Are you thinking about installing a pool at your place? Of course, keeping your pool clean and healthy for the family to enjoy will be your top priority. A pool filter is considered the heart of a pool’s circulation system and the most essential piece of equipment to keep a pool clean.

So when planning your pool installation, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of maintaining your pool, including the cost of the filter. But how much do pool filters cost?

This guide will look closely at what makes some filters more expensive than others and delve into the costs of two popular filter types: sand filters and cartridge filters.

Understanding the costs involved in installing a pool filter will help you make an informed decision to choose the right filter to fit your budget.

What Makes Some Filters More Expensive?

When trying to work out how much do pool filters cost, several factors determine the pricing.

  • Filter size. Larger filters typically cost more than smaller ones, as they are designed to handle a greater volume of water.
  • Filter brand. Some brands have a reputation for producing high-quality filters, which may come with a higher price tag.
  • Installation. If you hire a professional to install your filter, the cost of labour will add to the overall cost of the filter.

Other essential factors impact the cost of filters.

Filter Type

Sand filters are generally less expensive than cartridge filters for a few reasons.

  1. The materials used to make sand filters are typically less expensive than those used for cartridge filters.
  2. Sand filters require less maintenance. Cartridge filters need replacing more often than the sand in sand filters.
  3. While they are more durable and can handle larger debris, sand filters are less efficient than cartridge filters. The sand can become clogged with debris and needs backwashing more often, which can cause a decrease in efficiency. Additionally, sand filters do not filter out small particles and contaminants as effectively as cartridge filters.

Pool Type

The type of pool you have will determine the price of the filter you need.

  1. Above-ground pools are generally smaller and less complex than in-ground pools, so the filters used for these pools are typically smaller and less expensive.
  2. In-ground pools are typically larger and more complex than above-ground pools, so their filters are usually larger and more expensive.
  3. Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator which converts salt into chlorine to sanitise the water. These pools may require specialised filters or additional parts to maintain the water chemistry balance, making them more expensive than traditional filters.

Filter Features and Additional Parts

Some filters come with additional features that can add to their cost. For example, a filter with a built-in backwash system may be more expensive than a filter without one.

Some filters require additional parts, which can also add to their overall cost. These include

  • Valves
  • Hoses
  • Connectors

Ultimately, the price of a pool filter will depend on a combination of all these factors. It’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget when deciding which filter to purchase.

What Is the Cost of a Sand Filter?

A sand filter is a pool filtration system that uses a layer of sand to filter debris from the pool water. Sand filters are known for their durability and low maintenance costs, making them a popular choice for pool owners.

How much do pool sand filters cost? The price of a sand filter varies depending on factors such as the pool size, filter model, and brand. A sand filter can range from $400 to $1,500 or more.

In addition to the cost of the filter itself, you need to consider maintenance and labour costs. Installation costs can range from $500 to $1,200 or more, depending on the specific details of your project.

Maintenance costs typically involve replacing the sand every seven to ten years. Depending on your filter size and sand media type, these costs vary between $100 to $600 or more.

At Hy-Clor, we recommend our Zeo-Clor product as the best choice for replacing the sand in your sand filter. It’s an all-natural, environmentally safe sand filter media that works in all sand filters. Zeo-Clor provides superior water clarity as it filters finer than regular filter sand.

When installing a pool sand filter based on the size of your pool, here are some rough estimates for the cost:

Small Pool – 20,000 to 30,000 litres.

  • A basic pool sand filter, can cost between $400 to $1,200.
  • Labour costs for installation can range from $300 to $650.

Medium Pool – 30,000 to 60,000 litres.

  • Filter: Between $1,000 to $1,500.
  • Labour costs: From $300 to $650.

Large Pool – over 60,000 litres.

  • Filter: Between $1,500 to $2,000.
  • Labour costs: From $300 to $650.

Our Hy-Clor pool sand filters come in either a 19-inch or 24-inch size. They are ideal for small to large domestic swimming pools, chlorine or salt water, above ground or inground. For price details, please fill out our online enquiry form.

It’s important to note that the above figures are just estimates. The actual cost will depend on your project’s specific details. We recommend getting quotes from multiple contractors to get an accurate price for your project.

What Is the Cost of a Cartridge Filter?

A cartridge filter is a pool filtration system that uses a pleated, cylindrical cartridge made of polyester or other materials to filter debris from the pool water. Cartridge filters are known for their low maintenance requirements and high efficiency, making them another popular choice for pool owners.

How much do cartridge filters cost? The price of a cartridge filter varies depending on factors such as the pool size, filter model, and brand. A cartridge filter can range from $400 to $1,500 or more.

In addition to the cost of the filter itself, you need to consider maintenance and labour costs. Installation costs can range from $500 to $1,200 or more, depending on the specific details of your project.

Maintenance costs typically involve replacing the cartridge element every two to three years. Depending on your filter size and the cartridge’s quality, these costs vary between $100 to $450 or more.

When installing a pool cartridge filter based on the size of your pool, here are some rough estimates for the cost:

Small Pool – 20,000 to 30,000 litres.

  • A basic pool cartridge filter, cost between $400 to $1,000.
  • Labour costs for installation can range from $300 to $650.

Medium Pool – 30,000 to 60,000 litres.

  • Filter: Between $1,000 to $1,500.
  • Labour costs: From $300 to $650.

Large Pool – over 60,000 litres.

  • Filter: Between $1,500 to $2,000.
  • Labour costs: From $300 to $650.

We recommend our Hy-Clor CF50, CF75, or CF100 cartridge filters. They are ideal for small to large-sized residential in-ground and above-ground chlorine or saltwater pools. For price details, please fill out our online enquiry form.

As with sand filters, the above figures are estimates. We recommend getting quotes from multiple contractors to get an accurate price for your project.

Pay the Right Price for Pool Filters

As discussed in this guide, the cost of a pool filter varies depending on the filter type, the pool size, and any additional features or upgrades included in your project. Sand and cartridge filters are two of the most popular pool filters, and both have advantages.

Keeping your pool water clean and safe requires choosing the right filter. Wondering how much do pool filters cost? We’re here to help. Our team of experts at Hy-Clor will help you discover which high-rate pool filter will provide the perfect filtration for your pool at the best price.

For more information, get in touch with us today via our online enquiry form. Alternatively, please call us on 1800 625 123 if you’re in Australia or (09) 973 2477 if you’re in New Zealand. We encourage our customers to visit their nearest Bunnings Warehouse to see the full range of HyClor products.