Pool pumps are incredibly important if you own a swimming pool. They are one of the many key components that are required to ensure the well-being of your pool and without one it would not be hygienic. Hayward explains a pool pump in reference to a heart to stress its importance.
In fact, your pool could be harmful towards your health if a pool pump is not installed, so finding the best one through online pool pump reviews is more than necessary.
Why Should You Trust Our Pool Pump Evaluation?
We have worked with many different pool pumps and filtration systems throughout the years, so we know a good pump when we see one. With this knowledge, we decided to make a small website dedicated to pool pump reviews which will help consumers make the right decision. The best pool pump is not hard to find with a bit of research, so have a look below at the top 10 picks for 2021.
Remember to click through and read about the specifications on Amazon because we have not listed sizes or detailed specs in the reviews. They are summaries and need elaboration. We do have individuals reviews directly on the website, so if you want to read those instead of an Amazon sales page, go ahead. With the information below, we hope you find a fantastic pool pump.
Pool Pump Reviews – A Comparison Table
| Position | Model | Rating | Price | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump | 4.9/5 | $$ | Buy Now |
| 2 | Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo | 4.9/5 | $$$ | Buy Now |
| 3 | Hayward SP2302VSP Max-Flo VS | 4.7/5 | $$$ | Buy Now |
| 4 | Hayward SP15932S Power-Flo Matrix | 4.5/5 | $$ | Buy Now |
| 5 | Hayward SP1775 Power-Flo II | 4.4/5 | $$ | Buy Now |
| 6 | Pentair 340039 SuperFlo | 4.2/5 | $$ | Buy Now |
| 7 | Hayward SP3202VSP TriStar VS | 4.1/5 | $$$ | Buy Now |
| 8 | Hayward SP1580X15 Power-Flo LX Series | 3.9/5 | $ | Buy Now |
| 9 | Harris H1572730 ProForce | 3.7/5 | $ | Buy Now |
| 10 | Blue Wave NE6171B Maxi | 3.7/5 | $ | Buy Now |
Pool Pump Reviews – The 10 Best Pool Pumps for 2021
Of all the best pool pump reviews, this one takes the cake. Designed similar to other Hayward pool pumps, this pump has been built in a way that you will not require any tools to get the strainer off as it has been equipped with swing way knobs. Though different from other Hayward pumps due to some tweaks here and there for better efficiency, this pool pump will not give you a hard time during the setup process if you have used a Hayward pump before. And even if you have not, you will find it very easy to install and use this pump.
The base, made of a heavy duty seal, provides support to the pump and four external bolts are used to provide access to the internal parts. To improve on efficancy, this pool pump boasts of a basket of one hundred and ten cubic feet. With a horsepower of 1.5 as well as a range of other sizes, this pool pump provides just the right amount of power required to flush out toxins from your pool.
Review Summary
- Efficient performance
- Ease of maintenance
- Easy setup process
- Huge basket capacity
- It is a little noisy
- Not cost effective
A pool pump is quite the investment and as such, in going for a durable pump you will be saving a lot of money. In the pool pump reviews that we have come across, this pump stands out due to its durability, its ability to save on energy costs and its ability to operate with minimal noise. Given that it is energy star certified, you can be assured that it will save up to 90% of your overall energy costs.
With the ability to run at eight different speeds, this pool pump can effectively clean your pool and saves you a ton of money. In fact, the pump technically pays for itself after a few years because of the energy saving costs.
A built in timer has been integrated into the system to make it easy for you to schedule cleanings. You are free to use a range of control systems such as Intellitouch and EasyTouch to control the pump, which makes it easy to operate no matter where you are. To make the operation quiet, a magnet is used to reduce the vibrations while the motor reduces the noise emitted when you operate the pump at high speeds.
On a side note, there have been some issues with the warranty as you will see with Amazon’s reviews. However, this can be remedied if you read all the instructions and obtain your warranty through the Brand’s website.
Review Summary
- Varying speeds
- Energy saving
- Durable
- The control panel can be a little fiddly
If you are looking for an energy efficient pool pump that will save on energy costs no matter the speed with which it operates, then this pump is perfect. Amongst the most beloved pool pumps in the market, it will not take you long to understand why so many people adore it. Designed with an inbuilt programming system that works better than countdown timers, this pool pump allows you to schedule cleanings in an efficient manner.
With permanent magnets and an in built fanning system, this pump is effeicent and will save you hundreds in energy costs. The durability of this pump is also impressive and with a long warranty you do not need to worry about purchasing a new one. Unlike other variable speed pool pumps, this pump has been designed to come in a medium size that is just right for most pools. Consumption of energy is indicated on a digital screen to help you keep track of the amount being consumed.
Review Summary
- Energy saving
- Durable
- Easy installation
- Quiet
- Not so great for commerical pools
Available at both 1 horsepower and 2 horsepower, this top rated pool pump can be used both above ground and in-ground. Like all other pumps which have made it to the top pool pump reviews, this pump is sturdy, having been built with thermoplastic material that is corrosion proof making it safe for use in the outdoors.
With a large clear basket that collects debris and lets you know when it is time to empty the basket, this pump requires little maintenance. It has integrated a thermal overload protector which works automatically and this prevents overheating of the pump during operation. Not only is it heat resistant but it is also corrosion resistant and has a one year warranty to cover you in case of any malfunctions. There are very high chances that the warranty will be of little use to you though due to the high durability of this pool pump.
Review Summary
- Durable
- Cost effective
- Efficient
- It’s a little noisy pump
Hayward is known for its state-of-the-art pool pumps and this one does well to prove this is true. This pool pump is equipped with a self-priming function which enables you to get it started fast and the priming is enhanced through the use of an integral diffuser. To ensure that little work goes into maintaining of this pump, it uses a heavy duty motor that has been built with stainless steel, making it resistant to corrosion. A drain plug is used to enhance efficient maintenance of the pump.
A thermal load protector has also been installed to ensure that should the pump heat up to a dangerous level during its operation, the protector automatically shuts the pump off to prevent the occurrence of an explosion. Its other key features include heat resistance and being completely non-drip which enhance its durability.
Review Summary
- Great suction
- Easy to set-up
- Compact build
- The strainer clogs occasionally
With a variety of horsepower options available to you, this in ground pool pump has earned its right to take its place as one of the most highly rated pool pumps in the industry. Designed for in ground pools, this model is compact with thick walls and a powerful motor, ensuring that water is efficiently pumped throughout the pool at low operating costs. An over sized basket has been used in the build to extend the inspection intervals and it has a see through lid which allows you to tell whether the basket needs emptying without having to open it up.
Designed to last, this pool pump comes with a one year warranty and its users have expressed satisfaction on its durability which is enhanced by the fact that the pump uses less pressure during operation as compared to other pumps. This low pressure not only saves on costs but it also ensures that the pump runs quietly. The set up is quite easy and the pump comes with a self-priming option which enables a fast start up.
Review Summary
- Highly efficent
- Quiet
- Low operating costs
- Durable
- Gets noisier with time
Energy Star certified this pool pump has been designed to cut down on your energy costs while offering you optimal efficacy at an affordable price. With a high performance of up to 1.5 horsepower, cleaning your pool with this pump will give you great results like never before. It can be installed pretty easily in different modes such as stand alone or competitive control systems. A magnet has been used in its design in a bid to reduce the number of vibrations, thus making the pump less noisy during operation. The fanning system is enclosed and this contributes to saving on energy costs.
For ease of operation, you can fully program this pump to schedule cleaning and the digital interface has the ability to move and face different directions for easier access.
Review Summary
- Quiet
- Efficient
- Saves you money on energy costs
- It tended to get noisy at high speeds
This above ground pool pump has the added advantage of not being strenuous on its horsepower while generating enough power to pump water throughout the pool at an efficient rate. The motor used in this pump boasts of being self-priming, stable and powerful and this is achieved because of the strong mounting base used. Most pool pumps are very noisy during operation but this pump does not fall into that category as it uses air flow ventilation which is aimed at keeping the pump quiet during operation.
A large basket is provided to store the debris and you can easily take the lid off the strainer by using the hand knobs provided. A see through lid has been used in the strainer to make it easy to tell when emptying is required. Other key features include heat resistance and being drip proof. It is quite easy to install the pump for anyone, whether or not you have used a Hayward pump before.
Review Summary
- Very heat resistant
- Quiet
- Huge backet capacity
- High performance for a cheaper model
- The power code is too short
If your main focus when it comes to getting a pool pump is on the quality a pump has to offer and not the brand name associated with the pump, then this pump will work wonders for you. Not only does it cost much less than other brands but it also offers great performance. The pump is made of heavy duty materials to ensure that it offers great services for a very long period of time. And who does not want an investment that lasts for years to come? To prevent the occurrence of corrosion thermoplastic material and stainless steel have been used together to come up with an impenetrable compact build.
A large basket comes with the strainer and a see through lid is used in the strainer doing away with the need to open up the cover to take a peek inside. A drain plug comes with the ensemble to make it easier for you to maintain your pool. Minimal noise is emitted during operation and you can expect great results in the end.
Review Summary
- Affordable
- High performance
- Easy installation
- No on/off switch
- Not branded
Another deviation from the usual would be this pump with a horsepower of 1 and 1.5. Available in the color black, this pump makes for a good investment given its amazing capabilities. It can be used outdoors easily due to the fact that it has been constructed with a durable polymer which enables it to resist corrosion when exposed to the environment.
This self-priming pump can discharge water both vertically and horizontally and it is capable of fitting into most filter systems. A clear lid on the strainer allows you to keep track of the level of debris collected from the pool. Some users say that this pump moves a lot of water at once which is definitely a good indication of great performance.
Review Summary
- Great suction
- Affordable
- Highly efficient
- Low pressure
- Not branded
Our Pick – The Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Pump
The Pentair 011018 Intelliflo Pump is our favorite pool pump on the market. It is a variable speed pump which means it will save you thousands of dollars further down the line. In fact, some consumers have reported of saving over $1500 when using this pump. This means that the pump technically pays for itself if you use it correctly and don’t keep it on full throttle day-in and day-out.
Variable speed pumps are little more expensive than single speed and dual speed pumps but they are well worth it. As just mentioned, they pay for themselves after a few years. To be honest, this is a top pick but any of the variable speed pumps on this list are worth it. There has been word that variable speed pumps are soon to become the norm in the US because of their ability to save energy. You should buy them while they’re cheap and reap the benefits before they go up in price
The Importance of a pool pump
Given what a huge investment construction of a pool is, it makes perfect sense to do everything possible to ensure that your investment does not go to waste by considering the benefits of a pool pump.
Cleanliness
A pool pump works by circulation of water which prevents the water from staying stagnant and the circulation enables the water to get to the filters where impurities are removed. Water can be turned over a given number of times per day to ensure that the chemicals used in the pool can effectively fight algae and bacteria to make the pool safe for swimming.
Maintenance
We all know that when we delay doing something important at the right moment, it costs us more in the long run. Well, the same goes for pools. Without a water pump, dirt can accumulate in the pool and give it an unsightly appearance. Even worse, it may be necessary for the whole pool to be drained so that the tiles can be properly scrubbed so as to get rid of stains.
This will definitely cost you a lot of money which could have been used on other things had the pool been well maintained by use of a water pump.
What happens if you lack a pool pump?
When water remains stagnant for a long period without being turned over through the use of a water pump, the growth of algae and spreading of germs is promoted. If this happens to your pool water, it will not be long before anyone who gets into contact with that water starts getting some form of skin infection due to the fungi in the water.
And that is not all.
Can you imagine what would happen if someone was to swallow that water by mistake? Ingestion of algae will definitely not bode well for your digestive system and it will be a matter of time before you have to consult a physician.
The growth of algae also makes the water appear green. Imagine if you were running a commercial pool – everyone would turn away at the door after seeing the greenish appearance of your water. Think about how much money that would cost you, especially considering the lack of sales and the repairs that would be needed to restore the pool to its optimal condition.
Whether it is a matter of health or money, lack of a pool pump will definitely have negative effects on you.
What to Consider When you’re buying a Water Pump
There are factors that must be considered before embarking on the purchase of a pool pump so that you can ensure that you get the right pump for your pool. You could buy a pump that cannot efficiently clean your pool as its pressure is too low given the amount of water in your pool. We have listed the key factors that you need to look at to ensure you get the right fit.
The Speed required
Speed directly relates to the amount of power that will be consumed during operation and speed can either be high, low or medium. Pumps come in different types: dual, single or variable. All these types have their advantages. Here is a fantastic article that explains the differences in further depth.
Single speed: in this type of pump, you have only one speed to work with which cannot be changed and given that it will be a high speed, you will end up incurring high energy costs which are not a good thing if you are looking to save on maintenance costs. The high energy consumed by these pumps has even led to their banning in some states to save on electricity consumption.
Dual speed: here, you have two options. You can either go high or go low. This allows you to save on energy costs as you can use the low power option when the maintenance required is minimal. Using the high energy option is similar to using a single speed pump and will cost you a lot.
Variable speed: though they are quite expensive initially, variable speed pumps save you a lot of money as they use a magnetic motor which allows you to input the speed you wish to operate the pump at and they last longer as compared to the other pumps. Hence, if you are looking to invest wisely in a pump, this is the best option for you.
The Size of Your Pool
There is no need to get a pump designed to clean a pool that is much larger than yours. Not only will it be underutilized but it will also cost you a lot in terms of energy costs in the long run. Find out how many gallons are contained in your pool and this can be done through the use of a pool gallons chart. Once you have established the number of gallons held in your pool, divide that number by eight to establish the flow rate required for your pump. Since pumps are labeled according to their gallons per minute, divide the number you get by sixty to find a pump that is suitable for you.
Once you have established the number of gallons held in your pool, divide that number by eight to establish the flow rate required for your pump. Since pumps are labeled according to their gallons per minute, divide the number you get by sixty to find a pump that is suitable for you.
If it is an Above-Ground or In-Ground Pool
A lot of people get quite worried about whether they need an above-ground (A/G) pool pump to work with their above-ground pool. Although the situation is more ideal, this doesn’t have to be the case. Nonetheless, there are differences between the two pumps and if you plan on using an A/G pump on an in-ground (I/G) pool you need to understand these differences.
Firstly, the main difference between the two different pumps is the “self-priming” feature. To be more specific, I/G pumps are self-priming, whereas A/G are not. This refers to their ability to suck water into the system because A/G pumps rely on gravity and pressure to lift the water, whereas I/G pumps need a bit more power to lift the water. The difference is associated primarily with the height the pump is placed in relation to the water level because A/G pool pumps sit below the water level and I/G pool pumps are 2 feet above (give or take). However, as we will see late if placed right the difference won’t matter too much.
The second difference is to do with flow rate. In-ground pool pumps push a lot more water than above-ground pumps and you need to choose the right amount of flow for your pool size. You can use a high-rate pump on a small pool but it would be a waste of energy, which is why we recommend a variable speed pump to manage all situations. The flow rate will also affect your filter so try and match your pump rate with your filter rate.
As previously mentioned, an above-ground pump can be used with an in-ground pool (and vice versa). As long as the pump is inline or below the water level and can shift a good amount of water, it really doesn’t matter.
For more information, see this article.
Plug-In or Hardwired
Your pump can either be hardwired, plugged directly to the power line or you can opt to use an inline which you could plug directly into the power. Whichever way you choose, you will be required to determine just how much voltage will go to your pump.
Check the Horse Power
The kind of horsepower chosen should be in line with the size of your pool as well as the filtering system used in your pool.
Here is a helpful guide to sizing your pool pump so you don’t waste energy and damage your filtration system:
How to Maintain your Water Pump
Just as you take extra caution to care for your heart to ensure it works properly, your water pump requires some attention to keep it in smooth operation. That extra care will go a long way in ensuring that your water pump will be in operation for years to come and will greatly reduce the risk of your investment blowing up in your face.
Cooling
The motor needs to have adequate ventilation around it and any debris surrounding the air vents leading to the motor must be removed to allow for air passage. To do this, make sure that the pump is not running by switching the pump off. You can then proceed to clean the air inlets by removing any debris that might be in the way.
If the pump has a motor cover installed, take it off and make sure that it does not trap moisture in the motor compartment. You should also ensure that the cover allows the motor to have adequate ventilation by creating a space between the motor and the cover. It should be noted that having a motor overheat is not necessarily a sign of being overloaded. However, lack of adequate ventilation around the motor can lead to overheating which can lead to malfunctioning and care must be taken to ensure that this does not happen.
Moisture
The motor should be protected from the rain as exposure to water can result in failure of bearings. To ensure that this does not happen, any leaks must be fixed and the motor should be prevented from exposure to the rain.
Cleaning
If a pump is well maintained through the removal of any debris in the air inlets, it will not need to be cleaned. If you wish to clean the outer surface, be sure to use a damp and not a wet cloth to clean it after which you should dry it completely. The last thing you want to do is to hose down the pool pump and cause damage that cannot be reversed.
Seasonal Care
If the motor will not be used for a considerable amount of time, you can put it away in a cool dry place for safety. Make sure that the pump has been wiped dry and that the surface the motor is to be placed on is dry as well. Do not cover the motor with any kind of wrapping material such as plastic as this can trap moisture which can make its way to the working parts of the pump and thus cause failure. Before restarting the motor after a long period of non-use, ensure that the suction gets flooded to wet the seal. If you start operating the pump with a dry pump seal, you can damage the pump.
Replacements
If the motor gets noisy because the bearings are failing, make sure to replace them and the pump seal as it is a sign that the pump seal is not working. Operating a motor with malfunctioning bearings can lead to overheating and damage the pump.
Chemicals
If you are handling any chemicals, make sure that they do not come into contact with the pump and that they are stored as far away from the pump as possible. This is because chemicals release fumes which can destroy the working parts of the motor and render the pump to be of no use to you.
Dust
While the motor is running, place it in an area that does not have dust and avoid stirring up dust in its presence. This is because a running motor can attract dust to it, thereby clogging the working parts and causing damage to the motor.
Conclusion
Pool pumps are definitely the beating hearts that help us maintain the beauty of our pools because, without them, things fall apart. With the pool pumps reviews outlined in this article, we are confident that you can get a great pump that will work just right for your pool and you will be able to maintain it in a top notch state so that it can serve you for a very long time to come. Protect your pump by properly caring for it and watch it clean up your pool, beat by beat, like the rhythm of our hearts.
This helped me and my wife so much! We have recently just installed a new pool and wanted to upgrade our old Hayward pump. we went for the Intelliflo. So far it is working great 🙂
Happy to help Steven, have fun with your new pool!
I went with the Hayward Super Pump! I couldn’t afford the luxury of a variable speed pump lol
Not to worry Sarah! The Super Pump is our favourite single speed pump, so it will do an excellent job 🙂