Buying guide for best pool pumps
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Your pool pump is kind of like the heart of your whole pool setup. It keeps water moving, pushes it through the filter and helps spread chemicals evenly. If you have a heated pool, the pump also keeps the warm water circulating rather than just sitting in one spot. If you're reading this, I'm sure I don't need to spend any time convincing you that you need the best pool pump. But which one should you get?
A big, expensive pump might seem like the obvious way to go. But, in most cases, you just need something that can circulate your pool water efficiently. A pump that’s too powerful can drive up your electric bill like crazy (no, thanks!) and even put extra strain on your pool system, which can lead to real damage. Going too small usually means poor circulation and cloudy water.
It's crucial to keep your pool running in tip-top shape, so you don't have to spend on maintenance as often and can feel good that your pool is ready when you need it. If you want a reliable option that handles debris well and keeps water moving efficiently, I spent hours comparing the top models on the market and found the Hayward W3SP2603VSP Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pool Pump to be a solid choice that many in-ground pool owners rave about.
Editors’ picks
Hayward W3SP2603VSP Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
Editors’ Favorite
Flow Rate: 25 GPM | Pool Type: Above-Ground | Timer: Yes
If you need an energy-efficient pump with a solid flow rate for your above-ground pool, the Hayward W3SP2603VSP Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pool Pump is one of the best options around. It can operate alone or as part of an automation system, and it has a hydraulic design for super-quiet operation.
It features a programmable touchpad that can be rotated to four different positions or wall-mounted for convenience. The enclosed fan-cooled motor ensures long-lasting performance, and Energy Star certification means you can save up to 80% more than with other pumps.
Although it’s more energy efficient than standard pool pumps, it does require maintenance every two weeks or so. However, the variable-speed feature means you’ll likely clean the filter less often than with a single-speed pump. Overall, it’s a terrific choice for any above-ground pool.
Intex C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
Great Value
Flow Rate: 25 GPM | Pool Type: Above-Ground | Timer: Yes
Many budget-friendly pool pumps don’t last long, but the affordable Intex C1500 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is a popular choice among above-ground pool owners who want a solid value.
This pool pump has a 2-to-10-hour cycle that ensures optimal water circulation without running up the electric bill, thanks to the automatic shutoff timer. The filter effectively traps all kinds of debris, helping you keep your pool clean, and air injection straight into the water enhances circulation to improve water quality.
It’s an easy-to-install pump that you can simply connect to existing skimmer hoses, and it’s surprisingly quiet given its lower price point. For small- to medium-sized above-ground pools, this pump is more than enough to keep the water fresh all summer long.
Hayward Perflex Diatomaceous Earth Above-Ground Pool Filter
Powerful Performance
Flow Rate: 74.8 GPM | Pool Type: Above-Ground | Timer: No
Those looking for a pool pump that’s built to last should check out the Hayward Perflex Diatomaceous Earth Above-Ground Pool Filter. It removes even the smallest debris particles, ensuring your pool water stays clean for longer.
It provides powerful pressure to circulate your entire pool’s water volume, leaving it crystal-clear. The filter features an injection-molded tank for corrosion-free performance, and the kit comes with everything you need for installation, including a modular platform base, a union connection and a 1.5-inch hose package.
It’s an expensive pool pump, but we highly recommend it for anyone who wants something durable and high-flow. If you need full water circulation that leaves your water sparkling clean, this pump is the way to go.
Hayward 1.85 HP Pool Filter Pump (W3SP3202VSP)
Quiet & Efficient
Flow Rate: 40 GPM | Pool Type: In-Ground | Timer: Yes
In-ground pools require more powerful pumps than above-ground pools, so you’ll want to look into a model like the Hayward 1.85 HP Pool Filter Pump (W3SP3202VSP) if that’s your pool type. It has a 40-gallon-per-minute flow rate that’s built to circulate water efficiently in standard residential pools.
The extra-large filter basket captures larger debris, such as leaves and twigs, and because it's larger than standard pool-pump baskets, you don’t have to empty it as often. The built-in digital interface lets you program the pump up to 24 hours in advance, and you can choose from three speeds based on your pool’s needs or your preferred energy setting.
It’s the most expensive of our picks, but this pool pump is built for long-lasting durability and delivers elite performance for in-ground pools that you won’t get with many other pumps.
Black+Decker 1.5 HP Variable Speed In-Ground Pool Pump
Easiest to Use & Install
Flow Rate: 80 GPM | Pool Type: In-Ground | Timer: Yes
The BLACK+DECKER 1.5 HP Variable Speed In-Ground Pool Pump features a high-efficiency variable-speed motor that delivers excellent water circulation without consuming excessive power.
It has a permanent-magnet motor that operates quietly and a programmable touchpad that lets you adjust the pump's speed to suit your pool’s needs. The built-in self-diagnostics are great for monitoring system performance, and the integrated filter basket captures debris, such as pebbles and leaves, helping keep your pool clean.
This pump works with various in-ground pools and automatically detects 115V or 230V power during installation. It also includes both 1.5-inch and 2-inch plumbing ports, so you have everything you need right out of the box for installation.
How we analyzed
The best pool pumps are those that offer a high flow rate and effective filtration. We researched the top models based on specs, performance and customer reviews. The five best models had a flow rate of at least 25 GPM, a durable body and advanced technology for efficient circulation and filtration.
Three key elements of a pool pump
Pool pump technology hasn’t changed much in the past 2,000 years: water is sucked in and pushed out, creating a current that circulates the water in your pool. For our purposes now, we only need to consider three key elements of your pump: the motor, the impeller, and the filter basket.
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Motor: This is your pool pump’s power source. It's what makes the pump work. The pool pump motor nameplate will provide information such as the horsepower, service factor (multiply horsepower by this number to get the actual horsepower), voltage, and more. Although these numbers all provide valuable information, the most important thing you need to know when buying a pump is the flow rate – how many gallons per minute it can pump. You can obtain that information from the pump manufacturer.
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Impeller: This is the fan-like part that the motor spins. As the blades whirl, they pull the water in one side of the pump and force it out the other.
- Filter basket: All you need to circulate your water is a motor that spins an impeller. That's what makes the water move. However, the filter basket is essential because it is your pump's last line of defense. Any debris that slipped past the skimmer baskets or got sucked into the system through the drain will get caught in this basket so it doesn't damage your pump.
Two numbers you need to know
The length of time it takes for all the water in your pool system to pass through the filter is called the turnover rate. To maintain healthy swimming conditions, your turnover rate should be approximately eight hours. To find the perfect pump for your pool, you must find the pump that can accomplish this feat. This number is measured in gallons per minute (gpm) and is called the flow rate.
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Flow rate: Determine the total amount of gallons your pool holds and divide that by 8, then divide that answer by 60. That number is the gallons per minute that your pump needs to move in order to filter all the water in your pool in eight hours.
Additionally, if you have an in-ground pool, you'll need a pump that is strong enough to overcome the resistance that is created by trying to force water through all the pipes of your pool. That number is measured in feet of head.
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Resistance: Measure the distance between each skimmer and drain to your pump. Add those numbers together. Divide that total by the number of skimmers and drains in your system. That number is your feet of head.
Use these two numbers (flow rate and resistance) to reference pool pump flow charts (available from each pump manufacturer) to determine how much horsepower you will need to achieve a proper turnover rate for your particular pool.
Pool pumps and horsepower
Bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to horsepower. If your pool has deck jets, a waterfall, and long runs of pipe, then higher horsepower is necessary. But if you use a pool pump with too much horsepower, you could do real damage.
If your pump has a higher flow rate than your filter, you will eventually damage your filter. The filter must be rated higher than the pump, not equal to. There needs to be a considerable amount of headroom to keep your filter safe.
If your pump is too powerful for your pool, it can create an extreme low-pressure zone at the eye of the impeller, which causes vapor cavities to form in the water. As the water travels out of this extreme low-pressure zone, the cavities implode and the shock wave can damage the impeller. If it sounds like marbles are rolling through your pump, it's probably too powerful.
Using more horsepower than your pool requires will raise your electric bill disproportionately. In other words, you might be paying up to 65% more for only about a 15% increase in efficiency.
Three final pool pump options
Now that you’ve figured out the hard stuff, there are a three final criteria to consider before you can find the perfect pump: mounting, voltage, and speed.
Mounting: There are two mounting options for pool pumps: top mount and side mount.
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If your filter has an intake on the top, you'll need a top mount pump.
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If the intake is on the side, you'll need a side mount pump.
Voltage: There are three options when it comes to voltage requirements: 115, 230, and 115/230.
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115 only works off a 120-volt line.
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230 only works off a 240-volt line.
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115/230 will work off either a 120-volt line or a 240-volt line.
Speed: There are three options when it comes to picking your pump's speed: single speed, dual speed, and variable speed.
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Single-speed: This type of pump is either on or off. It operates at one speed, which is determined by the horsepower of the motor.
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Dual-speed: This type of pump has a high and a low speed. The high speed is the proper speed the pump should run at when you’re cleaning it or taking care of a water issue. The low speed is an energy-saving mode that allows you to turn over the water using less energy.
Variable-speed: This type of pump allows you to adjust the speed to achieve the optimum flow rate for your pool. It’s the most energy-efficient choice, but it’s also the most costly of the three options.
Pool pump prices
Consumer pool pumps range in price from roughly $140 to $1,400. Although there are other contributing factors, horsepower is the main justification for the difference in price.
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Pumps with 1 or 1.5 horsepower cost about $140 to $600.
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Pumps with 2 horsepower cost between $200 and $800.
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Pumps with 3 horsepower can start around $600 and go up to about $1,100. Variable speed pumps can range from $400 to $1,400.
The higher the upper end of the horsepower, the higher the price.
Tips
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Keep an eye out for debris. Even with the best pool pumps, circulation isn’t perfect. There will be dead spots where the water doesn't flow as it should. Look at steps, corners, behind ladders, and other areas where debris tends to accumulate. An occasional nudge from your net skimmer will help keep things moving along.
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Don’t let air get in the pump. One of the most destructive things you can do to your pump is to let it pump air. Keep the water at the right level, one-third to one-half the way up the pool's skimmer openings. If it's too low and air is being sucked into your pump through the skimmers, you'll soon be looking for another new pool pump.
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Watch the water level. If the water level in your pool is above the skimmers, it will still circulate, but the skimmers will cease to do their job. Insects and debris floating on the surface will not be drawn into the skimmer baskets and the water will not be cleaned. If the water level is not lowered, this will eventually create an unhealthy swimming environment.
- Empty and clean all of your baskets regularly. Whether it's the skimmer baskets or the filter basket, these need to be emptied on a regular basis. Baskets clogged with debris will restrict water flow and put a strain on your pump, ultimately wearing it out if the problem is not rectified.
FAQ
Q. How long should I run my pump?
A. If you've done all your calculations correctly and have the right pump, your water should be turning over (completely filtered) about every eight hours. That’s all you need. Running it less is not recommended. Running it more won’t result in any adverse side effects except a larger energy bill.
Q. Why are there bubbles coming out of my return line?
A. If there is a significant number of bubbles shooting into your pool, that means air is getting into your system. This isn’t healthy for your pump. Hopefully, it is a quick-fix situation, like a low water level. Otherwise, you'll have to play detective to find out how that air is sneaking into your system. Start with a place that’s easy to check, like around the strainer lid, and then move on to other possibilities like leaks in unions and seals.
Q. There's something gross in my pool, but it isn’t green. What is it?
A. It's probably algae. Algae come in a variety of colors. The most common is that familiar murky green haze that you've no doubt seen at some point in your life. Algae also come in yellow and black, with each of those varieties being harder than the last to kill off. Pink bacteria can also take hold in areas of poor circulation. These can all be tough battles to win, but if you're determined and persistent in your treatment, you will emerge victorious.
