How Much Does a Pool Filter Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A clean pool is essential for maintaining safe swimming conditions. On average, homeowners spend between $250 and $2,000 on pool filter costs, with an average price of $1,125. Depending on factors like labor costs, pool size, and filter quality, expenses can range from as low as $300 to as high as $2,800. Since most pools require periodic filter replacement, it’s important to plan ahead and budget appropriately.

Pool Filter Cost Factors

A handful of variables can move your pool filter price up or down. Let’s break down the big ones so you know what to expect.

Materials

The filter itself costs $250 to $2,000, but pocket filters start at $30 if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Cartridge models sit near the low end, while high-performance DE units land at the top of the range.

Pool Type

Your pool type drives the filter you need—and what you’ll pay. A saltwater setup, for example, calls for a filter built to handle the saline environment, while a simple above-ground pool can get by with a standard cartridge model. Match the filter to the pool now to avoid headaches later.

Above Ground

Expect to pay $250 to $1,100 for an above-ground pool filter. Many kits bundle a pump and either a sand or cartridge filter, so you may already have what you need right out of the box.

In-Ground

In-ground pool filters run $250 to $2,000. You’ll have plenty of choices here: sand models are budget-friendly but less efficient, whereas top-tier DE filters cost more up front yet deliver the best performance and longest life.

Saltwater

Saltwater pool filters are in the same $250 to $2,000 range, but double-check the label to be sure the model can withstand salt. You can still pick sand, cartridge, or DE—just remember that sand is the cheapest and shortest-lived, while a solid DE unit can keep cranking for a decade.

Labor Costs

Plan to spend $110 to $140 on labor when you swap out a filter. Hourly rates vary by pro: 

• Plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour.

• Electricians cost $40 to $100 per hour.

• Pool technicians fall between $75 and $100 per hour.

Cost by Filter Type

A replacement filter alone costs $30 to $2,000, occasionally with a pump tossed in. Your pool’s size and setup dictate what you need. Keep an eye on the micron rating, too—the lower the number, the cleaner your water.

Pocket

Pocket, or bag, filters are an add-on that boosts your existing system for just $30 to $100. They catch 15- to 20-micron debris—a quick, budget-friendly upgrade.

Sand

Sand filters average $750 and use #20 silica sand to snag debris around 20 microns. They’re not the most efficient option, but they do a solid job on larger particles.

Cartridge

Cartridge filters cost $900, catching 10- to 15-micron debris. They’re greener than sand because they skip the weekly backwash. Cleaning takes some elbow grease, so many homeowners hire a local pool service for the task.

Glass

$1,000 lands you an average glass filter, which nabs particles down to 9 microns—more efficient than sand or cartridge and cheaper than DE, making it a solid middle-ground choice.

Diatomaceous Earth

A DE filter averages $1,260 and captures specks as tiny as 3 microns—the gold standard. The natural DE media lasts a long time and can shorten pump run times, trimming your energy bill.

Additional Pool Maintenance Tasks

Swapping a filter is the perfect time to tackle other pool maintenance chores—think skimmer upgrades or a new pump, which can nudge the final bill higher. Below are a few add-ons your pool pro can roll into the same visit.

Pool Filter Cleaning

A quick filter rinse costs $60 to $65, while a deep scrub can cost $125. To keep things running smoothly, schedule a pool filter cleaning every three to six months.

Ongoing Pool Service

Many homeowners fold filter upkeep into a broader pool-service package. An annual pool maintenance contract averages $1,800 and often covers pool repairs plus the all-important pool opening and closing visits.

Skimmer Box Installation

A skimmer box (a pre-filter) costs just $5 to $35 and catches leaves before they clog the main filter—cheap insurance for your pump and motor.

Pump Replacement

Replacing a like-for-like pool pump costs $500 to $2,820, depending on the model. Upsizing or switching brands can bump labor costs because the plumbing or electrical systems may need tweaks.

Budgeting for Pool Filter Costs

Keep these cost-saving strategies in mind to make your pool filter project more wallet-friendly:

• Keep on top of minor pool repairs to avoid costly, escalating problems with the filter or other important pool systems.

• Choose a lower-end pool filter that does the job without all the bells and whistles and price tag of high-end options.

• Get detailed estimates from three local pool maintenance companies to ensure competitive pricing.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Filter Pro

Handy homeowners can swap out a small filter on their own, but anything that touches plumbing or wiring is better left to a pro. Skipping labor fees sounds great—until a cracked housing or wiring mishap wipes out the savings. A qualified installer gets it done fast and right the first time.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.