Intex C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
Cheapest that works / small pools — The cheapest cartridge pump that actually filters a real above-ground pool: 1,000 GPH on the box, 750 GPH of real filtered flow, enough to turn a 6,000-gallon pool over in about 8 hours. Comes with the cartridge.
Contender — The Best Above-Ground Cartridge Filter Pumps of 2026 (by Pool Size — and the Name-Brand to Skip)
Specs
| Type | Cartridge filter pump (all-in-one) |
| Pump flow | 1,000 GPH |
| Real flow | 750 GPH (system) |
| Rated pool | Up to 6,000 gal |
| Cartridge | Type A (29000E) |
| Owner rating | 4.3★ / 22,899 |
| Warranty (online) | 2 yr (180 days hoses) |
Pros
- 750 GPH of real filtered flow turns a 6,000-gal pool in ~8 hours
- Comes with the Type A cartridge to start
- Huge proven owner base (22,899 ratings) at the lowest price
- Cheap, everywhere Type A replacement cartridges
Cons
- Cartridge, not sand — swap it every ~2 weeks (~$30–60/season)
- Rated to 6,000 gal; undersized for a 15-ft-plus pool — step up to the C1500/C2500
- No wall-mount skimmer; it is a canister pump
One season, or one year, and then the impeller. "Worked great for exactly 1 year. Now the impeller shaft broke"; "this is our 3rd pump in 3 year[s]"; "stopped working after only two months"; "worked one season not very well". Owners are consistent that it works while it works — the complaint is duration, not capability. Two report parts problems in the box: "the pump didn't have all the parts... missing the clam[ps]" and "WRONG SIZE CLAMPS — my pump came with gigantic plastic clamps". One useful environmental catch: "not suitable for areas that get dust storms... like Phoenix", and one reports it leaking when not running.
10 critical cards read on page 1 of 22,899 ratings; a one-year-or-less life appears in 5 independent reviews and missing or wrong parts in 2. 10/10 Verified Purchase, 0 Vine. All ten are 3-star. · critical reviews read August 2026
“Working exceptionally well in my 12'x30" round pool. It came with a filter which was nice. Hooked up and pushed water quickly. Much better flow than the one Intex sent.”— E.S., Amazon · Verified owner
FAQ
Who is the Intex C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for?
You have a small or soft-side above-ground pool (up to ~6,000 gallons) and want the cheapest pump that still moves real water — about $56, comes with the cartridge.
What do owners say about the Intex C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump?
4.3★ across 22,899 owner ratings (Amazon, read August 2026). What owners complain about: One season, or one year, and then the impeller. "Worked great for exactly 1 year. Now the impeller shaft broke"; "this is our 3rd pump in 3 year[s]"; "stopped working after only two months"; "worked one season not very well". Owners are consistent that it works while it works — the complaint is duration, not capability. Two report parts problems in the box: "the pump didn't have all the parts... missing the clam[ps]" and "WRONG SIZE CLAMPS — my pump came with gigantic plastic clamps". One useful environmental catch: "not suitable for areas that get dust storms... like Phoenix", and one reports it leaking when not running.
What is the warranty on the Intex C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump?
2 yr (180 days hoses)
✓ Safety: no active recall — No active CPSC recall found (checked July 2026)
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Data last verified: August 2026. Ratings are real, dated reads — never scraped or invented. Full methodology and monetization disclosure: how we test.