Intex 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge
Filter Pump Review

We are reader supported, and may earn commissions from links on this page.

Not every pool comes with the kind of filtration power you need to really clean and cycle the water with any efficiency. Whether you’re looking to get an upgrade before you install your new pool or need an upgrade for an existing pool, the Intex 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools is a great option.

This pump is relatively easy to install, moves a lot of water, and small enough to fit in the same space as your old pool filter.

But is it the right pool filter for you?

Read on to learn more:

Features and Benefits of an Intex Filter Pump

Even though a filter is just one part of a complete pool set up, it’s one of the most important parts of your setup if you want to keep your pool a healthy and sanitary place to be.

Pool Pump Quality

Intex is one of the biggest names in pool manufacturing and filters and they are a good bet for almost all pools.

This filter is unlikely to leak on you and will last for several years of relatively hard use.

You can also schedule the filter system to help it last longer, with individual cycles lasting between 2 and 12 hours to help it last longer.

Filter Pump Set-Up

Installing this filter can be a little more difficult if you have an existing pool since you may need to partially drain the pool to make the process easier. However, if you’re trading out the filter on a pool that hasn’t been filled, it shouldn’t be any more difficult than connecting the hoses to the pool in the right areas.

Make sure your filter has a good power source, ideally without using an extension cord or surge protector so that the system is less likely to short.

Pool Filtration

This filter uses a cartridge system with filters that need to be replaced every two weeks. The filters are incredibly easy to use, and there is an air let-off system to help prevent air bubbles from forming in the filter cartridge.

It’s suitable for pools up to approximately 15,000 gallons and is designed to work best in oval pools with metal above-ground frames. However, it can be adapted to work for other pools, especially if you have a second filter to help improve filtration and water movement.

Water Flow

The water flows at almost 2,000 gallons per hour, which means that the minimum pool size is 4,000 gallons.

Maintenance

Maintenance is relatively simple for this system. A sediment outlet lets you remove sand and dirt that build up in the filter from your pool water without having to disassemble the filter system. The cartridges are easy to access and need to be replaced once every two weeks.

The only other maintenance this pool filter will need regularly is occasionally opening the air release valve to help prevent air bubbles from forming inside the filter.

Final Verdict on the Krystal Clear Filter pump

If you do not have an Intex brand above ground pool, the biggest con of this filter system is that it might not be compatible with the filter set up on non-Intex pools, though that isn’t always an issue. Both the pool manufacturer and Intex should be able to tell you whether this filter is a good option for the pool model you’re considering.

The higher-powered pump on this pool filter makes it a great option for medium-sized pools that don’t come with a good enough filter to really clean the pool.

However, the replaceable filter design does mean that this filter is a little more expensive to maintain than other options, even though it’s simpler to maintain.