Clean water in the pool is not a luxury, but a necessity. Without high-quality filtration, even the most expensive frame or inflatable pool Bestway will turn into a swamp in a couple of days. But how to choose pool filter Bestway, which copes with pollution, does not break down after a season and does not require constant maintenance? In this article we will analyze all types of filters (sand, cartridge, diatomite), their pros and cons, and also give step by step instructions for installation, cleaning and repair.

Many pool owners make a critical mistake: they buy a filter “by eye,” focusing only on price or appearance. As a result, the system cannot cope with the volume of water, quickly becomes clogged, or does not fit the pool model at all. We will help you avoid these problems based on technical specifications, user reviews and expert tests.

We will pay special attention filter compatibility with popular Bestway models (for example, Steel Pro MAX, Power Steel, Fast Set) and let's figure out what additional accessories (pumps, hoses, chemicals) are really needed, and what can you do without. At the end of the article - FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions and life hacks to save on maintenance.

Bestway pool filter types: which one to choose?

All pool filters Bestway are divided into three main types, each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on the volume of the pool, intensity of use and budget.

1. Sand filters - the most popular option for frame pools with a volume of 3 to 20 m³. They work on the principle of mechanical cleaning: water passes through a layer of quartz sand, which traps dirt particles. Main advantages:

  • 🔹 Durability (sand lasts 3–5 seasons)
  • 🔹 Low operating costs (no need to buy consumables often)
  • 🔹Effective against large and medium-sized contaminants

Cons: cannot cope with microscopic particles (additional chemistry is needed) and require backwash 1–2 times a week.

2. Cartridge filters — optimal for small inflatable pools (up to 5 m³) or temporary use. Water passes through a replaceable cartridge made of polypropylene or paper. Benefits:

  • 🔹 Compact and easy to install
  • 🔹 Low price (suitable for budget solutions)
  • 🔹 Does not require connection to sewerage

Disadvantages: cartridges clog quickly (need to be changed every 1-2 weeks with intensive use) and are not suitable for large volumes of water.

3. Diatomite (earth) filters - a premium option for professional swimming pools. They use powder from fossil algae (diatomaceous earth), which traps even the smallest particles (up to 1 micron). Pros:

  • 🔹 Maximum degree of cleaning (better than sand and cartridges)
  • 🔹 Long service life of diatomite (with proper care)

Cons: high price, difficult to maintain and necessary special equipment for regeneration of filter material.

📊 Which filter do you use for your Bestway pool?
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How to choose a filter based on the volume of a Bestway pool?

One of the most common questions: "What kind of filter is needed for a Bestway 3/5/10 m³ pool?" The answer depends on pump performance (measured in m³/hour) and full filtration cycle time. The rule is simple: the entire volume of water must pass through the filter at least 2–3 times a day.

Here recommended parameters for popular models Bestway:

Pool volume (m³) Filter type Minimum pump capacity (m³/hour) Recommended Models
Up to 3 Cartridge 1,5–2 Bestway 58388, Intex 28604
3–5 Sandy 2–3 Bestway 58397, Steel Pro 56485
5–10 Sandy 3–5 Bestway 58401, Power Steel 56425
10–20 Sand or diatomite 5–8 Bestway 58407, Intex 28635

Important! If the pool is used intensively (for example, for children or pets), use a filter with productivity reserve of 20–30%. For example, for a 5 m³ pool it is better to choose a 4 m³/hour pump rather than a 3.

One more nuance: water rise height. If the pool is installed on a hill or far from an outlet, check that the pump is capable of raising water to the required height (indicated in the passport, for example, max. rise 3 m).

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If you are not sure about your choice, pay attention to Bestway complete filtersthat come with a pool (for example, Bestway 56485). They are already optimized for a specific model and volume.

Step-by-step instructions for installing the Bestway filter

Installing a filter is not a complicated process, but it does require attention to detail. Errors at this stage can lead to leaks, low pressure or pump failure. Let's look at installation using an example sand filter Bestway 58397, since it is the most common.

What you will need:

  • 🔧 Filter with pump included
  • 🔧 Hoses for connection (usually included in the kit)
  • 🔧 Quartz sand (fraction 0.4–0.8 mm, ~25 kg for filter 58397)
  • 🔧 Level (to check the evenness of the installation)
  • 🔧 Sealant or fum tape (for sealing threaded connections)

Step 1. Preparing the site

The filter should be on flat, hard and stable surface (concrete, tiles, wood flooring). Do not install it on sand or grass - vibration from the pump will lead to sagging and distortion. Distance to the pool - no more 3–5 meters, otherwise the pressure will be lost.

Step 2. Filling with sand

Open the top filter cover and pour sand into the 2/3 tank volume. Never use construction or river sand - only special quartz! After filling, shake the tank slightly so that the sand settles evenly.

Step 3: Connecting the hoses

Connect the hoses to the filter and the pool:

  • 🔄 Inlet hose (with valve) connects to skimmer or pool bottom drain.
  • 🔄 Outlet hose - to water return nozzle (usually located at the top of the pool).

Check that all connections dense, but do not overtighten the clamps - this may damage the plastic fittings.

Step 4. Start the system

Before turning on for the first time:

  1. Fill the pool 2/3 full with water.
  2. Make sure all valves on the filter are closed except FILTER (filtration).
  3. Turn on the pump and check that water is circulating without leaks.
  4. Open the tap BACKWASH (backwash) for 1-2 minutes to remove fine sand particles.

☑️ Check before first launch

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention! If after startup the water is cloudy or there is sand left in the pool, it means that you used the wrong fraction or did not flush the system enough. Repeat backwashing 2-3 times.

Filter maintenance: cleaning, rinsing, replacing consumables

Even the most expensive filter requires regular maintenance. Sand filters need backwash, cartridge - in replacing elements, and diatomite - in powder regeneration. Let's look at each case in detail.

1. Backwash the sand filter

The procedure removes accumulated dirt from the sand and restores filtering capacity. You need to do it:

  • 🕒 Every 5-7 days with regular use of the pool.
  • 🕒 Immediately after heavy pollution (for example, after rain or bathing animals).

How to rinse:

  1. Turn off the pump.
  2. Move the filter knob to position BACKWASH.
  3. Run the pump for 2-3 minutes until the water runs clear.
  4. Return the handle to position RINSE (rinse) for 30 seconds.
  5. Turn on the mode FILTER.

2. Cleaning the cartridge filter

Cartridges clog faster than sand, so they need to be rinse every 3–5 days and change every 2–4 weeks (depending on intensity of use). For washing:

  • 🚿 Remove the cartridge from the case.
  • 🚿 Rinse it under running water (you can use a brush).
  • 🚿 Soak in a solution of citric acid (100 g per 10 liters of water) for 1 hour to remove limescale.

3. Caring for the diatomaceous earth filter

These filters require regeneration of diatomite powder every 1–2 months. To do this:

  1. Drain the water tank.
  2. Wash the filter elements.
  3. Add new powder (the amount is indicated in the instructions).
⚠️ Attention! If the water remains cloudy after washing the sand filter, this may mean that the sand is caked or there is not enough sand. In this case you need add sand or replace it completely (every 3–5 years).
What to do if the filter does not pump water?

If the pump hums but water does not circulate, check:

1. Is the inlet hose or skimmer clogged?

2. Are the taps installed correctly (only the FILTER or BACKWASH mode should be open).

3. Is the motor winding burnt out (check for a burnt smell).

4. Is there enough water in the pool (the level should be above the skimmer).

If the problem is not solved, the pump may be broken and requires repair.

Top 5 Bestway filters: comparison and user reviews

To make your choice easier, we analyzed owner reviews and technical characteristics of the most popular filters Bestway. The rating includes models for pools of different sizes and budgets.

Model Type Productivity (m³/hour) Pool volume (m³) Average price (2026) Rating (out of 5)
Bestway 58388 Cartridge 1,5 Up to 3 4 500 ₽ 4.2
Bestway 58397 Sandy 2,0 3–5 8 000 ₽ 4.7
Bestway 58401 Sandy 3,8 5–10 12 500 ₽ 4.5
Bestway 58407 Sandy 5,7 10–15 18 000 ₽ 4.8
Bestway 58425 Sand with 6-position tap 6,5 15–20 22 000 ₽ 4.9

Leader in price/quality ratio - Bestway 58397. It fits most frame pools Steel Pro and Power Steel, reliable and easy to maintain. For large pools (from 10 m³) it is better to take 58407 or 58425 - they are equipped improved pumps and additional filtering modes.

What are users saying?

  • ✅ "58397 It's been working for the third season without any complaints, I only changed the sand once."
  • ⚠️ "58388 It’s too weak for a 4 m³ pool - the water becomes cloudy after a day."
  • ✅ "58401 coped with foliage after a storm, washing took 10 minutes."
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If the pool is rarely used (for example, only on weekends), you can save money and buy a filter with a capacity 10-15% lower than recommended. But for daily swimming, a power reserve is required!

Common breakdowns and repairs of Bestway filters

Even the most reliable filters break. Most often, owners encounter four problems:

1. The pump does not turn on

Reasons:

  • 🔌 No power (check socket, plug, RCD).
  • 🔌 The fuse in the plug or inside the pump has burned out.
  • 🔌 The rotor is jammed (try turning the blades manually).

How to fix:

If the problem is in the fuse, replace it with a similar one (the rating is indicated on the body). If the engine burns out, repairs will cost more than a new pump, so it’s easier to buy a new one.

2. Low water pressure

Reasons:

  • 💦 The filter element is clogged (sand, cartridge).
  • 💦 Air in the system (check the tightness of the hoses).
  • 💦 Wear of the pump impeller.

How to fix:

Rinse the filter, check the hoses for cracks. If the impeller is broken, replace it (spare parts are available at service centers Bestway).

3. Leaking from under the filter cover

Reasons:

  • 🔧 Wear of sealing rubber.
  • 🔧 Incorrect assembly (cover skewed).

How to fix:

Lubricate the seal with silicone grease or replace it. Tighten the cap evenly, without distortions.

4. The filter does not purify the water.

Reasons:

  • 🧹 Sand or cartridge is clogged to critical condition.
  • 🧹 Incorrect operating mode (for example, always on BACKWASH).
  • 🧹 There are too many chemicals in the water (chlorine, coagulants), which ′′ glued ′′ the dirt.

How to fix:

Rinse the filter, check the settings. If the problem is in the chemistry, drain some of the water and add fresh water.

⚠️ Attention! If after repair the pump begins to hum or vibrate more than usual, turn it off immediately! This could be a sign rotor jamming or hit by a foreign object into the impeller. Further operation in this mode will lead to engine damage.

Additional accessories to improve filtration

The filter is only part of the cleaning system. For crystal clear water Additional accessories needed:

1. Skimmers and bottom vacuum cleaners

  • 🧲 Skimmer collects floating debris (leaves, insects) before it sinks to the bottom. Suitable for pools from 3 m³.
  • 🧹 Bottom vacuum cleaner (manual or automatic) removes dirt from the bottom. For example, Bestway 58375 or Intex 28001.

2. Pool chemicals

  • 🧪 Chlorine (tablets or liquid) - kills bacteria and algae.
  • 🧪 Coagulant — sticks together small dirt particles so that the filter retains them.
  • 🧪 pH regulators — maintain acid-base balance (optimally 7.2–7.6).

3. Water testers

Without them, it is impossible to control water quality. Minimum set:

  • 📊 Test strips for chlorine and pH (e.g. Bestway 58380).
  • 📊 Electronic tester (more accurate, but more expensive).

4. Heaters and blankets

  • 🔥 Solar heater (for example, Bestway 58385) increases the water temperature by 3–5°C.
  • 🛡️ Bedspread protects the pool from debris and reduces water evaporation.

Expert advice: If the pool is rarely used, you can save on chemicals by using ultraviolet lamps for disinfection. They kill bacteria without chlorine, but are more expensive (from RUB 15,000).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Bestway filters

Can I use a Bestway filter for a different brand of pool (for example, Intex)?

Yes, but you need to check hose diameter compatibility and pump performance. For example, filter Bestway 58397 suitable for swimming pools Intex volume 3–5 m³, if you use hose adapters (sold separately). The main thing is to pump performance corresponded to the volume of the pool.

How much electricity does a Bestway filter consume?

Pump power Bestway varies from 50 to 300 W depending on the model. For example:

  • Bestway 58388 (cartridge) - ~60 W.
  • Bestway 58407 (sand) - ~250 W.

With round-the-clock operation of the filter, it accumulates in a month 15–50 kWh (depending on the tariff). To save money, use a timer to turn on the pump for 6-8 hours a day (for example, from 10:00 to 18:00).

What to do if dirt gets into the pool after a rainstorm?

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Turn off the filter and let the debris settle to the bottom (1-2 hours).
  2. Use bottom vacuum cleanerto collect the bulk of the dirt.
  3. Turn on the filter in mode BACKWASH for 5–7 minutes.
  4. Add double dose of coagulant for binding small particles.
  5. After 12 hours, rinse the filter again.

If the water remains cloudy, drain 30% of the volume and add clean water.

How to winterize a Bestway filter?

Before wintering:

  1. Wash the filter in the mode BACKWASH and RINSE.
  2. Drain the pump and hoses (remaining water may freeze and damage the plastic).
  3. Remove the sand or cartridge, dry it and store it in a dry place.
  4. Lubricate the rubber seals with silicone grease.
  5. Store the filter indoors at temperatures above 0°C.

If you leave the filter outside in winter, the plastic may crack and the pump may fail.

Is it possible to make a filter for a Bestway pool with your own hands?

Technically yes, but it is unsafe and ineffective. Homemade filters (such as those made from a barrel and sand) do not provide sufficient cleaning and may leak or become a source of bacteria. If your budget is limited, it is better to buy used Bestway filter (check the pump and integrity of the hoses) or the entry-level cartridge model (Bestway 58388).