How Much Does a Pool Filter Cost to Install or Replace in 2024?
Normal range: $250 - $2,000
The cost of a pool filter ranges from $250 to $2,000, with the average homeowner spending $1,125 on a new pool filter to be installed. The type of the filter is the largest cost factor.
The cost of pool filters ranges between $250 and $2,000, and this guide will help you figure out the best fit for you. Sparkling blue swimming pools don’t happen by accident—you have to put in the work to maintain your water. And when it comes to your pool equipment, nothing is arguably as important as your pool filter to keep contaminants out of your water.
- Average
- $1,125
- Low end
- $30
- high end
- $2,800
Pool Filter Installation Cost Factors
Knowing how to choose the right pool filter will help you save a lot of time, but it can be a little overwhelming at first because there are so many choices available. Let’s break it down so you can get a better idea of what you can expect.
Pool Type
While some pool equipment is compatible with all pools, that’s not the case with filters. Make sure to get the right filter for your unique type of pool.
Above Ground
Filters for above ground pools cost $250 to $1,100. Since above ground pools typically have simpler plumbing systems and are smaller than inground pools, you can expect these filters to cost less.
Inground
Generally speaking, inground pool installation costs more than above ground pool installation, and filters are no exception. Inground pools have more plumbing than above ground pools, and in some parts, the piping is underground.
These pools require more powerful pumps and bigger and more efficient filters to keep the water clean. Plan to spend $250 to $2,000 to install or replace inground pool filters.
Salt Water
Salt water pool maintenance is very different from chlorinated pools, but when it comes to filters, you don’t need a special type. That means you can go ahead and choose whatever is available on the market that fits your pool type and pump. You can expect to pay $250 to $2,000 for filters for a salt water pool. If you're in the process of making the switch, converting to a salt water pool costs between $500 and $2,500 on average.
Materials
Pool filter prices vary depending on the type and size. The filters you can choose from are pocket filters, cartridges, sand, DE, and glass. Most filters fall within the $250 to $2,000 range, although disposable pocket filters can run as little as $30. Otherwise, you can get cartridge filters for the low end of the price range, while DE filters will be on the high end.
Size
It’s important to get a large enough filter to work properly with your pump. If you end up with a filter that’s too small, you’ll end up overworking your pump. Eventually, your pump motor may wear out sooner than it should, leading to costly projects such as removing algae from your pool.
On the other hand, a filter that’s too large can work fine. It’ll cost more to buy a larger filter, so most people just get the size they need. However, a large filter may require less cleaning and may help lengthen the lifespan of your pump.
To figure out the recommended filter sizes for your pool by volume, check out the table below. Each type of filter is rated per square feet, but they’re not all calculated in the same way.
For example, for a 10,000-gallon pool, you need a sand filter that’s rated for at least 3 square feet, but for cartridge filters, you need one that’s 100 to 200 square feet. This is because you’ll need at least 1 square foot per 10,000 gallons of water when using a sand filter; for cartridge filters, you’ll need 100 square feet per 10,000 gallons of water.
Sand Filter Size by Pool Volume
| Pool Volume (Gallons) | Sand Filter Size |
|---|---|
| 10,000 – 15,000 | 3 sq. ft. |
| 20,000 – 25,000 | 3.9 sq. ft. |
| 30,000 – 35,000 | 4.9 sq. ft. |
| 40,000 – 45,000 | 6.9 sq. ft. |
Cartridge Filter Size by Pool Volume
| Pool Volume (Gallons) | Cartridge Filter Size |
|---|---|
| 10,000 – 15,000 | 100 – 200 sq. ft. |
| 20,000 – 25,000 | 300 – 400 sq. ft. |
| 30,000 – 35,000 | 400 – 500 sq. ft. |
| 40,000 – 45,000 | 500+ sq. ft. |
DE Filter Size by Pool Volume
| Pool Volume (Gallons) | DE Filter Size |
|---|---|
| 10,000 – 15,000 | 36 sq. ft. |
| 20,000 – 25,000 | 48 sq. ft. |
| 30,000 – 35,000 | 60 sq. ft. |
| 40,000 – 45,000 | 72 sq. ft. |
Warranties
When you purchase a new pool filter, investigate whether it's worth it to buy an extended warranty or if your pool filter falls under your home warranty. Most standard pool warranties cover factory defects but will not include wear and tear or pool installation. The coverage may only apply if you hire a pool contractor to ensure it is properly installed. All this being said, if you recently purchased your pool filter and are experiencing issues, it's crucial to look into the warranty.
Brand
You will encounter countless brands of pool filters on the market. Some of the most popular brands include Hayward, Pentair, and Intex, though popular big-box home stores feature a range of brands at different price points. If you work with a local pool team, they will also be able to recommend the best brand of pool filter for your pool type.
| Brand | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hayward | $300–$1,300 |
| Intex | $150–$500 |
| Pentair | $300–$1,500 |
| XTremePowerUS | $150–$700 |
| VEVOR | $100–$300 |
Labor
Labor for a pool filter replacement costs $110 to $140. These costs don’t include possible plumbing or electrical needs. A plumber costs $45 to $200 per hour, while an electrician charges $40 to $100 per hour.
There are pool techs that charge $75 to $100 per hour that may be able to handle all of your installation needs, including electrical and plumbing.
Pool Filter Cost by Type
The total you’ll end up spending for a pool filter will depend largely on the type you choose. When looking at your options, it’s helpful to keep an eye on the microns of contaminants that the filter can capture—the smaller the microns, the more effective it is.
Pocket Filter
Pocket filters, also called filter bags, are the most affordable filters available. These cost $30 to $100, and the easy DIY install means you don’t have to pay for labor. These can filter out contaminants that are 15 to 20 microns.
The most affordable pocket filters are disposable, while the higher-end ones are machine washable. Although these are easy on your wallet, they are less effective than cartridge, glass, or DE filters.
Pool Filter Cartridge
Cartridge filters are one of the most commonly used types of filters and are $200 to $1,600. They filter out debris as little as 10 microns, which means they’re less effective than glass and DE filters. Cartridges last two to three years with proper maintenance, which requires regular cleaning.
Pool Sand Filter
Sand filters use a #20 silica sand to help filter out debris 20 microns or larger. Sand filters range from $300 to $1,200. The sand lasts three to five years as long as you backwash the system weekly as part of your DIY pool maintenance.
You can use other types of sand for increased efficiency. Zeolite sand lasts five years and doesn’t need to be backwashed as often as silica sand. Also, you only need about half the amount.
There’s also filter glass, which can filter out debris 5 microns and larger. This sand type lasts three times longer than silica.
Glass Filter
Glass filters capture contaminants with a glass media with an electrical charge. They cost $500 to $1,500 and work on contaminants 9 microns or larger. These need replacing every eight to 10 years and only require backwashing every three months or so.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters capture contaminants as little as 3 microns, making these the most effective filters. You can expect to pay $520 to $2,000 for a DE filter.
Although the price tag is higher than other filter types, it pays for itself because it has a long lifespan of 10 years. Plus, a highly effective filter will help you save on electric bills because you can reduce your pump and filter run time.
Ongoing Pool Filter Costs
You may have a better idea of what kind of filter you want, but you should also keep these additional costs on your radar. From cleaning to maintenance, you can help keep your filter in tip-top shape and lengthen its lifespan.
Pool Filter Cleaning
Pool filter cleaning is necessary whenever your pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 PSI above normal. It’s also a good idea to do regular cleaning every three to six months.
You may negotiate filter cleaning as part of your swimming pool maintenance cost or pay $60 to $65 for filter cleaning only. A deep clean of your filter runs $125.
Maintenance
If you’d prefer to pass on the maintenance work to someone else, you can sign up for a pool service maintenance package. This costs $1800 annually and can include a wide range of services like filter cleaning.
On the other hand, you might be a DIYer and want to take on the basic maintenance on your own.
Cartridge Filter
For cartridges, keep an eye on your pressure gauge filter, and clean it anytime it’s 8 PSI above normal. Besides regular cleaning two to three times a year, these filters require deep cleaning one to two times a year.
You don’t need to do any backwashing like with sand filters, but you do need to spray the cartridge down with a hose or filter cleaner and soak it in diluted muriatic acid ($12) or a pool filter cleaning solution ($20).
Sand Filter
Backwash sand filters weekly and replace the sand every three to five years. It costs $15 to $40 for a 50-pound bag of #20 silica sand. The amount of sand you need depends on the filter size.
| Tank Diameter (Inches) | Sand Required (Pounds) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 100 | $30–$80 |
| 18 | 150 | $45–$120 |
| 19 | 175 | $60–$160 |
| 20 | 200 | $60–$160 |
| 22 | 250 | $75–$200 |
| 24 | 300 | $90–$240 |
| 27 | 350 | $105–$280 |
| 30 | 500 | $150–$400 |
| 36 | 700 | $210–$560 |
Glass Filter
To keep glass filters in good shape, you can clean the glass pieces weekly, or twice a week during the peak summer months. You should backwash the filter every three months.
Unlike sand and DE filters, there’s nothing you need to replenish to keep the filter working.
DE Filter
You need to backwash DE filters monthly during swim season, but you should first check local laws to make sure there aren’t special regulations in your area.
After backwashing, you add back 80% of the DE you need for a new filter. For reference, a new filter requires 1 pound of powder for every 10 square feet. A 25-pound package of DE filter powder costs $30, so depending on your filter size, a package may last you a month or a little longer.
DE filters also require an intensive annual cleaning to keep it in good shape. This requires you to disassemble the unit and clean it. Unless you have experience, it’s usually best to hire a pro to help you clean DE filters. Additionally, you should clean the grids every two to three years.
Pool Filter Gasket Replacement
All types of pool filters have a gasket to ensure a proper seal. These gaskets will naturally break down with time but only cost between $10 and $40 from your local pool repair store. Replacing a filter gasket is an easy DIY, but a professional can also replace it during a routine visit.
Service Fees
Most pool maintenance packages include pool filter maintenance in the average monthly cost of $95 to $260. Your pool tech will clean your filter, which includes regular backwashing for sand, DE, and glass filters.
If you prefer to DIY regular filter maintenance but want to call in a pool pro every once in a while, expect to pay $60 to $125 per visit depending on whether you need a basic clean or a deep clean.
Cost of Common Pool Filter Add-Ons
Pool filter replacement costs may tie into other issues you were having with your pool in the first place. Clearing cloudy pool water may stem from a series of issues that your pool contractor can help you identify and resolve in the process.
Pool Pump Replacement
You may need a pool pump replacement around the same time that you need a filter replacement. In these cases, you can expect to pay $500 to $2,820, depending on your chosen pump type.
Skimmer Box Installation
The skimmer box, or skimmer basket, captures large debris before it can reach the filter. Over time, your basket may crack or break, in which case you’ll need a new one. A new skimmer box costs $5 to $35.
Pool Shock
Whenever professionals alter one of the major elements of your pool, they may consider rebalancing the chemicals in the water. Shocking a pool on your own costs between $25 and $50, though professionals will typically add an hourly rate of $75 to $100 for the service. This is a great way to lower the pH in your pool if you’ve been battling algae buildup or to rule out additional issues beyond the filter.
Pool Vacuum
A broken filter likely led to a good deal of leaves, bugs, and muck floating around in the water. Professionals may include pool vacuuming services after replacing the filter at a flat or hourly rate. You can also vacuum the pool yourself for little-to-no money after they're all set.
How Much Does Pool Filter Replacement Cost to Do Yourself?
If you want to take on a DIY job, the pool filter replacement cost will only be for the unit, which runs anywhere from $250 to $2,000. Replacing the filter is fairly simple if you have a pocket filter, but any other type will require some elbow grease.
And if you have a high-dollar pool filter, ensure you know what you’re doing—accidentally breaking your filter or damaging it during installation is a costly mistake you’ll want to avoid.
DIY Costs vs. Hiring a Pro
When you DIY the job, you save on labor costs, which are $110 to $140 for a like-for-like filter replacement. You will also need to cover the cost of materials. Plan to purchase replacement DE and sand filters. On the other hand, cartridge and glass filters only require a cleaning solution.
If you want to change your pool’s filter type, it’s best to hire a pool service near you to help with everything from removing the old filter to new electrical and plumbing updates.
How to Save on the Cost of a Pool Filter
One way you can potentially save on your pool filter costs is by bundling it with your pump installation. Since the two components work together, this can be advantageous so you can make sure everything runs smoothly.
Secondly, you might consider putting in the extra upfront costs for a longer-lasting filter. For example, a DE filter is more costly than a cartridge filter, but the DE filter lasts 10 years, while the cartridge filter is only good for two to three years.
Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your pool filter lasts anywhere from one to 10 years, depending on the filter type and whether it’s well-maintained. The easiest way to tell if your filter is nearing the end of its life span is when you start noticing that the PSI on the pressure gauge is inconsistent, water chemical levels are not stable, and you’re finding leaks.
The actual time you need to run your pump can vary depending on your pump type. But generally speaking, you should run your pool pump anywhere from eight to 10 hours a day. Making sure you run your pump for the proper amount of time helps keep your water clean and your chemical levels balanced.
If you don’t change your pool filter, you’re setting yourself up for a potentially big repair bill down the road. A clogged filter can overwork your pump, eventually leading to premature pump failure. Also, a bad filter can cause cloudy water, algae growth, water pressure problems, and inconsistent chemical levels, potentially leading to eye and skin irritation, according to the CDC.