5 Best Ladders For Intex Pools – Buying Guide And Reviews

When most people buy an Intex pool set from a retailer, the store throws in a ladder as part of their package. Of course, just because they include this doesn’t mean it’s going to be especially safe or durable. Most of these ladders are designed for light use and offer little protection against falls into the water.

For more years of comfort and stability (not to mention peace of mind!), consider upgrading to one that’s considered the best ladders for Intex pools.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall
Confer Plastics 7200 Roll Guard 48-56in Adjustable A Frame Safety Above Ground Outdoor Patio Swimming Pool Platform Ladder w/Step Barrier, Warm Gray
Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame 48-56 Inch Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder Entry System with Slide Lock Barrier and Handrails, White
Main Access Smart Step System for 48 to 54 Inch Above Ground Pools, Heavy Duty Four Step Ladder A-Frame - Taupe
Confer Plastics 7200 Roll Guard 48-56in Adjustable A Frame Safety Above Ground Outdoor Patio Swimming Pool Platform Ladder w/Step Barrier, Warm Gray
Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame 48-56 Inch Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder Entry System with Slide Lock Barrier and Handrails, White
Main Access Smart Step System for 48 to 54 Inch Above Ground Pools, Heavy Duty Four Step Ladder A-Frame - Taupe
Works on pools 48 to 56 inches tall
Works on pools 48 to 56 inches tall
Works on pools 48 to 54 inches tall
Made from Polyethylene
Made from Resin
Made from Plastic
Best Overall
Confer Plastics 7200 Roll Guard 48-56in Adjustable A Frame Safety Above Ground Outdoor Patio Swimming Pool Platform Ladder w/Step Barrier, Warm Gray
Confer Plastics 7200 Roll Guard 48-56in Adjustable A Frame Safety Above Ground Outdoor Patio Swimming Pool Platform Ladder w/Step Barrier, Warm Gray
Works on pools 48 to 56 inches tall
Made from Polyethylene
Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame 48-56 Inch Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder Entry System with Slide Lock Barrier and Handrails, White
Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame 48-56 Inch Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder Entry System with Slide Lock Barrier and Handrails, White
Works on pools 48 to 56 inches tall
Made from Resin
Main Access Smart Step System for 48 to 54 Inch Above Ground Pools, Heavy Duty Four Step Ladder A-Frame - Taupe
Main Access Smart Step System for 48 to 54 Inch Above Ground Pools, Heavy Duty Four Step Ladder A-Frame - Taupe
Works on pools 48 to 54 inches tall
Made from Plastic

How To Choose The Best Intex Pool Ladders

Selecting the right ladder is more than just a quick trip to your local hardware store. There are so many considerations that need to be taken into account before you make such an important purchase, but we’ve narrowed it down for you with these five criteria:

Material Quality

Think about what’s going to best suit your needs and lifestyle before you invest in a new pool ladder. You have four primary options: metal, resin, vinyl, or plastic.

Metal ladders are going to be hotter to the touch, so consider getting some protective pads if you live in warmer climates like Florida.

Ease of Use

As we age, it can become more difficult to do things like climb into the pool. But with a ladder that has features such as ergonomically designed or extended handrails and wide treads, this is much easier for older individuals or those with mobility concerns.

Compatibility

Some pool ladders are adjustable, which means they can be used with a wide range of swimming pools. Plus if you decide to get a bigger pool at some point down the line, your ladder will adjust accordingly and continue being useful.

Safety

Safety is the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing a ladder for small children. Some Intex pool ladders have a locking function that will disable them so there’s no way they can be used without an authorized key or combination.

Cost

Above ground pool ladders and steps can be found anywhere from $300 to a whopping $1000. What influences the price is the brand, as well as certain features each model offers – such as wedding cake-style steps which are more expensive than normal curve stairs, or A-Frames with steel frames being pricier compared to their aluminum counterparts.

5 Best Ladders For Intex Pools

Many people are unaware of the fact that there is a wide variety of pool ladders available on the market. Intex has a great selection to choose from but there are some good third-party companies that are offering a more superior pool ladder than them.

All our recommended ladders are made from high-quality materials including corrosion-resistant steel handrails and durable plastic treads, perfect for heavy foot traffic around your Intex pool.

Confer Plastics 7200 Roll Guard A-Frame Safety Above Ground Swimming Pool Platform Ladder Steps

Confer Plastics 7200 Roll Guard 48-56in Adjustable A Frame Safety Above Ground Outdoor Patio Swimming Pool Platform Ladder w/Step Barrier, Warm Gray
  • Adjustable pool ladder conveniently and easily lets you get in and out of your swimming pool; Color: Warm Gray
  • Large 5 by 18-inch wide Comfortread steps allow for easy entry and exit; Compatibility: Does not work with EZ Set inflatable or soft-sided pools
  • Inner side rails include integrated, lockable ANSI/APSP side safety barriers to prevent entry into the pool; Curved side rails designed with strength in mind
  • Fill side rails with water to prevent floating, no sand or bricks needed; Easy assembly with minimal hardware

This Confer A-Frame Ladder is a perfect swimming pool ladder for large Intex pool owners. This makes getting in and out of your Intex easy and safe, with the curved side rails designed to be strong and keep you secure at all times. It’s also adjustable so that it can fit pools from 48 inches to 56 inches tall – making sure this versatile product will work no matter which Intex pool size you have.

This A-frame ladder has an extra-large platform and is equipped with 18 x 5-inch comfort tread steps.

The lockable roll guard barrier on the frame keeps little ones away from any potential dangers when they’re climbing up or down. To prevent this ladder from floating – all you have to do is fill its side rails with water. No need to use sand or bricks.

What Real World Users Say…

“I have found this Confer ladder useful and it offers great value for my money.”

“LOVE IT! My 5-year-old feels very safe walking up and down the stairs. We have an Intex pool and it’s a perfect fit. The platform at the top of the ladder makes it much safer to climb in.”

Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder Entry System with Slide Lock Barrier and Handrails

Vinyl Works SLA A-Frame 48-56 Inch Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Ladder Entry System with Slide Lock Barrier and Handrails, White
  • IN-POOL STEP LADDER: Step-in pool ladder with double handrails for easy, safe entry and exit into an above-ground pool. Designed and intended for use with a 48-56 inch above ground pool with up to...
  • - GREAT STABILITY: 4 base treads and top platform tread for easy climbing and greater stability offering a 300-pound load capacity for one user at a time
  • - SLIDE-LOCK DESIGN: Slide-Lock design removes access to the ladder when pool isn't in use to prevent unwanted entry & injury. Padlock required for the Slide-Lock ladder design (not included)
  • - SAFETY SIGNAGE: Permanent safety signage includes no diving, no jumping, do not swim through or behind ladder, and secure ladder when not in use

The Vinyl Works A-Frame Ladder with Barrier is the perfect way to provide an easy and safe approach for you or your guests into and out of your pool.

The pool ladder supports up to 300 pounds so there’s no need to worry about it collapsing underweight, while its rigid frame makes sure that the ladder doesn’t rack when in use. With 4 base treads at each corner of the platform as well as two wide handrails on either side, climbing onto this little gem will be a breeze!

What sets this above-ground swimming pool ladder apart from others though is how they’ve designed their barrier slide lock – not only does it keep people off balance by preventing them from getting around or behind it (and potentially falling), but also keeps kids from any harm.

What Real World Users Say…

“I’m really enjoying this ladder, it is very durable and has the option to lock in place. I also like how easy it was to assemble!”

“I am so happy with this purchase. The instructions were a little hard to understand but other than that I would buy again in an instant!”

Aqua Select A-Frame Ladder with Removable Steps for Above Ground Pools

Aqua Select A-Frame Ladder with Removable Steps for Above Ground Pools | 48-inch Pool Wall Height | with Non-Slip Step Tread Risers | Top Platform and Rounded Handrails for Ease of Entry/Exit
  • REMOVABLE ABOVE GROUND POOL STEPS: Removable outside ladder prevents any unwanted pool entry and children from getting access to the pool when no adults are around watching.
  • SAFETY BARRIER: Safety barrier fits behind inside ladder to prevent swimmer entrapment.
  • MEASUREMENTS: Fits pools up to 48 inch wall height. Top platform dimensions are 15.9-in x 16.5-in.
  • STYLE: Textured, non-slip step tread risers and rounded handrails for ease of entry/exit.

Step up to your pool easily with the Aqua Select A-Frame Ladder. This economical pool ladder has all the features of a more expensive ladder at a price that is easy on your wallet!

Designed for above ground pools up to 48 inches deep, this tubular steel staircase with blue stairs is lightweight and easy to set up. Safety features include removable outside steps so no one can enter uninvited, as well as an inside safety barrier behind the platform which prevents swimmer entrapment.

The large top step and rounded handrails add ease when entering or exiting your pool–this lets you have fun in the water without any worries about getting in and out again.

What Real World Users Say…

“This is a very nice ladder. Works great for me!”

“This is a good safe pool ladder. I like the feature of having a removable outside ladder. Instructions could be a bit better though.”

Blue Wave NE1222 A-Frame Flip Up Ladder for Above Ground Pools

Blue Wave NE1222 A-Frame Flip Up Ladder for Above Ground Pools, White
  • Flip Up Steps Prevent Unwanted Entry
  • Child-Proof Barrier Meets ANSI/APSP Safety Standards
  • Adjustable for Above Ground Pools 48 in. to 54 in. Deep
  • Extra Deep 5 in. Treads

The Blue Wave NE1222 A-Frame Flip Up Ladder is the perfect accessory for any swimming pool owner. This resin ladder is perfect for those who want to save money and still have the safety features you need. The durable construction ensures that this product will last a long time while giving it enough flexibility to withstand heavy loads (up to 250 lbs.) when needed.

It includes wide non-skid platform treads for secure footing, a childproof barrier under the ladders to prevent entrapment, and comes with a 3-year warranty.

What Real World Users Say…

“This ladder promotes safety because it is so wide, sturdy, and built well.”

“Overall you get what you pay for. There are a lot of pieces. My only mistake was not The thing I love most about this ladder is that it’s made of high-quality, durable materials. The safety features are excellent and they make me feel totally safe. Without a doubt, you know what to expect when buying this pool ladder from Blue Wave.”

Main Access Heavy-Duty Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Smart Step and Ladder Entry System with Handrails

Main Access Smart Step System for 48 to 54 Inch Above Ground Pools, Heavy Duty Four Step Ladder A-Frame - Taupe
  • ACCOMMODATES MOST POOLS: Designed for small to medium above ground swimming pools, the Smart Step System combines Main Access’ Smart Steps with its Smart Choice Entry Ladder for an heavy-duty pool...
  • BUILT-TO-LAST: Made of high-quality, heavy-duty corrosion-proof material, the Smart Step System provides superior comfort, strength-to-weight performance, durability and safety.
  • UNIQUE SAFETY FEATURES: Adjustable for 48 to 54 inch pools, the Smart Step Entry System features four 24 inch steps with a flow-through step design, no swim zone, and swing up and lift-and-lock safety...
  • EASY ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION: Includes everything you need to assemble and install. Maximize performance with Main Access Anchor Ladder Weights, LED Smart Lites and Pool Ladder Protective Liner (Sold...

The Main Access Heavy-Duty Adjustable Above Ground Swimming Pool Smart Step and Ladder is the perfect way to make your pool accessible for kids, adults, and seniors. The 4-step design allows you a comfortable transition into the water with 24 inches of space per step on both sides.

Thanks to its swing up/lift-and-lock feature that provides an extra safety measure when entering or exiting the pool area – everyone will have easy access at all times without worrying about their footing.

This heavy-duty ladder system can be easily connected to your pool deck by removing the outside body and mounting it onto a platform. This will then create an easy transition from your deck to the pool for more safety.

What Real World Users Say…

“Love it! Very sturdy pool ladder.”

“Great product! Some of the pieces are difficult to get together but once they’re fitted we were very happy. The steps and stairs came in two different packages a day apart so at first, we thought we were missing pieces since my order said delivered. The ladder portion showed up the next day.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Intex Pool Ladders

What is the weight limit on Intex pool ladders?

Depending on the type of pool ladder you’ve purchased, the weight limit should be indicated in the box of the product. Typically, ladders for Intex pools can support up to 300 pounds of weight.

How do you make an above ground pool ladder sturdy?

Well, the best way to do this is by getting a durable pool ladder in the first place. Metal and resin ladders are some of the most durable pool ladders that are available today.

How long do ladders for Intex pools last?

The price of pool ladders is a big factor in their durability, as the more expensive ones can last up to 4-5 seasons. However, if you are rough with your Intex pool ladder and it’s not an especially costly one then it might last less than that time span.

Pumps For Intex Pools – Upgrade & Buying Guide Reviews for 2023

Whether you are planning to install a new Intex above-ground pool or you’re looking to upgrade your current Intex pool pump, we’re here to help pool owners choose between the best pumps for Intex pools that are available today.

There is a vast array of pump and filter types for intex pools, so our aim here is to simplify your decision making process by giving you the right information you need to keep your pool up and running all summer long.

A good filter is nothing without the right pool pump supporting it, and not getting the right pool pump may hinder the quality of your swimming pool experience. For this reason, we’ve come up with the 5 best pumps for Intex Pools to help navigate your decision making.

Are you dissatisfied with the pool pump that came along with your Intex pool set? Or maybe you’ve encountered a problem with your Intex pool pump. And instead of spending money on repair, you’ve decided to do get an Intex pool pump upgrade.

Pumps For Intex Pools Roundup

Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Pumps

First on our list, we must cover the Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter pumps. This is Intex’s most basic pump & filter combination. It comes with many of the smaller Intex pool sets. There are a few different variations of this pump & filter combination, mostly centered around the GPH rating of the pump.

These pumps are very easy to setup and get running. Hookups are simple and instructions are straightforward. They are not recommended to be running for more than 8 hours per day.

It uses a Type B filter cartridge that needs to be changed or replaced every two weeks. Intex highly recommends this pool pump for pool owners who has an above ground pool up to 24 feet in diameter.

Intex cartridge filter pumps come with a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

The Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump has the following models in the lineup:

For Small Easy Set Pools
INTEX 28601EG C330 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 330 GPH Pump Flow Rate
For Larger Easy Set Pools
INTEX 28637EG C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools:1000 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation– Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX 28635EG C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools:1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate –Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation –Improved Water Clarity –Easy-to-Clean
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX 28633EG C2500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 2500 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation- Improved Water Clarity- Easy to Clean
350 GPH
1000 GPH
1500 GPH
2500 GPH
$53.68
$57.98
$76.34
$127.59
For Small Easy Set Pools
INTEX 28601EG C330 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 330 GPH Pump Flow Rate
350 GPH
$53.68
For Larger Easy Set Pools
INTEX 28637EG C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools:1000 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation– Improved Water Clarity – Easy-to-Clean
1000 GPH
$57.98
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX 28635EG C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools:1500 GPH Pump Flow Rate –Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation –Improved Water Clarity –Easy-to-Clean
1500 GPH
$76.34
For Metal Frame Pools
INTEX 28633EG C2500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools: 2500 GPH Pump Flow Rate – Improved Circulation and Filtration – Easy Installation- Improved Water Clarity- Easy to Clean
2500 GPH
$127.59
ModelPump Flow RateSystem Flow RateMax. Pool Size
673R1,000 GPH750 GPH6,000 gallons
635T1,500 GPH1,180 GPH9,400 gallons
633T2,500 GPH1,900 GPH15,200 gallons

Pros and Cons

Simple and reliable construction

Quiet operation

Uses replaceable filter cartridges

Easy installation instructions

Filter requires regular maintenance and cleaning

Filter replacement cost of around $5 every two weeks can add up

Not powerful enough to operate the pool vacuum

Not compatible with a skimmer basket

What Real World Users Say…

“Best decision I ever made with my pool was to upgrade to a sand filter so much easier and less to worry about. I changed cartridges and I couldn’t stop it from leaking so I upgraded”

“I changed our cartridge ever 2 weeks and then every week in the very hot summer. I did run the pump for about 15 hours a day. Our water stayed clear”

“It’s been ok but the filter cartridges were so expensive and hard to find last summer. Definitely more work cleaning the filters in very warm weather.”

Pick This One If:

Budget:

This is the most affordable pump available.

You have a small pool:

This pump is fine for the smaller Easy Set pools

Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pumps

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump Series is our recommendation for those looking to upgrade their pump for their Intex pool.

It comes in four different tank sizes that cater to different pool sizes.

INTEX 26643EG SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 10in
INTEX 26645EG SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 12in
INTEX 26647EG SX2800 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 14in
INTEX 26651EG SX3000 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 16in, Light gray
1050 GPH
1600 GPH
2150 GPH
2450 GPH
$169.99
$244.39
$242.95
$270.88
INTEX 26643EG SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 10in
1050 GPH
$169.99
INTEX 26645EG SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 12in
1600 GPH
$244.39
INTEX 26647EG SX2800 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 14in
2150 GPH
$242.95
INTEX 26651EG SX3000 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 16in, Light gray
2450 GPH
$270.88
Tank SizePump Flow RateSystem Flow RateMax. Pool Size
10 inches1,200 GPH1,050 GPH8,400 gallons
12 inches2,100 GPH2,150 GPH12,800 gallons
14 inches2,800 GPH2,150 GPH17,200 gallons
16 inches3,000 GPH2,450 GPH19,600 gallons

The sand filter pumps utilize sand as a filter material rather than the replaceable cartridges. This system is almost universally used in in-ground and commercial pools.

Lately, manufacturing and technology changes has lowered the cost of sand filters to where they are now reasonable choices for above-ground pool owners.

You can see the basics of how the sand filter works in the diagram.

pumps for intex pools

The sand filter pump is equipped with Hydro Aeration Technology, that’s unique to Intex pool pumps. Its benefits include improved circulation and filtration, better water clarity, and increased negative ions at the surface of your pool water.

You can choose between six different functions when you operate this pool pump.

  • Filter
  • Backwash
  • Rinse
  • Re-circulate
  • Drain
  • Close
pumps for intex pools

This sand filter pool pump needs 120 lbs. of sand to work efficiently and is recommended for above ground pools up to 19,600 gallons in size. The best thing about selecting this pool pump is you only have to replace the sand in your filter system every five years.

The filter pump system is also very easy to set up and use since it comes with a built-in automatic timer and 6-function control (filter, backwash, re-circulate, drain, rinse, and close system).

This product comes with a 2 years limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros and Cons

Sand filter medium provides better water quality and lower maintenance

Electricity costs may be lower due to less run time needed due to higher GPH rating

Powerful enough to operate the Intex pool vacuum

Can be used to drain the pool at the end of the season

Built in skimmer basket helps filter larger debris

Costs a little more to purchase

Has a few more settings to learn

What Real World Users Say…

“Sand filters are much better ours was $150 and totally worth it – sand filters work 10 times better and you don’t have to buy any disposable filters for it”

“Consider if you are going to run a skimmer or the Intex robot vacuum. I found anything less than 1500GPH was useless”

Pick This One If:

Bigger Pools:

If you have one of those bigger Intex pools, then this powerful pool pump should work well for you.

Less Maintenance:

This Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is perfect for pool owners who are too busy to change the cartridge filters of their pool pumps.

Pool Pump Basics – First Things First

The purpose of running the pool pump is to get the water circulating through the pool, which means getting all of the water through the filter.  Many times you will hear pump and it means pump and filter, however, the pump and the filter are two distinctly different things.  Pumps circulate the water and push the water through the FILTER, the filter is what cleans the water

What is Flow Rate?

Pump Flow Rate is how many gallons of water your pump moves per hour or minute.  The measure is GPH which is short for GALLONS PER HOUR; this is how many gallons of water is filtered through your pump per hour.  The GPH is stated on the pool pump & manual.  Often it may be GPM or GALLONS PER MINUTE. 

If you are trying to calculate and need to convert GPM to GPH or GPH to GPM, divide the GPH by 60 or multiply the GPM by 60 (because there are 60 minutes in an hour). 

GPM x 60 = GPH GALLONS PER HOUR

GPH/60 = GPM GALLONS PER MINUTE

What is Turnover Rate?

Turnover rate is the basis for a clean pool.  If your turnover rate is too low, water is not being sanitized; and while turnover rate and flow rate sound the same, they are very different.  Pumps have FLOW RATES, TURNOVER RATES apply to the pool water.

Turnover Rate is the time it takes for all of the water in the pool to circulate through the pump/filter.  The turnover rate is measured in hours; how many hours it takes.  If you have a large pump and all of the water goes through the pump/filter twice a day, the turnover rate would be 12.  If you have a smaller pump and the water goes through the pump/filter once a day, the turnover rate would be 24.

Pool Size Matters!

Yes, size does matter! In fact, it is one of the biggest factors when choosing the right Intex pool pump.

Usually, the pump that came with your pool has the minimum flow rate needed for your pool. Of course the manufacturers do this to keep the cost of the pool kit affordable. Therefore when upgrading your Intex pool pump – always buy a pump with a higher flow rate than the pump that it came with.

Find how many gallons your swimming pool contains – check our article on pool sizes here where we have a gallons chart – and buy a pool pump that can cycle all your pool’s water volume at least once per day, better if it can do it twice or three times per day.

How To Choose The Best Pump For Intex Pools

When it comes to selecting the right pool pump for your Intex pool, we focus on these three factors:

Speed of the pool pump

The speed of your chosen pool pump determines how long it will take to cycle the water in your pool.

Pool pumps vary in speed, there are single speed, dual speed, and variable speed pumps. Since we’re looking for the best pool pump for Intex pools, then we highly suggest going with a variable speed pool pump. This type of pool pump offers more efficiency but consumes less energy than single-speed or dual-speed pumps.

This feature is measured in gallon per hour (GPH), the higher the GPH, the faster the pump is.

Type of filtration (Sand vs Cartridge Filter)

The filter type of your Intex pool pump is vital when selecting which pump to use on your pool. Sand filters are great for those who don’t like to do much maintenance on their pool pumps. Once you put new sand in your filter system, it might take 5 years before you need to replace it again.

The main drawbacks of choosing sand filters are they tend to be bulky and may not be that efficient in filtering debris compared to cartridge filters.

Cartridge filters can catch smaller particles better as small as 10 to 15 microns. However, since it catches more dirt and debris than sand filters, cartridge filters need to be replaced often. Depending on how frequently you use your swimming pool, you may have to replace the cartridge every two weeks.

Additional Considerations

  • Some pumps come with automatic 24-hour timers that you can set for 2,4,6,8, or 12 hours
  • If you use the Intex pool vacuum, then you may need a more powerful pump

Upgrading your Intex Pool Pump

The most common “upgrade” for Intex pools is switching from the small cartridge filter that came with your pool to a more powerful and feature laden sand filter pump. More details are below.

The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump and Saltwater System

When considering upgrading your intex pool pump, you may also consider changing your pool from a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool.

Intex offers their saltwater system as an add-on for an existing pump setup. You will need one of the sand filters though to run the saltwater system. Changing your pool to a saltwater system has a few really nice advantages:

  • No more chemicals to deal with
  • No faded swimsuits due to chlorine
  • Less irritating to eyes than chlorine
  • No hair discoloration from the chlorine

Benefits Of Upgrading Your Pool Pump

Having the right pool pump for your above ground pools can give you the following benefits:

  • Better circulation of your pool water
  • Improved filtration system for a cleaner and clearer swimming pool
  • Less time required to maintain your pool

When upgrading your pool pump, you should look at it as an investment since you’ll want to use this pool pump for a long time.

Tips For Your Intex Pool Pump Upgrade

Most of the products we mentioned can be used right away with your Intex pool pump’s hoses. So you just have to remove your old pool pump and put the brand new one in its place.

  • Your pool pump must be installed on a solid level and vibration-free base. It should be protected from the weather, rain, and freezing temperatures.
  • You should find a good location for your pump where there is adequate access, space, and lighting for routine maintenance.
  • Your pump motor requires a free circulation of air for cooling.
  • Never put pool chemicals directly into the filter pump. This may damage the pump and void the warranty.
  • Replace your filter cartridges when there’s already too much debris on it.
  • For pumps with sand filters, you should get the No.20 silica sand for a better and more efficient filtration system.

How Long Should You Run Your Pool Pump Each Day?

You might think that the hours per day your pump runs is a number everyone should know and is the same, unfortunately for Intex pool owners, it is not.  Standards for Above Ground pools are very new and each location is different.  The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) have developed standards American National Standard for Above ground/On ground Residential Swimming Pools which states the following 

11.1.2 Turnover. The equipment shall be sized to provide turnover of the pool water at least once every 12 hours.  The system shall be designed to give the proper turnover rate based on the manufacturer’s specified maximum flow rate of the filter, in clean media condition of the filter.

Simply stated, your goal should be to have all of your pool water go through the pump and filter twice a day or once every 12 hours.  12 is a standard, a good starting point to calculate how many hours you need to run the pump.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intex Pool Pumps

Where can I buy Intex pool pumps?

The best place to buy Intex pool pumps is Amazon, where you have access to various pool pumps available today. You can also read verified customer reviews before ordering your pool pump so you know what to expect and if you should push through with your purchase.

How much does it cost to run an Intex pool pump?

The cost of running an Intex pool pump differs based on several factors such as your pool usage and where you are located.

For those who have 1 HP pool pump running 8 hours per day, the monthly energy cost for running your pump may range from $25 to $40.

How long do pumps for Intex pools last?

The Intex cartridge filter pumps will usually last between 2-4 years, sometimes longer. The sand filter pumps are built more robust and should last between 6-8 years.

Will an Intex Pool Pump work with other brand pools?

Yes, the Intex pool pumps will work with other brands of temporary above ground pools such as Bestway, Summer Waves, and Coleman. Just make sure to choose the correct inlet size for your pool.

How do you maintain your pool pump?

The first thing you should do is ensure there are no leaks on your pool pump. Everything should be tightened properly.
Avoid placing your pool pump near trees or plants for better air circulation.
Check your pool pump’s O-rings regularly to make sure they’re in good condition.

Intex Pool Accessories – Everything you might need for your new Intex pool

So you just purchased your Intex pool or you are considering it. Congrats, your family will be super excited to enjoy all of the fun it will provide this summer!

You may be wondering “what else do I need for the pool?” There is certainly no shortage of Intex Pool Accessories for maintenance and cleaning, family fun, and even things that can prolong the life of your pool.

We’ve put together this huge guide about Intex pool accessories to help you figure out what you might need to get the most out of your pool. These include above ground pool vacuums, pool chemicals, testing kits, and pumps to fit the varying sizes of each Intex pool set.

Intex pool accessories to clean your swimming pool

Cleaning your Intex pool is a critical part of pool ownership. Pools are fun, but keeping them clean can be a real chore. Here are some of the products that we’ve found that make cleaning your Intex pool easier.

Pool Vacuums for your Intex pool

In addition to regular cleaning of your Intex pool, you will also need to vacuum the pool regularly. Dirt and other debris settle on the bottom of your swimming pool making a pool vacuum a necessary pool accessory to clean your pool liner. Here are some great pool vacuums for Intex pools. For even more information check out our best vacuums for Intex pools article!

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