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This guide has been compiled to help owners find the best Intex above ground pool pump to match their pool installations.
If you’re upgrading, or just need a replacement pump, we’ve highlighted the some of best pool pumps and pump / filter systems on the market.
We’re concentrating on the brilliant Intex above ground pool pump range, but we’ve also included pumps from other trusted manufacturers.
There’s a lot of pump choices and filter systems available to above ground pool owners. Most of them are simple to understand, and very simple to install.
The Intex filter pump range is especially straightforward for easy installation by the pool owner rather than a professional.
As one of the most popular manufacturers of above ground pools Intex has made owners lives very easy by combining and matching pump and filter systems for their pools into a single combo unit.
Of course Intex is not the only provider of above ground pool pumps and filter systems, there are other excellent alternatives for permanent above ground pool installations. That’s why we’ve included the Hayward product range in our guide.
Above Ground Pool Pump vs Pool Size
It’s going to be fairly simple to match a new above ground pool pump to an existing pool.
Since most above ground pools have their pump filtration systems very close to the pool there are really no complex calculations to made.
We can just use a rule of thumb method that is should be good for 99% of cases.
Pools under 15000 gallons require a 1 HP pump and for those over 15000 then go to a 1.5 HP model.
If you are an Intex above ground pool owner it is simply a matter of matching your pool size and capacity to the correct model of Intex filter pump from their extensive range.
Intex Pool Dimensions
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INTEX ABOVE GROUND POOL | Pool Capacity (90%) | |||
| Typical Pool Products | Feet / Inches | Centieters | Gallons | Liters |
EASY SET POOLS | 15' x 33" | 457cm x 84cm | 2587 | 9792 |
| 15' x 36" | 457cm x 91cm | 2822 | 10681 | |
 | 15' x 42" | 457cm x 107cm | 3284 | 12430 |
| 15' x 48" | 457cm x 122cm | 3736 | 14141 | |
| 16' x 42" | 488cm x 107cm | 3754 | 14209 | |
| 16' x 48" | 488cm x 122cm | 4273 | 16173 | |
| 18' x 42" | 549cm x 107cm | 4786 | 18115 | |
| 18' x 48" | 549cm x 122cm | 5455 | 20647 | |
| 18' x 52" | 549cm x 132cm | 5894 | 22309 | |
CIRCULAR POOLS | 15' x 36" | 457cm x 91cm | 3282 | 12422 |
| 15' x 42" | 457cm x 107cm | 3861 | 14614 | |
 | 15' x 48" | 457cm x 122cm | 4440 | 16805 |
| 16' x 48" | 488cm x 122cm | 5061 | 19156 | |
| 18' x 48" | 549cm x 122cm | 6423 | 24311 | |
| 18' x 52" | 549cm x 132cm | 6981 | 26423 | |
| 20' x 52" | 610cm x 132cm | 8638 | 32695 | |
| 24' x 48" | 732cm x 122cm | 11483 | 43462 | |
| 24' x 52" | 732cm x 132cm | 12481 | 47241 | |
OVAL POOLS | 18' x 10' x 42" | 549cm x 305cm x 107cm | 2885 | 10920 |
 | 20' x 12' x 48" | 610cm x 366cm x 122cm | 4393 | 16628 |
| 24' x 12' x 48" | 732cm x 366cm x 122cm | 5407 | 20465 | |
| 28' x 12' x 48" | 853cm x 366cm x 122cm | 6420 | 24300 | |
ULTRA FRAME | 16' x 48" | 488cm x 122cm | 5061 | 19156 |
 | 18' x 52" | 549cm x 132cm | 6981 | 26423 |
| 18' x 9' x 52" | 549cm x 274cm x 132cm | 4545 | 17203 | |
| 24' x 12' x 52" | 732cm x 366cm x 132cm | 8403 | 31805 | |
| 32' x 16' x 52" | 975cm x 488cm x 132cm | 14364 | 54368 | |
Intex Filter Pump: CARTRIDGE System
The Intex filter pump cartridge filtration system is super easy to use and maintain. Pulling, cleaning and reinstalling cartridges is just a five minute job, but it does have to be done on a regular basis. Like all filters they will need replacing at some point at the cost of around $4 – $6 per filter.
A cartridge filter system with new filters installed can clear out particles down to 10 microns. As the filter wears they obviously become less efficient.
The filters used in the Intex filter pump are made from pleated Dacron (a synthetic polyester) so depending on the type of particles they are dealing with they should be able to be rinsed and reused many times before needing replaced.
Intex Filter Pump: CARTRIDGE System Specifications
- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
- EASY INSTALLATION -– Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump is a must have for any INTEX above ground pool up to 6,000 gal (Partial assembly required)
- EASY-TO-CLEAN CARTRIDGE -– The C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge uses Type A filter cartridges (Item #29000E) which should be changed every 2 weeks; the Type A filter cartridge is made with easy-to-clean Dacron paper for ultimate filtration
- 1000 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE -– Water flow rate at pump (pump capacity): 1,000 gph (3,785 lph); in pool (system flow rate): 750 gph (2,839 lph); suitable for INTEX pools up to 6,000 gal with 1.25in (32mm) diameter hose fitting
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
- EASY INSTALLATION -– Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump is a must have for any INTEX above ground pool up to 9,400 gal (Partial assembly required)
- EASY-TO-CLEAN CARTRIDGE -– The C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge uses Type A filter cartridges (Item #29000E) which should be changed every 2 weeks; the Type A filter cartridge is made with easy-to-clean Dacron paper for ultimate filtration
- 1500 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE -– Water flow rate at pump (pump capacity): 1,500 gph (5,678 lph); in pool (system flow rate): 1,180 gph (4,466 lph); suitable for INTEX pools up to 9,400 gal with 1.25in (32mm) diameter hose fitting
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- Krystal Clear filter pump with Hydro Aeration Technology improves circulation and filtration while improving water clarity and increasing negative ions in the water; Pump runs on 110-120 volts
- Pump is compatible with pools up to 15,200 gallons with 1.25-inch diameter hose fittings, making it easy to clean, and replaceable Type B filters are included for maximum convenience
- Double insulated design has sediment flush and air release valves with a built-in ground fault circuit, interpreter, and strainer basket included on the pump to prolong the life of the filter
- Featuring an automatic timer with 2 to 12-hour preset cycles, and pump capacity of 2,500 GPH, and a system flow rate of 1,900 GPH, ideal for above-ground pools
- Set includes (2) 1.25-inch hoses, (1) 29005E type B filter cartridge, (1) inlet strainer, and (1) output strainer
Above Ground Pool SAND Filter System
Pool filtration systems using sand as the filter medium are the most common and most economical to maintain and service.
Unlike the cartridge system of filtration which needs a specific cartridge filter installed, inexpensive pool filter sand can be found at most good home and hardware stores.
Whilst the sand filter system is an efficient method of removing particles from pool water it typically only filters out particles down to around 20 microns. Of course this is sufficient for most pool owners and systems.
If you are looking to trap smaller particles than that then the Intex cartridge filter range above is available as an option.
Intex Filter Pump: SAND System Specifications
- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
- EASY INSTALLATION – Just hook up hoses and plug in! This pump is a must have for any above ground pool up to 8,400 gal (Partial assembly required)
- 24 HOUR TIMER – The SX1500 has a built-in 24-hour timer with 2 to 12 hour pre-set cycles for automatic operation. The timer adds to the hassle-free experience with maintaining a cleaner pool
- 1500 GPH PUMP FLOW RATE – Water flow rate at pump (pump capacity): 1,500 gph (5,678 lph); in pool (system flow rate): 1,050 gph (3,974 lph); suitable for INTEX pools up to 8,400 gallons
- SAFETY, QUALITY and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
- Natural sand provides excellent water filtration.
- Perfect for 16' to 24'above ground pools.
- Built in 24-hour timer
- Pump Flow Rate: 2,100 gph (7.9 m3/hr). System Flow Rate: 1,600 gph (6.0 m3/hr).
- A 6-function control valve enables: filter, backwash and rinse, recirculate, drain and shut system.
- Requires low maintenance except sand replacement approximately every 5 years.
- The Intex Sand Filter Pump Krystal Clear: Keeps your above ground pool not only clean but soft, and refreshing.
- Well matched to 16' and larger above ground pools.
- Easy to understand built in 24-hour timer
- Pump Flow Rate: 3,000 gph (11.3 m3/hr). System Flow Rate: 2,450 gph (9.2 m3/hr).
- 6-function control valve allows: filter, backwash and rinse, recirculate, drain and shut system.
- All Intex sand filters are extremely low maintenance. Expect sand replacement approximately every 5 years.
HAYWARD Pumps and Filter Pump Range
Hayward XStream 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Filter Pump
- FILTRATION: This model uses the XStream cartridge filter system, it provides a huge filter body for extra dirt and debris collection capacity and longer more efficient filtering cycles. Its large size and excellent pump performance should mean years of trouble free filtration. The cartridge filters aren't cheap, coming in at around $60.00, but should last a couple of seasons with the proper care and maintenance.
- INSTALLATION: Specially manufactured for outdoor use, and engineered for easy installation with flexible or rigid plumbing. .
- POWER OPTIONS: The XStream cartridge filter system combo comes in either 1 or 1.5 HP versions. There is also a DUAL SPEED 1 HP pump option available if desired.
- MOTOR: All model options are 60-cycle single-phase motors that run off 115-volts, and need a 20 amp circuit.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: A flush mounted pressure gauge and a quick release, high capacity air relief valve.
- APPLICATION: ABOVE GROUND POOLS.
- WARRANTY: 1 Year.
Included In The Box
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
Hayward 0.85 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump
- SPEEDS: This pump has four preset speeds. 1000,1750, 2500 and 3250 RPM. They can be adjusted to suit your pool installation size and usage.
- USER INTERFACE: The neat control panel can swivel in place or be completely detached and placed anywhere to make adjusting settings a breeze.
- TIMER OPTIONS: Full flexibility here. Simple adjust daily run times and on which days to activate.
- LOW NOISE: Very low audible impact. Totally enclosed fan cooled motor means the pump can hardly be noticed even when running at full speed.
- ENERGY SAVING: Enjoy as much as an 80 percent saving on energy bills with this Hayward VS pump.
- APPLICATION: Above ground or inground pools.
- POWER : 110v or 230v models available.
- WARRANTY: 1 Year.
Additional Features
- ENERGY STAR RATED
- Dimensions: 25 x 9.9 x 11.6 inches.
- Plumbing: Port size 1.5 or 2 inches.
- Power: 115v or 230v.
- Weight: 28 lbs.
- Diagnostic firmware.
- Detachable user interface.
- Super quiet even at high RPM.
Additional Features
- ENERGY STAR RATED
- Dimensions: 25 x 9.9 x 11.6 inches.
- Plumbing: Port size 1.5.
- Power: 115v or 230v.
- Weight: 28 lbs.
- Diagnostic firmware.
- Detachable user interface.
- Super quiet even at high RPM.
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
Hayward PowerFlo 1.5 HP Dual Speed Above Ground Pool Pump
- GENERAL BUILD: The durable and robust corrosion-proof housing should give years all weather service. This model of Hayward above ground pool pump can claim the largest strainer basket on the market. That means it's great for larger debris collection and minimal maintenance.
- INSTALLATION: It can easily be adapted to suit owners pool plumbing as it converts from horizontal to vertical discharge orientation at the push of a button. It also has a quick connect intake and discharge pipe connections and when comes time for maintenance a C-clip connector allows for easy disengagement of strainer housing for easy servicing.
- POWER OPTIONS: This series is built for above ground pools so the dual speed models come in either 1 or 1.5 HP versions. The PowerFlo Matrix series has quite a number of other single speed options, that should cope even the largest pool.
- MOTOR: All model options are 60-cycle single-phase motors that run off 115-volts, and needs a 20 amp circuit.
- THERMAL PROTECTION: A nice safety feature is the integrated automatic thermal overload protector that shuts the pump down when abnormal heat is sensed..
- APPLICATION: ABOVE GROUND POOLS.
- WARRANTY: 1 Year. Additional 3 or 4 year available.
What Owners Like
What Owners Don’t Like So Much
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