Top Pool Filter Brands for Crystal Clear Waters

Choosing the right pool filter is essential for maintaining pristine, crystal-clear water in your swimming pool, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable swimming environment. With so many brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one best suits your needs and offers the reliability and performance you expect. Some brands have consistently stood out for their durability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. In the following sections, we will explore the top choices for pool filter brands, highlighting what makes each one a trusted name in pool care. Join us below as we take a closer look at these standout options and what they offer.

Illustration of pool filters

Best brands of pool filters in 2025

Hayward

Hayward is a leading brand in the pool filters market, renowned for its industry-leading cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters that offer dependable all-weather performance and simple maintenance. The company holds a significant market share, with 14% of its net sales attributed to filters, and it is the #1 brand in the highly attractive pool market, driven by demographic and secular trends supporting outdoor living. Hayward's products are favored for their energy efficiency, smart technologies, and eco-friendly features, with a strong presence in North America and a growing influence in Europe and other regions. The company has a large installed base and a robust distribution network, including over 7,000 dealer loyalty program members and more than 1,700 authorized service centers. Hayward's commitment to innovation is evident in its significant investment in research and development, with over $20 million spent annually and more than 350 active patents. Discover more about their pool filters and products.

Pentair

Pentair is a leading producer of pool filters, known for its high-quality and sustainable water solutions. The company reported strong first quarter 2024 results, with net sales of $1.017 billion and an adjusted EPS of $0.94, indicating solid financial performance. Pentair holds a significant market share of 6.24% in the Industrial Machinery and Components industry as of Q3 2024. Their pool filters, such as the Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filters, are highly regarded for their large filter area and ease of maintenance. With a global presence in over 150 countries and approximately 10,500 employees, Pentair is a trusted name in the pool equipment market. For detailed guidance on cleaning and maintaining your pool filters, visit their educational resource.

Intex

Intex is a prominent player in the pool filters market, known for its high-quality and innovative filtration solutions. The company competes strongly against other major brands like Pentair and Hayward, with a focus on product quality, technological innovation, and brand reputation. In the global pool filters market, Intex benefits from the increasing demand for residential and commercial swimming pools, driven by growing awareness about water hygiene and technological advancements in filtration systems. The market is expected to witness significant growth, with the global pool filters market anticipated to expand due to factors such as urbanization and the rise of the hospitality industry. Intex's products, including various types of filters like cartridge and sand filters, cater to different pool sizes and consumer preferences, contributing to the company's strong market presence.

Zodiac

Zodiac Pool Systems is a leading manufacturer in the pool filters market, known for its high-quality and innovative filtration solutions. The company competes strongly based on product quality, technological innovation, and brand reputation, particularly in regions like North America and Europe where stringent water quality regulations are in place. Zodiac's products cater to various pool types, including residential, commercial, and public pools, and the company is part of the broader trend towards energy-efficient and smart filtration systems. As part of the competitive landscape, Zodiac Pool Systems, along with other key players like Pentair and Hayward, drives market growth through continuous research and development, aiming to introduce products that offer improved efficiency and compatibility with smart home systems.

Waterway

Waterway, a renowned brand in the pool equipment industry, is highly regarded for its high-quality pool filters, which are integral to maintaining clean and safe swimming pools. The global swimming pool equipment market, including pool filters, is expected to reach $18.9 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2022 to 2031, with filters being a top equipment type segment. Waterway's products, such as cartridge pool filters, are favored for their efficiency and durability, catering to both residential and commercial pools. The brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a leader in the market, particularly in regions like North America and Europe. With the rising demand for pool equipment due to aging infrastructure, Waterway is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Sta-Rite

Sta-Rite is a prominent brand in the pool filters market, known for its high-quality and reliable products. As part of the global pool filters market, Sta-Rite competes alongside other major players like Hayward, Pentair, and Pleatco. The brand offers a range of filter types, including sand, cartridge, and DE filters, catering to both commercial and residential pool needs. Sta-Rite's products are recognized for their durability and efficiency, contributing significantly to the market's growth. The global pool filters market, which includes Sta-Rite, is anticipated to witness a notable CAGR during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

Jandy

Jandy is renowned as one of the top producers of pool filters, known for its high-efficiency and reliable products. With a reliability rating of 60% from consumer reviews, Jandy outshines its competitors in terms of consistency and performance. Their pool filters, such as the CV, CL, and CS Cartridge Filters, offer superior water clarity and extended cleaning cycles, making them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial pools. Jandy's products also feature advanced technologies like the SoundShield^™ for quiet operation and heat-reversing tech in their VersaTemp Heat/Chill Pump, enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. In the competitive pool equipment market, Jandy holds a significant 25% market share in residential pool pumps. Find more information about their pool filters.

Blue Wave

Blue Wave is a prominent brand in the pool filter market, recognized for its high-quality products that cater to various swimming pool needs. As a key player, Blue Wave competes alongside major brands like Hayward Pool, Pentair, and AstralPool, contributing to the global sand filters market which is expected to grow significantly by 2030. The brand's products are integral to maintaining optimal pool hygiene and efficiency, with applications in drinking water production, swimming pool cleaning, and groundwater treatment. Blue Wave's presence in the market highlights the industry's focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, driving market growth with a projected CAGR in the swimming pool accessories sector. The brand's commitment to quality and reliability makes it a preferred choice among pool owners.

Swimline

Swimline is a renowned brand in the pool equipment industry, particularly noted for its high-quality pool filters and maintenance products. Their filters are designed to ensure optimal water clarity and longevity, with features such as the use of #20 silica sand, which is specifically designed for pool filters to avoid impurities. The brand's sand filter systems include advanced components like the hair and lint trap to protect the motor and extend the filter's life. Swimline's products are user-friendly, with detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips available, highlighting their commitment to customer satisfaction. For instance, their filter systems can be controlled by external switches, such as timers or remotes, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Carvin

Carvin is a notable player in the global swimming pool market, particularly recognized for its high-quality pool filters. As part of the highly fragmented pool industry, Carvin stands out among other major players like Val-Pak Products, Intex Recreation, and Hayward Pool Products. The company operates in a market that is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 3% from 2024 to 2029, with North America holding the largest market share in 2024. Carvin's products are part of the broader pool equipment segment, which includes filters, pumps, and other essential components for pool maintenance. The company's contribution to the industry is significant, especially in the context of increasing residential construction projects driving market growth.