Pool filters keep dust, dirt, and other debris away from your pool. The average cost to install a pool filter is $105 to $744 per filter, including the filter and labor costs.
The lower end of the cost range is based on pocket filters, and the higher end is based on cartridges or diatomaceous filters. You can expect to pay as little as $28 for pocket filters alone, and as much as $2,100 for a filter for a salt water pool.
Our price ranges come from our survey of pool filter installation prices in cities across the U.S., including major cities and smaller towns. Your specific cost depends on the filter type, brand, pool type, and other factors.
Cost by Location
Depending on the region you live in, the labor market, and your local supply chain, you can expect to pay different prices and rates for pool filter installation. In general, filter costs do not vary much between different cities nationwide, but labor costs do. You might pay more for installation if you live in an area where the cost of living is high.
The table below shows the cost of installing a pool filter in a sample of major cities and small towns nationwide:
| Location | Cost to install one filter (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $112 – $794 |
| New York, NY | $156 – $1,096 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $83 – $588 |
| Greenville, SC | $92 – $653 |
| Pompano Beach, FL | $95 – $672 |
| Atlanta, GA | $97 – $683 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $111 – $783 |
| Chicago, IL | $124 – $871 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $100 – $709 |
| Seattle, WA | $111 – $782 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Austin, TX | $89 – $631 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $91 – $643 |
| Roswell, NM | $96 – $677 |
| San Diego, CA | $118 – $833 |
By comparing these cost estimates, you can get an idea of pool filter installation costs in your area based on your region and the size of your city. The lower end of the cost range is based on the budget-friendly pocket filter, and the higher end is based on expensive filters like cartridges or diatomaceous.
Cost by Filter Type
Several types of pool filters are available on the market. Whatever type of filter you choose, you’ll need to consider its filtering capacity when calculating the total cost of your new pool filter installation.
This capacity is measured in microns. A 3-micron filter will capture microscopic particles much more effectively than a 10-micron filter, so you can expect to pay more.
The table below shows the average cost of different types of pool filters.
| Filter Type | Cost of Filter (Materials Only) |
| $28 – $96 | |
| Cartridge | $200 – $1,480 |
| Sand | $280 – $1,120 |
| Glass | $500 – $1,500 |
| Diatomaceous Earth | $516 – $1,820 |
Pocket Pool Filter
Pocket filters, or filter bags, are a good choice and don’t require professional installation. This model is usually part of a larger filtration system with an average filtering capacity of 15 to 20 microns. However, pocket pool filters don’t work as well as other models and need to be replaced more frequently, so they can become expensive over time.
Cartridge Pool Filter
Cartridge filters are well-known for being energy-efficient and have an average filtering capacity of 10 to 15 microns. This filter is easy to install but wears out over time due to the mineral build-up inside the filter housing. You’ll need to spend more on regular cleaning to keep it running at peak performance.
Sand Pool Filter
Sand pool filters are one of the most popular pool filtration systems, with a filtering capacity of 20 to 100 microns. This is good enough to remove large debris that may not be visible to the naked eye. However, sand pool filters won’t remove bacteria and other small contaminants.
Glass Pool Filter
Glass pool filters typically cost more than their counterparts, but they are designed to last longer and are more efficient. They have an average filtering capacity of 9 microns, so they are the most cost-effective choice if you need to filter out small particles in the water and keep it crystal clear.
Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filter
Diatomaceous earth is a high-end type of pool filter made of a fine powder that dissolves in the water and removes particles as small as 3 microns. This powder is natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, which makes it the most effective filtering solution.
Cost by Pool Type
Pool type is another factor that affects the overall installation cost. Above-ground pool filters are typically cheaper to install than other types of filters. This is because they come as a part of a prefabricated unit that already includes everything you need to install it, such as a pump and a cartridge or sand filtration system.
The table below shows the average filter installation costs for different types of pools.
| Pool Type | Filter installation cost (including filter and labor) |
| Above-ground | $250 – $1,140 |
| In-ground | $260 – $2,140 |
| Salt Water | $350 – $2,140 |
Labor Cost
Depending on your pool’s type, size, and chosen filter, you’ll need to hire a professional plumber or technician to perform the installation. The average cost of a plumber is $45 to $180 per hour, while pool technicians charge around $45 to $68 per hour.
You may also need to hire an electrician, who will charge around $40 to $104 for every hour they work. The whole pool filter installation process usually takes between 1 and 3 hours.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Buying all the tools and materials needed for DIY filter installation costs you around $39. This estimate does not include the filter price. In general, installing a pool filter isn’t an ideal DIY project.
Only a pocket filter for an above-ground pool is well-suited for DIY. If you have one, the total DIY cost, including filter and tools, is around $69.
If you have a large in-ground or saltwater pool or want to install a high-end filtration system, hire a professional to avoid having any problems down the road.
Cost by Brand
Among the most popular brands, Intex provides budget-friendly filters, especially for aboveground pools. However, if you’re considering filters from other well-known brands like Hayward or Pentair, there are a variety of options available to meet different needs and budgets.
Before hiring a pro to install a filter, it’s good to research from your end to find one that suits your needs. See the following table to understand how filter costs vary among different brands.
| Filter Type | Cost of filter (filter cost only) |
| Intex | $138 – $463 |
| Hayward | $313 – $1,538 |
| Pentair | $325 – $1,550 |
Additional Cost Factors
In addition to filter type and size, there are other factors that affect the overall project cost. See the factors below and add them to your estimate if you need one.
Pool Filter Cleaning
Over time, debris and small dust particles accumulate in the filter. If not cleaned, this can reduce the water flow into the pool. You’ll also need to keep up with maintenance costs to ensure the filter is working at its peak performance.
On average, professionals charge between $55 and $67 to clean a filter. We recommend cleaning your pool filter every 1 to 3 months.
Skimmer Box Installation
A skimmer captures large debris at the water’s surface and prevents it from reaching the filter and overloading it. Consider installing a skimmer box, as it improves the filtration efficiency and helps extend the filter’s lifespan.
Filter Size
Choose the right filter size to avoid costly issues down the road. To find the right size, consider your pool’s volume and pump size. Larger filters typically cost more than smaller ones.
If you install a filter that’s too small, the pump will struggle to push water through, which may cause it to fail prematurely. If a filter is too large, it won’t fit in your plumbing pipes and could prevent water from flowing correctly through your system.
Take a look at the chart below to help determine the appropriate filter size for your pool.
| Gallons (Pool Volume) | Recommended Filter Size (GPM) | Recommended Pump Size (HP) |
| 10,000 Gallons | 14 | 0.75 – 1 |
| 15,000 Gallons | 21 | 0.75 – 1 |
| 20,000 Gallons | 28 | 1.5 |
| 25,000 Gallons | 35 | 1.5 |
| 30,000 Gallons | 42 | 2 |
| 35,000 Gallons | 49 | 2 |
| 40,000 Gallons | 56 | 2.5 |
| 45,000 Gallons | 63 | 2.5 |
Invest in the Right Pool Filter
Installing a pool filter is one of the best ways to keep your pool clean and healthy. A good filter can help reduce the amount of dirt or debris that enters your pool, as well as automatically remove toxic particles, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pool maintenance services and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
— Pool Cleaning Cost Guide
— Pool Pump Cost Guide
— Pool Maintenance Cost Guide
Main Image Credit: Pxhere
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