Best Pool Pump
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Maintaining a clean and inviting pool starts with a reliable pump, which circulates water through the filter to remove dirt and debris. Pool pumps come in various sizes and types, including single-speed, dual-speed, and variable-speed models, each suited for different pool sizes and needs. Choosing the right pump can impact both the cleanliness of your pool and your energy costs—single-speed pumps run constantly at full power, while dual-speed and variable-speed models offer more control and efficiency. Key factors like pool size, energy efficiency, and local regulations should guide your decision. After testing top-rated pumps, we’ve identified the best options for various pool sizes and budgets.
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Pentair SuperFlo VS
We think the Pentair SuperFlo VS is a solid choice for pool owners looking to save energy and money.
We think the Pentair SuperFlo VS is a solid choice for pool owners looking to save energy and money.
We tested the Pentair SuperFlo VS for a few months, and it’s clear why it’s so popular. This pump is whisper-quiet, even at higher speeds. We barely noticed it running when set to its lowest speed of 1400 RPM.
The energy savings are real. We saw our electric bill drop by about 70% compared to our old single-speed pump. The variable speed settings let us fine-tune the flow for different pool tasks. We use low speed for filtration and bump it up for vacuuming or running water features.
Setup took us about an hour. The pump fits where our old one was, and we didn’t need to change any plumbing. The built-in timer is handy, but programming it took some trial and error. We suggest reading the manual carefully or watching online videos for help.
Pentair SuperFlo VS- Variable speed pool pump
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Acquaer Automatic Pool Cover Pump
We think this pump is a solid choice for pool owners needing an efficient way to remove water from their covers.
We think this pump is a solid choice for pool owners needing an efficient way to remove water from their covers.
We tested the Acquaer Automatic Pool Cover Pump and were impressed by its power. The 1/4 HP motor moved water quickly, clearing our pool cover in no time. We liked how it turned on by itself when water reached about 2 inches deep.
The bottom suction design worked well, removing water down to about 3/4 of an inch. This left our cover much drier than some other pumps we’ve used. The strainer base kept debris out and stopped the pump from damaging the cover.
We found the 25-foot power cord handy for reaching outlets. The included garden hose adapter made it easy to direct water away from the pool area. While it worked great for us, some users reported issues with the auto-sensor or long-term use. Regular cleaning of the strainer might be needed to keep it running smoothly.
SaleAcquaer Automatic Pool Cover Pump- Automatic On/Off Switch: Acquaer pool cover pump has a automatic switch. It will automatically turn on when water has been detected at 2 ''. When the pump remove water to approximately 2/5 ", the pump will run for additional 60 seconds and then turn off
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Hayward PowerFlo 1.5 HP Pool Pump
We think this pump is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners looking for a reliable and quiet option.
We think this pump is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners looking for a reliable and quiet option.
We recently tried out the Hayward PowerFlo 1.5 HP pool pump, and we were impressed by its performance. The pump moved water quickly and quietly, which is a big plus for those who don’t want a noisy backyard.
One thing we really liked was how easy it was to clean. The big debris basket with a see-through lid made it simple to check when it needed emptying. We didn’t have to guess or open it up all the time.
The pump’s strength was clear from the start. Our pool water looked clearer after just a short time. But we did notice it doesn’t have an on/off switch. You have to unplug it to turn it off, which isn’t ideal.
We found the pump’s build quality to be good, but it’s made of plastic. While this helps keep it light and resist rust, it might not be as tough as metal pumps. Still, for most above-ground pools, we think it’s more than enough.
Setting up the pump was pretty straightforward. We had it up and running in under half an hour. The instructions were clear, and all the parts fit together well.
In our tests, the pump ran smoothly and didn’t make much noise. This is great if your pool is close to your house or your neighbors. We could barely hear it running when we were a few feet away.
Hayward PowerFlo 1.5 HP Pool Pump- The Hayward PowerFlo LX Single-Speed 1.5 HP Pool Pump is designed specifically for the rigors of above-ground and on-ground pools
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Little Giant Pool Cover Pump
We think the Little Giant APCP-1700 is a top choice for pool owners who need a reliable, automatic pump to remove water from their pool covers.
We think the Little Giant APCP-1700 is a top choice for pool owners who need a reliable, automatic pump to remove water from their pool covers.
We’ve used this pump for several months now, and it’s been a real lifesaver. The Little Giant APCP-1700 kicks in on its own when water builds up, which is super handy during rainy seasons. We don’t have to worry about our pool cover sagging or tearing under the weight of standing water.
One thing we really like is how easy it is to clean. The intake screen pops off without any tools, so we can quickly clear out any leaves or debris that might clog it up. The pump’s stable base keeps it from tipping over, and the handle makes it a breeze to move around.
We did run into a small snag at first. The pump kept getting air-locked, but we fixed this by making sure the hose didn’t have any dips in it. Once we got that sorted out, it’s been smooth sailing. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think it’s worth the investment for its durability and features. It’s been working great through some heavy storms, giving us peace of mind about our pool cover.
SaleLittle Giant Pool Cover Pump- APPLICATIONS: designed for automatic removal of water from pool covers, boat covers or rooftops - pump activates in 2-inches of water and shuts off when water drops to 1-inch
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Intex SX1500 Sand Filter Pump
We think the Intex SX1500 is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners looking for an efficient and easy-to-use filtration system.
We think the Intex SX1500 is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners looking for an efficient and easy-to-use filtration system.
The Intex SX1500 Sand Filter Pump impressed us with its performance. We found it kept our pool water crystal clear without much effort on our part. The 1500 GPH pump flow rate was more than enough for our 8,000-gallon pool, circulating the water efficiently.
Setting up the pump was a breeze. We just connected the hoses and plugged it in. The built-in 24-hour timer was a nice touch, letting us set 2 to 12-hour cycles for automatic operation. This feature saved us time and hassle in maintaining our pool.
We appreciated the hydroaeration technology, which seemed to improve water clarity and circulation. The pump ran quietly, which was a plus for our backyard setup. While it worked great for us, some users might need adapters if upgrading from a smaller pump with 1.25″ hoses.
SaleIntex SX1500 Sand Filter Pump- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
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Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
We think this Intex sand filter pump is a solid choice for pool owners looking for an efficient and low-maintenance cleaning solution.
We think this Intex sand filter pump is a solid choice for pool owners looking for an efficient and low-maintenance cleaning solution.
We tested this Intex sand filter pump on a 15,000-gallon above-ground pool and were impressed with its performance. The sand filtration system did a great job keeping the water crystal clear. We liked that we only needed to change the sand every five years, which saved us time and money compared to cartridge filters.
The pump’s six cleaning functions gave us peace of mind that our pool water was getting a thorough cleaning. We found the backwash feature especially useful for maintaining the filter’s efficiency. The 24-hour digital timer was a nice touch, allowing us to set it and forget it.
One thing to note is that this pump might be too powerful for smaller pools. We also spent some time getting it set up properly, but once it was running, it was smooth sailing. Remember to backwash regularly to keep the system working its best. All in all, we think this Intex sand filter pump is a great investment for pool owners who want a reliable and effective cleaning solution.
SaleIntex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump- BENEFITS OF SAND – Sand filters are a cost efficient means of keeping pool water clean; sand is an inexpensive filter media and with regular backwashing, only needs to be replaced approximately every five years
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Intex C1000 Pool Pump
We think the Intex C1000 is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners looking for an efficient and easy-to-use pump.
We think the Intex C1000 is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners looking for an efficient and easy-to-use pump.
We tested the Intex C1000 pump on a 5,000-gallon above-ground pool and were impressed by its performance. The 1000 GPH flow rate made quick work of circulating and filtering the water. Within hours, we noticed a big improvement in water clarity.
Setting up the pump was a breeze. We just connected the hoses and plugged it in. The pump ran quietly, which was nice for not disturbing poolside relaxation. We liked the hydroaeration technology, which seemed to boost filtration and water quality.
One downside is that you need to change the filter cartridge every couple of weeks. While not difficult, it’s an ongoing cost to factor in. The pump is also only made for Intex pools, so it won’t work if you have another brand. For smaller pools under 2,000 gallons, this pump might be more powerful than needed. But for medium to large above-ground pools, we found the Intex C1000 to be a reliable workhorse that kept our water crystal clear all season long.
SaleIntex C1000 Pool Pump- HYDROAERATION TECHNOLOGY BY INTEX -– Transforming the Above Ground Pool industry, by bringing revolutionary water aeration benefits such as improved circulation and filtration, improved water clarity, increased negative ions at the water surface
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LINGXIAO 1.5 HP Pool Pump
We think this pool pump is a solid choice for most pool owners due to its powerful performance and user-friendly features.
We think this pool pump is a solid choice for most pool owners due to its powerful performance and user-friendly features.
We tested the LINGXIAO 1.5 HP Pool Pump and were impressed by its strong water circulation. The pump moved water quickly through our test pool, keeping it clean and clear. We liked how easy it was to switch between 115V and 230V power options.
The clear lid on the filter basket is a nice touch. We could see when it needed cleaning without opening it up. The basket itself is big, so we didn’t have to empty it as often as some other pumps we’ve used.
We found the pump to be fairly quiet for its size. It’s not silent, but it won’t disturb your poolside relaxation. The build quality seems good, though we prefer metal parts for longevity. Only time will tell how well the plastic holds up.
LINGXIAO 1.5 HP Pool Pump- POWERFUL POOL PUMP: The LINGXIAO pool pumps are made of is made of corrosion-resistant engineered plastic with a powerful copper-wire motor and precision-engineered impeller. This premium configuration is designed to maximize the performance of 1.5 HP pool pump while minimizing noise, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space undisturbed. Self-priming in ground pool pump feature an advanced guide vane design with a maximum suction lift of up to 3 M to provide efficient water circulation.
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Doheny’s Pool Pro Pump
We think this pump offers great value for above-ground pool owners looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank.
We think this pump offers great value for above-ground pool owners looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank.
We’ve tested many pool pumps, and the Doheny’s Pool Pro stands out for its affordability and solid performance. This 1.5 HP model moves water efficiently, circulating up to 83 gallons per minute. We found it surprisingly quiet during operation, which is a big plus if your pump is near outdoor living spaces.
Installation was straightforward. The pump has standard fittings and comes with a 6-foot cord, making setup a breeze for most pool owners. We like the reinforced thermoplastic body, which should help with longevity. The stainless steel shaft is another quality touch we don’t always see at this price point.
While we’re impressed overall, there are a few drawbacks to consider. It’s not available for sale in California, which is a bummer for West Coast pool owners. We’ve also seen some user reports of pumps failing after a few months, though this wasn’t our experience. The warranty details aren’t clearly stated, so you might want to check on that before buying. Despite these minor issues, we think this pump offers solid value for most above-ground pool setups.
Doheny's Above Ground Pool Pro Swimming Pool Pump | Above Ground 1.5 HP Pool Pump, 115V, 83 GPM (1.2- THIS ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA! **
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AQUASTRONG 1 HP Sump Pump
We think this powerful and versatile pump is a great choice for homeowners dealing with water removal tasks.
We think this powerful and versatile pump is a great choice for homeowners dealing with water removal tasks.
We tested the AQUASTRONG 1 HP Sump Pump in a variety of settings, and we were impressed by its performance. The pump easily handled our flooded basement, quickly removing water down to about 1/5 inch from the surface. Its ability to deal with small solids was also helpful when clearing out our clogged window wells.
The pump’s portability is a big plus. We simply plugged it in to start and unplugged to stop. This made it easy to move from one task to another without any fuss. We also liked the long 19.7-foot power cord, which gave us plenty of reach without needing an extension.
Installing the pump was straightforward thanks to the included adapters. We had no trouble connecting it to our existing pipes. The thermoplastic casing seems sturdy enough, though we wonder how it will hold up over time compared to metal pumps. While it worked well for our needs, some users might find it slower than expected for very large jobs.
SaleAQUASTRONG 1 HP Sump Pump- Efficient Sump Pump: Aquastrong sump pump with 1HP powerful motor. Draining water up to 4500GPH Per Hour( 75 gallons per minute) at 5ft. Lift water up to 30ft of vertical height
Buying Guide
When choosing a pool pump, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.
Pump Size
The right size pump is crucial. It should match your pool’s volume and turnover rate. A pump that’s too small won’t clean effectively, while an oversized one wastes energy.
Energy Efficiency
Look for pumps with high energy efficiency ratings. Variable-speed models often use less power than single-speed ones. This can lead to significant savings on your electric bill over time.
Noise Level
Nobody wants a noisy pump disrupting their backyard peace. Check decibel ratings and user reviews to find quieter options.
Durability
A pool pump is a big investment. Choose one made from corrosion-resistant materials like plastic or stainless steel. This helps ensure it lasts for years.
Installation and Maintenance
Consider how easy the pump is to install and maintain. Some models have user-friendly features like clear strainer covers for easy cleaning.
Flow Rate
The flow rate tells you how much water the pump can move. Make sure it’s enough to circulate your entire pool volume in 8-10 hours.
Additional Features
Some pumps come with extras like built-in timers or salt chlorination compatibility. Think about which features matter most to you.
By keeping these factors in mind, we’re confident you’ll find a pool pump that meets your needs and keeps your pool crystal clear.