Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump Review: The Ultimate Upgrade for Crystal Clear Water

If you’ve ever owned an above-ground pool, you know the cycle. You spend hours setting it up, envisioning a summer of sparkling blue water and happy memories. The first week is bliss. Then, slowly but surely, a familiar haze begins to creep in. The water loses its crispness, turning cloudy, then milky, and finally, the dreaded swampy green. You find yourself in a constant, frustrating war, armed with an arsenal of chemicals and a flimsy little cartridge filter that seems to clog if you so much as look at it. We’ve been there. We remember one particularly frustrating summer with a 22-foot pool where we were spending a small fortune on replacement filters and “miracle” clarifying chemicals, only to see the water quality plummet after a single pool party. The stock pump that came with the pool just couldn’t keep up. It’s a universal struggle for above-ground pool owners—the realization that the included equipment is often the bare minimum, designed to get you started but not to deliver the pristine oasis you dreamed of. This is where the search for a real solution begins.

What to Consider Before Buying a Sand Filter Pump

A sand filter pump is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your summer and achieving consistently clear, healthy pool water. Unlike their cartridge-based counterparts, which require frequent cleaning and costly replacements, sand filters use natural, inexpensive sand to trap debris and contaminants down to a microscopic level. The primary benefit is twofold: superior filtration power and dramatically reduced maintenance. Instead of scrubbing pleated paper filters, a simple backwash process—reversing the water flow to flush out trapped dirt—resets the system in minutes. This means less time on chores and more time enjoying the water. For anyone who has battled cloudy water, algae blooms, or the high recurring cost of cartridge filters, upgrading to a system like the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump isn’t a luxury; it’s a game-changing investment in your pool’s health and your own sanity.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an owner of a small to medium-sized above-ground pool (up to about 12,800 gallons) who is tired of the underperformance and high maintenance of stock cartridge filter pumps. This is especially true for those dealing with challenging water conditions, such as high iron content from well water, which can overwhelm weaker systems. However, a sand filter pump might not be suitable for those with very small, temporary splash pools where the cost and power are overkill. Likewise, owners of large, in-ground pools will require a much more powerful, commercial-grade system. For those users, alternatives might include larger diatomaceous earth (DE) filters or high-capacity cartridge systems designed for in-ground applications.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump has a footprint of approximately 22.25″ x 15.38″. You need a solid, level surface to place it on, ideally a concrete pad or sturdy paving stones, to prevent vibration and ensure stability. Also, consider its proximity to a GFCI-protected electrical outlet; the cord is generously long, but you should avoid using extension cords for safety.
• Capacity/Performance: This is the most critical factor. The SX2100 boasts a pump flow rate of 2,100 gallons per hour (GPH) and a system flow rate of 1,600 GPH. This rating is perfect for pools up to 12,800 gallons, allowing it to turn over the entire volume of water in a typical 8-hour cycle. Mismatching pump capacity to your pool size is a common mistake; an undersized pump will fail to keep the water clean, while an oversized one can be inefficient and potentially overpowering for your pool’s fittings. You can see its full GPH specifications here.
• Materials & Durability: The pump and filter tank are constructed from a heavy-duty, corrosion-proof plastic designed to withstand the elements and pool chemicals. While metal components might seem more robust, modern polymers are often better suited for pool environments as they won’t rust. We’ve seen these units last for many seasons with proper care and winterization, a sentiment echoed by users who report getting 8+ years out of previous Intex models.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The heart of the system’s convenience is the 6-position multiport valve, which makes switching between filtering, backwashing, rinsing, and other functions incredibly simple. The built-in 24-hour timer is another standout feature, automating your daily filtration schedule. Long-term care is minimal; the sand media only needs to be replaced every 3-5 years, making it far more economical than buying dozens of cartridge filters each summer.

Making the right choice in a pool pump is foundational to a successful pool season. While the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Key Features of the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

Unboxing the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump immediately gives you a sense of confidence. Compared to the lightweight, almost toy-like cartridge pumps that come standard with most pools, this unit feels substantial and well-engineered. Weighing in at 36 pounds before adding sand, the heavy-duty plastic housing and robust motor signal that this is a serious piece of equipment. Assembly was straightforward, with clear instructions that guided us through the process in under an hour. All the primary components—the tank, the motor, the 6-way valve, and the base—fit together logically. One of our favorite initial discoveries was the inclusion of Intex’s Hydro Aeration Technology inlet fitting. This specialized jet introduces air into the return water, which visibly improves circulation and helps agitate the surface, a feature that really sets it apart from basic return jets. While the box includes the pump and hoses for standard Intex pool connections, it’s important to note—as many users have—that sand is not included, and adapters may be necessary for non-Intex pools like Coleman or Bestway. We recommend checking your pool’s hose connections and ordering any required adapters at the same time to avoid delays.

Performance in the Real World: A Deep Dive into the SX2100’s Capabilities

A pump’s specifications on a box are one thing; its performance on a hot July afternoon with a pool full of kids is another entirely. We put the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump through its paces on a 10,000-gallon pool that was suffering from neglect and had taken on a distinct green tint. This was the ultimate test, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it performed across the most critical areas.

From Swamp to Sparkle: The Power of 2,100 GPH Filtration

This is where the Intex SX2100 truly shines and justifies its cost. The stock pump we replaced was barely creating a ripple in the water. The moment we switched on the SX2100, the difference was astounding. The water began to churn, with the powerful return jet creating a strong current that reached the far side of the pool, eliminating dead spots where algae loves to grow. This vigorous circulation is the first step to clean water, ensuring that all the water, not just some of it, passes through the filter. We were dealing with particularly challenging well water, high in iron, which had contributed to the water’s murky, uninviting appearance. After adding the necessary chemicals to shock the pool and cause the contaminants to clump together, we let the pump run continuously. Within the first 12 hours, the water had transitioned from green to a cloudy white—a sign the filter was capturing the suspended algae. After 36 hours, the transformation was complete. The water was astonishingly clear, sparkling in the sun in a way we hadn’t seen all season. Our experience is mirrored in countless user testimonials. One user with bad well water noted, “I was disgusted with all the iron that came out. But also very very happy!” Another showed before-and-after pictures of a swampy pool turning “crystal clear” in less than two days. This isn’t just a pump; it’s a problem solver. The sand media captures particles far smaller than a standard cartridge filter, and the power ensures it does so quickly and efficiently. For anyone who has felt the discouragement of a persistently green pool, the dramatic clarifying power of this pump is a revelation.

The Set-It-and-Forget-It Experience: Timer and 6-Way Valve Operation

Consistent filtration is the secret to a perpetually clean pool, and the Intex SX2100 makes this effortless with its integrated 24-hour timer. This feature alone is a massive upgrade. No more forgetting to turn the pump on in the morning or leaving it running all night by accident. We simply set it to run for an 8-hour cycle during the day, and it took care of itself. For pool owners with busy schedules, this automation is invaluable. One user commented on this specific benefit: “I can set it to run for 3 hours at a specific start time, and it goes on everyday without needing to worry about it.” This convenience extends to the maintenance process. The 6-position multiport valve is intuitive and clearly labeled. When the pressure gauge indicates it’s time to clean the filter (typically rising 8-10 PSI above the clean starting pressure), the process takes less than five minutes. You simply turn off the pump, switch the valve to “BACKWASH,” turn it on for a few minutes until the wastewater runs clear, switch to “RINSE” for 30 seconds to resettle the sand, and then return to “FILTER.” It’s a clean, simple, and satisfying process, especially when you see the dirty water being flushed out. This is a world away from the messy, tedious task of removing, hosing down, and sometimes soaking a fragile paper cartridge filter every few days. The sheer convenience offered by the timer and easy-to-use valve cannot be overstated—it fundamentally changes the pool ownership experience from a daily chore to a managed, automated system.

Installation and Compatibility: Getting It Up and Running

While the assembly of the pump unit itself is quite simple, the installation process—connecting it to your pool—can present a small but important hurdle. The Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump comes with 1.5-inch hoses and fittings designed to connect seamlessly with Intex-brand pools. During our setup, these threaded right on without any issues or leaks. However, a significant portion of user feedback highlights a crucial point: if you own a Coleman, Bestway, or another brand of above-ground pool, your inlet and outlet ports may be a different size or use a clamp-on style hose. This is not a flaw in the pump, but a common compatibility issue in the industry. As one user wisely advised, “You may need to buy additional parts to switch over to this pump, but there are wonderful YouTube videos that I highly advise to watch prior to doing this.” We strongly recommend that prospective buyers inspect their pool’s connections before purchase. A quick search for “Intex pump adapter B” will usually lead you to the small, inexpensive parts needed to bridge this gap. Planning for this will ensure a frustration-free installation day. The other consideration is the filter media. The tank requires approximately 55 lbs of #20 silica sand or 38 lbs of glass filter media. We opted for sand, pouring it slowly into the tank using the provided shield to protect the central standpipe. Once connected and filled, priming the pump was easy thanks to the transparent lid on the strainer basket, which lets you see when the chamber is full of water.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other pool owners is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump a “game-changer.” A recurring theme is regret over not upgrading sooner. One user summed it up perfectly: “My only regret is that I didn’t buy this sooner. We had to fight this pool every year… The money you will save on chemicals and those stupid little filters will pay for this pump.” This echoes our findings that the initial investment is quickly offset by savings on supplies and, more importantly, time. Many users, particularly those with iron-heavy well water, share dramatic before-and-after stories, confirming the pump’s exceptional ability to clear up even the most challenging water conditions in just a day or two. The powerful water flow is another point of frequent praise, with one owner of an 18′ pool noting, “The water flow is absolutely phenomenal. Keeps my water ROTATING.”

Of course, no product is without its criticisms. The most common negative point relates to shipping and handling, with a few reports of the plastic base arriving cracked. While this is an issue with transit rather than the product itself, it is a frustrating experience for those affected. The other notable, though less common, complaint is around long-term durability, with one user reporting a “mechanical whirl/bearing howl” developing just outside the return period. While many others report years of reliable service, this serves as a reminder that mechanical devices can occasionally fail.

How the Intex SX2100 Compares to the Competition

When evaluating the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump, it’s essential to compare it to other products in the broader pump category to understand its specific role and value. While there are other pool pumps, many products online serve entirely different purposes, highlighting the importance of choosing the right tool for the job.

1. Canpump CF 3030 G Pressure Washer Pump

The Canpump CF 3030 G is a commercial-grade triplex pump designed for a gas-powered pressure washer. Its purpose is to generate extremely high pressure (3000 PSI) to blast away dirt, grime, and old paint from hard surfaces. This is a fundamentally different function from the Intex SX2100. The Canpump is for cleaning the pool deck, patio furniture, or siding, not for circulating and filtering the pool water itself. Someone would choose the Canpump for heavy-duty cleaning tasks around the property, whereas the Intex SX2100 is the specialized equipment needed for daily water maintenance and clarity.

2. Alpine PAL5200 Submersible Water Pump 5200 GPH

The Alpine PAL5200 is a powerful submersible pump, meaning it operates while fully underwater. With a 5200 GPH flow rate, its primary application is for moving large volumes of water in decorative features like large ponds, waterfalls, and fountains. It is not a filter. While it could be used to drain a pool quickly, it doesn’t have any mechanism to remove debris or sanitize the water. An owner of a large koi pond or someone building a dramatic backyard waterfall would choose the Alpine pump. In contrast, the Intex SX2100 is an external, all-in-one system designed specifically for the closed-loop filtration required to keep swimming pool water safe and clean.

3. Red Lion RL-SPRK150 1.5 HP Sprinkler Pump

The Red Lion RL-SPRK150 is a high-volume irrigation pump. Its design is optimized for pulling water from a source like a well, lake, or tank and pushing it through a sprinkler system to water a large lawn or garden. It is built for high flow but not for the continuous, 24/7 operation or fine-particle filtration that a swimming pool requires. Using an irrigation pump on a pool would be inefficient and would not clean the water. A homeowner with a large property in need of an irrigation solution would purchase the Red Lion pump, while the Intex SX2100 remains the correct and purpose-built choice for above-ground pool filtration.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump a Must-Buy?

After extensive testing and poring over the experiences of fellow pool owners, our conclusion is unequivocal: the Intex SX2100 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is one of the single best upgrades an above-ground pool owner can make. It solves the most common and frustrating problem—the endless struggle for clear water—with power, efficiency, and remarkable ease. It transforms pool maintenance from a constant, costly chore into a simple, automated process. The powerful circulation eliminates dead spots, the sand filter captures contaminants that stock filters miss, and the built-in timer provides a “set it and forget it” peace of mind.

While the initial cost is higher than a basic cartridge pump, the long-term savings on replacement filters and chemicals are substantial. If you are on the fence, struggling with cloudy water, or simply tired of the daily hassle of an underpowered system, this is the solution you’ve been looking for. It is a powerful, reliable, and user-friendly machine that delivers on its promise of a crystal-clear pool. We can’t recommend it highly enough. To reclaim your summer and finally enjoy the sparkling pool you’ve always wanted, check the latest price and availability for the Intex SX2100 today.