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Above Ground Splash
Above Ground Pools & Accessories
Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of insightful articles and expert tips, covering everything from installation and maintenance to design inspiration and the latest trends in pool technology. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just starting to explore your backyard oasis possibilities, our diverse blog posts offer practical advice, detailed reviews, and creative ideas to help you make the most of your above ground pool experience.
How Do I Know If My Pool Pump Is Too Powerful?
A strong return jet doesn't automatically mean your pool pump is too powerful. Here's how to check filter capacity, system flow, plumbing and pool size before replacing anything.
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Intex vs Bestway Sand Filter Pumps: Which Is Better?
We compare Intex vs Bestway sand filter pumps using actual system flow, filter size, pool volume, timers and maintenance — not just the GPH printed on the box.
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Hayward Pool Filter Review: Is the ProSeries 18-Inch Worth the Price?
The Hayward ProSeries 18-inch pairs a 150 lb sand filter with a 1 HP PowerFlo Matrix pump. Here’s the pool size we’d realistically use it with, how its 35 GPM rating should be interpreted and whether it makes more sense than an Intex or cartridge system.
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Intex SX2800 Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Big Enough?
Above-ground pool owners know that clean, clear water is key to summer fun. Enter the Intex SX2800 Krystal Clear™ Sand Filter Pump - Intex’s mid‑range sand filtration solution designed to elevate water clarity and simplify maintenance.
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U.S. Pool Supply Backwash Hose Review: What Size Do You Need?
Need a hose for backwashing your sand filter? We look at the U.S. Pool Supply Black Rhino hose, including which diameter and length to choose.
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Sand vs Glass vs Filter Balls: Which Pool Filter Media Is Best?
Pool filter sand, recycled glass and filter balls can all be used in compatible sand filters, but they differ considerably in weight, cleaning, cost and handling. Here's how to choose the right media for your above-ground pool.
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Sand Filter vs Cartridge Filter: Which Is Better for an Above-Ground Pool?
Sand and cartridge filters can both keep an above-ground pool clear, but they differ considerably in maintenance, water use and the pool sizes they suit best. Here’s how we’d choose between them.
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Intex SX1500 Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Big Enough?
The Intex SX1500 is a compact sand filter pump with 1,050 GPH of actual system flow. Here’s the pool size we’d realistically use it with, which filter media it takes and when we’d step up to a larger system.
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Intex 1.25" to 1.5" Pool Hose Adapter Review
Upgrading from a small cartridge pump to a larger filter system? These Intex Type B adapters bridge 1.25-inch pool fittings and 1.5-inch hoses.
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Hayward XStream Cartridge Filter Review: Is It Worth the Price?
The Hayward XStream is a high-capacity cartridge pool filter system with 150 sq ft of filter area and a 1.5 HP PowerFlo Matrix pump. Here's where it makes sense, what maintenance is really like and when we'd choose it over a smaller Intex system.
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Intex C2500 Cartridge Filter Pump Review: Is It Worth It?
The Intex C2500 is the largest cartridge filter pump in Intex's current C-series range. We look at its real system flow, practical pool size, Type B cartridge maintenance and when we'd choose sand instead.
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Best Cartridge Filters for Above-Ground Pools: Our Top Picks
From compact Intex systems to premium Hayward and Pentair filters, these are the cartridge setups we'd choose for different above-ground pool sizes.
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Intex C1500 Cartridge Filter Pump Review: Is It Worth It?
The Intex C1500 sits between the smaller C1000 and larger C2500 cartridge pumps. We look at its real system flow, practical pool size, cartridge maintenance and who it suits best.
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Best Sand Filters for Above-Ground Pools: 5 Picks That Make Sense
We compare five of the best sand filter systems for above-ground pools, with picks for medium pools, larger setups, premium buyers and high-capacity filtration.
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AQUASTRONG 1.5 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump Review
The AQUASTRONG 1.5 HP gives you true variable-speed control from 1,200–4,000 RPM. Here’s where its 8,189 GPH maximum flow actually makes sense.
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XtremepowerUS 19" Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Worth It?
The XtremepowerUS 19" combines a large 175 lb sand tank with a 1.5 HP pump and seven-way valve. Here’s where we think this high-capacity system fits best.
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XtremepowerUS 13" Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Worth It?
The XtremepowerUS 13-inch pairs a 3/4 HP pump with a compact sand filter and 2,400 GPH maximum flow. Here’s where we think it fits and what to know before buying.
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Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Big Enough?
The Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump is rated for pools up to 14,400 gallons, but its actual system flow is 1,800 GPH. Here’s where we think it fits best.
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AQUASTRONG 14" Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Worth It?
The AQUASTRONG 14" pairs a 2/3 HP pump with 2,400 GPH system flow, a built-in timer and six-way valve. Here’s where we think it fits best.
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Intex C1000 Pool Cartridge Filter Pump Review: Is It Big Enough?
The Intex C1000 is a simple 1,000 GPH pool cartridge filter pump, but its real system flow is 750 GPH. Here's the pool size we'd actually use it with, how it compares with the C1500 and what ownership is like.
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