Best Pool Pumps for 2021

Keeping your pool clean, no matter what type you have at home, is a top priority. Running a filtration pump to remove dirt and particles from the water is the best way to keep your pool clean. Here, we’ll go through the best pool pumps for each and every necessity.

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What Is A Pool Pump And How Does It Work?

Consider your pool pump to be the lifeblood of your filtration system. Plumbing and water flow are critical components of any pool’s circulatory system in order for it to remain clean, safe, and gleaming. This continuous flow of water through your pool filter eliminates debris and prevents bacterial growth caused by stagnant water.

A pool pump is without a doubt the most critical piece of equipment you’ll ever buy for your pool. You’d have a nasty mosquito swamp in your backyard instead of a lovely oasis if you didn’t have it.

Best Pool Pumps for 2021
Best Pool Pumps for 2021

Larger pools require in-ground pool pumps, which deliver flow rates of 50 to 150 gallons per minute. Variable speed pumps can cut your energy bill in half.

Pumps for above-ground pool filters with flow rates of 30-80 gpm are designed for smaller above-ground pool filters. Because most above-ground pool pumps are installed below the water level, they are not self-priming.

How Much Does It Cost To Run a Pool Pump?

746 watts are used for each horsepower. Multiply 746 watts by 1.5 hp for a total of 1,119 watts for a 1.5 hp pool pump. Most utilities charge between 10 and 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, and kilowatt-hours are calculated by multiplying watts by hours and dividing by 1,000. For instance, if a 1.5 hp pump runs for 12 hours each day, 1,119 divided by 12 becomes 13.5 kWh per day. Pump energy use is 403 kWh per month when multiplied by 30 days.

Why Is Having The Right Pool Pump Beneficial?

Pool pumps are not all the same. There are various different varieties, each with its own set of features that operate best with specific types of pools. Over time, having the appropriate pool pump can help you save a lot of money on power and pool chemicals.

What Pool Pumps Can You Purchase?

Single Speed Pool Pumps

Single-speed pool pumps are the most common type of pool pump and were once the only option. The impeller’s name simply implies that it spins at one and only one speed. When you turn it on, it continues to spin at that pace until you turn it off.

The horsepower of the motor determines the speed of a single-speed pool pump. If you have a 1.5HP motor, for example, your pump will run at that speed indefinitely or until you turn it off

The single-speed pump is the most common form of pump. It is one of the cheapest options available, but it is not the most efficient.

Dual Speed Pool Pumps

Dual speed pumps have two speeds: low and high, and are the next step up from single-speed pumps.  When you set your dual-speed pump to high, it will operate as if it were a single-speed pump. The low-speed setting, depending on the size of your pool, is an excellent option for when you’re not using the pool.

Although operating the pump on the “low” level saves energy, the water turnover rate is incredibly slow and may not be as efficient as you need to clean your pool. However, if you have a smaller pool, the low-speed setting’s flexibility might help you reduce your energy usage, especially during high usage times.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Variable speed pool pumps have the most features and settings. They are undoubtedly the most expensive of the three, but their enormous energy-saving capabilities help pay for themselves over time.

These pool pumps use up to 90% less energy than single-speed pool pumps. This has a tremendous impact on the month to month costs of operating your pool pump.

How Do Variable Speed Pool Pumps Work?

Variable speed pool pumps employ a permanent magnet motor rather than an induction motor like other pool pumps. The magnet motor saves energy by generating less friction while it runs, increasing efficiency and reducing waste. It also has the advantage of being much quieter than its induction motor equivalents.

Many of the newer versions of variable speed pumps are Energy Star certified, which means they run more efficiently and use less energy than comparable pumps.

Best Pool Pumps in 2021

Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower, 230 Volt, 1 Phase – Energy Star Certified

  • Energy savings up to 90-percent vs. traditional pumps
  • Dramatically quieter operation; Carton Wt: 45 pounds
  • 8 programmable speed settings and built-in timer assure optimum speed and run times for maximum efficiency and savings
  • Built in diagnostics protect the pump for longer service life
  • Fully compatible with IntelliTouch, EasyTouch, SunTouch Pool Control Systems and other brands of digital pool/spa controls for managing pump, heating.

 

2 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump with Cord – Mighty Mammoth High Performance Motor for Clean Swimming Pool Water – 2 HP – 110V-120V – 60HZ

  • Superior Pool Pump for In Ground Pools
  • Replaces All Major Brands
  • High Flow Rate – Great Performance
  • 2 HP, 1500W
  • 110/120V, 60HZ

 

Pentair 011516 WhisperFlo High Performance Energy Efficient Single Speed Full Rated Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower, 208-230 Volt, 1 Phase

  • Oversized strainer basket and volute – industry standard in pool Pump
  • Standard and Energy-efficient Square Flange Motors available
  • Lower HP’s deliver higher performance than industry standard
  • Compatible with all cleaning systems, various filters and jet action spas
  • Heavy-duty/durable construction is designed for long life

 

Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump 1.5 HP Pool Pump

  • The industry’s workhorse – recognized for reliability and performance
  • Exclusive swing-away hand knobs makes for easier strainer cover removal: no tools required, no loose parts and no clamps
  • See through strainer cover lets you see when basket needs cleaning and eliminates guess work
  • Features an oversized debris basket has extra leaf holding capacity for less frequent maintenance
  • Easy installation and servicing with quick 4-bolt access to internal components

XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Inground Pool Pump 5280GPH 1.5″ NPT Inlet/Outlet 220V Dual Speed

  • Heavy-duty, high-performance motor with air-flow ventilation for quieter, cooler operation
  • Large strainer basket is the largest in its class with an easy open, quick lock, transparent pump lid which mean less work and more swimming
  • Flow Max: 88 GPM/ 5, 280 GPH / Internal Inlet Fitting: 1. 5″ NPT
  • Swimming Pool Pump has a ETL and UL Certification to ensure recognized Standards for Safety
  • 2pc-Union Fitting Sold Separately (ASIN: B01FNEQ96G and B01FNEQ96G)

Variable Speed Pumps Suitable For Large Pools

 

Hayward EcoStar SP3400VSP 2.7HP variable speed pump
**The SP3400VSP EcoStar was discontinued 2018 and is now the SP3206VSP Tristar 2.7 HP from the open product line or TriStar 950 (SP32950VSP) from the dealer protected product line.



Pentair IntelliFlo 011018 / 011028 3HP variable speed pump
The 011018 is the base model IntelliFlo variable speed pump. 011028 is the same pump but with a rotating screen. 011056 is the variable flow IntelliFlo version.



Hayward TriStar SP3202VSP 1.85HP variable speed pump
SP3202VSP is the part number for the open product line 1.85 HP TriStar. The same pump from the dealer protected product line is the TriStar 900 (SP32900VSP). This is a popular model as it is one of the most powerful / high flow pool pumps that can run on 1.5″ plumbing without starving for water. 230 volts only.

Entry Level Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Pentair SuperFlo 342001 1.5HP variable speed pump
Compatible with both 115 and 230 volts this is a very popular pump for being from a recognized quality brand (Pentair) as well as being versatile, efficient and cost effective to buy.


Hayward Super Pump SP2603VSP variable speed pump (230V)
One of the most popular pool pumps ever sold was the Hayward Super Pump. This is a 1.65 HP variable speed version of the super pump and has a large leaf strainer basket and native 1.5″ female threaded ports. 230 volts only. W3SP2603VSP is the open product line version and the dealer protected version is SP2670020VSP.