Upgrading Your Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter System

upgrading your above ground pump and filter system

It’s a problem for many small to medium sized above ground pool systems: they have a pump or filter that’s too small. This is often because above ground pool kits are packaged so that the entire pool and its accessories can fit in a single box. Consequently, the pump and filter unit is often on the smaller side.

Certain big box retailers also configure their pool-in-a-box kits to have even smaller and weaker pump and filter units to lower their shipping, storage, and costs of goods.

Thus, many first-time pool owners wonder why they have so much trouble keeping the water clear. Despite running the pump for 12 or more hours per day, they have difficulty with cloudy water or preventing algae in their soft-sided pools. Spoiler alert – it’s usually because the pump and filter is too small!

What’s the Solution?

If the filter and/or pump are somewhat undersized for your swimming pool, there are a few things you can do to maintain healthy pool water.

  1. Run an undersized pump and filter 24/7 to keep the water clear.
  2. Use more chlorine to help break down contaminants, reducing filter demand.
  3. Use an algaecide and a clarifier to further aid the filter.
  4. Keep the pool as clean as possible with vacuuming, brushing and skimming.
  5. OR, you can upgrade your above ground pool filter and pump with something better.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter

benefits of upgrading your above ground pool pump and filter
  1. Vacuuming: One-piece pump and filter units are not only small, but typically have no strainer basket. This makes vacuuming the pool impossible, and pool owners must use a separate vacuum device powered by a garden hose. This is not always effective, especially if you have low water pressure.
  2. Reduced Run Time: The pool water in an above ground pool should be turned over twice per day. This means all the water in your above ground pool should go through the filter at least twice in a 24-hour period. Stronger pumps can do this faster, filtering all pool water in just a few hours.
  3. Water Clarity: The small cartridge filters that come with small above ground pools are often no bigger than an oil can, with only 6-9 square feet of filter surface area. That’s not much. A larger cartridge (25-50 sq. ft.) or small sand filter will keep your water cleaner and clearer more easily.
  4. Reduced Chemical Use: As mentioned above, to compensate for an undersized filter, you may find it necessary to use more chlorine, algaecides, or clarifiers to assist the filter. With a larger filter, you’ll keep the water free of particulates, so less expensive or fewer chemicals will be needed to correct problems and combat contaminants.
  5. Less Worry: An undersized filter needs to be cleaned every week. It also has trouble handling summer storms, and needs almost daily supervision. Larger systems set on a time clock automatically turn on and off, and can run for a month between cleanings.

How to Upgrade an Above Ground Filter and Pump System

The simplest route is to just increase the size of your pump and filter.

  1. Find your current size of pump and filter square footage on the label.
  2. Decide on a budget, somewhere between $100-$500.
  3. Take a look at our above ground pool filter and pump combos.

Soft-Sided Above Ground Pools

soft-sided above ground sand filter

Intex cartridge filter systems are sized by GPH (gallons per hour) of water flow rate. If you currently have a 530 GPH, you can make the easy switch to a 1,000 GPH filter. If you have the 1,500 GPH, there are also 2,500 and 4,000 GPH pump and filter units made specifically for Intex pools.

Intex also makes a nice little sand filter system, with a separate pump and strainer basket. These are sold by the diameter of the sand filter tank: 12″, 14″, or 16″. Sand filters are easy to backwash, and you only have to change the sand every few years. Having a large pump basket makes it quick to vacuum the pool, and the clear lid helps you know when to empty the pump basket. For more suggestions and tips related to upgrading an Intex pool filter pump, head over to our blog post, Intex Pool Filter Pump Upgrades: A Buyer’s Guide.

Steel Frame Above Ground Pools

If you don’t have a soft-sided or Intex style pool, all you have to do is look at our above ground filter and pump selection. Make note of your current pump and filter specs, and find a pairing that offers more horsepower and greater filter surface area. You’ll have a large selection of cartridge or sand pool filters to choose from.

steel frame above ground cartridge filter

If you are looking at sand filter systems, the Hayward Pro Series pump and filter systems is a popular choice. They’re easy to find replacement parts for, and customer service is readily available if you need it. The Hayward above ground sand filters are available in 14″, 16″, 18″, and 21″ in diameter, and are paired with three different pump sizes.

If you are a fan of cartridge filtration, take a look at the Hayward X-Stream filter system. It has a large capacity element of up to 150 sq. ft. and is available with either a 1 HP or 1.5 HP pump. The pump features a clear lid and oversized pump basket.

The cartridge on the X-Stream filter is much like the one used on smaller pools, but in a larger size. On a pool of 10,000 gallons, you could expect this filter to go at least a month between cleanings.

Installing Your New Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter

There’s usually not much to worry about with the installation of a new pump and filter. Plug the lines at the pool, and simply remove the hoses from the old system and connect them to the new system. Remove the plugs to fill the pump with water, and plug the cord into a grounded outlet.

above ground pool pump and filter

Keep in mind that larger, more powerful pumps may be too strong for very small Intex style hoses. If your hoses are crimping or stretching, you may need to buy heavy duty pool filter hoses.

As mentioned earlier, you can use a timer on a larger filter system to run the pump only 8-12 hours daily. For this, you can plug in a simple time clock into any grounded outlet, and then plug the pump cord into the time clock. Set the on and off dogs, and your pump timer will handle the rest.

When it comes to above ground pool filters, size matters! If you’re stuck with a small filter, it won’t work efficiently. Upgrade your above ground pool with a larger filter and pump system to get the most out of your pool care routine.

54 thoughts on “Upgrading Your Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter System

  1. I have the 14’ x 42” summer waves round pool. Have not even had it for 10 days and the rotor needs to be replaced in the pump! I am interested in converting to an Intex pump which do you recommend?

  2. Amy Mayfield

    just purchased a Bestway Steel Pro Max 14-foot round pool (48-inches). I’d like to convert it to saltwater. What do you recommend?
    Thanks!

  3. Hi Dave, I just bought a Summer Waves Elite 16′ x 48″ I do not even have the pool in hand yet but am interested in upgrading to a salt water system with a better quality pump….do you recommend doing so and if so, what would I need to do the whole system? I am extremely pool illiterate and rather than buy/return multiple things, get it right the first time so my kids will not hate me.

  4. Celeste Springs`

    I’m a new pool owner this summer. I have a ‘Summer Waves’ 17 x 52. The only pump I currently have is the one that came in the box with it. There is a lot of iron in my water, and I’m constantly changing the filter. I also have algae on the bottom, but I can sweep it with a pool brush, and it clears up. I’m constantly using the shock treatment and I keep chlorine in it at all times. Should I switch to a larger pump and if so, which one is recommended?
    Thanks 🙂

  5. I just got a coleman 18×48 pool and the filter is definitely not doing the job. What sand filter would you recommend? Would I need different fittings for inside the pool? And could I use a vacuum with it?

  6. desiree stanley

    hello we just got a replacement to our metal side above ground pool and replaced it this year with a intex soft side pool, my question is i have a hayward cartridge pump and filter that i used with my old pool and i was wondering if i could use this with the intex pool, my pool is 26×52 so its really big, the thing is i dont want to cut a skimmer in the side, of the new pool.

    • Hi Desiree, if your hayward pump is not too big, it will work fine on a softsided pool (too big and the pool may wobble a bit, or fatigue the wall return area of the pool. Add the over-the-edge skimmer aka the Intex Wall Mounted Skimmer, and use two 1.5″ slice valves to control the wall suction and the skimmer suction. You may need some Intex adapters to fit 1.5″ hose to the 40mm wall fittings (or maybe not).

  7. We had purchased an Intex salt water pump last season to be used with our Walmart or Target purchased Intex 15’x48″ pool. After 7 years it began to have many leaks and was thrown away. We are thinking about purchasing another pool and I see that there are many more varieties offered now such as Coleman, Summer Waves and Bestway. I am curious if the Intex salt water pump will work with these other types of pools or do we need to purchase another Intex pool?

    • Hi Monika, a intex filter will normally work on those other pools as well, of the same size, up to 18′ dia.

  8. Hi Dave,
    We have a 12’x30′ Intex metal frame pool. It came with a 530gph pump. The outflow pressure drops after about 20 hours of use on a filter, type A. I have two filters I rotate, rinsing the dirty one in between uses. They don’t seem overly dirty to me but the rinsing helps the pump flow.

    Would upgrading to the 1000 or 1500 gph pump eliminate this problem?

    The pool has only been set up a week and the daily cleaning of filters is frustrating.

    Thanks

    • Jen, Yes – definitely would see a big difference going to the 1000 and living a life of luxury with the 1500 GPH 🙂 Intex sand filters are also worth a look. Also, Intex recommends replacing (with new) Type A filters every 4-6 weeks (!)

  9. AURELIA OROZCO

    Hello,
    I purchased a Summer Waves Elite 14×42 pool and want to get a better filter system. My question is would a sand filter or salt water filter be better?

    • Hi, The Intex sand filters are easier to manage, and also have a real pump basket, for vacuuming. The salt water filter is a cartridge filter with a salt chlorine generator attached, to operate a salt chlorine pool (instead of a tablet chlorine pool)

  10. I sent you a question about upgrading my pump. It was here but now it is gone. Can you please just direct me to the best upgrade please like you helped others? I have the 18 foot brown pool from walmart, pump model number #90401E
    It does not work, what pump would be best that even has the same size tubes and connectors or what adaptors would I meed?

    • Hi Meg, from what I can tell, the 90401E is a Bestway/Coleman 1500 GPH system, which would equate to the Intex 28635EG model, also 1500 GPH. Hoses and fittings should be the same size.

  11. Hi Davy…I have the Intex Easy Set 15 x 42 that came with a 1000 GPH pump (637R), this is a VERY weak pump that doesn’t appear to move the water much. That said, I never struggle with keeping the water clean and free of algae (weekly, I use moderate amounts of shock and algicide.) This may be due, in part, to the fact that I don’t get a lot of sunshine in the yard and the pool doesn’t get that warm, often low 70’s.

    I’m looking for ideas on how to increase the temperature of the pool. Currently, I have an 8 mil solar pool cover and will be upgrading to a 14 mil one this week. My question…given that the 1000 GPH pump doesn’t move the water much, would the 14 mil solar cover be more effective if I used a larger pump, to ensure that more water is circulating under the cover? If so, would the 2500 GPH (633T) be overkill, or appropriate? I’ve also looked at the 1500 GPH (635T). Both of these will require 1.25″ to 1.50″ adapters, so I’m open to either pump (and any other ideas to warm this pool up!)

    Thanks in advance!

    • Hi Lee, a larger pump won’t really affect the heat gain of a solar cover. The 1500 GPH would be a nice upgrade though, and I believe that it uses the same hose size (please let me know if you read differently!) If you do have a sunny spot near the pool, a 20’x4′ solar panel could put out a lot of heat, optimum with 6 hrs of daily unobstructed sun. Or one of the modular AquaQuick solar heaters. Hayward makes some small heaters, a 50K BTU heat pump ($2000), and a 100K BTU gas heater – both would create a lot of heat – but of course cost more than the cost of the pool! Around $900, plus installation.

  12. I’m looking to upgrade our factory pump on our 14ft x 42in. Intex above ground pool. The Pump flow rate: 1000 gallons, System flow rate: 750 gallons. Water capacity: 3,357 gallons (90%). Which pump would u suggest and would I need to also replace the hoses as well??

    • Hi Shauna, if you go with the 1500 GPH, you won’t have to worry about the hoses and fitting compatibility. 530/1000/1500 are compatible, but sizes larger than that have larger hoses and wall fittings.

  13. I have an index pro series pool 15ft round, that came with the 1000 motor and cartridge filter. I bought a Hayward LX power flo 1 1/2 hp pump and sand filter. I will be sending back or selling the sand filter. Will the pump work on this pool with the existing paper filter cartridge?

    • Hi Jamie, unfortunately the pump is too big for the small cartridge, it will blast the dirt right through it, and probably destroy the cartridge (unless you install a bypass valve to send excess water around the filter). I would keep the sand filter, as it is presumably matched in size to the pump. You will just need some of the adapters to connect the hoses to the pool.

  14. I’m trying to hook my 24′ x 52″ intex pool. To a bigger pump and filter. The hoses are to small. Is there an adapter that would connect to larger intake and output

    • Hi Ron, there are adapters made by GAME, that allow you to connect GAME 4560 is one which screws onto the pump and filter, to allow you to connect the 40mm Intex hose to a 1.5″ pump and filter. Intex also makes a Type B Hose Adapter, which adapts the large hose to smaller pools.

  15. I have an 18 foot non intex pool that I purchased a Intex 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump to replace my damages heyward pump and filter system. Is there some sort of a basket and strainer I can purchase to add to the pump?

    • Hi Matt, no unfortunately not for the INtex pump. That is the advantage to the Hayward systems, with a real pump trap. For vacuuming or for use with a pool cleaner, you could use an inline strainer, aka leaf canisters, connected in between the longer hose and a shorter 3′ hose that connects to the skimmer

  16. Hi! My kids use a Summer Waves 10′ round inflatable. Approx. 1000 gallons. I would like to upgrade the factory pump but I’m having a hard time confirming hose diameter size for both the factory pump and the Intex 1000GPH pump, which is what I would like to get. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

    • Hi Tod, the Intex 1000 GPH pump uses 32 mm hoses, or 1.25″, which I believe would be the same as your system, but measure to be sure. 🙂

      • Jennifer Magnusson

        Can I use a 1500 gph pump with a 10 by 30 summer waves pool

        • Hi Jennifer, I think you can, however that might be larger than you really need. The 1000 GPH unit would be suitable, but a larger filter is always better, so yes – go for it!

  17. Jennifer

    What is a good sand filter for a coleman 24ft 52in pool?

    • Hi Jennifer, a good sand filter would be the 16″ Intex sand filter system. A GREAT sand filter however, would be the 21″ Hayward sand filter and pump, which will maintain the water with less pump run time, clear up water problems faster, or prevent them in the first place, and go for long periods of time between backwashings. An in between option would be the Hayward 18″ filter and pump, same page as above…

  18. I bought a coleman 18 × 48. I want to order a sand pump. Will the intex 2800gph sand filter pump be to big. Or would u recommend a better pump for me to order.

  19. Michelle

    Hello, I just ordered a 12’ x 36” best way above ground pool. What would be the best size filter pump for this pool?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Michelle, the 530 gph would be fine for your pool, but since the 1000 gph is only $15 more, I’d recommend the larger unit. Intex Cartridge Filters The 1500 gph would be a bit too large…

  20. Hi Davy,

    I have a 15ft x 48in (4.57m x 1.22m) bestway steel pro above ground pool. It came with a 800 gph bestway flowclear pump filter. I have to run it 24/7 to barely maintain my pool water visibly clear. I am thinking about upgrading to 2500 gph bestway flowclear pump filter. It looks like it comes with adaptors that would fit into my pool’s inlet and outlet. What do you think?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, the Bestway 58392E-BW, I’m not sure what adapters are included, although it mates with 1.25″ hose. For Intex Pools, you can upgrade to 1500 gph systems, but not further than that, with the small pools. Sorry I cannot locate the information you need – maybe a deep dive into the Bestway owner’s manuals would answer the question.

  21. Caesare A Engstrom

    I have a 10×30 intex with the H filter on it so I believe it is only 330gph…what would be the highest pump/filter I can upgrade to? can i switch to a 1500gph or is that too high?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Caesare, the 1000 gph model would be the highest to go, and the simplest, because the wall fitting should be the same (I think). 1500+ Intex filters use larger hoses and wall fittings, and may be too powerful for the pool anyway.

  22. Hi! I have an Intex 12×30 pool that holds about 1800 gallons of water. I want to buy a sand & saltwater filter but it says the minimum pool size for the pump is 2,800 gallons. Can I still buy it and just run it for a shorter period of time or is there a reason why they have a minimum size?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi, the reason for a minimum pool size, may be that the wall fittings or walls themselves may not handle the flow rate and pressure, and perhaps leak or start shaking or something, however, there are adapters that can be used (see owners manual for the intex filter system), to fit most smaller size pool hoses or wall fitting/skimmer sizes, which are usually smaller on the 12′ and 15′ sizes, with 18’+ using larger hose/fittings, with a 12’x30′- the 12″ sand filter system would be the largest you should go – but check the manual for the specifics on wall connection and hose sizes, and adapters needed.

  23. Rob Knorr

    I have a 18′ above ground pool I want to know what my GPH my pump is putting out all I can find is the model# 90342 can you help

    • Hi, I tried to find it, but could not, perhaps you can deduce it from the cartridge number that the system uses? I think you have a bestways/coleman unit, what size cartridge, is it II, III, it should be stamped on the end…

  24. I have a 15×48 regular pool(not an intex) Can we use the intex sand filter on our pool? Our hoses are 2 inch hoses.

  25. my intex 16′ x 48″ had the smaller 1500 GPH pool pump we bought the intex automatic pool cleanear worked great then we upgraded to the intex 2500 gph pool pump and now if we want to use it we have to decrease the flow too it otherwise it shoots out of the pool because of so much pressure and its so much of a hassel we unhooked him I don’t know if the pump is to powerful to run it or if it can only hookup for certain size filter pumps otherwise run the old pump that sounds like its going out and rig up something so we can use it

    • Hi Patrick, often the pressure cleaners have a pressure bleeder on the wall assembly, but I dont think yours has such a thing. If you can get the right size fittings, you could rig up a pressure relief valve, inline, in the first hose section. I think it might look like a Tee fitting, clamped in place, and on the side port, a reducer, down to maybe a 1/2″ hole size? Excess water prssure will shoot out the 1/2″ hole, although you may need to experiment with hole size. You could use a insert plug on the side port, and drill out successively larger hole sizes, until you get the relief needed to calm that cleaner down… Another idea is to install another wall fitting and then split the return pipe with a 3-way valve or 2 2-way valves, to control the amount of flow going to each wall return. That is kind of complicated however, installing a wall return, the other idea is more doable with less risk.

  26. I have a 18 round 52 high above ground pool with half hp pump,I’m replacing it with 1 hp pump,i have a sand filter,will it be ok

    • Hi Greg, well… maybe. But there is a good chance that the new pump will be too powerful for the filter, pushing debris right through it, and clogging up quickly in hours or days. Pumps need to matched to the filter in terms of flow rates. Every pool filter has a “Design Flow Rate”, found on the label or on a chart or otherwise provided by the manufacturer. Pool pumps will produce different flow rates based on their size (hp) and hydraulic design (not all hp’s are equal, two different 1 hp pool pumps can produce vastly different flow rates), and also on system resistance, measured in feet of head. Find your pool pump brochure online, or visit our page where we sell it – to consult the “Flow Chart” for the particular pump – each hp will have it’s own curve. You will see that at different levels of resistance (Ft/Head), there is a different flow rate – lower resistance, higher flow. For your pool, and most aboveground pools, you may assume a fairly low resistance level, 20-30 ft of head perhaps. So, looking across at the chart, you can see what your 1 hp pump is capable of producing, in gallons per minute. Then look at the Filter Design flow rate, and if it is more than what the filter is capable of handling, then it won’t work. It would be better to also install a larger filter, capable of handling the higher flow rates. You could install a bypass between the pump and filter, a ball valve to divert some of the water before it reaches the filter, sending it around the filter, and back into the return line, with a valve and two 90’s, and a tee fitting on the return line, and some pipe…Adjust the valve, so that only the right amount of water enters the filter, the excess traveling around the filter, bypassing the tank, and reentering the return line after the filter. Lock or label the valve so that it stays in a permanent location, once you figure out the setting that works best.

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