5 Best Pool Pumps of 2023 | Buying Guide
If you are running and managing a swimming pool for a long, you would know the importance of a pool pump. A good pump is at the center of the filtration system of your pool. It makes sure the water remains in circulation and goes through the skimmer and filter to get the needed treatment. […]
If you are running and managing a swimming pool for a long, you would know the importance of a pool pump. A good pump is at the center of the filtration system of your pool. It makes sure the water remains in circulation and goes through the skimmer and filter to get the needed treatment. It won’t be wrong to say that a pool pump is an apparatus that saves your pool from becoming a yucky puddle of stagnant water.
We are now in the swimming offseason, and thus, it is the best time to take on the big maintenance work of your pool. For instance, if you are keeping it up with a faulty pump that works on a whim, or worse, there is no pump attached to your pool, then it is just the right time to buy and install a new pool pump.
However, a pool pump is not something that you buy every day, and therefore don’t know how to get the best deal. We have put up this piece to make shopping for a top-quality pool pump easy for you. We are going to discuss 5 of the best pool pumps that are available in the market right now. Moreover, we will also discuss a buying guide that will help you in picking the right type of pool pump if you want to buy from outside of this list.
It is also important to mention here that the below list is not curated in any particular order of preference. The numbering is just used for reading convenience.
Best Pool Pumps
Here’s the list of the 5 best pool pumps of 2023, featuring top-rated options that provide efficient filtration, reliable performance, and enhanced swimming experiences.
1. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump – Best for Above-Ground Pools
Sand is a great filtering medium. Humans have been using it long before the ongoing scientific revolution. Intex has combined this time-tested filtration medium with the latest technology to design an above-ground pool pump. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump, as the name suggests, is a unique pump that uses sand to filter pool water. Besides filtering it for solid waste and debris, it also makes the water free of any unwanted odor.
Sand filter pumps are usually slow with their flow rate. However, that’s not the case with the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump. It can filter and let 3,000 gallons of water flow in an hour, making it an ideal option for above-ground pools with a 15-foot dimension. The other striking feature of this Intex pump is its 24-hour timer that you can regulate for 2 to 12-hour preset cycles for automatic, hassle-free pumping operation. This automated function comes in really handy during summer when your pool remains under heavy use.
From the capacity standpoint, this above-ground pool pump can amply filter water for a pool with up to 20,000 gallons of volume. This capacity is quite good, given that it is a sand filter pump. We also like this pump because Intex has designed it by keeping in mind all the important safety features. For instance, it automatically shuts off when there is a voltage overload.
But most importantly, it features Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) that protects the pool users from accidental electric shocks while operating the pump. GFCI also minimizes the chances of any fire hazard and appliance damage.
Many pool owners who don’t have a proper filtration and circulation system in place are under the impression that buying a pool pump entails a heavy investment. This Intex Cartridge Filter Pump is for dispelling this misconception about pool pumps. Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is one of the most inexpensive filtering/circulating apparatuses you can get for your above-ground pool.
Everything about Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is simple and easy. It actually entails plug-and-play installation. Just attach the hoses and plug in the pump and it is all set to go. Moreover, it has a really space-efficient design. You can install it in any space available around the pool and the nearby switchboard.
Moreover, the construction of the filter is also quite dynamic and durable. It is easy on the eyes and can withstand the shenanigans of the harsh outdoors. The filter also features an air release valve in case the filter stops working due to bubble formation in the chamber. It is important to mention here that the price and size of the pump don’t affect its pumping power.
It can filter and pump 1,000 gallons of water within an hour, which is quite reasonable for small and medium-sized pools. Intex claims that this Cartridge Pump is suitable for above-ground pools with a length and breadth of up to 18 feet.
The other impressive feature of the Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is its GFCI configuration, which makes its use safer and more secure around water. GFCI protects people from getting an electric shock from the pump and also rules out the possibility of fire and permanent damage to the machine.
If you are looking for a heavy-duty pump for large residential and commercial pools that is reliable and can run for long without encountering any significant problems, then you should definitely consider investing in this Happybuy machine. It is a 2.5-HP single-speed pool pump that can easily take care of filtration and circulation of large pools
In order to make it a truly heavy-duty pool pump, Happybuy has used strapping housing and parts to assemble the pump. This sturdier construction makes sure you can permanently install the pump at a site without worrying about the wear and tear inflicted by the outdoors. Moreover, the manufacturer has used the self-priming motor in the pump so it can be used with both inground and above-ground pools.
If we talk about the filtration and flow capacity of this Happybuy machine, then it scores higher than any other pump we have discussed so far. As per the manufacturer’s claim, it can filter and pump around 100,000 liters of water in one session. This means you can take care of the filtration and circulation of a large 25,000-gallon pool from a single Happybuy Swimming Single Speed Pump.
So, if you are dealing with a large residential pool or need a pump for a commercial pool where you need to run more water cycles due to extensive use, this heavy-duty pump by Happybuy is the right fit for the job.
If you need a pump that can primarily remove the water from the pool to get rid of debris and leaves, then this Wayne product is definitely worth considering. Wayne Water Removal Pool Cover Pump is one of the most futuristically-designed pool accessories available in the market right now. It is one of those few pumps that you can operate in a portable configuration as well.
It has an ergonomic standing design that allows you to set it up anywhere around the pool. Wayne has transformed its machine into automatic equipment by using patented iSwitch Technology. This allows the pump to work on its own upon sensing the presence of water in the pool. In other words, you can use this pool pump even if you are not around the pool.
We also like this pool pump because it features a built-in winterization mechanism. Wayne has used a unique protection circuit in the motor that makes sure the motor doesn’t run when there is a locked impeller condition, which often precipitates due to debris buildup in the form of ice.
This state-of-the-art pool pump features a thermoplastic housing. It keeps it lightweight while making it tough enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Moreover, the flow rate of the pump is also quite impressive. It can remove up to 3,000 gallons of water in an hour.
In short, Wayne Water Removal Pool Cover Pump is an ideal choice for people who are taking care of more than one pool at a single time.
For many people, choosing the power rating of a pump for a medium and large-size residential pool gets really tricky. The 1.5 horsepower seems insufficient while 3 horsepower becomes too much. XtremepowerUS has carved a middle road for all those pool owners by developing a 2-HP pool pump.
This inground pool pump works at two different speeds so you can adjust the flow and pumping value of the machine in line with the pool. In many instances, one doesn’t need to run a pump at full capacity, but they have to because there is no other speed option given. With XtremepowerUS 2-HP Inground Pool Pump, you don’t need to waste energy by running the motor at full speed when it is not needed.
This XtremepowerUS pump features a self-priming motor that makes sure you can use it with an inground pool from different heights without affecting its pumping and circulating performance. Moreover, its polymeric construction makes sure you install it outdoors without any worry. The strainer basket of this pump is also bigger than usual and comes with a clear lid so you can easily know when to remove and empty it.
These features are enough to make XtremepowerUS 2-HP one of the best pool pumps available right now. However, the feature that makes it stand apart from its competitors is that its motor has air-flow ventilation. This feature doesn’t just dampen the hydraulic noise but also cools down the motor amid heavy use of extended hours, especially during summer.
Even though the above list provides you with enough pump options to choose from, if you want to explore the market on your own, then these are some of the factors you need to consider in order to make the best purchase.
This is the first and foremost thing you need to consider while picking a pool pump. The size of your pool will determine the power rating you need in the pump. The power rating of standard pool pumps is 1.5 HP. It is considered suitable for all residential and some commercial pools too. In other words, a 1.5-HP pump is good enough for above-ground and inground pools with a capacity of up to 10,000 and 15,000 gallons, respectively.
For pools larger than that, you have the option of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 HP pumps as well. The 2.0 and 2.5-HP pool pumps are usually considered suitable for extra-large residential pools or commercial spas and pools. Meanwhile, the 3.0-HP pool pumps are primarily designed for pools with a volume greater than 25,000 gallons.
In short, you need to complement the power rating of the given pump with the size and volume of your pool to make the right pick.
It has got pretty clear in the above reviews that not all pumps can work on both in-ground and above-ground pools. So, always make this distinction when you are choosing a pool pump on your own. Always explicitly ask the dealer if a certain pump is designed for above-ground or inground pools. Keep in mind that the priming function of a pump’s motor is configured as per its utility (above or inground). And many times, a pump is configured to be used with one type of pool only.
The majority of electrical pool pumps that are available in the market right now come with a regular strainer that can capture large debris and leaves. These pumps are perfect in the setup where you are also using a separate filter. You also have the option to use a pool pump for thorough filtration. You can do this with sand filter pumps. Our list of the best pool pumps also includes two such filtration-heavy units.
However, these pool pumps have a lower flow rate, which might not be good enough for large residential and commercial pools.
Pool pumps come in single-speed, double-speed, and variable-speed configurations. If you want a pump for regular filtration and circulation of a pool with fixed volume and use, then the single-speed model is perfect. On the other hand, double-speed and variable-speed pumps are suitable for settings where you don’t want the pumping and circulation at similar intervals and where the volume of the water is also constantly being changed. A pump with a variable speed option allows you to control the utility cost of running circulation and filtration of your pool.
Maintenance is another aspect you need to factor in while buying a pool pump. You certainly don’t want a pump that needs attention all the time. Besides investing in a top-quality machine from a reliable manufacturer, it is important to choose a pump with a bigger strainer if you want to keep the hassle of maintenance in check.
As eco-friendly industrial practices are becoming a norm, pool pump manufacturers have also introduced energy-efficient models. We have also included a couple of them on our list. These pool pumps run with lesser power consumption, thus keeping both your carbon footprint and overhead costs low. They are definitely more expensive than regular pool pumps, but you can get compensated for their upfront cost through utility rebates offered by your local government.
We hope that this detailed discussion, including reviews and the buying guide, will help you in picking the best pool pump for your customized requirements and within your desired budget.
A pool pump is an essential component of a swimming pool’s circulation system. It is responsible for drawing water from the pool, passing it through the pool filter to remove debris and contaminants, and then returning the clean water back into the pool.
No, not all pool pumps are designed to work with both above-ground and inground pools. You need to make a distinction and ensure that the pump you choose is explicitly designed for the type of pool you have. The priming function of a pump’s motor is configured according to its utility (above or inground).
Maintenance requirements should be considered when purchasing a pool pump. It is advisable to invest in a top-quality pump from a reliable manufacturer and choose a pump with a larger strainer to minimize maintenance hassles. A larger strainer can hold more debris before requiring cleaning or maintenance.
The frequency of sand or cartridge replacement depends on the specific pump and its usage. Sand in a sand filter pump usually needs replacement after around five years. Cartridge filters in cartridge-based pumps may require more frequent replacement, depending on usage and water quality. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines.
The runtime of a pool pump depends on various factors, including pool size, usage, and water quality. Generally, running the pump for 8 to 12 hours a day is sufficient for regular filtration and circulation. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with a pool professional to determine the optimal runtime for your specific pool.
In today’s market, choosing the best pool pump can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, it’s crucial to consider factors such as filtration efficiency, flow rate, safety features, and budget. After carefully reviewing and analyzing various pool pumps, we have narrowed down the top five contenders. Now, let’s delve into the conclusion and discover the three standout products that deserve your attention based on their unique features and performance.
The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is an ideal option for above-ground pools, offering efficient sand filtration, a high flow rate of 3,000 gallons per hour, and essential safety features like a 24-hour timer and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). For those on a budget, the Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is a good choice, with its affordable price, easy installation, durable construction, and GFCI configuration. Happybuy Swimming 2.5HP Single is the right choice for large pools, offering heavy-duty filtration and circulation capabilities.
These pumps cater to different needs, ensuring pool owners can find the best option for their specific requirements.
Related Articles
5 Best Above-Ground Pool Pad | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
5 Best Epoxy Pool Paint | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
10 Best Pool Cover Pumps | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
Learn How to Install a Spa Cover Lifter
Dolphin M400 with Caddy Review & Buyer’s Guide
13 Best Pool Heaters | Buying Guide
11 Best Pool Handrails + Buying Guide
9 Best Liquid Pool Covers and Why You Need Them
13 Best Chlorine Tablets for Swimming Pools | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
13 Best Salt Water Chlorinators
19 Best Pool Lights Reviewed | Buyer’s Guide
13 Best Pool Volleyball Nets to Enjoy This Summer
39 of the Best Pool Toys to Enjoy this Summer
13 Best Pool Test Kits | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
5 Best Auto Chlorinators for Pool
10 Best Condensate Pump Reviews
2. Intex Krystal Clear – Best Budget Option
3. Happybuy Swimming 2.5HP Single – Best for Large Pools
4. WAYNE Water Removal Pool Cover Pump
5. XtremepowerUS 2HP Inground Pool Pump 220V Dual Speed
Best Pool Pump Comparison Table
Product
Material
Dimensions
Weight
Voltage
Flow Rate
Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
Plastic
15.38 x 22.25 x 23.25 inches
30.1 pounds
120V
2, 100 GPH
Intex Krystal Clear
Plastic
10.62 x 10.62 x 15 inches
6.8 pounds
120V
1, 000 GPH
Happybuy Swimming 2.5HP Single
Polypropylene
22 x 15 x 11 inches
30 pounds
110V
8, 800 GPH
WAYNE Water Removal Pool Cover Pump
Thermoplastic
11.2 x 7.9 x 11.9 inches
10.6 pounds
115V
3, 000 GPH
XtremepowerUS 2HP In-Ground Swimming Pool Pump
Corrosion-proof polymeric
14.3 x 27.5 x 10.4 inches
38.2 pounds
220V
2, 400 GPH
Buying Guide For The Best Pool Pump
Match Pool Size with Pump’s Power Rating
The Type of Pool
The Type of Filtration
Speed Options
The Maintenance Requirements
Energy Efficiency
Pool Pump FAQs
Conclusion
