Best Pool Pumps in 2022 – Reviewed
Your pool’s pump is a critical piece of equipment and is essentially the beating heart of your entire pool system. That’s why the pool owner needs to make sure that they buy the best pool pump possible and regularly maintain their investment. If they don’t, then they can end up with dirty water and/or end up having to buy another pump prematurely. So anyone who doesn’t want a stagnant pool to swim in had better get the right pump for their pool. That’s why we’ve decided to do the research and sort out the bad ones from the good. Now no one has an excuse not to buy a quality pump, because we’ve reviewed some of the best ones currently available.
Quick Summary of Best Pool Pumps
Reviews
Editor’s Choice: Hayward W3SP1593 Power-Flo Matrix 1.5 HP Pump
One of the best pool pumps that we’ve reviewed is the Hayward W3SP1593. This pool pump not only has many of the common features that we look for in an above-ground pool pump, but it also offers it for less money than many of the popular name-brand pumps do. This 1.5-HP pump is built to work well in tough environments and to provide the pool owner with years of reliable service. This model features an industrial-size strainer basket that allows for a large collection of debris than other pumps and means that it doesn’t require as much maintenance.
Another thing that we liked about this pump was its high-performance motor. This motor is designed to be a workhouse and features an integrated and automatic thermal overload protector that helps to protect the integrity of the motor. This pump also features a high-performance impeller with openings that are wide enough to avoid many of the leaf and debris clogs that plague other pumps. Other features that can be found on this pump include a quick disconnect intake pipe connection, a 6-foot cord length, and a 1.5-inch port size.
This model also has a quick disconnect discharge pipe connection and a special feature that allows the discharge orientation to be changed from the vertical position to the horizontal position by just pushing a button. And before we conclude this review of this pump, we should probably note some of the other features that can be found on it. Features that include a high-flow impeller, a protected rear-mounted switch, and a heat-resistant seal. All of these features ensure that this product lasts as long as humanly possible and provide the pool owner with a pump that will last for many years to come.
- It has automatic thermal overload protection.
- Has a horizontal/vertical orientation switch.
- None.
Also Recommended: Hayward W3SP2610X15 Super Pump
The first thing that caught our attention about this pool pump was its name. It’s called the Hayward Super Pool Pump, so we were expecting a pump that was truly super. And fortunately, we weren’t disappointed by this pump. Although we’re not quite sure that we’d call it a “super” pump, we do feel that it has the efficiency level and dependability that most people are looking for when they’re buying a medium-head pump. It’s a little bit more expensive than we would’ve liked, but it does have an impressive assortment of features worth mentioning.
One of the first things that we’d like to mention about this pump is that it’s equipped with a motor that’s heavy-duty and is made with special ventilation that allows air to move around more freely. This results in not only a quieter pump, but also a pump that runs cooler, has a smoother operation, and is more energy-efficient. This pump is available in one or two-speed models that have a total horsepower of 1.5-HP and are easy to service. It’s also a pump that’s easy to install, and with the removal of four bolts, the pool owner can easily access its internal components.
Additional features that we like include an oversized debris basket that doesn’t require as much maintenance as pumps with smaller baskets and swing-away hand knobs that make removing the strainer a lot easier. That means that the pool owner doesn’t have to break out their toolbox or mess with clamps to access the strainer. All things considered, this is a pool pump that delivers an impressive amount of features and is designed to last for quite some time. And that makes it a pool pump that we have no qualms recommending it to our readers.
- Has no-tool strainer access and an oversized debris basket.
- It’s a little bit expensive.
Also Consider: Mighty Mammoth High-Performance Motor
The Mighty Mammoth might not have made it to the top of our pool pump list, but we do have to say that we like it quite a bit. We feel that it’s a good reasonably priced pump that should last the pool owner for quite a while. This pump is available in both 1.5 and 2.0-HP models, which means that it equals, and in some cases, surpasses the power of other pumps. It’s also a product that’s well-built and is designed to hold up to even heavy use in challenging environments. Those things alone make it a contender.
Another thing that impressed us about this pump was that it was very quiet and didn’t have the tendency to vibrate like a lot of budget pumps tend to do. It also comes with two 1.5-inch fittings and an easy-to-remove strainer basket. The Mighty Mammoth is a pool pump that’s designed to exceed the specifications of other pumps, and although it does come close to achieving that goal, it didn’t have enough for it to make it into the number one or number two position on our list. It was capable of making it into the third position, which makes it a solid budget pump for most people to consider. The one thing that held it back was the fact that it didn’t have many of the features that the other pumps on this list had. And that’s a shame because it did, then it could easily be the number one pump on this list.
- It doesn’t vibrate very much and is quiet.
- It’s a pretty powerful pump.
- It lacks some of the features that other pumps have.
Pool Pump Guide
Since you will be using your pool pump for 1000’s of hours a year, you must get a product that is up to the job. The words built to last and high-performing get thrown around these days but you also need a product that fits your pool just right. This and a variety of other considerations are covered in our pool pump buyer’s guide.
By the end of it, you will know exactly what the best products are capable of making this purchase an easy one.
What To Look For In A Pool Pump
Quiet Operation
A pool pump needs to generate a certain amount of power to get the clarity and hygienic standard of water you need. Still, this shouldn’t mean that you have to listen to a deafening whirring as it gets to work.
Some brands offer a near-silent operation whilst others are just known for providing a subtle pumping of the water as it circulates for around eight hours a day.
Variable Speed
Not every pool pump worth consideration offers you variable speed but it can be a good money-saving feature. Because the pool pump might not work as hard at certain times, you can save money on your energy bills.
It can still ensure your pool is as clean as it would be with a single-speed pool pump, but save up to 50% on energy bills.
Required Speed
This is another consideration. It is all down to the size of your pool and its needs. A single-speed pool pump will work at a low speed but will require near-constant use. This will rack up the dollars on your energy bills.
Dual speed is usually your high and low settings, giving you more flexibility, as does a variable speed pool pump. Naturally, there is a bit more maintenance with these models but once you find out the speed you need for your pool, it is easy to find the right product.
Suitability
Some pool pumps are for above ground pools whilst others are made to be installed in an in-ground pool. You must get this right as otherwise, you will be clawing for that money-back guarantee. They are built different and the water source will be different so save yourself the headache and double-check before you click buy.
Voltage
Because some pool pumps require a higher voltage to operate, you might need to make plans for a special line to plug it in. This might require the assistance of an electrician to set up a new line and the right socket so you can power your pool pump.
Motor
The voltage of the motor can vary between 110 and 220 volts usually. It might require you to set up a new line from your fuse box if you are not already set up with both ready to go but make sure you have the relevant plug available before you buy.
Maintenance
The debris basket is not going to need to be emptied every day and because of their size, you shouldn’t have to open it up for a week or two between cleaning it out.
Most brands have clear lids so you can take a look at everything that is building up and know when it is time to clean it up. During periods where there are bouts of bad weather, it might be a good time to check on this more frequently.
Warranty
Although we all like to believe that a trusted brand is going to provide a pool pump that will last for a long time, even the best products are susceptible to the odd failure.
This is all fine if you have a decent warranty to protect your purchase. A typical pool pump warranty is a year or two.
What Is A Pool Pump For?
Although they do not need to run every second of the day, a pool pump is an essential piece of equipment for keeping a clean pool. This is what circulated the water and keeps it free from algae, ensuring you have clear water that is hygienic for the family to enjoy.
You can soon tell if your pool pump is not working because if you have been adding your pool chemicals but there is still a build-up of algae or a green tint to the water, the pump has not been able to do its job.
How Does A Pool Pump Work?
By pulling the water from the pool and recirculating it tough the skimmer, drain, then through the filter before pushing it back into the pool via the mains return, a pool pump keeps everything clean.
It can be combined with a heating system to give you warm water for the colder months but without these vital devices, your pool will not be fit for swimming and any contact with the dirty water could lead to illness.
How Many Hours Should You Run You Pool Pump?
Generally, around 8 hours a day is the golden rule for a pool pump. There are reasons why some pools will need the pump to run for longer or shorter but for most pools, 8 hours is just right.
A single-speed pool pump might need to run for longer to clear the water.
Above Ground Vs In-Ground Pool Pump
Neither will work for the opposite type of pool so it is important to pay attention when purchasing an above ground pool pump is usually less affordable but can be easier to install because they do not have to generate such power and there is less intensive installation involved.
An in-ground pool is self-priming which above-ground types are not.
Can A Pool Pump Be Too Big For A Pool?
You could be wasting money on your energy bills but purchasing a pool pump that is too big for your pool. This will mean it is pushing too much water around at too high a speed. This can damage the filtration system and the filter and is unnecessarily expensive.
More horsepower isn’t always such a good thing when it comes to the best pool pump for your needs.
