filter. Using this valve, the pool owner can easily set the filter for backwashing, rinsing, antifreeze and other functions.

The ProSeries pool sand filter has some useful additional features, including a top diffuser to ensure that the water is evenly distributed in the sand, a self-cleaning drain to facilitate the emptying of the filter in winter, and gauges to monitor pressure.

This sand filter has a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute to keep the water in a pool of more than 20,000 gallons sparkling and clean. Coupled with a six-position valve for easy backwashing, flushing, draining, antifreeze or testing filters, Carvin Laser is one of the best above-ground pool filter options on the market.

The filter uses a lateral design with side grooves and an underdrain to evenly distribute water on the surface of 250 pounds of sand, thereby effectively filtering water. It is made of molded plastic, durable, and has a UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant water tank. The drain pipe located at the bottom of the water tank can easily empty the filter for winter or sand replacement.

Don't worry about the pump and filter compatibility of this pool pump and filter combination from Hayward, including both. It is equipped with a Hayward XStream Cartridge filter and a 1.5-horsepower Hayward PowerFlo matrix pump. This powerful combination can move up to 120 gallons of water per minute, making it ideal for large above-ground swimming pools.

Due to the Easy-Lok ring design, the internal parts of the filter can be accessed with only one turn, so the maintenance is also very simple. This versatile pool pump and filter combination can be used with flexible or rigid pipes. Both devices are mounted on a sturdy base, which can be easily installed on the ground next to the swimming pool.

This simple pump and filter is very suitable for smaller temporary above-ground pools. Its 750 gallons per hour filter and pump are suitable for above-ground pools with a water volume of up to 6,000 gallons, including 10-foot to 18-foot round Intex Easy Set and metal frame pools.

The pump housing opens to accommodate the disposable cartridge, which can be used for about 2 weeks. The air release valve prevents excessive pressure build-up inside the pump and filter, which slows down the water flow. It is easy to set up the pump/filter. Simply connect the 1.25-inch hose to the fittings and the water inlet and outlet of the swimming pool.

This Hayward filter may look more like a fire hydrant than a pool filter, but that's because it is durable. Its one-piece injection-molded structure is very suitable to withstand these components. In addition to its durable structure, it is also easy to maintain. A single knob release device that securely fixes the filter head to the water tank allows easy access to the filter element.

The filter has a flow rate of 120 GPM and can be used in large underground swimming pools with a water volume of up to 60,000 gallons. Despite its large capacity, the filter is quite compact, measuring only 14 inches in diameter and 38 inches in height.

The Hayward DE6020 ProGrid DE swimming pool filter has a high flow rate of 120 gallons per minute and the ability to filter pollutants as small as 5 microns. It is one of the top swimming pool filters on the market. Those looking for a more affordable option should consider the XtremepowerUS 19-inch above-ground swimming pool sand filter, which can handle swimming pools up to 24,000 gallons.

When evaluating dozens of pool filters for this guide, we considered several criteria. Pool filters should be easy to maintain and durable. We chose a sturdy molded plastic structural model that can resist harmful ultraviolet rays and extreme cold.

In order to facilitate maintenance, we have selected a design model that allows users to perform maintenance quickly. For the cartridge filter, we chose the model with quick-release accessories, allowing users to access the cartridge filter without first having to remove a large amount of hardware. For sand and DE filters, we have selected models with multi-port valves, allowing users to easily change the filter to different operating modes for recirculation and wintering.

If you want to know whether the sand filter element is better, or whether all filters can be used, or how often the filter element filter should be replaced, please continue reading the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about pool filters.

The Carvin Laser 22.5 inch ground pool sand filter has a high flow rate of 20 gallons per minute and an easy-to-maintain six-position valve. It is one of the best ground filters on the market.

In terms of the ability to filter contaminants, cartridge filters are better. Cartridge filters have a larger filtration area, which allows them to remove smaller particles than sand filters. They are also easier to maintain because they do not require backwashing.

Foam pool filters are more economical than paper filters. Paper filters wear out and must be replaced every 1 to 2 weeks, while foam filters have a service life of about 2 months. You can use a garden hose to clean the foam filter and then put it back into service.

The service life of the ink cartridges is between 1 and 3 years, depending on how often they are used and how often they are cleaned.

The DE filter can remove the smallest particles of the three filter types, and it can capture particles as small as 3 microns.

To replace the sand in the pool filter, first open the drain cover at the bottom of the water tank to empty the water tank. Remove the hose connected to the filter multi-port valve. Use a cup or shop vacuum to remove the old sand, making sure to seal the top of the pipe with tape to prevent sand from entering. Carefully remove the horizontal components and pipes, and then flush the water tank with a garden hose. Replace the horizontal components and pipes and add new sand.

Can not. You must use a filter designed for above-ground use. This is because most above-ground pool pumps are designed to move water above the water level of the pump, while most underground pool pumps located above the water level of the pool are not.

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