A sand filter is the simplest and cheapest to run: turn the valve to backwash for a couple of minutes when the pressure rises, and change the sand every five to seven years. It catches less fine dirt than cartridge or D.E., which glass media or a dose of clarifier helps with.
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 13
- Hayward ProSeries S310T2#1 of 13Full review
A low-priced top-mount sand filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 47,040 gallons. It suits owners who want easy backwashing over the finest filtering.
Amazon $1,219$1,21998 gpm4.9 sq ft47,040 gal - Pentair Tagelus TA100D#2 of 13Full review
A sturdier top-mount sand filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 48,000 gallons. Pay the extra over a Sand Dollar for the 50 psi tank and automatic air relief.
Amazon $1,499$1,499100 gpm4.9 sq ft48,000 gal - Hayward ProSeries S270T2#3 of 13Full review
A low-priced top-mount sand filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 35,520 gallons. It suits owners who want easy backwashing over the finest filtering.
Amazon $819$81974 gpm3.7 sq ft35,520 gal - Pentair Sand Dollar SD80#4 of 13Full review
An affordable top-mount sand filter for a pool of up to about 36,000 gallons. It suits buyers who want a simple multiport filter from a major maker.
Amazon $689$68975 gpm3.5 sq ft36,000 gal - Hayward ProSeries S244T#5 of 13Full review
A low-priced top-mount sand filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 29,760 gallons. It suits owners who want easy backwashing over the finest filtering.
Amazon $689$68962 gpm3.1 sq ft29,760 gal - Pentair Tagelus TA60D#6 of 13Full review
A sturdier top-mount sand filter for an in-ground pool of up to about 28,800 gallons. Pay the extra over a Sand Dollar for the 50 psi tank and automatic air relief.
Amazon $809$80960 gpm3.1 sq ft28,800 gal - Pentair Triton II TR100#7 of 13Full review
A heavy-duty fiberglass sand filter for an in-ground pool where the equipment pad needs a side-mount valve. It costs more than a top-mount and needs a valve bought separately.
Amazon $1,499$1,49974 gpm4.9 sq ft35,520 gal - Pentair Sand Dollar SD60#8 of 13Full review
An affordable top-mount sand filter for a pool of up to about 28,800 gallons. It suits buyers who want a simple multiport filter from a major maker.
Amazon $599$59960 gpm2.3 sq ft28,800 gal - Hayward ProSeries S210T#9 of 13Full review
A simple multiport sand filter for an above-ground pool of up to about 21,120 gallons. Buy it for cheap media and one-lever backwashing, not for the clearest water.
Amazon $569$56944 gpm2.2 sq ft21,120 gal - Hayward ProSeries S180T#10 of 13Full review
A simple multiport sand filter for an above-ground pool of up to about 16,800 gallons. Buy it for cheap media and one-lever backwashing, not for the clearest water.
Amazon $499$49935 gpm1.8 sq ft16,800 gal - Pentair Triton II TR60#11 of 13Full review
A heavy-duty fiberglass sand filter for an in-ground pool where the equipment pad needs a side-mount valve. It costs more than a top-mount and needs a valve bought separately.
Amazon $1,176.83$1,176.8363 gpm3.1 sq ft30,240 gal - Pentair Sand Dollar SD40#12 of 13Full review
An affordable top-mount sand filter for a pool of up to about 19,200 gallons. It suits buyers who want a simple multiport filter from a major maker.
Amazon $512$51240 gpm1.8 sq ft19,200 gal - Hayward ProSeries S166T#13 of 13Full review
A simple multiport sand filter for an above-ground pool of up to about 14,400 gallons. Buy it for cheap media and one-lever backwashing, not for the clearest water.
Amazon $429$42930 gpm1.4 sq ft14,400 gal
