An above ground pool needs its water moved through a filter, and the pump is the part that does the moving. Some listings sell a pump bundled with a filter tank, either a sand tank or a cartridge housing. Others sell a plain pump that pairs with a separate filter. Flow is quoted in gallons per hour (GPH), and the maker’s pool size range matters as much as the number.
The six products below cover two cartridge filter pumps, three sand filter pumps and one plain pump. Every figure comes from the product page on Amazon.com. We have not used these pumps ourselves, so performance statements are the makers’ own and we point out where listing data looks inconsistent.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Filter type | Cartridge, sand or none (pump only) changes upkeep and parts |
| Flow rate (GPH) | Compare the listed flow with the maker’s stated pool size range |
| Timer | Built-in cycles let the pump run on a schedule |
| Hose fittings | Adapters must match your pool’s hose or valve size |
| Warranty | Terms are listed per product and differ |
Specs at a Glance
| Pump | Type and flow | Pool size (maker) | Timer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestway 2,500 GPH | Cartridge; 2,500 GPH | 300 to 16,400 gal | Up to 10 hours per cycle | 23.9 lb; Type IV-B cartridge included |
| Intex 1,000 GPH | Cartridge; 1,000 GPH | Not stated on the page | 2 to 10 hour cycle | 6.9 lb; 2 hoses and 1 cartridge; 2-year warranty |
| Intex Krystal Clear 3,000 GPH | Sand; 3,000 GPH (2,450 GPH in-pool) | 5,500 to 19,600 gal (Intex pools) | 24 hour, 2 to 12 hour presets | 48 lb; 6-function valve; 2-year warranty |
| Aquastrong 12 in | Sand; 1/2 HP; 2,500 GPH (2,000 GPH system) | Up to 9,000 gal | 9 settings, 2 to 24 hours | 6-way valve; 2-year warranty |
| XtremepowerUS 16 in | Sand; 3/4 HP; 3,100 GPH | Up to 15,000 gal | Listed as 24 hour (see text) | Pressure gauge; 40 lb |
| Hayward PowerFlo LX | Pump only; 1.1 HP | Above ground and on-ground pools | None listed | 24 lb; 115 volts; 1-year warranty |
The 6 Best Above Ground Pool Pumps
1. Bestway 2,500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump
A cartridge filter pump that Bestway lists at 2,500 gallons per hour for pools from 300 to 16,400 gallons. The maker lists a customizable timer with a run time of up to 10 hours per cycle, an energy-saving plug and a pressure release valve for air in the filter. A Type IV-B filter cartridge and adapters for 1.5 inch and 1.25 inch threaded valves are included. It weighs 23.9 pounds.
Suits: a cartridge filter with a wide pool size range. Strengths: a timer, adapters and a cartridge included. Weaknesses: the run time tops out at 10 hours per cycle. Skip it if you prefer a sand filter.
View Bestway 2500 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump on Amazon
2. Intex 1,000 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump
A compact 6.9 pound cartridge pump, model 26637EG, measuring 11 by 11 by 15.25 inches. Intex describes a 2 to 10 hour automatic shutoff timer, a color-shifting cartridge gauge that shows when to change the filter, and hydroaeration. It ships with 2 hoses and 1 filter cartridge and carries a 2-year limited warranty. One data point conflicts with the title: the overview lists the maximum flow rate as 1000 gpm, which is almost certainly a unit slip for 1,000 GPH, so check the page before relying on it.
Suits: a small, light cartridge pump. Strengths: a gauge indicator and a 2-year warranty. Weaknesses: the lowest flow in this group, and no pool size range on the page. Skip it if your pool is large.
View Intex 1000 GPH Cartridge Filter Pump on Amazon
3. Intex Krystal Clear 3,000 GPH Sand Filter Pump
A sand filter pump, model 26651EG, with a 6-function valve (filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, closed) and a 24 hour timer with 2 to 12 hour presets. Intex lists 3,000 GPH of capacity flow and 2,450 GPH in-pool system flow, for Intex pools from 5,500 to 19,600 gallons. It measures 22.25 by 17.63 by 27.13 inches, weighs 48 pounds and carries a 2-year limited warranty.
Suits: larger Intex pools. Strengths: a 6-function valve and presets. Weaknesses: heavy at 48 pounds, partial assembly. Skip it if you want something light.
View Intex Krystal Clear 3000 GPH Sand Filter Pump on Amazon
4. Aquastrong 2,500 GPH Sand Filter Pump
A 12 inch sand filter pump, model SFPV120T, with a 1/2 HP motor, a 6-way valve (filter, waste, closed, backwash, recirculate, rinse) and a timer with 9 settings from 2 to 24 hours. The maker lists 2,500 GPH flow (2,000 GPH system flow) for pools up to 9,000 gallons, a 50 pound sand capacity, hose adapters with clamps and a 2-year warranty. The overview gives its weight as 12.52 kg.
Suits: mid-size pools. Strengths: a wide timer range and adapters for both hose sizes. Weaknesses: the lowest pool size ceiling of the sand models. Skip it if your pool is above 9,000 gallons.
View Aquastrong 2500 GPH Sand Filter Pump on Amazon
5. XtremepowerUS 3,100 GPH Sand Filter Pump
A 16 inch sand filter pump, model 75131, with a 3/4 HP motor, a 6-way valve, a pressure gauge and a transparent pump lid. The listing states 3,100 GPH for pools up to 15,000 gallons and a blow-molded tank that holds up to 110 pounds of sand. It measures 25 by 19 by 29 inches and weighs 40 pounds. Two points do not line up: the timer is described as a 24 hour timer in one place and as 2 to 20 hours or continuous in another, and the overview lists a maximum flow rate of 50 cfm, which does not match a GPH figure.
Suits: a bigger sand tank with a pressure gauge. Strengths: a large sand capacity and a gauge. Weaknesses: inconsistent timer and flow wording. Skip it if you need clear, consistent numbers.
View XtremepowerUS 3100 GPH Sand Filter Pump on Amazon
6. Hayward PowerFlo LX Pool Pump
A plain single-speed pump, model W3SP1580X15, for above ground and on-ground pools, with no filter tank. Hayward lists 1.1 HP, 115 volts, an extra-large debris basket with a clear cover and a drain plug, plus a 1-year warranty. The maker explains that new energy rules changed how horsepower is labeled, so the number may look lower than on older pumps while the maker says performance is the same. The overview shows a maximum flow rate of 115 gpm and dimensions of 20.5 by 6.5 by 8.5 inches, a footprint that looks small for a 24 pound pump, so confirm sizes before ordering.
Suits: pairing with a separate filter. Strengths: a large basket with a clear lid and a drain plug. Weaknesses: only a 1-year warranty and no timer listed. Skip it if you want a filter included.
View Hayward PowerFlo LX Pool Pump on Amazon
Specs to Check Before Ordering
- The maker’s stated pool size range against your pool volume.
- Hose and valve sizes against the adapters in the box.
- Whether you need a sand tank, a cartridge or a plain pump.
- The listed weight, since sand tanks are far heavier than cartridge pumps.
- Warranty length, which runs from 1 to 2 years across these six.
For installation and operation, follow the maker’s instructions.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Comparing GPH numbers without comparing the stated pool size range.
- Assuming every listing includes a filter; the Hayward does not.
- Ignoring conflicting figures on a listing, such as the units on the Intex 1,000 GPH page.
- Ordering a pump whose fittings do not match your hoses.
Above Ground Pool Pump FAQ
What is the difference between sand and cartridge pumps?
Sand pumps here use a sand tank and a multi-position valve. Cartridge pumps use a replaceable filter cartridge, as listed for the Bestway and Intex 1,000 GPH.
Does a higher GPH always fit a bigger pool?
Not by itself. Check the pool size range each maker publishes, which differs by brand.
The Short Version
For a cartridge filter with a wide size range, the Bestway. For a small, light cartridge pump, the Intex 1,000. For a large Intex sand setup, the Intex Krystal Clear 3,000. For a 12 inch sand tank, the Aquastrong. For a bigger tank with a gauge, the XtremepowerUS. For a pump without a filter, the Hayward.
