How to Choose the Right Stock Tank Pool Pump

There are a LOT of above ground water pump options. Deciding which is best for your stock tank pool can be difficult, but have no fear - we break it down here! At least to the very basics, and only for stock tank pools.


First, Understanding Sand vs. Cartridge filter

There are two main pump types, sand filter and cartridge filter pumps. 

Sand filter pumps for stock tank pools

will pull the water in and run it through sand, clearing debris in the sand and returning filtered water to the pool. 
Sand filter

Sand Filter Pump Pros: Only need to replace the sand yearly, more options for features on the pump (such as filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain & close system), & overall better filtration to water

Sand Filter Pump Cons: Initial pump cost is higher than cartridge filter options

Cartridge filter pumps pump the water through a cartridge to clean the water. Because of the simplicity, there are many more options for different price points. 

Cartridge filter

Cartridge Filter Pump Pros: More options, easier to clean and replace cartridge over sand, & lower price point options for pumps

Cartridge Filter Pump Cons: Need to replace and clean the filter more regularly


GOOD, BETTER, BEST Pump Options

*Only looking at Intex brand due to their brand dominance in this category
**GPH = Gallons per hour 

The Good - Intex Clear Cartridge 1000 GPH

BEST Pump

Pros: Lowest cost option, works in for a stock tank pool up to 8 feet in diameter, generally well reviewed item

Cons: No timer & must turn it on manually, cartridge filter that needs to be replaced regularly, won’t work for larger size stock tank pools (10 feet)


The Better - Intex Clear Cartridge Filter Pump 2500 GPH

Intex Clear Cartridge Filter

Pros: Work on stock tank pools up to 10 feet, has a timer to automatically turn on with preset 2 to 12-hour cycles, optimized to work with our vacuum system, well reviewed option

Cons: Need to replace and clean cartridge filter more often than a sand filter

The Best - Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump 2100 GPH

Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter

Pros: Work on stock tank pools up to 10 feet, has a timer to automatically turn on every 24 hours, optimized to work with our vacuum system, & enables pool owner to filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain & close system, sand pump which doesn’t require as much maintenance 

Cons: More expensive option

Are there more pumps out there? Absolutely! However, we focus on Intex because their brand dominance and general market availability.