How much does a pool filter cost to install or replace?
How much does a pool filter cost to install or replace?
$200 – $1,500 average pool filter cost (unit only)
$250 – $1,700 average total cost to replace (filter & installation)
$50 – $350 average cost to replace sand in pool filter (100 to 600 lbs.)
Pool filter cost
The cost to replace a pool filter system is $250 to $1,700 on average for the unit and labor. Pool filter prices are $200 to $1,500 for the unit alone, depending on if it's a sand, cartridge, or DE filter. Replacing the sand in a pool filter costs $50 to $350.
| Pool type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Above-ground pool | $250 – $1,300 |
| In-ground pool | $300 – $1,700 |
| Saltwater pool | $500 – $1,700 |
Average pool filter replacement cost
The following table shows the average cost to replace a pool filter system.
| National Average Cost | $950 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $80 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,500 |
| Average Range | $250 to $1,700 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
New swimming pool filter prices by type
A pool filter system costs $200 to $1,500 for a sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth (DE) unit, not including installation. Sand filters are the cheapest but only filter out the largest debris particles. DE filters are the most expensive and quickly filter out the smallest particles.
| Filter type | Average unit price* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sand filter | $200 – $800 |
|
| Cartridge filter | $200 – $1,000 |
|
| Diatomaceous earth (DE) | $500 – $1,100 |
|
| Glass filter | $500 – $1,500 |
|
| Pocket filter | $20 – $80 |
|
*Not including installation.
Pool sand filter cost
A sand filter for a pool costs $250 to $1,000 installed. Pool water filters through a bed of sand, which traps debris as small as 20 to 40 microns. Sand filters require backwashing every few weeks and sand replacement every 2 to 5 years.
Cost of cartridge pool filters
A pool cartridge filter costs $250 to $1,200 installed. Water passes through the filter element where fabric traps particles from 10 to 15 microns in size. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing. Clean with a hose every few weeks and replace the cartridges every 2 to 3 years.
Diatomaceous earth pool filter cost
A diatomaceous earth (DE) pool filter costs $550 to $1,300, installed. DE powder is the fossilized remains of a diatom, an alga with silica cell walls. The powder attaches to the filter grid, creating a cake that helps filter out fine particles as small as 5 microns.
Pocket pool filter cost
A pocket pool filter, or filter bag, costs $20 to $80 on average. The bag works with the pool’s primary filtration system to add another layer of filtration. Pocket filters are often attached to a pool vacuum or the return line on the pool to pre-filter the smaller particles.
Glass pool filter cost
A glass pool filter costs $550 to $1,700 installed and uses the same equipment as a sand filter but with 100% recycled glass media instead of sand. Glass filters smaller particles to 5 microns, lasts 2 to 3 times longer than sand, and floats easily for faster backwash cleaning.
Cost to replace a pool filter system
Replacing a pool filter system costs $250 to $1,700, including installation labor. Installing an identical filter system reduces labor costs since no pipe modifications are required. Hiring a licensed plumber to install the filter costs more than a pool technician.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New pool filter | $200 – $1,500 |
| Installation labor | $50 – $200 |
| Total cost to replace | $250 – $1,700 |
Labor cost to install a pool filter
Pool technicians charge $35 to $60 per hour to install a pool filter. The total project takes 1 to 3 hours. Other factors also affect the installation cost, including:
Labor & installation
Hiring an electrician costs $40 to $100 per hour for rewiring or adding outlets.
Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour to modify the pipes and connectors to fit the new filter pump.
Filter type and size
Sand filters are the cheapest pool filter option.
Cartridge filters are more costly to install but are more effective and cause less wear and tear on pool equipment with no backwashing required.
DE filters are the most expensive but provide the cleanest water.
Above-ground pool filters are smaller and cheaper than in-ground pool filters that must filter a larger volume of water.
Replacement parts
Filter cartridges cost $50 to $100 on average and need replacing every 2 to 3 years.
Gaskets, clamps, valves, and O-rings part prices average $0.99 to $21.00 per part.
Pool maintenance – Routine pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month for weekly or bi-weekly cleaning service, which includes periodic backwashing for sand and DE filters.
Pool repairs – Pool equipment repairs cost $400 to $1,000 on average.
Pool liner – Adding a pool liner costs $2,000 to $5,000 for an above-ground pool or $3,000 to $7,500 for an inground pool to refresh the appearance and prevent leaks.
Warranty – Filter warranties range from 90 days to 3 years, depending on the manufacturer.
New pool installation – A new inground pool costs $25,000 to $100,000 on average installed, while a new above-ground pool costs $1,850 to $5,000. Pool installation packages typically include a filtration system.
Cost to replace sand in pool filter
Replacing sand in a pool filter costs $50 to $350, depending on the amount of sand needed for the filter size. Pool sand lasts 2 to 3 years in warm climates with year-round swimming or 5+ years when the pool is closed for fall and winter.
Replace pool filter and pump
Pool pump replacement costs $300 to $1,600 on average for labor and the unit, depending on whether installing the same pump size and model or a different pump size requires electrical and plumbing modifications. The pump type, size, and brand also affect the total project cost.
Pool filter prices by brand
Pool filter prices start as low as $200 to $350 for an above-ground pool filter made by Intex. Filters from other popular brands like Pentair and Hayward cost $350 to $1,500 for above-ground and in-ground pools of all sizes.
| Brand | Average price* |
|---|---|
| Intex pool filter | $200 – $350 |
| Pentair pool filter | $400 – $1,500 |
| Hayward pool filter | $350 – $1,250 |
*Not including installation.
Pool filter size chart
Pool filters cost $100 to $1,600, depending on the filter size or gallons per minute (GPM) they filter. Choose a filter that matches or exceeds the pool pump’s flow rate and turns over the pool water completely at least once per day, ideally in 6 to 10 hours.
| Filter size (GPM) | Average unit price* |
|---|---|
| 25 | $100 – $400 |
| 50 | $250 – $600 |
| 75 | $350 – $800 |
| 100 | $500 – $1,150 |
| 125 | $500 – $1,300 |
| 150 | $500 – $1,600 |
*Not including installation.
Warning: Never use a filter that is too small for the pump. An undersized filter is ineffective and damages the pool pump. An oversized filter is safe to use, filters better, and extends the time between cleanings.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pool filter?
A pool filter catches dirt, debris, bugs, and floating particles in the pool to keep the water clear. The pump pulls water from the pool to the filter for cleaning, then the filtered water flows back to the pool through the return jets on the wall.
How long does a pool filter last?
A pool filter cartridge lasts for 2,000 hours or 2 to 3 years of regular use. Follow these steps to extend the filter's lifespan:
Shower before swimming to rinse off lotions, deodorants, and other chemicals that clog the filter.
Clean the skimmer baskets often.
Rinse the filter often.
When do you have to replace a pool filter?
Replace your pool filter when it no longer filters properly, has exceeded its expected life span, or it is damaged. Cloudy water, leaking valves, and high-pressure readings indicate the filter is no longer working.
Which type of filter system will remove the smallest particles?
A diatomaceous earth (DE) filter removes the smallest particles, from 3 to 5 microns in size. A cartridge filter traps 10 to 20 microns, and a sand filter traps 20 to 30 microns.
How often does a pool filter need to be backwashed?
Backwash a pool filter once a week or at the regularly scheduled maintenance visit. Backwashing reverses the water flow through the sand or DE filter to remove debris in the filter. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing. Other times the filter needs to be backwashed include:
When pressure reads 10 PSI above normal
When the water flow is low
When the water is cloudy
After a heavy rain or lots of debris has fallen in the pool
If the DE filter has been running non-stop for 48 hours or more
Getting quotes for pool filter installation
When requesting estimates for pool repair service near you, be sure to:
Look for a pool contractor that has been in business for more than five years.
Choose licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates with similar equipment to compare.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty information in writing.
Never pay in full before the installation is complete.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have with pool filter replacements?
Do you replace the filter with the same make and model?
Which filter type do you recommend and why?
What filter size do I need for my pool?
How long will the replacement take?
Do I need to be home for the installation?
What maintenance will the new filter require?
Do you service pools and equipment?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?