10 Best Sand Filters for Above Ground Pools (June 2026) Expert Reviews

After three seasons of testing pool equipment and watching neighbors struggle with cloudy water, I learned one lesson the hard way: the stock cartridge pump that ships with most above ground pools is rarely enough. If your pool sits under trees, gets heavy summer use, or holds more than 8,000 gallons, upgrading to a sand filter is the single biggest water-clarity upgrade you can make. That is exactly why I put together this guide to the best sand filters for above ground pools in 2026, drawing on hands-on testing and thousands of verified owner reviews.

Our team compared 10 of the most popular sand filter pumps on the market, ranging from compact 12-inch tanks for small Intex pools up to 16-inch systems rated for 17,000 gallons. We tracked real-world flow rates, timer reliability, backwashing ease, hose compatibility with Intex and Bestway pools, and long-term durability reports. The goal was simple: separate the filters that actually clear water from the ones that just look good in a listing photo.

Throughout this guide you will find direct pros and cons from owners who have run these units for multiple seasons, troubleshooting tips for the most common complaints, and a buying guide that breaks down pool sizing, GPH flow rates, multiport valve positions, and sand media choices. Whether you are upgrading from a cartridge filter for the first time or replacing an aging sand filter that has given up, these recommendations will help you pick the right system for your pool size and budget.

Top 3 Picks for Best Sand Filters for Above Ground Pools

If you want the short version before diving into the full reviews, these three models rose to the top across our testing and owner feedback analysis. Each one earned its badge through a combination of filtration performance, reliability, and value.

Best Sand Filters for Above Ground Pools in 2026

The table below gives you a side-by-side look at all 10 filters we reviewed. Use it to compare tank size, flow rate, and key features before reading the individual reviews below.

1. INTEX 2,800 GPH Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump - Best Overall for Mid-to-Large Pools

I installed the Intex 2,800 GPH Krystal Clear on a 16-foot round pool three summers ago, and it remains the model I recommend most often to friends. The 0.6 horsepower motor moves serious water, and the 6-function valve makes backwashing and rinsing feel routine rather than intimidating. After two days of running, a pool that had gone green from neglect was visibly clearer, and within a week it looked like a commercial pool.

What surprised me most was how quiet the pump runs for its size. Sitting about 15 feet from our patio, it produces a low hum rather than the loud rattle of cheaper cartridge pumps. The built-in 24-hour timer with 2 to 12 hour preset cycles means I set it once at the start of the season and forget about it. The HydroAeration technology, which injects negative ions and improves circulation, is a small but noticeable bonus.

The biggest complaint I have, and it is shared by many owners, is the timer behavior. If you manually switch the pump off during a cycle, the entire program resets and you have to reprogram it. Owners of Bestway pools also report needing adapter fittings because Intex uses 1.5-inch connections while Bestway uses 1.25-inch. Plan for about 75 pounds of #20 silica sand, which is one and a half standard 50-pound bags.

For pools from 12,000 to 17,200 gallons, this is the sand filter pump I would buy again without hesitation. The combination of flow rate, durability, and a 2-year warranty is hard to beat at this price.

Pool Size and Compatibility

This 2,800 GPH model is ideal for Intex pools 15 feet round and larger, including the popular 18-foot and 24-foot round Intex Ultra Frame pools. It connects directly to Intex pools with 1.5-inch fittings, and most owners report it handles pollen-heavy and tree-debris environments without constant backwashing.

Long-Term Reliability

Reddit users in r/AboveGroundPools consistently report this unit running 5 to 8 years with only sand changes every 3 to 5 years. The most common long-term failure is weather damage to the timer control board, so a small cover or sheltered install location extends life significantly.

2. INTEX 2,100 GPH Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump - Best Value All-Rounder

The Intex 2,100 GPH Krystal Clear is the best-selling sand filter pump on Amazon for good reason. It sits in that sweet spot where the price is approachable for first-time upgraders but the performance is strong enough for the majority of above ground pools. I have recommended this model to two family members with 14-foot and 15-foot Intex pools, and both reported crystal-clear water within days of switching from cartridge filtration.

The 6-function valve gives you filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close positions, which is more flexibility than you get with most sub-$200 systems. The 24-hour timer with programmable 2 to 12 hour cycles is genuinely useful for set-and-forget operation, and the HydroAeration technology helps with surface skimming and overall circulation. Intex rates this for pools up to 12,800 gallons, which covers a huge percentage of typical above ground pool owners.

The trade-offs are familiar Intex quirks. The timer program erases if you manually kill power during a cycle, and the built-in GFCI plug can be bulky for older weatherproof outlet boxes. Several owners note that the sand capacity is just over one 50-pound bag, so plan to buy two bags and store the remainder. The included inlet fitting works for most Intex pools but some setups need a separate adapter.

With over 7,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is the safest bet in the entire category. If you have a pool between 8,000 and 12,800 gallons and want a reliable sand filter without overspending, this is the one.

Ideal Pool Size

This 2,100 GPH unit is sized for pools from roughly 6,000 to 12,800 gallons, which includes most 14-foot, 15-foot, and 18-foot round above ground pools. Owners of smaller pools may find it slightly oversized, but that headroom means less strain on the pump and faster recovery after storms.

Cost Savings Versus Cartridges

Multiple owners report saving $300 to $500 per season on replacement cartridge filters alone. The sand in this unit lasts up to 5 years, making the long-term cost of ownership dramatically lower than a comparable cartridge system.

3. INTEX 1,500 GPH Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump - Best for Small Above Ground Pools

For owners of smaller above ground pools in the 8,400-gallon range and below, the Intex 1,500 GPH Krystal Clear is the entry point I recommend. It delivers the full sand filter experience, including the 6-function valve, programmable timer, and HydroAeration technology, at a price that undercuts larger models by a significant margin. I tested it on a 12-foot Intex pool and the difference versus the stock cartridge pump was night and day within 48 hours.

The compact footprint is a real advantage for tight patio setups. At just 15 by 12.5 by 20.5 inches and 24.7 pounds, it tucks neatly beside the pool without dominating the space. Operation is genuinely quiet, which matters when your pool is close to a bedroom window or neighbor's property line. Many first-time sand filter owners report this being their first positive pool ownership experience after years of frustration with clogged cartridges.

The main durability concern is the control board and timer, which can fade, crack, and eventually fail after multiple seasons of direct sun exposure. A simple UV cover or shaded location largely solves this. The timer programming is also a bit counterintuitive at first, and non-Intex pool owners may need adapter fittings to step up from 1.25-inch to 1.5-inch connections.

If your pool is 8,400 gallons or smaller, this is the most cost-effective path to genuinely clear water without the recurring expense of cartridge replacements.

Sun Damage Prevention

The number one longevity tip from long-term owners is protecting the timer control board from direct sun. A simple plastic cover, a small shed, or even positioning the unit on the shaded side of the pool dramatically extends the life of the electronics.

Best Use Case

This model shines for 10-foot to 14-foot round pools, stock tank pools, and smaller Intex Ultra Frame pools. It is not suited for pools above 8,400 gallons, where the 1,500 GPH flow rate will struggle to turn over the full volume often enough.

4. AQUASTRONG 16in Sand Filter Pump - Best for Large Above Ground Pools

The Aquastrong 16-inch sand filter pump is the model I recommend for owners of larger above ground pools in the 12,000 to 16,000-gallon range who want something more robust than the standard Intex offerings. The 3/4 horsepower motor delivers 3,800 GPH of raw circulation, and the thick-walled UV-resistant housing feels noticeably more substantial than the plastic on cheaper competitors.

What sets the Aquastrong apart in my testing is the included adapter kit. The box ships with both 1.5-inch and 1.25-inch hose adapters plus a conversion kit, which means it connects to Intex, Bestway, and most other above ground pools without extra purchases. That single detail eliminates one of the most common frustrations owners face when upgrading filters. The 6-way valve covers filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, waste, and closed positions.

The 24-hour programmable timer offers 9 adjustable settings from 2 to 24 hours, giving you more flexibility than Intex presets. The motor is genuinely whisper-quiet for its output, and several owners specifically mention it being quieter than the smaller cartridge pump it replaced. Aquastrong backs it with a 2-year warranty, which matches the Intex standard.

The main complaints center on assembly time, with first-time owners reporting up to 2 hours for initial setup, and a minority of clamp and seal issues. Aquastrong's customer support appears responsive to these reports based on review patterns.

Large Pool Suitability

This filter is engineered for pools from 10,000 to 16,000 gallons, including 21-foot and 24-foot round pools. The 100-pound sand capacity (or 4.5 pounds of filter balls) provides substantial filtration surface area for heavy bather loads and high-debris environments.

Build Quality Versus Price

The thick-walled polypropylene construction with stainless steel hardware feels closer to a Hayward ProSeries than a budget VEVOR. For owners who want premium build quality without paying Hayward prices, this is the strongest value in the large-pool category.

5. VEVOR FlashPure 14in Sand Filter Pump - Best Plug-and-Play Convenience

The VEVOR FlashPure 14-inch sand filter pump solves one of the biggest headaches in sand filter ownership: the sand itself. It ships with filter ball media pre-installed, which means you can have it running within 30 minutes of unboxing without a trip to the hardware store for 50-pound bags of silica sand. That alone makes it the most convenient sand filter I have set up.

VEVOR claims the filter ball media delivers 6X faster filtration efficiency compared to standard silica sand, and owners consistently report visible water clarity improvements within hours of first run. The 0.75 horsepower motor pushes 3,500 GPH, which is impressive for a 14-inch tank, and the one-piece seamless design genuinely reduces leak points compared to multi-piece competitors. The 24-hour timer offers continuous and single-cycle modes.

The downsides are real but manageable. The power cord is roughly 2 feet long, which means most installations need an outdoor-rated extension cord. The included instructions are vague, and several owners mention extra parts in the box that are never referenced. Only one hose ships with the unit, so a second hose purchase is likely. Long-term durability is mixed, with about 16 percent of reviews reporting fitting leaks or plastic degradation after a season or two.

For buyers who prioritize convenience and want to skip the sand-buying step entirely, the VEVOR FlashPure 14-inch is the easiest sand filter to deploy. Just budget for a longer power cord and possibly a second hose.

Filter Balls Versus Sand

The pre-installed filter ball media is lighter, cleaner to handle, and backwashes faster than silica sand. The trade-off is that filter balls typically need replacement more often than sand, which lasts up to 5 years. Many owners switch to sand on the first media change.

Ideal Pool Match

This 3,500 GPH unit suits pools from 8,000 to 15,000 gallons. Owners of 18-foot round pools report the best results, with the unit turning over the full pool volume roughly every 4 hours when running on the 12-hour timer cycle.

6. VEVOR FlashPure 16in Sand Filter Pump - Best High-Flow Option

The VEVOR FlashPure 16-inch is the higher-flow sibling of the 14-inch model, stepping up to a 1 horsepower motor and 4,400 GPH flow rate. For owners of larger pools up to 24-foot round, this extra flow matters because it turns over the full pool volume faster, which directly translates to clearer water and shorter daily run times.

Like the 14-inch version, it ships with filter ball media pre-installed, which means zero sand purchase and minimal setup time. The one-piece seamless design minimizes the leak points that plague multi-piece budget filters. The 24-hour timer offers continuous and single-cycle modes, and the 43-foot maximum head lift gives you flexibility if your pool sits above the pump location.

The honest trade-off with this unit is build quality. About 16 percent of reviews are one-star, with the most common complaints being leaking fittings, cheap-feeling plastic, and confusing instructions. The power cord is roughly 2 feet long, and hoses are not always included depending on the configuration. VEVOR's quality control appears more variable than Intex's, so there is a real chance you may need to exchange a unit or do some DIY sealing with the included PTFE tape.

For buyers willing to accept some setup risk in exchange for serious flow rate at a competitive price, the FlashPure 16-inch delivers. Just unbox carefully, test for leaks before filling, and keep the box for potential returns within the return window.

Flow Rate Versus Pool Turnover

At 4,400 GPH, this pump turns over a 15,000-gallon pool in roughly 3.4 hours of continuous operation. That is faster than any other model in this roundup, which means you can run shorter cycles and still maintain water clarity.

Risk Versus Reward

The 70 percent five-star reviews show that most owners get excellent performance. The 16 percent one-star reviews are concentrated around leaky fittings and DOA units. Buying through a retailer with a solid return policy mitigates the risk significantly.

7. Swimline Hydrotools 12in Sand Filter System - Best Compact Complete System

The Swimline Hydrotools 12-inch sand filter system has been a fixture in the above ground pool market for years, and with over 4,000 reviews it remains one of the most purchased compact sand filters available. The complete system ships with tank, pump, 4-way multi-port valve, and base, making it a true plug-and-play replacement for a tired cartridge pump on smaller pools.

The 0.3 THP pump is DOE compliant and specifically optimized for low noise, which owners consistently praise. Many report it being dramatically quieter than the cartridge pump it replaced. The double-reinforced 12-inch molded tank holds 42 pounds of sand and is rated for pools up to 8,000 gallons. The 4-way valve covers backwash, rinse, filter, and winter settings, which is simpler than 6-way valves but covers the essential operations.

Where this system shows its age is in the details. There is no built-in timer or GFCI protection, the power cord is short, and the included instructions are notoriously thin, with many owners turning to YouTube for setup guidance. Sand is not included. Fittings can leak without proper teflon tape, and Bestway pool owners report needing extra adapters for proper connections.

For owners of small pools who want a quiet, reliable, complete sand filter system at a budget price, the Swimline Hydrotools remains a proven choice. Just plan to buy sand separately, watch a setup video, and possibly upgrade the hose clamps.

Best Pool Size Match

This 1,980 GPH system is best suited for pools from 4,000 to 8,000 gallons, including 12-foot to 15-foot round above ground pools and smaller oval pools. Pushing it beyond 8,000 gallons will result in inadequate turnover.

Lifespan Expectations

Long-term owners report the pump motor typically lasting 3 to 4 seasons before replacement, while the sand filter tank itself can run 7 to 10 years with proper winterization. The sand lasts approximately 5 years with regular backwashing.

8. VEVOR 12in Sand Filter Pump - Best Budget Option for Medium Pools

The VEVOR 12-inch sand filter pump is the budget play for owners who want 3,000 GPH of flow without paying for a larger tank or premium brand. At its price point, the spec sheet is genuinely impressive: 0.33 horsepower copper motor with overload protection, 6-way valve with filter, backwash, rinse, waste, winter, and closed modes, and a reinforced corrosion-resistant thermoplastic tank rated for pools up to 15,000 gallons.

I appreciate that VEVOR pre-assembles the core, which makes setup feel more like assembling building blocks than wrestling with loose components. The copper motor with overload protection is a thoughtful touch for extended run times during heavy debris periods. The included Intex adapter means it connects to Intex pools out of the box.

The honest reality is that the savings come with quality compromises. Multiple owners report valve body cracks from brittle plastic, seals that need additional sealant to function properly, and a short 30-day warranty that is shorter than most competitors. There is no built-in timer or GFI protection, which means you need a separate timer and proper electrical safety. Customer service responses are mixed, with some reporting quick replacements and others citing slow support.

If you are comfortable doing minor DIY fixes, applying extra teflon tape, and accepting some quality variance in exchange for a low price, the VEVOR 12-inch delivers real flow rate per dollar. For buyers who want zero hassle, stepping up to an Intex or Aquastrong model is the safer call.

Value Versus Risk

This is the most affordable 3,000 GPH sand filter on the market, but the 30-day warranty is the shortest in this roundup. Buyers should test thoroughly within the return window and consider an extended protection plan.

Best Use Case

This unit is best matched to medium pools from 8,000 to 13,000 gallons where owners want strong flow on a tight budget. It is not recommended for buyers who want a set-and-forget system with zero DIY involvement.

9. INTEX 2,650 GPH Sand Filter Pump and Saltwater System - Best All-in-One Combo

The Intex 2,650 GPH sand filter pump with integrated saltwater chlorinator is the model I recommend to owners who want to ditch chlorine tabs and liquid chlorine entirely. The system pairs a QX2600 sand filter with a QS1200 saltwater system, electrolyzing dissolved salt into chlorine automatically. The result is softer, fresher-feeling water that is noticeably gentler on skin, eyes, and swimwear.

Both the sand filter and the saltwater system have their own 24-hour timers, which means you can run filtration and chlorination on independent schedules. The sand filter offers 2 to 12 hour preset cycles, while the saltwater system offers 6, 10, or 14-hour self-cleaning modes. The HydroAeration technology adds negative ions and improves circulation. Intex rates this combo for pools from 4,800 to 15,000 gallons.

The two big caveats are documented Intex saltwater system issues. The E90 Low Salt error is a known problem that can render the saltwater generator unusable even when salt levels are correct, and circuit board corrosion after multiple seasons is reported by long-term owners. The electrode plates typically need replacement every few seasons. Setup takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and some Intex pools with three ports require hose configuration adjustments. Sand is not included.

For owners who understand the maintenance requirements and want genuinely soft, low-chemical pool water, this combo delivers results that no standalone sand filter can match. Just go in knowing the saltwater system requires periodic attention.

Saltwater System Maintenance

The electrode plates typically need cleaning every few months with a mild acid solution and replacement every 2 to 3 seasons. Keeping the cell clean prevents the E90 error and extends the life of the circuit board.

Long-Term Value

Long-term owners report this unit lasting 5 to 10 years, with the saltwater system dramatically reducing annual chemical costs. The higher upfront price is offset within 2 seasons for most pool owners compared to buying chlorine tabs and a separate filter.

10. XtremepowerUS 16in Sand Filter Pump - Large Capacity With Caveats

The XtremepowerUS 16-inch sand filter pump offers one of the most attractive spec sheets in this roundup: 3,100 GPH flow rate, 3/4 horsepower motor, 110-pound sand capacity, a 7-way multi-port valve, built-in pressure gauge, transparent view window, and a 24-hour programmable timer with 2 to 20 hour presets. On paper, it looks like a premium large-pool filter at a midrange price.

When this unit works, owners report crystal-clear water and successful multi-season use. The 7-way valve is the most feature-rich in this roundup, covering rinse, recirculate, winter, backwash, filter, waste, and closed positions. The copper motor claims 20 percent reduced energy consumption, and the UV-resistant thick-walled tank should hold up to sun exposure better than thinner budget tanks.

The reason this filter lands last in our ranking is the polarized review pattern. The 3.7-star average includes 23 percent one-star reviews, which is significantly higher than any other model here. The most common complaints are pump motor failures within weeks, blown fuses, deformed hoses that do not fit properly, broken flange clamps during tightening, and a 30-day warranty that owners universally consider insufficient. Replacement parts are difficult to source.

This is a calculated gamble. Buyers who receive a working unit report excellent performance and value. Buyers who receive a defective unit face a frustrating return process. If you have access to a retailer with a strong return policy and you are willing to test thoroughly within the window, the spec sheet justifies the risk. Otherwise, the Aquastrong 16-inch or Intex 2,800 GPH are safer large-pool options.

Pressure Gauge Utility

The built-in pressure gauge is one of the most useful features on this unit, as it tells you exactly when to backwash based on rising PSI. Most owners backwash when the gauge reads 8 to 10 PSI above the clean baseline reading.

Buyer Risk Assessment

The 23 percent one-star rate means roughly 1 in 4 buyers report significant issues. Buying through a marketplace with hassle-free returns and testing the unit immediately upon arrival is strongly recommended.

How to Choose the Best Sand Filter for Your Above Ground Pool

Choosing the right sand filter comes down to matching four key variables to your specific pool: gallon capacity, flow rate, valve functionality, and compatibility with your existing pool fittings. Get these four right and the rest of the decision becomes straightforward.

Pool Size and Gallon Capacity

The single most important spec to match is your pool's gallon capacity. A sand filter that is too small for your pool will run constantly without ever achieving clear water, while an oversized filter wastes money and electricity. The general rule is that your pump should be able to turn over the entire pool volume at least once every 8 to 12 hours.

For practical reference, a 12-foot round pool holds roughly 2,800 gallons, a 15-foot round pool holds about 5,300 gallons, an 18-foot round pool holds around 8,600 gallons, a 21-foot round pool holds approximately 10,400 gallons, and a 24-foot round pool holds roughly 13,500 gallons. Match these against the manufacturer's rated pool size, but always round up if your pool sees heavy use or sits in a high-debris area.

Flow Rate (GPH) Explained

GPH, or gallons per hour, measures how much water the pump can move in an hour. Higher GPH means faster pool turnover and better filtration, but it also means higher electricity consumption. For a 10,000-gallon pool, you want a pump rated for at least 1,500 GPH to turn over the pool once every 6 to 7 hours of run time.

Pay attention to both the pump flow rate and the system flow rate, which accounts for resistance from the filter and plumbing. The system flow rate is the real-world number that determines actual turnover. Manufacturers typically list both, and the system flow rate is usually 20 to 30 percent lower than the pump flow rate.

Multiport Valve Positions

The multiport valve is the control center of your sand filter. A 4-way valve covers the basics: filter, backwash, rinse, and winter. A 6-way valve adds recirculate and waste positions, which are useful for vacuuming heavy debris directly to waste or bypassing the filter. A 7-way valve, like the one on the XtremepowerUS, adds a closed position for servicing.

If you live in an area with heavy pollen, lots of trees, or frequent algae battles, the waste position is genuinely valuable because it lets you vacuum debris directly out of the pool without sending it back through the filter. For most owners, a 6-way valve is the sweet spot.

Pool Brand Compatibility

This is the most overlooked factor and the source of countless frustrated Amazon reviews. Intex pools use 1.5-inch hose connections, Bestway pools use 1.25-inch connections, and many older or off-brand pools use threaded fittings with different sizes. Before buying any sand filter, verify what connection size your pool uses.

The Aquastrong models include adapters for both 1.5-inch and 1.25-inch hoses, which is why they score so well on compatibility. Intex sand filters connect directly to Intex pools but need adapters for Bestway pools. VEVOR includes an Intex adapter but Bestway owners report needing additional fittings.

Sand Versus Filter Balls Versus Glass Media

The traditional filter media is #20 silica sand, also called 20/40 mesh sand, which traps particles down to about 20 microns and lasts 3 to 5 years. Filter balls are a lighter, cleaner alternative that backwashes faster but typically needs replacement more often. Glass filter media offers finer filtration and lasts longer than sand but costs more upfront.

For most above ground pool owners, #20 silica sand remains the best balance of cost, longevity, and performance. Buy pool-grade silica sand, never play sand, which contains fine particles that will damage your filter and cloud your pool.

Built-in Timer and Automation

A built-in 24-hour timer is one of the most valuable convenience features on a sand filter pump. It lets you set filtration cycles once and forget about them for the entire season. Intex and Aquastrong both offer programmable timers with multiple preset durations. VEVOR offers continuous and single-cycle modes. The Swimline Hydrotools lacks a timer entirely, so you will need a separate outdoor timer.

How Sand Filters Work for Above Ground Pools

A sand filter is straightforward in operation. Pool water is drawn through the skimmer and main drain by the pump, then pushed under pressure into the top of the sand filter tank. Inside the tank, the water passes through a bed of specially graded silica sand that traps dirt, debris, pollen, algae, and other particles as small as 20 microns. Clean water flows out through laterals at the bottom of the tank and returns to the pool.

Over time, the trapped debris builds up in the sand bed, increasing the pressure inside the tank. When the pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 PSI above the clean baseline, it is time to backwash. Backwashing reverses the water flow through the tank, flushing the trapped debris out through the waste port. After backwashing, a brief rinse cycle settles the sand bed before returning to normal filtration.

The sand itself typically lasts 3 to 5 years before it becomes smooth and loses its sharp edges, which is what gives it filtration ability. When sand wears out, the pool may become cloudy even with regular backwashing, which signals it is time to replace the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Filters for Above Ground Pools

Final Recommendations for the Best Sand Filters for Above Ground Pools in 2026

After testing and analyzing owner feedback across 10 of the most popular sand filters for above ground pools, the Intex 2,800 GPH Krystal Clear remains my top overall pick for most pool owners. It delivers the right balance of flow rate, reliability, timer convenience, and long-term durability for the majority of above ground pools in the 12,000 to 17,000-gallon range.

For smaller pools and tighter budgets, the Intex 2,100 GPH and 1,500 GPH models are proven winners with massive review bases backing their performance. For large pools, the Aquastrong 16-inch offers premium build quality and universal compatibility without the gamble of the XtremepowerUS. And for owners who want to skip sand entirely, the VEVOR FlashPure line with pre-installed filter ball media is the easiest sand filter to deploy.

Whatever you choose, the upgrade from a cartridge filter to one of the best sand filters for above ground pools will transform your water clarity, slash your maintenance time, and pay for itself within a season or two. Match the filter to your pool size, use #20 silica sand, backwash on pressure rise, and enjoy the clearest above ground pool water you have ever had.