Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Big Enough?
Updated: Sep 11
The Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump is one of the more substantial upgrade options for Bestway, Coleman and other above-ground pools that have outgrown a small cartridge filter.
It combines a 12.5-inch sand-filter tank with a six-position control valve, pressure gauge and pre-filter strainer basket, while supporting both traditional No. 20 silica sand and Bestway Polysphere filter balls. Bestway currently rates it for above-ground pools from 300 to 14,400 gallons.
There is one number we think matters more than the model name, though. The pump itself is rated at 2,200 GPH, but Bestway lists the complete system flow at 1,800 GPH once the water is moving through the filter system.
That difference becomes important when deciding whether this filter is genuinely big enough for your pool.
This review covers model 58500E.
Quick Verdict
The Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump is a sensible upgrade for medium-size above-ground pools, particularly if you own a Bestway or Coleman pool and want to move away from frequent cartridge cleaning.
The 1,800 GPH system flow, 44.1 lb sand capacity and six-position valve give you a proper backwashable filtration system without stepping up to one of the much larger 16- or 19-inch sand filters.
Bestway rates it all the way to 14,400 gallons, but we'd be more conservative. At the rated 1,800 GPH system flow, a 14,400-gallon pool takes about eight hours for one theoretical turnover. If you're aiming for around six hours or less, 10,800 gallons is a more sensible upper target, and we'd be especially comfortable using it around the 5,000–10,000 gallon range.
Best for: Medium-size above-ground pools where you want easier maintenance than a cartridge filter and don't need one of the larger Intex or Hayward systems.
Skip it if: Your pool is approaching 12,000–14,000 gallons, you want a built-in timer, or you want more filtration headroom for heavy pool use.
Bestway 2200 GPH Specifications
The Bestway 2200 GPH uses approximately 44.1 lb of No. 20 silica sand or 1.23 lb of Polysphere filter balls, with neither media type included. The pump itself is rated at 2,200 GPH, while the complete filtration system is rated at 1,800 GPH. The 58500E also uses a 12.5-inch tank and supports both 1.5-inch threaded connections and 1.25-inch valves with the supplied adapters.
2,200 GPH vs 1,800 GPH: Which Number Matters?
The 2,200 GPH figure is the pump's rated flow.
Once that pump is connected to the filter tank and water is passing through the media, Bestway lists the complete system flow at 1,800 GPH.
For pool sizing, we think that 1,800 GPH figure is much more useful.
Using the rated system flow, approximate theoretical turnover times are:
5,000 gallons — about 2.8 hours
7,500 gallons — about 4.2 hours
10,000 gallons — about 5.6 hours
10,800 gallons — about 6 hours
12,000 gallons — about 6.7 hours
14,400 gallons — about 8 hours
Real installations can take longer because hose length, filter condition, plumbing restrictions and debris all affect actual flow.
That is why we wouldn't buy this pump solely because your pool falls below Bestway's 14,400-gallon maximum.
What Pool Size Is the Bestway 2200 GPH Best For?
Bestway officially rates this filter for above-ground pools from 300 to 14,400 gallons.
Technically, that's a very broad range. Practically, we think its sweet spot is considerably narrower.
For pools around 5,000–10,000 gallons, the 1,800 GPH system flow gives you useful capacity without running the system close to the top of its stated range.
Once you're above roughly 10,800 gallons, you're moving beyond a six-hour theoretical turnover. The filter can still work — that doesn't suddenly make it unsuitable — but we'd start looking at larger alternatives if you're buying from scratch.
If you're closer to 14,000 gallons, we'd rather have the extra filtration headroom of something such as the Intex SX2800 or SX3000 than choose a system already near its maximum rating.
Six-Position Control Valve
The valve gives you six operating settings:
Filter
Backwash
Rinse
Circulate
Drain
Closed
For normal ownership, Filter, Backwash and Rinse are the settings you'll use most.
Filter is the everyday operating position. When pressure rises and flow begins to fall, Backwash reverses the flow through the media to flush accumulated dirt out of the filter. Rinse then settles the media before you return the system to normal filtration.
That is the main convenience advantage over a cartridge system: routine cleaning is handled through the valve instead of repeatedly opening the housing and washing a cartridge by hand.
Sand or Polysphere Filter Balls?
You don't have to use traditional sand in this filter.
Bestway specifies either:
44.1 lb of No. 20 silica sand
or
1.23 lb of Bestway Polysphere filter balls.
For most owners, we'd still regard sand as the straightforward default. It's inexpensive, proven and easy to replace when the time eventually comes.
Filter balls are much lighter and easier to handle, which may appeal if you don't want to lift or remove more than 40 lb of wet sand later.
Neither is included, so whichever route you choose needs to be added to the purchase cost.
If you're deciding between media types, our Sand vs Glass vs Filter Balls guide explains the practical differences.
If you decide on traditional sand, see our Best Pool Filter Sand for Above-Ground Pools guide.
Pre-Filter Strainer Basket
The clear-lid pre-filter basket catches larger material before it reaches the pump and sand bed.
That's useful for leaves, hair and other debris that you don't want reaching the impeller.
It's also one of the easier maintenance jobs on this system: you can see when the basket is collecting debris, remove it, empty it and put it back without disturbing the filter media.
Bestway specifically describes the pre-filter as a way to protect the pump impeller and improve pump longevity.
Pressure Gauge and Corrosion-Resistant Tank
The pressure gauge is there to help you judge when the filter needs backwashing.
Rather than chasing one universal PSI number, note the pressure when the sand is clean and the filter is running normally. As debris accumulates and resistance increases, the gauge should rise from that baseline.
The tank itself is corrosion-resistant, and the top flange clamp can rotate through 360 degrees to make positioning the valve and hoses easier during installation.
Installation and Pool Connections
One thing Bestway does well here is compatibility.
The system supports 1.5-inch threaded pool valves and can also work with 1.25-inch connections using the included adapters.
That's useful if you're upgrading from a smaller Bestway or Coleman pump rather than replacing an existing large-hose system.
The unit also arrives largely pre-assembled, so installation is mostly about positioning the filter on a firm level surface, connecting the pool hoses correctly and adding the required media.
What We Like About the Bestway 2200 GPH
The system-flow figure is useful for medium pools. At 1,800 GPH, it has enough capacity to be a meaningful upgrade from many small cartridge pumps.
Backwashing is easier than cleaning cartridges. Once you get used to the valve, routine filter cleaning is straightforward.
It works with sand or lightweight filter balls. You can choose between traditional media and a much lighter alternative.
The pre-filter basket is genuinely useful. Larger debris is caught before it reaches the pump or filter media.
Connection flexibility is good. Support for 1.5-inch and adapted 1.25-inch connections makes it particularly relevant to Bestway and Coleman owners upgrading an existing pool.
What We Don't Like
The 14,400-gallon maximum is optimistic for the way we'd size a filter. At 1,800 GPH system flow, that's an eight-hour theoretical turnover.
There is no built-in timer on the 58500E. Competing systems such as the Intex SX2800 include automatic scheduling.
Filter media is not included. You'll need to budget for roughly 44 lb of pool-filter sand or 1.23 lb of Polysphere media.
It sits in a very competitive price range. If the Bestway is priced close to a higher-capacity Intex or another well-specced sand filter, we'd compare the actual system flow and features before buying solely on brand.
Bestway 2200 GPH vs Intex SX2800
These two can appeal to similar buyers, but the Intex is the more capable system on paper.
The Bestway gives you:
1,800 GPH system flow
12.5-inch tank
44.1 lb sand capacity
six-position valve
no built-in timer
The Intex SX2800 gives you:
2,150 GPH system flow
14-inch tank
77 lb sand capacity
six-function valve
built-in automatic timer
So if the prices are close, we'd generally lean toward the SX2800 for the extra capacity and timer.
The Bestway becomes more attractive when you already have a Bestway/Coleman pool, its connection setup suits your existing plumbing, or it's available at a meaningful price advantage.
Read our Intex SX2800 Sand Filter Pump review for the alternative.
Still comparing sand filters? See our Best Sand Filters for Above-Ground Pools to compare the models we'd choose for different pool sizes and filtration needs.
Who Should Buy the Bestway 2200 GPH?
We'd shortlist it if:
your above-ground pool holds roughly 5,000–10,000 gallons
you're upgrading from a smaller cartridge pump
you want backwashing instead of regular cartridge washing
your pool uses Bestway/Coleman-style connections
you like having the option of sand or lightweight filter balls
For that type of owner, the Bestway strikes a sensible balance between capacity and simplicity.
Who Should Skip It?
We'd look elsewhere if your pool is approaching the upper end of Bestway's 14,400-gallon rating.
The filter can technically cover that range, but we'd prefer more headroom rather than starting with an eight-hour theoretical turnover.
It's also not our first choice if automatic scheduling matters to you, because this version doesn't have the built-in timer found on some competing sand-filter systems.
And for a very small pool, a 44 lb sand filter may simply be more equipment than you need.
Our Final Verdict
The Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump is a solid mid-size filtration upgrade, particularly for Bestway and Coleman pool owners who want to leave small cartridge filters behind.
Its 1,800 GPH system flow, six-position valve, pre-filter basket and choice of sand or Polysphere media make it much more capable and easier to maintain than the basic cartridge pumps bundled with many above-ground pools.
We wouldn't size it all the way to Bestway's 14,400-gallon maximum if we had a choice. Around 5,000–10,000 gallons is where we think it makes the most sense, while larger pools would benefit from the extra headroom of something like the SX2800 or SX3000.
If it's competitively priced and suits your existing Bestway/Coleman plumbing, it remains a worthwhile option for a medium-size above-ground pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual flow rate of the Bestway 2200 GPH Sand Filter Pump?
The pump flow rate is 2,200 GPH, while Bestway lists the complete system flow rate at 1,800 GPH. For practical pool sizing, we pay more attention to the 1,800 GPH system-flow figure.
What size pool is the Bestway 2200 GPH suitable for?
Bestway officially rates it for above-ground pools from 300 to 14,400 gallons. At the 1,800 GPH system flow, however, 14,400 gallons represents roughly an eight-hour theoretical turnover. We think it is particularly well suited to pools around 5,000–10,000 gallons.
How much sand does the Bestway 2200 GPH filter need?
It requires approximately 44.1 lb of No. 20 silica pool-filter sand with a grain size of 0.45–0.85 mm.
Can I use filter balls instead of sand?
Yes. Bestway specifies approximately 1.23 lb of Polysphere filtration balls as an alternative to silica sand.
Is sand included with the filter?
No. Neither silica sand nor Polysphere filter balls are included.
Does the Bestway 2200 GPH have a timer?
The current 58500E version does not include the built-in timer offered on certain other Bestway sand-filter models.
Does it work with 1.25-inch pool hoses?
Yes. Bestway lists compatibility with 1.5-inch threaded valves as well as 1.25-inch valves when using the supplied adapters.
More Filtration & Pump Help
Still comparing options for your above-ground pool? Visit our Filtration & Pumps hub for our latest sand and cartridge filter reviews, comparisons, filter-media guides, and help choosing the right system for your pool size.
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