Best Replacement Filter

by LC
(West Plains, Mo)

We have an Intex metal pole pool that is 54" tall and 24 feet across. We have 6 people that use it every day. Sometimes twice a day.

It has washable filters. We want to switch over to a sand system. Can we use a regular above ground sand filter? Or do we need to upgrade to a larger pump and washable filter. We have a salt system if that makes a difference. We do shock about 2x a week. Water is cloudy. What do you suggest. Thanks


Hi LC. For the time being I would run the filter more hours during the day. I know people with small filter systems that run them 24/7 and say they do a great job of keeping the pool clean. The hotter it is, and the more a pool gets used, the longer a filter needs to run.

Upgrading to a better filter is always a good consideration. The filters that come with most of those pools are inadequate, in my mind. As for the best one to buy, they would all do a better job than what you have.

My choice would be a sand filter with a 1 HP pump. But there is nothing wrong with cartridge or DE filters, it's just a matter of preference.

These pages might help with your filter upgrade choice and pool maintenance.

Above Ground Pool Filters

Keeping an Above Ground Pool Clean

Above Ground Pool Care