Having a good quality pool pump will greatly enhance the quality of your pool water. A pool pump filters and circulates the water in your pool. Without it, your pool water will become dirty and stagnant, which is not exactly the most inviting sight on a hot and sunny afternoon.
What to consider before buying a pool pump
When buying a pool pump, it’s important to know how it functions. Pool pumps are typically made up of three main parts, including the motor, the impeller and the housing. The motor spins the impeller, the impeller pushes water into the filter, and the housing sucks in the water, pushing it towards the impeller, keeping a solid flow going.
When choosing a pump, you need to make sure it has the right turnover rate for the size of your pool so that all of the water is getting filtered at least once a day. We’ve chosen a variety of high-quality pumps for above-ground and in-ground pools for a variety of sizes.
What we looked for when choosing the best pool pumps
The ability to effectively pump water is obviously the first major consideration, but we also looked at energy efficiency. In addition to saving you money, an efficient pool pump will often run more quietly as well, meaning you won’t have to scream during games of Marco Polo. We also looked for options that suited different pool sizes and types.
Keep your pool water looking clean, clear and ready for swimming with a durable and effective pool pump.
1. Hayward MaxFlo VS Pool Pump
This option from Hayward has a robust 1.65 horsepower motor, and it’s Energy Star rated for efficiency. The fan-cooled motor keeps it running smoothly, and it’s designed to be relatively easy to install. The efficiency of this Hayward model means that not only will it not be felt as heavily on your wallet or the environment, but it also won’t be heard — it runs quietly.
Pros: Efficient and quiet. Designed to be easy to install. Fan-cooled motor. Variable speed.
Cons: Some options may be less expensive.
2. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is an all-natural low maintenance pump for above-ground pools. The sand provides high-quality water filtration and comes with a six-function control valve that can be set to filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain and close. It comes with a built-in 24-hour timer that allows users to go along with their day while the pool is being cleaned. The pump generates a pump flow rate of 3,000 gallons per hour and fits above-ground pools 14 feet and up. This sand filter pump does most of the heavy lifting and all you need to do is replace the sand every five years.
Pros: Very low maintenance, includes a 24-hour timer, can clean pools up to 14 feet.
Cons: Only for above-ground pools.
3. Pentair SuperFlo High Performance Single Speed Pool Pump
For a pool pump that is energy efficient, quiet, and will last for several pool seasons, we recommend the Pentair SuperFlo High Performance Single Speed Pool Pump. Available in six speed options, including the 1.5 horsepower pump shown here, the Pentair moves water efficiently, which helps to lower energy costs. The internal flow design means less audible noise. Durable, thick walls and a heavy-duty 56 square flange motor create a pump that will last. We also like that the Pentair has an oversized strainer basket that doesn’t have to be emptied often. The strainer basket has a clear lid, making it easy for users to see whether the unit is full and needs to be emptied. The self-priming pump is quick-starting and user-friendly.
Pros: Energy efficient, quiet, large strainer basket with a clear lid.
Cons: The Pentair has a big price tag.
4. Hayward Super Pool Pump
The Hayward Super Pool Pump comes as a single-speed or dual-speed pump. It also comes in a selection of horsepower options ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 horsepower. The range of options makes this pump fit most in-ground pools and spas. Its swing-away hand knobs makes it easy to remove the strainer cover and no tools or clamps are required. It comes with an oversized debris basket that allows for less frequent maintenance. This pump is made of sturdy durable materials, isn’t noisy and is a great dependable pump that will fit all different pool sizes.
Pros: Comes in a variety of sizes and horsepower options, quiet, oversized debris basket.
Cons: You have to pay extra for professional installation.
5. Century Pool Motor
This option is actually designed as a replacement model, meaning you can swap out a worn-out pump for this option. If you’re not sure you have the right model, there’s a convenient tool on this listing that allows you to put in your model number to find out the compatibility. The 1 1/2 horsepower motor delivers 3,450 RPM. It’s designed to be easy to install.
Pros: Relatively easy install. Compatible with several models, which can be easily checked from this listing.
Cons: May run loudly.
6. Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
Keep your above-ground pool clean and filtering smoothly with the Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump. The double-insulated pump features an air-valve release for air that is trapped inside the filter chamber. The bottom of the pump features a sediment flush valve for pump priming. The pump includes a timer that can be set between two and 12-hour cycles. Conforming to all UL/CSA standards, the Intex also comes with a 25-foot power cord with a built-in GFCI. The Intex can handle pools between 4,000 to 15,2000 gallons and works with Easy Set, metal and oval-frame pools.
Pros: Has pump-priming, works on most above-ground pools, cartridges are easy to change.
Cons: The cartridges must be changed every one-to-two weeks and therefore may not be a good option for people who are often away from their pool.
7. DuroMax Pool Pump
When pool season is over and it’s time to empty your pool, we recommend the DuroMax. Available in four size options, the one-gallon pump shown here boasts an impressive 2.4-hour run time. The pump comes with an intake hose-end strainer, threaded hose-end connectors, hose clamps and a tool kit with a plug wrench, leaving a suction hose as the only item users will have to supply. Featuring a max flow rate of 158 GMP and a powerful 208 cc engine, the DuroMax can be used to empty swimming pools and flooded basements. At only 52 pounds, the DuroMax is easy to move and store.
Pros: Can empty a pool or flooded basement, lightweight for easy moving, includes several accessories.
Cons: The run time may be less than 2.4 hours.