Best Tried & True Brand: INTEX 26645EG SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 12in

After interviewing experts on pool pumps and asking our readers for their recommendations, we decided to pick this model by INTEX as a good option from a tried and true brand name. It is easy to install and quiet.

What We Liked

• Easy to back flush.

• Auto timer works well.

• Easy to install.

• Quiet.

What Needs Work

• Sometimes leaks a bit of sand into the pool. 

Best Easy Install: GAME 61201-BB Series

Many of our readers who have above ground pools tell us they do much of the maintenance themselves. That’s why we looked for sand filter pumps that were easy to install for do-it-yourselfers. This model came in for kudos from several readers and after looking at their competitors, we agree: this GAME series pump is a snap to install.

What We Liked

• Lightweight.

• Easy to install.

• Works with most above ground pools.

What Needs Work

• No timer function.

• Instructions could be more clear.

Best Quiet Pump: HYDROTOOOLS BY SWIMLINE 14 INCH Sand Filter Combo Set with Stand

This model was recommended by more than one expert we interviewed. The main reason: it is super quiet. That would not only make it a good bet for a pool, but also for a backyard water feature (waterfall, etc).

What We Liked

• Very quiet!

• Affordable.

• Easy to install.

What Needs Work

• No timer.

Best Water Flow: Bestway Flowclear Sand Filter Pump

This excellent pump has very good power and flow—we like the overall performance and construction.

What We Liked

• Easy to install.

• Works well with filtration balls or sand.

• Pre-filter strainer.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!