The present invention provides a removable fluid removal pump filter for mounting on a fluid intake housing of a fluid removal pump having a fluid intake housing coupled to a pump shaft coupled to a head assembly having a pump handle and a discharge port. The removable fluid removal pump filter includes: a first member and a second member, wherein the second member is coupled to the first member and extends toward the proximal end of the first member. Methods of using the removable fluid removal pump filter are also disclosed.