The Best Pool Pumps, Vetted
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Pool Pumps, Vetted and hope the blog can help you.
Keep your pool water crystal clear with a quality pump that suits your pool size and helps you save energy.
A pool pump circulates chemicals through pool water and filters out impurities and cloudiness. With a quality pool pump, you can spend less time taking care of your pool and more time enjoying it.
The best pool pump has the power to efficiently clean your pool several times in a 24-hour period without requiring constant attention. If you’re replacing your old model (the lifespan of a pool pump is 8 to 12 years) or shopping for a new pool, read on for the features to consider and some of the best options on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS 2.7HP Pool Pump
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Intex 26647EG Krystal Clear 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump
- BEST FOR ABOVE-GROUND: Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump
- BEST SINGLE-SPEED: Hayward W3SP2307X10 MaxFlo XL 1HP Pool Pump
- BEST DUAL-SPEED: XtremePowerUS 2HP Inground Pool Pump
- BEST VARIABLE-SPEED: Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS 230V Pool Pump
- BEST FOR SALTWATER: Pentair SuperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump
- BEST QUIET OPERATION: Hayward W3SP3202VSP TriStar VS 1.85HP Pool Pump
How We Chose the Best Pool Pumps
We researched the most sought-after above- and inground pool pumps in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, power source, horsepower, energy efficiency, and other special features.
To ensure our list had a broad range of options to satisfy different needs, we included single-speed, dual-speed, and variable-speed pool pumps that all rely on corded electricity to pump water. As for power, our top picks range from 1- to 2-horsepower motors capable of working with 26,000- to 46,000-gallon pools of either salt or chlorinated water.
As energy efficiency is important when considering this type of pool equipment, select options on our list are Energy Star certified and consume less energy than other options on the market. Many picks also include skimmer baskets with clear lids, programmable speeds, quiet operation volumes, and motors that run cool or cold for long lifespans. Select options are also compatible with diatomaceous earth (DE) pumps, sand filter pumps, and cartridge filters.
Our Top Picks
Just ahead are pool pumps from the most respected manufacturers in the residential pool industry, all of which are considered among the best available. The picks were compiled taking into account all the factors mentioned above.
Best Overall
Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS 2.7HP Pool Pump
Photo: amazon.com
The Hayward TriStar pump isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive pool pumps on the market. But what you’ll pay up front, you’ll recoup in a reasonable amount of time. That’s because the TriStar is equipped with a variable-speed pump capable of cutting pump operating costs by a whopping 90 percent, amounting to hundreds of dollars a year in savings on your energy bill.
You can program four speed options on the Hayward’s digital display and 24-hour programmable clock. With its powerful 2.7 horsepower, it’s capable of serving even large inground pools. In addition to being more efficient, the Hayward is also quieter than most pool pumps thanks to its upgraded motor drive. There’s also a fan-cooled motor, which helps extend the pump’s life.
Product Specs
- Type: Variable speed
- Inground/above-ground: Inground
- Horsepower: 2.7
Pros
- High-efficiency variable-speed design can save up to 90 percent in operating costs
- Comes equipped with an upgraded motor that’s quiet even at high speeds
- Equipped with digital controls, 4 speed options, and a 24-hour programmable clock
Cons
- Comes at a much higher up-front cost than other pool pumps
Get the Hayward TriStar 2.7-horsepower pool pump at Amazon, Leslie’s, or Pool Supply Unlimited.
Best Bang for the Buck
Intex 26647EG Krystal Clear 2800 GPH Sand Filter Pump
Photo: amazon.com
Intex is well known for its line of affordable above-ground pools, so it makes sense that the company also offers one of the best budget options when it comes to pool pumps. This affordably priced combination pump and sand filter comes in five size options. The 16-inch pump, the largest size option, is equipped with a 0.6-horsepower motor that’s capable of filtering 2,800 gallons per hour (GPH), allowing it to service pools up to 17,200 gallons in size.
In addition to the sand filter, the Intex Krystal Clear has a large strainer basket for prefiltering. It also features a pressure gauge for monitoring the filter and a digital timer to program preset cycles.
Product Specs
- Type: Single speed with sand filter
- Inground/above-ground: Above-ground
- Horsepower: 0.6
Pros
- Provides both a pool pump and filter at an affordable price
- Combination design makes it easier to set up than separate units
- Pressure gauge and digital timer help control the pump and monitor performance
Cons
- Customers report that the pump and filter don’t feel very durable
Get the Intex pool pump at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Target, or Intex.
Best for above-Ground
Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump
Photo: amazon.com
Pentair’s IntelliFlo high-performance pump may have a higher price tag than some other models, but its ultraefficient operation makes up for that. With the ability to change speeds to suit demand, it uses significantly less energy than single-speed models, making it much cheaper to operate. The Pentair IntelliFlo has digital controls that make it easy to program schedules and monitor speeds. It also works with Pentair’s automatic chlorinators and chemical dispensers for simplified pool treatment. A 3-horsepower motor makes it ideal for larger pools.
The pump also uses an ultraquiet fan-cooled motor that runs at just 45 decibels. Built-in diagnostics help protect the pump from wear. A large strainer basket means it needs cleaning less often.
Product Specs
- Type: Variable speed
- Inground/above-ground: Inground
- Horsepower: 3
Pros
- Variable-speed design can reduce operating expenses significantly
- Creates less noise thanks to an ultraquiet fan-cooled motor
- Equipped with digital controls that make it easy to program schedules
Cons
- Some customers complain about the pump leaking through the seal
Get the Pentair IntelliFlo pool pump at Amazonor In The Swim.
Best Single Speed
Hayward W3SP2307X10 MaxFlo XL 1HP Pool Pump
Photo: amazon.com
Hayward’s powerful 1-horsepower single-speed pool pump makes it the right pool pump for treating most inground pools. Though this model doesn’t have the Energy Star certification of Hayward’s dual-speed models, it still features the brand’s hydraulic technology that improves efficiency.
A clear top on the filter basket allows you to see when the basket needs to be emptied without having to open it. Port sizes for the intake and discharge are 1.5 and 2 inches, and the pump runs off a 115-volt power source. Hayward is known for durability, which shows in this model’s aluminum motor housing and high-grade durable pump plastic. This pump works with DE and sand filters.
Product Specs
- Type: Single speed
- Inground/above-ground: Inground
- Horsepower: 1
Pros
- Uses Hayward’s hydraulic technology for improved energy efficiency
- Filter basket’s clear top makes it easy to monitor the amount of collected debris
- Durable construction of aluminum and high-grade plastic
Cons
- Some customers report that it’s not as powerful as other 1-horsepower pumps
Get the Hayward MaxFlo XL pool pump at Amazon, Leslie’s, In The Swim, or Pool Supply Unlimited.
Best Dual Speed
XtremePowerUS 2HP Inground Pool Pump
Photo: amazon.com
XtremePowerUS offers the efficiency of a multispeed pump without the high purchase price of a variable-speed model. This pump operates at low or high speed, allowing you to save up to 70 percent over a single-speed pump. It features a powerful 2-horsepower motor capable of handling large pools with a flow rate of up to 5,820 GPH. An air-vented motor keeps this pump running quietly.
Easy-to-install electrical connections make swapping your old unit out with this one a relatively simple DIY task. The pump also features an easy-to-access strainer that can be removed and reinstalledwith a simple quarter turn. A large debris basket means longer periods between pump cleaning, and the strainer’s lid is transparent, so you can see how much debris has been collected before opening it up. It requires a 230-volt power supply and uses 2-inch fittings.
Product Specs
- Type: Dual speed
- Inground/above-ground: Inground
- Horsepower: 2
Pros
- Has 2 speed settings, which allows it to run more efficiently
- Can move 5,820 GPH, making it suitable for large pools
- Air-vented motor operates more quietly than standard pump motors
Cons
- Some users report that the pump runs hot and can overheat
Get the XtremePowerUS pool pump at Amazon, The Home Depot, orXtremePowerUS.
Best Variable Speed
Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS 230V Pool Pump
Photo: amazon.com
Although you may pay significantly more up front for this variable-speed pool pump, you’ll see that money pumped back to you in energy savings. This Hayward model uses an efficient magnet-enclosed fan-cooled motor. It features a programmable digital control that allows you to optimize the speed settings for eight different times of the day, allowing you to save energy when the pool is not in use.
When set properly, the Hayward Energy Star–certified variable-speed pool pump can save up to 80 percent in operating costs. It puts out 1.65 horsepower, making it powerful enough to handle large pools, while its hydraulic design allows for quieter operation than similar-size pumps. It features both 1.5-inch and 2-inch fittings and requires a 230-volt power supply.
Product Specs
- Type: Variable speed
- Inground/above-ground: Inground
- Horsepower: 1.65
Pros
- Energy Star–certified model can save up to 80 percent in operating costs
- Magnet-enclosed fan-cooled motor works more efficiently than standard motors
- Compatible with automation systems like those offered by Hayward, Pentair, and Zodiac
Cons
- Some users report that the installation instructions are difficult to follow
Get the Hayward MaxFlo VS pool pump at Amazon, Target, Leslie’s, In The Swim, or Pool Supply Unlimited.
Best for Saltwater
Pentair SuperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump
Photo: amazon.com
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