Crystal clear, inviting pool water doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the direct result of an effective filtration system. Choosing the right pool filter is crucial for maintaining water quality, reducing chemical use, and ensuring a safe swimming environment for everyone. With various types like sand, cartridge, and D.E. filters available, selecting the best one for your pool’s size and your maintenance preferences can feel overwhelming.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best pool filters for 2025. We’ve included options for in-ground and above-ground pools, complete systems, and essential replacement parts from trusted brands. Whether you prioritize minimal upkeep, superior filtration fineness, or a budget-friendly setup, you’ll find a suitable match to keep your pool pristine all season long.
Our Top Picks for Pool Filters in 2025
- Rx Clear Radiant 24 Inch Sand Filter System
- Pentair FNS Plus D.E. Pool Filter, 60 Sq. Ft.
- Hayward StarClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter, 120 Sq. Ft.
- Pentair Triton II TR100 Fiberglass Sand Filter
- XtremepowerUS 13″ Sand Filter with 3/4HP Pool Pump
- INTEX SX925 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pool Pump
- Hayward ProSeries Sand Filter, 18 In., Top-Mount
- AQUIVEX CCP520 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack
- In The Swim Replacement for Hayward C900 Filter
- Hayward ProSeries Top-Mount Sand Filter System
Rx Clear Radiant 24 Inch Sand Filter System
Designed for in-ground pools up to 33,000 gallons, the Rx Clear Radiant sand filter system offers a reliable and straightforward solution for maintaining clean water. Its 6-way top mount filter valve features clearly labeled ports for the pump and return lines, making installation and operation simple. The system comes with 1.5-inch threaded connections and a comprehensive user’s manual to guide you through the process.
This filter is compatible with a wide range of pool shapes and sizes, from 12-foot rounds to 18′ x 36′ rectangular pools. It provides an efficient, easy-to-use operating system that assists in keeping your pool water crystal clear and safe for swimming throughout the season.
Pentair FNS Plus D.E. Pool Filter, 60 Sq. Ft.
For pool owners seeking exceptionally clean water, the Pentair FNS Plus Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filter is a top contender. It uses a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene tank that is resistant to chemicals and built for long-term durability. The internal design is engineered to provide optimal filtration and efficient backwashing, allowing for longer intervals between maintenance sessions.
A key benefit of this filter is its user-friendly maintenance. The entire filter grid pack is secured by a single nut, making it remarkably easy to remove and clean. This design simplifies what can often be a messy process, saving you time and effort while ensuring your filter operates at peak performance.
Hayward StarClear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter, 120 Sq. Ft.
The Hayward StarClear Plus cartridge filter stands out for its simple maintenance and robust construction. It features an extra-large, single-element cartridge with a precision-engineered core and gasketed molded end caps, which provide extra strength and promote maximum water flow. The single-piece injection-molded base and body offer reliable, corrosion-free performance season after season.
Opening this filter for cleaning is incredibly easy thanks to the single-locking knob that securely fastens the filter head to the tank, eliminating the need for multiple clamps or bolts. This user-centric design makes routine cartridge rinsing or replacement a quick and hassle-free task.
Pentair Triton II TR100 Fiberglass Sand Filter
The Pentair Triton II is a heavy-duty side-mount sand filter known for its durability and service-friendly design. It comes with a heavy-duty closure for easy inspection and includes an easy-to-read pressure gauge with an integrated air relief valve. All internal components are threaded, which simplifies any service or part replacement that may be needed over the filter’s long life.
A significant feature is the swing-away diffuser, which provides instant access to the sand bed and all internal parts. This design makes periodic sand changes or internal inspections much more convenient compared to filters with fixed internal assemblies.
XtremepowerUS 13″ Sand Filter with 3/4HP Pool Pump
This XtremepowerUS package is an excellent all-in-one solution for above-ground pools up to 10,000 gallons. It combines a 13-inch sand filter with a capable 3/4 HP pump and a digital programmer timer, providing everything you need for efficient circulation and filtration. The system is designed to maintain the sand at an optimal level for maximum filtration surface area.
The pump and filter are engineered for dependable performance with a focus on user comfort. It operates with low noise and includes features for consistent performance and efficient backwashing. The built-in timer allows for automated operation, adding convenience to your pool maintenance routine.
INTEX SX925 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pool Pump
Ideal for smaller above-ground pools, the INTEX SX925 sand filter pump is praised for its easy installation and Hydroaeration technology. This technology is said to improve water circulation, filtration, and clarity while increasing negative ions at the water’s surface. Setup is straightforward: simply hook up the hoses, plug it in, and you’re ready to go.
Adding to the convenience is a built-in 24-hour timer with pre-set cycles from 2 to 12 hours for automatic operation. This “set it and forget it” functionality makes maintaining a cleaner pool remarkably hassle-free, especially for pool owners with busy schedules.
Hayward ProSeries Sand Filter, 18 In., Top-Mount
The Hayward ProSeries 18-inch sand filter is built for durable, all-weather performance on above-ground pools. It is constructed from corrosion-proof materials to ensure reliability season after season. The filter utilizes a precision-engineered, umbrella-fold self-cleaning lateral system that promotes efficient water flow and evenly distributed backwashing.
Control is provided by a 7-position VariFlo valve, which offers maximum water flow while maintaining a lower pressure drop. This efficient design helps extend the time between backwashing cycles, making your pool maintenance more effective and less frequent.
AQUIVEX CCP520 Pool Filter Cartridges 4 Pack
This four-pack of replacement cartridges is designed for high-capacity cartridge filters like the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 520. Each cartridge offers a substantial 520 square feet of filtration area using trilobal filtration fabric. This material is capable of capturing very fine particles as small as 10 to 15 microns, including dust, sediment, and other debris.
Keeping spare cartridges on hand allows you to easily swap out a dirty filter for a clean one, minimizing pool downtime. Simply rinse the used cartridge and let it dry while the fresh one goes to work. This pack ensures you have a reliable supply for routine maintenance.
In The Swim Replacement for Hayward C900 Filter
This is a standard replacement filter cartridge specifically engineered for the Hayward Star Clear Plus C900 pool filter. It is crafted to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications, ensuring a proper fit and effective filtration performance. Using a quality replacement like this helps maintain your filter’s efficiency and water clarity.
It is also compatible with several other major brand equivalents, including Pleatco PA90 and Unicel C-8409. Having a direct replacement option from a trusted pool supplier makes routine maintenance predictable and reliable.
Hayward ProSeries Top-Mount Sand Filter System
Hayward’s ProSeries Top-Mount Sand Filter System is a complete, high-quality solution designed for reliable pool filtration. These systems are known for their durable construction and efficient performance, incorporating the trusted ProSeries filter with a compatible pump. They are built to handle the demands of regular pool use with minimal required maintenance.
As a complete system, it offers the advantage of matched components from a single manufacturer, ensuring optimal performance and ease of installation. This is an excellent choice for pool owners looking for a dependable, long-term filtration upgrade from a leading industry brand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pool Filter for 2025
Picking the right pool filter isn’t just about grabbing the shiniest model on the shelf. It’s about matching a system to your specific pool, lifestyle, and budget. I’ve learned that getting this choice wrong means more work, more chemicals, and more money spent in the long run. So, let’s break down what really matters when you’re looking at the 10 best pool filters for 2025.
First, you need to know the three main types. Sand filters are the workhorses: affordable, low-maintenance, and great for larger debris. You just backwash them to clean. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters are the efficiency champions, trapping the tiniest particles for the clearest water, but they require a bit more hands-on care. Cartridge filters are my go-to for low maintenance and water conservation. They have a large surface area, you simply hose them off a few times a season, and they don’t waste water through backwashing. There’s no single “best” type—it’s about what you prioritize.
Size is everything. This is where most mistakes happen. You must look at the filter’s flow rate (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) and its square footage (for cartridge and DE) or tank size (for sand). This needs to be paired correctly with your pool’s volume and your pump’s horsepower. A filter that’s too small will run constantly, clog quickly, and never get your water truly clean. I always recommend “oversizing” if you can. A larger filter means longer cycles between cleanings, less strain on your pump, and better overall filtration. Your pool professional can help with this math, but don’t just guess.
Finally, think about the long game. What is the ongoing cost and effort? Sand media needs replacing every 5-7 years. DE powder is an added consumable. Cartridge filters need replacement every few seasons. Consider the ease of the cleaning process—are you okay with a multi-port valve for backwashing, or do you prefer pulling out a cartridge? Also, look at the construction. A sturdy, corrosion-resistant tank (like one made with high-grade polymer or stainless steel clamps) will last much longer than a flimsy one. Your filter is a long-term investment in your pool’s health and your own free time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to clean or backwash my pool filter?
It depends entirely on the type of filter and how much you use your pool. For sand filters, you’ll backwash when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI above the clean, starting pressure. For a DE filter, it’s similar—backwash when pressure rises, and then you must add new DE powder. Cartridge filters are different; you physically remove and hose them down when the pressure rises, typically every 2-4 weeks in peak season. I check my pressure gauge at least once a week to stay ahead of it.
Can I install a new pool filter myself?
Maybe, if you’re very handy. The plumbing connections (usually 1.5″ or 2″ PVC) need to be cut, glued, and sealed perfectly to avoid leaks and air suction problems. You also need to ensure the electrical connections to the pump are safe and correct. For a simple like-for-like swap, a confident DIYer can manage it. But for a new system type or if you’re unsure about the plumbing/electrical work, hiring a professional is a smart investment. A bad install can lead to poor performance or even damage.
What’s the difference between a single and a multi-cartridge filter?
It’s all about surface area. A single, large cartridge (like a pleated paper element) is common for smaller pools. Multi-cartridge filters hold two, three, or four smaller cartridges. The multi-cartridge design offers more total square footage in a more compact tank shape, which is great for larger pools. More surface area means the filter can hold more dirt before the pressure builds up, so you clean it less often. When looking at the 10 best pool filters for 2025, you’ll see both styles represented.
Why is my filter pressure reading high right after I clean it?
A consistently high pressure reading immediately after cleaning is a red flag. For a sand filter, it often means the sand is channeled or gummed up and needs replacing. For a DE filter, the grids might be coated with stubborn oils or calcium and need a proper acid wash. For a cartridge filter, it means you didn’t get it fully clean; there might be deep-set oils that require a filter cleaner soak. It could also indicate a problem with your pressure gauge itself or a blockage in the return line after the filter.
Is a more expensive filter always better?
Not necessarily. A more expensive filter usually gets you better materials (like corrosion-proof components), a larger size (more square footage), or brand reputation. However, a properly sized mid-range filter will almost always perform better than an undersized “premium” one. The key is to spend your money on the right size and type first. The extra cost for features like a clear lid (to see inside) or a super-strong polymer tank can be worth it for durability and ease of use.