Having a pool filter that works well is an essential aspect to ensuring your water remains clean, and healthy. There are 3 different types of filters you can use, they are Cartridge Filters, Sand Filters and Diatomaceous Earth Filters (D.E Filters).
Today we’ll be checking out the features, and benefits of the Intex Krystal Clear sand filter. But first how does it even work?
How does an INTEX sand filter work?
The Intex Krystal Clear sand filter works by sucking water in through a hose into the main tank by its pump, The water then passes through the collection basket, which catches any large debris like sticks and leaves. Next the water flows through another hose into the top off the tank to begin the filtration process.
The water then slowly drains from the top, to the bottom of the tank through the special type of filter sand which has rough edges that help grab contaminants of a size of 20 microns or larger. Inside the filter along with the sand there is also a hub and spoke configuration of pipes.
One main pipe runs directly down the centre from the top to the bottom, which also has smaller pipes branching of it. Once the water reaches the bottom it is then sucked up through the laterals and back up through the centre pipe, before being returned to the pool via the return hose.
How do you clean the INTEX sand filter pump?
There are three stages to cleaning the Intext sand filter, first you’re going to us the backwash feature, This should be done once a week. What this does is reverse the flow of water so that the water gets pushed up from the bottom through the sand, which then loosens any stuck debris. The debris is then pushed out through the drainage output.
Located beside the drainage output is a sight glass, you’ll want to keep an eye on this when performing a backwash. Once the water looks clear that’s a good indicator the backwash is complete.
Once you’ve completed the backwash cycle you’re going to want to perform a rinse cycle, this should be done for at least 30 seconds. What this cycle does is once again rinses the sand, then evenly distributes it throughout the sand filter again.
The final stage for cleaning the Intex sand filter involves using the recirculate mode. What you’re going to want to do for this is put a chlorine tablet into the collection basket, and turn the pump on. The water will then pass over the chlorine tablets and flow into the tank which will then clean and sanitise the sand.
INTEX krystal clear sand filter pump review
The Intex Krystal Clear filter pump is a sand filter designed for above ground pool use only. It features a well constructed, easy to use design with 6 different function settings. These functions are filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and system shut off.
The Krystal clear sand filter is a cost effective pump thanks to the fact it has no filters that need replacing. All you need to do is replace the sand every 5 years, how good is that!
Cleaning the Intext sand pump is easy thanks to its simple to use backwash, and recirculate function. This removes the need for filters which can be expensive to replace, and a hassle to clean.
The Intex Krystal Clear sand pump comes in a variety of different sizes to suit above ground pools of any volume. It also comes with the option of a saltwater conversion kit if you’re looking at transitioning from a chlorine, to a salt water pool.
The Intex sand filter pump uses a 25ft power cord with a built-in CFGI (ground-fault circuit interrupter), and runs on 110-120V electricity. It features a built-in 24 hour timer which allows you to set automatic filtration times for the pool to help save time with daily maintenance. It also has an easy to read pressure gauge which monitors water pressure when backwashing.
The Krystal Clear filter pump is also able to be used with a variety of different pool models, not just Intex pools. If you are planning on using it with a different brand of pool like Coleman for example then you’ll need to purchase some adapter hoses.
Check out the graph below to find out what model is best for your pool.
| 10-inch Sand Filter | 12-inch Sand Filter | 14-inch Sand Filter | 16-inch Sand Filter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pump Flow Rate (Gallons Per Hour) | 1,200 GPH | 2,100 GPH | 2,800 GPH | 3,000 GPH |
| System Flow Rate (Gallons Per Hour) | 1,050 GPH | 1,600 GPH | 2,150 GPH | 2,450 GPH |
| Horsepower | 0.25 | 0.30 | 0.60 | 0.75 |
| Sand Capacity (#20 SIlica) | 26 lbs | 50 lbs | 77 lbs | 120 lbs |
| Minimum Pool Size | 2,800 gallons | 2,800 gallons | 5,500 gallons | 5,500 gallons |
| Maximum Pool Size | 8,400 gallons | 12,800 gallons | 17,200 gallons | 19,600 gallons |
| Strainer Basket | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Low maintenance
- Easy to operate
- Doesn’t require filters
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Poor customer service
- There have been cases of the hoses leaking
- People have experienced breakdowns after 1 year
INTEX krystal clear pump user reviews
While looking over customer reviews for the INTEX Krystal clear pool pump, it was clear to see that there was a large amount of happy customers. Many users were impressed with its price vs performance saying “it’s excellent value for money”, while lots of people also found the filter pump really easy to install, and operate, even if they had never used one before.
The most common positive point was made in relation to how effective the Krystal Clear filter pump was at cleaning and filtering dirty pool water with users saying “it does an excellent job removing dirt and debris from their pool, and that their water has never looked so clean” Other people also loved how quiet the unit was while it operated saying “the noise level is non invasive at all”
Not everybody mentioned a positive experience when using the INTEX sand filter pump though. There were a couple of users that mention they had an issue with leaking hoses, while other users said the pump died shortly after a year and was no longer under warranty.
All in all though the vast majority of customers reported very positive feedback.
Sand filter vs Cartridge filter
What’s better, a sand filter, or a cartridge filter? well it really comes down to how big your pool is, how much money you want to spend, and how much cleaning and maintenance you’re willing to do.
Sand filters
Sand filters are a good option if you don’t want to spend heaps of money on a filter, and if you’ve got a large above-ground pool.
They’re low maintenance requiring the sand to only be change once every 5 years, making them easy maintain. If you’re using a sand filter you do have to be on top of it with you pool chemistry though, due to the fact they are only able to filter contaminates 20 microns or larger. This will mean the small germ particles will need to be taken care of by the sanitiser in your pools water.
cartridge filters
Cartridge filters are more expensive than sand filters, but they generally do a better job at filtering a pools water. This is due to the fact that they are able to filter particles down to as little as 10 microns. They are also able to operate on variable speed pumps which will prolong the life of the pump.
The main downside to a cartridge filter is that they require more maintenance due to the fact that they use a filter cartridge. In order to keep your pool water healthy you’ll need to wash the filter down with a hose once a week, and perform a deep clean twice a year.
INTEX Krystal clear sand filter pump summary
If you’re in the market for a new pump for your in-ground pool then I think the INTEX Krystal Clear sand filter pump is definitely one to consider. It does a great job cleaning, and filtering the pools water, while still coming in at an affordable price making it great value for money.
I like that the INTEX sand filter it is able to be used with a variety of different pool brands with the added purchase of an adapter hose, which makes it a versatile pool pump.
I also like how easy it is the install and operate, making it a great choice for both beginner, and experienced pool owners.
Another aspect I liked about INTEX pool filter was the fact that it doesn’t require the need for filters, and how it was self cleaning thanks to the backwash and recirculate feature. This allows it to require minimal maintenance, giving you more spare time which is a rarity these days.
If the INTEX Krystal clear filter pump looks like the right one for you, then click here to get yours today.
Or if you’re interested in some other great sand filter pumps for above ground pools, then check out our buyers guide here.
If you need any tips on how to drain water from a pool then check out our guide here.
Happy swimming!
