A Complete Guide to Kiddie Pool Filter Pumps

A kiddie pool is a fantastic way to keep kids cool and entertained during the summer, but let’s face it: kids are pretty dirty, and they track all manner of debris into the pool. Without a filter, the water can quickly become murky and unsanitary, requiring you to drain and refill it — a dreaded job, especially if you put it off for too long and the water turns a sickly green. 

A filter pump helps circulate and clean the water, reducing debris, bacteria, and algae buildup. Can you put a filter pump in a kiddie pool? Yes — and it’s easy and inexpensive. Even if your pool doesn’t have built-in ports, you can still easily filter the water with a classic cartridge pump or a submersible pump. In this guide, we’ll cover the different types of kiddie pool filter pumps, how to use them, and what to do if your pool doesn’t have built-in intake and outtake holes.

Do kiddie pools need a filter pump?

A filter pump for a kiddie pool isn’t a must-have, but if your pool is used daily and holds more than 100 gallons of water, filtering the water makes maintenance much easier and helps the pool water stay cleaner longer.

A filter pump helps:

• Remove debris like grass, bugs, and leaves

• Circulate the water to prevent stagnation and algae growth

• Reduce the need for chemicals or constant refilling

Pumps are labeled in gallons per hour (GPH), which indicates how many gallons can run through it in an hour. For a kiddie pool, you want the pump to “turn over” the water at least once every 8 to 10 hours.

While a filter pump can help you keep the pool cleaner for a longer period of time, it’s most effective when it’s used along with other methods for keeping the water clean.

Two Types of Kiddie Pool Filter Pumps

Standard cartridge filter pumps

Cartridge filter pumps are common in larger above-ground pools and use a replaceable filter cartridge to trap dirt and debris. They require a pool with built-in intake and outtake ports to function (although later, we’ll cover how to use one for a pool that doesn’t have ports).

The setup is simple: The pump sits outside the pool, and a removable filter sits inside the body of the pump. Each hose is connected to the pool via the pre-cut ports. The top hose pumps water from the pool into the filter, and the bottom hose sends the filtered water back into the pool. Cartridge filter pumps either use a disposable filter or a reusable one that you can rinse and reuse. Whichever kind of filter the pump uses, you should replace it every couple of weeks.

Submersible aquarium or fountain filter pumps

Submersible pumps are a great option for pools that don’t have intake and outtake ports. They’re mostly used in ponds and aquariums, but they work great for kiddie pools, too. Submersible filter pumps sit directly in the water and create gentle circulation, passing the water through the filter to trap debris.

Submersible filter pumps are less powerful than standard cartridge filter pumps, and since the filters are smaller, they’ll require more frequent cleaning. Turn it off and take it out of the pool while the kids are swimming. When nobody’s using the pool, keep the pump running — they’re pretty energy efficient, so you shouldn’t see a spike in your electric bill even if you run it overnight.

Best filter for kiddie pools with hose ports 

Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Pool Filter Pump

4.4 stars, 42,000+ ratings on Amazon

The Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump comes in multiple flow rates, from 330 GPH to 2,500 GPH. If your pool has a capacity of 1,000 gallons, a 330 GPH pump will turn over the water in about 3 hours — or in about 8 hours for a 2,500-gallon pool. This pump has a double-insulated motor and comes with everything you need to get it up and running in minutes. It uses easy-to-clean Type A filter cartridges — it’s recommended that you swap the old filter out for a new one every two weeks or so.

Best submersible filter pumps for kiddie pools without holes 

Tararium Aquarium Filter Pump

4.2 stars, 1,700+ ratings on Amazon

The TARARIUM Aquarium Filter Pump is a submersible internal filter designed for aquariums, but its 300 GPH capacity means it’ll turn over the water in a 1,000-gallon pool in about three hours. A washable biochemical sponge filter catches debris, and a UV light treats the water as it moves through. This model is also available in 420 GPH and 660 GPH capacities for larger pools (or faster water turnover in a smaller pool).

How to use a cartridge filter pump in a pool without ports

Many kiddie pools don’t have pre-installed intake and outtake holes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a cartridge filter pump for the kiddie pool! All you need to do is fill up the pump and both hoses with water, submerge the hoses in the pool and weigh them down, and turn on the pump. 

You don't need to run the pump all the time. Turn it on for a couple of hours after the kids swim, and then again for a few hours the next morning. Pull the hoses out of the water while the kids are in the pool — just be sure to completely submerge and fill them with water again before you turn the pump back on.

Here's a quick video demonstrating how easy it is to run a filter pump that's not built into the pool:

More Tips for Keeping Your Kiddie Pool Clean

Even with a filter pump, regular maintenance is key to keeping your pool water fresh. Here are a few extra steps you can take:

• Unless you’re using chlorine to keep the pool water clean, it’s important to drain and scrub the pool each week.

• Use a pool cover to keep sunlight and debris out when the pool isn’t being used.

• Set a tub of water next to the pool, and have the kids step in it to rinse their feet before they get in the pool.

• If your pool water turns green, you can shock it back to clear — no draining needed!

For more ways to keep cool in the summer, check out these super-fun sprinklers for kids of all ages!