The Intex 26646 sand filter pump is a sand-based filtration system designed for above-ground pools. It delivers a flow rate of 2,100 gallons per hour and uses a 12" (305 mm) tank designed to house filtration sand or compatible glass filter media. The unit supports filtration, backwash, rinse, recirculate and drain operations through a multiport valve, and includes an automatic daily timer and safety shut-off that meets UL standards. The sand media typically requires replacement only every few years, reducing routine maintenance compared with cartridge filters.
Advantages
The pump provides efficient circulation and filtration for above-ground pools while minimizing maintenance due to sand as the filter medium. It allows multiple modes of operation from one multiport valve—filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate and drain—plus an automatic daily setting for scheduled operation. The design incorporates easy-cleaning features to prolong the life of the sand and a safety shut-off compliant with UL requirements.
Suitable for
- Above-ground swimming pools requiring continuous filtration
- Pool owners who prefer low-maintenance sand filtration
- Seasonal pools that need scheduled daily operation
- Situations where backwash and rinse functions are useful for maintenance
Key specifications
- Flow rate: 2,100 gallons per hour (GPH)
- Filter tank diameter: 12" (305 mm)
- Filter medium: sand (compatible with glass filter media as alternative)
- Multiport valve functions: filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, close
- Automatic daily timer included
- Safety shut-off meeting UL standards
How to use
Install the sand filter pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the unit, connecting inlet and outlet hoses to the pool’s skimmer and return fittings. Fill the tank with the specified amount and grade of sand or use compatible glass filter media, then prime the pump and use the multiport valve to select the desired mode—filter for normal operation, backwash and rinse for cleaning the sand, recirculate for circulation without filtration, and drain or close as needed. Use the automatic daily timer to schedule run times appropriate for pool size and bather load.
Usage recommendations
Use pool-grade filtration sand or Intex-compatible glass filter media for optimal performance, check and secure hose connections before operation, and perform backwash and rinse cycles when pressure increases or after heavy use. Replace sand approximately every five years under typical residential use, and follow safety and grounding instructions in the manual to maintain UL-compliant shut-off protection.
