INTEX Krystal Clear 1,500 GPH Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools

This pump has been incredible. We purchased it as an upgrade, and it's oversized for our pool. However, that has kept our water crystal clear. We do run the pump 24/7, and haven't noticed a huge change in the utility bill. It's very easy to backwash and rinse. Just make sure you follow the instructions. We haven't had to replace the sand yet. We've used this pump all summer long from 2022 to beginning of 2026 summer (the time I'm writing this). We might replace the sand this year. I can't testify to the ease of changing it out, but filling it was a breeze. The only real issue we've had is sun damage on the control board. Even though there is a little protective cover, it still has become faded and cracked over time, and now we have issues with the on/off button not working consistently. However, there is a simple workaround. I won't go into details, but it involves removing the casing of the pump and moving a plug from one set of pins to another. That puts the pump in always on mode, meaning whenever it has power, it will be running. Since we use ours 24/7 when it's plugged in, we intend to use this method to override the control/timer and simply use the GFCI test and reset buttons on the plug to turn the pump off and on when we need to backwash, rinse, etc. Overall, highly recommend. This pump has helped make our first pool owing experience a wonderful one. If you're new to above-ground pool owning, do these things (at the very least): - Prep your ground well. Spend the money if you need to, because it makes life so much easier. We actually poured a level concrete pad. - Oversize your pump, and upgrade to sand filtration instead of the cartridge filters these types of pools come with. Don't even think about it. Just do it. If you don't, you will hate owning a pool. - Upgrade to larger hoses (from 1.25 to 1.5), along with a better return jet. I also very much recommend installing a skimmer. Hayward makes great ones, and they are easy to install (and I believe even come with an improved return jet). It can be intimidating to cut into the liner of your brand new pool.. but trust me... it's WORTH THE UPGRADES.

Upgrading to this INTEX Krystal Clear 1,500 GPH sand filter pump was easily one of the best decisions for our pool. It keeps the water much clearer, improves circulation, and makes regular maintenance feel far less like a part-time job. The difference from a basic cartridge pump is noticeable right away. Instead of constantly cleaning filters and hoping the water cooperates, the sand filter does a much better job of keeping everything moving and looking clean. Installation was straightforward, and it has been reliable so far. If your pool is still relying on the little pump that came in the box, consider this your sign to upgrade. Your pool water—and your weekends—will thank you.

Great sand pump! So much better than the tiny filter pump that came with our 15 foot, round, Bestway pool that was purchased from Walmart. We did need to buy the "Intex adapter B" (Amazon) to make it work with the hoses that came with the pool. We also purchased Palmetto filter sand (also on Amazon). Pool water is in such better condition now. Back-filtering is easy to do but it is also helpful to purchase extra hoses from Intex so you can drain the back-filter water into a bucket or away from the pump; otherwise it just sprays directly out of the pump. Very pleased with this system. The only adjustment we had to make was to use some string to hold up the hose that goes from the pool to the pump, because the weight of it seemed to be pulling on the "outlet".

Update a year later (will leave original review below): So after watching some YouTube videos this past spring, I realized that I wasn't using that pump correctly based on a faulty user manual. Have proceeded to use the pump correctly and clean it correctly, and now it's working great this summer. My original review: Sometimess this filter pump works great, but it's had chronic pressure issues since day one. As one reviewer said, it works but barely. In addition, the six way handle is frozen up. I've had to take this pump apart so many times to troubleshoot, and still can't find any air leak or any specific problem. And unfortunately I bought this when they jacked up the prices in the beginning of summer so it was around $400. In my experience this unit is NOT plug-and-play. I'm pretty advanced at home DIY projects and this one has been a huge headache. Low pressure, poor filtering. Don't buy unless you're advanced at DIY projects. I was holding out hope that I'd figure out the one issue that's causing the pressure problems so the pump could finally be "set it and forget it," but unfortunately it seems like it will need my regular attention forever. Very disappointed.

Based on many reviews, I purchased the Intex SX1500 sand filter pump to ultimately spend less on chemicals. According to the Seller's description, this pump is for pools up to over 8,000 gallons. I have the Intex EasySet 15' x 48" pool, which holds just over 3,700 gallons of water. The pump that came with my pool was the regular cartridge pump that filtered 1000 gph, not enough power to circulate the pool and kept getting algae overgrowth. The realistic thing to do was get a more powerful pump. THIS PUMP IS NOT IT. I backwash, rinse and clean the hoses, filter and debris daily if needed (backwash daily). There is no user error. I don't know if the Seller is getting returned items from Amazon or pallet items and is selling them on Amazon, but this pump is very inefficient and doesn't have enough power to use a simple pool vacuum and definitely not to control the algae that keeps trying to grow in my pool. I am very disappointed in Intex, the quality has definitely gone down since I first became an Intex EasySet pool owner 15 years ago. Just to make note that I have all the right chemicals and supplies, use them appropriately when needed. My pool is in full sun for about 8 hours in the summer, then part to full shade as the sun goes down. P.S. Don't buy this at the end of season or continue to use what you had when or if you buy this pump. Seller's return is 30 days and all Intex will do is replace the pump just in case it's a faulty pump within the 2 year warranty. We just opened the box, assembled and connected this pump 3 weeks ago. I am waiting for a replacement, but honestly I don't have confidence in this pump.

This Intex 1,500 GPH sand filter is a game changer for my 12 ft wide, 3.5 ft tall Walmart pool. The water circulation is wayyyyy stronger than the stock cartridge filter, and the built-in timer makes it easy to set it and forget it. If your pool has the 1¼” gray wall fittings like mine, you can buy 1¼” to 1½” adapters (mine were about $10) instead of cutting new holes in your pool. That’s the route I took. The only downside is that the larger Intex return jet that comes with this filter won’t install because it requires a 1½” wall opening, so you’ll continue using your original return fitting. Setup was straightforward, and the pressure gauge plus multi-port valve make maintenance simple. Here’s how I did it once I had my connections secured: make sure water is already flowing through the filter before powering it on. Then just press the power button, set the number of hours you want it to run, press the lock button, and it’ll automatically start at that same time every day for the number of hours you selected. For a pool my size, I shouldn’t have to replace the sand for around 2 years or more as long as I keep up with backwashing when the pressure rises. Not having to constantly buy and replace cartridge filters makes this thing worth the money by itself. Highly recommend if you’re looking for cleaner water, much better circulation, and a huge upgrade over the factory filter.

Purchased to add as secondary filtration for a 20,000 gallon in-ground pool just not getting clear enough for me with Pentair 100 sq/ft cartridge filtration and variable speed pump running 12 hours/day. Tried flocculants, chlorine, baking soda, stain remover chemicals, etc. which helped but still achieved not the sparkle I wanted. Added the sand filter and in just 3 days, the water is looking polished and clear. In the long run the total cost (less than $200) and benefits of adding a second system outweigh the continuous expense for chemicals filtration to achieve clarity. Pros - whisper quiet - portability - works! Cons - because this pump is for above ground pools and is not self-priming it requires priming with water pressure via garden hose upon the first use. - manufacture does not include two bolts with lock-nuts to mount to base. Very annoying. Summary If you're particular about your pool water clarity, adding efficient secondary filtration on an as needed basis, the INTEX SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is the economical solution.

Wish I’d bought a new one! Quite obvious signs of use, missing parts and no paperwork or warranty. I got it working, but a new one would have been better. I paid too much for this!

Su armado es sencillo con los videos en línea, llevo casi el mes usándola y no ha fallado el agua se filtra bien, pero no hay que olvidar poner los químicos. Hasta ahorita todo bien y estoy pensando en comprar la salinizadora para ya no usar cloro, espero que Amazon pronto la venda 💜

Very pleased with this pump it was easy to setup and is going a wonderful job maintaining my pool. It is so quiet too.

Way way way better than my original flow pump from bestway. It was plug and play if you already had the flow clear pump!

Para los que tienen una piscina Bestway como nosotros (15000 litros), también les funciona muy bien este filtro de arena, solo tienen que comprar unos adaptadores intex (B) para que puedan embonar las mangueras con las entrada/salida de la piscina, es muy útil este filtro para mantener muy limpia el agua, parece difícil de armar y poner a funcionar pero no lo es, con el manual y un video de YouTube de refuerzo es suficiente para ponerla en funcionamiento, nosotros compramos arena de sílice filtrante 20/30, usa aproximadamente 12 kilos de arena, pero solo conseguimos un costal de 50 kilos y la verdad bastante económico (130 pesos) así que tendremos arena para muchos años :D Espero les sirva mi reseña, porque yo en lo particular quería una reseña así y no la encontré

I bought this used I only gave 4 stars only because, I had to figure out which parts were missing and order parts (as it was a return) it needed a 11456 valve plug for the tank and then some bolts (that were again missing due to being a return) to lock the units together. Then I needed hose adapter, & 3 way split, which was MY OWN issue because again I used this for a different smaller pool than typical for this model. My outlet ports and hoses were smaller so I did have to get the port/hose adapters for the new big hoses this one has to work. You will also need to purchase either special glass, pool filter sand or pool filter cotton balls, I chose the latter, and do recommend the cotton balls. Amazon sells all of the extras you may need. I bought this for my old round 14 ft to replace my bestway pump which was underpowered. I was also tired of hosing out those accordion style filters. From unboxing, it was fairly simple to figure out (again I'm not experienced) I'd say it is user friendly. I referred to the box photo a lot, when putting the pump/tank and hoses on. With regards to the instructions, please keep in mind intex sells a vast array of pools, pumps, parts etc and this particular instruction booklet is for a large majority their pump products, not just the single one you have. THIS MODEL does NOT come with the plungers, we didn't "need" them. Best advice-Know your products model # off the box, and go down the parts check list inside accordingly otherwise you may falsely assume you're missing parts. The pump is powerful and has an automatic cycle timer which initiates a 5 hour filter cycle every 12 hours. Very simple. It's quiet and sturdy. We are happy with it. I'm going to get the waterfall attachment for the outfeed/return. You will of course still need to scoop bugs off the surface, and of course use the appropriate chemicals.