Intex SX2800 Sand Filter Pump Review: Is It Big Enough?
Updated: Sep 10
The Intex SX2800 is where Intex's sand-filter range starts to make much more sense for larger above-ground pools.
The current 26647EG combines a 14-inch filter tank with a 2,800 GPH pump, six-function control valve, pressure gauge, built-in timer and a much larger media bed than the SX1500.
But, as with the other Intex pumps we've looked at, the headline number isn't the one we'd use for sizing.
The SX2800's actual system flow is 2,150 GPH.
That gives it considerably more circulation headroom than the SX1500 and makes it a much better fit once you're into larger above-ground pools.
For us, the SX2800 makes the most sense on larger pools up to around 24 ft round, depending on wall height and actual water volume.
That's not an arbitrary cutoff either. A current Intex 24 ft × 52 in Ultra XTR holds approximately 12,481 gallons, which works out at roughly 5.8 hours for one theoretical turnover at the SX2800's 2,150 GPH system flow.
That puts it just inside the six-hour ceiling we'd be comfortable using when sizing a new filtration system.
Quick Verdict
The Intex SX2800 is one of the strongest all-round sand-filter options in the current Intex range for larger above-ground pools.
Its 2,150 GPH system flow and 77 lb sand capacity give it enough filtration headroom for the sort of 18, 20 and 24 ft pools we'd realistically pair it with.
You also get the ownership advantages we'd expect from a proper sand-filter system: a six-function valve, pressure gauge, strainer basket and backwashing rather than opening a cartridge housing every time the filter becomes restricted.
Intex rates the SX2800 for pools from 5,500 to 17,200 gallons, but we wouldn't use the full 17,200-gallon maximum as our buying recommendation.
At that volume, you're looking at an eight-hour theoretical turnover.
For us, around 12,900 gallons is the more meaningful upper limit, because that's where the SX2800 reaches our six-hour turnover ceiling.
Best for: Larger above-ground pools where you want sand filtration and enough system flow to comfortably cover typical 18–24 ft setups.
Skip it if: You have a smaller pool that doesn't need this much filtration capacity, or you're approaching a typical 27 ft round pool where we'd rather move to the SX3000.
Intex SX2800 Specs at a Glance
Those figures match Intex's current technical information for model 26647EG.
2,800 GPH vs 2,150 GPH: Which Number Matters?
The SX2800 is marketed around its 2,800 GPH pump-flow rate.
That's a real specification, but it isn't the number we'd use when calculating how the system will perform on your pool.
Once water is actually moving through the pump, hoses, valve and sand bed, Intex gives the SX2800 a 2,150 GPH system-flow rate.
That's the more useful number for pool sizing.
And in this case, the difference is substantial:
Pump flow: 2,800 GPHSystem flow: 2,150 GPH
If you calculated turnover from 2,800 GPH, the SX2800 would appear capable of handling a much larger pool than it does once installed as a complete filtration system.
So for the rest of this review, 2,150 GPH is the number we're using.
What Size Above-Ground Pool Is the SX2800 Actually Good For?
Intex rates the SX2800 from 5,500 to 17,200 gallons.
That is a wide range.
Here's what the system-flow figure tells us:
At 8,000 gallons, the SX2800 is theoretically turning the pool over in about 3.7 hours. At 10,000 gallons, it's around 4.7 hours. At approximately 12,900 gallons, you're at our six-hour ceiling.
These are theoretical volume-to-flow calculations rather than a guarantee that every gallon has literally passed through the filter once. Pool water continually mixes, and actual flow can fall as debris accumulates.
Still, the numbers make the buying decision much clearer.
What about a 24 ft pool?
This is where the SX2800 becomes particularly interesting.
Intex's current 24 ft × 52 in Ultra XTR holds approximately 12,481 gallons, and Intex actually supplies that pool with a 2,800 GPH sand-filter pump.
At 2,150 GPH system flow, that works out at roughly 5.8 hours per theoretical turnover.
That's close to our six-hour maximum, but still inside it.
So a typical 24 ft round pool is about as large as we'd comfortably position the SX2800 when buying new.
What about a 27 ft pool?
That's where we'd move up.
A typical 27 ft round above-ground pool carries substantially more water than a 24 ft setup, and we'd rather have additional circulation and filtration capacity than run the SX2800 at or beyond our preferred ceiling.
The SX3000 increases system flow to 2,450 GPH, uses a larger 16-inch tank and holds 120 lb of sand. Intex rates it up to 19,600 gallons.
For a typical 27 ft pool, that's the direction we'd go.
Why We Don't Recommend the Full 17,200-Gallon Maximum
The reason is simple.
17,200 ÷ 2,150 = 8 hours.
So at Intex's stated maximum pool capacity, you're looking at an eight-hour theoretical turnover.
That leaves considerably less breathing room for:
debris accumulating in the filter;
heavy swimming;
pollen and leaves;
cloudy-water recovery;
imperfect real-world flow.
Our preference is to size filtration so the theoretical turnover stays within six hours at the absolute maximum, with three to five hours preferable where practical.
That is why the SX2800's manufacturer compatibility range and our buying recommendation aren't identical.
SX1500 vs SX2800: Which Intex Sand Filter Do You Need?
This is really a pool-size decision.
The jump from SX1500 to SX2800 is substantial.
You're moving from:
1,050 → 2,150 GPH system flow
and:
26 → 77 lb of sand
so this isn't just a slightly faster version of the same filter.
It's a much more substantial filtration system.
For a typical 14–15 ft pool, we'd generally stick with the smaller SX1500.
Once you're into 18, 20 and 24 ft pools, the SX2800 becomes much easier to justify.
See our Intex SX1500 Sand Filter Pump review for the smaller option.
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.
SX2800 vs C2500: Sand or Cartridge?
This is another useful comparison because both models can appear attractive when someone is upgrading the filtration on a larger above-ground pool.
The C2500 gives you 1,900 GPH system flow and uses a Type B cartridge.
The SX2800 gives you 2,150 GPH system flow and a 77 lb sand bed.
We'd think of them like this:
C2500: best when you're around the larger end of compact cartridge filtration, typically up to around 18 ft round.
SX2800: better suited when the pool gets larger or you simply prefer backwashing to removing and rinsing cartridges.
So if you already know you want cartridge filtration, the C2500 remains a good option.
If you're moving into a larger pool and want a more substantial filtration system, the SX2800 starts to pull away.
See our Intex C2500 Cartridge Filter Pump review for the cartridge alternative.
What Filter Media Does the SX2800 Use?
The standard choice is 77 lb of No. 20 silica pool filter sand.
Intex also officially specifies 55 lb of glass media for the 14-inch SX2800.
If we were setting one up from scratch and wanted the simplest route, we'd normally start with proper pool filter sand.
It's easy to find, comparatively inexpensive and straightforward to replace when the time eventually comes.
Our Best Pool Filter Sand for Above-Ground Pools guide covers the options we'd consider.
If you're deciding whether glass or lightweight filter balls make more sense, our Sand vs Glass vs Filter Balls comparison looks at the practical differences.
What about filter balls?
The current retail specification graphic you supplied lists 2.2 lb of fiber balls for the SX2800.
However, Intex's main current technical specification page explicitly lists sand and glass capacity rather than fiber-ball capacity.
So we wouldn't assume every filter-ball product can simply be added at exactly 2.2 lb.
If using balls, check the instructions and stated sand-equivalent weight for the specific media you're buying.
For most owners, sand remains our default recommendation unless there is a particular reason to use something else.
The Six-Function Valve Makes Routine Cleaning Much Easier
The SX2800 gives you six valve settings:
Filter — normal operation
Backwash — reverses flow to flush dirt from the media
Rinse — settles the sand again after backwashing
Recirculate — circulates water without sending it through the filter bed
Drain — directs water out of the pool
Closed — closes the valve
This is where the ownership experience differs most from cartridge filtration.
Rather than opening the tank and lifting out filter media during routine cleaning, you use the valve to backwash the sand bed.
Just remember to switch the pump off before changing valve positions.
What Is This Sand Filter Pump Like to Maintain?
The SX2800 isn't maintenance-free, but day-to-day ownership is fairly straightforward.
You don't need to backwash on a fixed weekly schedule.
The pressure gauge and water flow are more useful indicators.
Start by noting what the gauge reads when the filter is clean and operating normally. As dirt builds up in the sand bed, pressure increases and return flow can begin to fall.
That's when the filter needs attention.
The clear-lid strainer basket also catches larger debris before it reaches the pump and should be emptied whenever it starts accumulating leaves or other material.
Intex says the sand can last around five years under normal use, but we'd treat that as general manufacturer guidance rather than an automatic replacement schedule.
If filtration performance remains good and the media isn't channeling or causing persistent water-quality problems, age alone isn't enough reason for us to replace it.
The Built-In Timer Handles Daily Filtration Automatically
The current SX2800 includes a 24-hour timer with 2–12 hour preset cycles.
That makes everyday operation much easier because you can set the filtration schedule and let it repeat.
We wouldn't simply set every pool to 12 hours.
The useful starting point is still actual pool volume.
For example, a roughly 8,000-gallon pool theoretically turns over in about 3.7 hours at 2,150 GPH, while a 12,000-gallon pool takes about 5.6 hours.
That gives you a much better basis for deciding how long the pump needs to run than assuming one timer setting suits every pool.
Don't Forget the 1.5-Inch Connections
The SX2800 comes with two 1.5-inch (38 mm) connector hoses.
That's appropriate for a filtration system of this size, but it's worth checking if you're upgrading from a smaller pool that currently uses 1.25-inch hoses.
You may need compatible fittings or adapters depending on the pool. If you're upgrading from 1.25-inch hoses to a 1.5-inch pump connection, our guide to the Intex 1.25-inch to 1.5-inch pool pump hose adapters explains what you need and how the adapters fit into the setup.
Intex also states that plunger valves and 1.5-inch outlet fittings are not included, so don't assume every pool has everything required simply because the hoses come in the box.
For an existing larger Intex setup already using 1.5-inch plumbing, installation should be considerably more straightforward.
What Does HydroAeration Add?
The SX2800 includes Intex's HydroAeration inlet fitting.
It introduces air into the returning water, and Intex promotes the system for improved circulation, clarity and aeration.
We wouldn't choose the SX2800 because of HydroAeration alone.
It's a nice extra.
The reasons we'd actually buy this pump are the 2,150 GPH system flow, 14-inch tank, 77 lb media capacity and convenient sand-filter maintenance.
Those determine whether the filter suits your pool.
Intex SX2800 Pros and Cons
Pros
2,150 GPH system flow provides plenty of capacity for larger above-ground pools.
14-inch tank holds a substantial 77 lb sand bed.
Strong practical fit for typical pools up to around 24 ft round.
Six-function valve makes backwashing and rinsing straightforward.
Pressure gauge helps you maintain the filter according to condition rather than a rigid calendar.
Built-in 2–12 hour timer.
Large pre-filter/strainer basket catches bigger debris before the pump.
Supports both No. 20 silica sand and glass media.
Includes two 1.5-inch hoses.
Two-year limited manufacturer's warranty.
Cons
More filtration system than most smaller pools need.
Filter media must be purchased separately.
Backwashing uses pool water.
77 lb of sand makes media changes more involved than on the SX1500.
Plunger valves and outlet fittings aren't included.
We'd move to the SX3000 for a typical 27 ft pool rather than stretching the SX2800.
Owners moving from 1.25-inch plumbing may need adapters or fitting changes.
The SX2800's biggest downside is really the flip side of its strength: this is a fairly substantial sand-filter system, so it makes most sense when your pool is large enough to benefit from it.
Who Is the SX2800 Best For?
We'd look hardest at the SX2800 if you have a larger above-ground pool and want to move to a proper sand-filter system without automatically buying the biggest Intex model.
It fits particularly well once you move into the 18–24 ft range.
That's where the 2,150 GPH system flow and much larger sand bed start providing meaningful headroom over the smaller SX1500.
It's also a particularly good fit for someone who is tired of repeatedly removing and rinsing cartridges and would rather handle routine filter cleaning through backwashing.
Who Should Skip It?
We'd skip the SX2800 for a small pool where the extra capacity isn't going to be used.
A 12 or 14 ft pool simply doesn't need a 77 lb sand filter unless there is some unusual reason for oversizing the system.
At the opposite end, we'd also look beyond the SX2800 if you're buying specifically for a typical 27 ft round pool or another very high-volume setup.
That's where the SX3000's extra system flow and 120 lb filter bed become more attractive.
And if you prefer being able to remove and physically inspect the filtration media, a cartridge system may still suit you better.
SX2800 or SX3000: Is the Bigger Model Worth It?
This is where we wouldn't automatically tell everyone to spend more.
The SX3000 gives you:
2,450 GPH system flow
16-inch tank
120 lb sand capacity
0.75 HP motor
19,600-gallon manufacturer maximum.
The SX2800 already gives you:
2,150 GPH system flow
14-inch tank
77 lb sand capacity
0.6 HP motor
17,200-gallon manufacturer maximum.
For an 18, 20 or 24 ft pool, we wouldn't automatically pay extra for the SX3000.
The SX2800 already has enough capacity for the pool sizes we'd realistically pair it with.
Once you're moving toward 27 ft round or similarly large water volumes, the SX3000 becomes the more sensible choice because its extra system flow and larger media bed give you more room to work with.
So this isn't:
good → better
It's:
right size → right size.
Our Verdict
The Intex SX2800 is probably the most useful larger-pool sand filter in the current Intex range for owners who don't actually need the SX3000.
The 2,150 GPH system flow is the number that matters, and it gives the SX2800 enough circulation headroom for typical larger above-ground pools while still keeping the system reasonably compact.
For an 18 or 20 ft pool, it has plenty of breathing room.
For a typical 24 ft × 52 in pool, the numbers still work: Intex's own 12,481-gallon 24 ft Ultra XTR comes in at roughly 5.8 hours for a theoretical turnover at the SX2800's system flow.
That's about where we'd draw the line.
Beyond that, we'd rather move to the SX3000 than size the SX2800 right at the edge of what it can comfortably handle.
Our recommendation: A strong choice for larger above-ground pools, particularly in the 18–24 ft range. If you're around 27 ft, step up.
If you're still comparing pumps, filter types and media options, our Filtration & Pumps section brings all of our above-ground pool filtration guides together in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual system flow of the Intex SX2800?
The SX2800 has a 2,800 GPH pump-flow rate and a 2,150 GPH system-flow rate. We use the 2,150 GPH figure when estimating realistic pool turnover because it reflects the complete filtration system rather than the pump operating on its own.
What size pool is the Intex SX2800 best for?
We'd generally use the SX2800 on larger above-ground pools up to around a typical 24 ft round pool, depending on wall height and actual water volume. Intex rates the system from 5,500 to 17,200 gallons, but our buying recommendation is more conservative.
Can the SX2800 be used on a 24 ft pool?
Yes. Intex's current 24 ft × 52 in Ultra XTR holds approximately 12,481 gallons and is supplied with a 2,800 GPH sand-filter pump. At the SX2800's 2,150 GPH system flow, that volume works out at roughly 5.8 hours for one theoretical turnover.
Can I use the SX2800 on a 27 ft pool?
It may provide adequate circulation for some lower-volume setups, but if we were buying a new filter specifically for a typical 27 ft round pool, we'd move to the SX3000 for its 2,450 GPH system flow and larger 16-inch filter tank.
How much sand does the Intex SX2800 need?
The 14-inch SX2800 tank takes 77 lb of No. 20 silica filter sand. Intex also specifies 55 lb of glass media.
Does the SX2800 come with sand?
No. Filter media must be purchased separately.
When should I backwash the SX2800?
We wouldn't backwash on a fixed weekly schedule. Note the filter's normal clean pressure and monitor the gauge and return flow. Backwash when accumulated dirt is causing the filter pressure to rise and water flow to fall.
Does the SX2800 have an automatic timer?
Yes. The SX2800 includes a 24-hour automatic timer with 2–12 hour preset filtration cycles.
What is the difference between the SX2800 and SX3000?
The SX2800 has 2,150 GPH system flow, a 14-inch tank and 77 lb sand capacity. The SX3000 increases that to 2,450 GPH, a 16-inch tank and 120 lb of sand. We'd generally use the SX2800 up to around 24 ft round and consider the SX3000 as pool volume moves higher.
Is the SX2800 better than the C2500?
Neither is universally better. The C2500 is a high-capacity cartridge system we'd generally use up to around 18 ft round, while the SX2800 is a larger sand-filter system that becomes more attractive as pool size grows or if you prefer backwashing to cartridge cleaning.
Comments