Best Above Ground Pool Pumps Review

Buyers Guide, Pool

best above ground pool pump review
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Table of Contents

Best Above-Ground Pool Pump: To be honest, this is a comprehensive buying guide on the 10 best above-ground pool pumps for beginners wherein I would be walking you through various aspects of above-ground pool pumps to help you make an informed buying decision.

Moreover, I would also be having an in-depth discussion with you regarding the parameters that you shouldn’t IGNORE when it comes to buying an affordable yet highly effective above-ground pool pump.

Lastly, I would be responding to the queries related to best-rated above-ground pool pumps in order to help you buy that one pump that would not only caters to your need but also falls well within your budget.

But, before that, I would be needing a miniature help from your end.

All you need to do is to respond to a few of my questions that I’m gonna ask you in a while.

Thanks in advance for contributing to the improvement of the quality of the buying guides that we publish regularly on izzysmarthomeguide.com.

So, which is your favorite pool pump brand?

Secondly, how much are you willing to spend on an above-ground pool pump?

Furthermore, how often do you read product reviews before buying a product?

Enough of asking questions, right?

So, without any further ado, let’s begin…

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best above ground pool pump

Frankly Speaking, all above-ground pool pumps that made it to our list are of high quality and worth the investment.

However, some brands have performed extremely well compared to their competitors during our evaluation process, and the same has been mentioned below in the form of the editor’s recommendation.

Best Above Ground Pool Pump Review

Well, before we start reviewing some of the best above-ground pool pumps available on the market, allow me to explain the process that we follow to test and evaluate a wide range of brands and models.

So, what our team does is prepare a list of parameters on which we’ve decided to test the product.

Then, we assign certain weightage to these parameters which totally depends upon their ability to influence a buying decision.

Once the aforementioned steps are completed.

We expedite the testing and assign a certain score to each parameter depending upon the performance of the product against these parameters.

Are we on the same page?

Finally, the summation of scores helps us to come to a conclusive decision.

Note: We don’t do paid reviews or promotions and we try to the best of our capabilities to come up with an UNBIASED REVIEW.

Because, in the end, it’s you whose appreciation and trust in our product reviews is something that REALLY matters to us.

Best Rated 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Pump Review

In this section, I would be discussing some of the best 1.5 HP pumps that fall under the “above ground” pool pump category.

In case, you’re searching for a more powerful above-ground pool pump then stay with us as we move forward we would be discussing above-ground pool pumps that come with 2 HP, 2.5 HP, etc.

Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 12-inch, 110-120V with GFCI

Well, to begin with, the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is definitely that one above-ground pool pump that has completely dominated the testing and evaluation.

To be honest, it came as a surprise to us because what the company was charging against the superlative idiosyncratic features wasn’t HUGE at all.

Let’s dive deep to understand how good this pump is and what value can it bring to the table.

ALRIGHT!

Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 12-inch, 110-120V with GFCI

The pump is a unique blend of performance, durability, and longevity.

Well, once you’ll start using Intex Krystal Clear, you’ll observe an improvement in both the circulation and filtration processes.

Even the water clarity will improve significantly, and my best finding was a tangible increment in negative ions at the water surface once we started using this little beast.

In fact, I and my team have given full marks to Intex Krystal for encouraging and using revolutionary water aeration techniques which are not only mindboggling but also solution-driven.

As a pool owner, you can expedite six different functions including filter, backwash, rinse, drain, etc with the help of the Intex Krystal Clear.

Moreover, you don’t have to spend your precious time planning and expediting the process.

In fact, the pump comprises a digital timer that would automatically turn on/off the pump each day to run it for up to 12 hours.

The timer comes with 1 to 12-hour pre-set cycles which are definitely gonna make your work easy at no additional cost involved.

So, with the Intex pump, you can automate a lot of things if NOT ALL.

Even though you’re a first-time user you don’t have to struggle with the pre-filtering process as the included strainer basket would do the trick for you.

The package also includes certain important accessories such as a 2 feet power cord with a built-in GFCI, two 1-and-a-half-inch connector bases, one hydro aeration technology inlet, etc to help you expedite the process effortlessly.

You can easily keep track of water pressure for backwashing with the help of a built-in pressure gauge.

All in all, a great above-ground pool pump that you’ll NEVER regret investing in.

So, what are you waiting for?

Check Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump Price On Amazon

Hayward W3SP1593 PowerFlo Matrix Above-Ground Pool Pump, 1.5 HP

The Hayward W3SP1593 is a great pump that has really scored high on the convenience and maintenance parameters in our test.

In fact, you don’t have to spend hours on debris collection as the built-in huge strainer basket would drastically reduce the frequency of cleaning the basket.

And, of course, you don’t have to spend hours maintaining the strainer basket.

Hayward W3SP1593 PowerFlo Matrix Above-Ground Pool Pump, 1.5 HP

It goes without saying that the heavy-duty above-ground pump has a robust construction as well as designed uniquely to help the pool owners like you and me achieve optimum results effortlessly.

Moreover, the pump tackles efficiently the problems such as overloading and the credit goes to none other than the built-in integrated automatic thermal overload protector.

In the context of convenience, the horizontal/vertical discharge feature easily converts from vertical to horizontal discharge orientation with the press of a button which is definitely something to boast about, isn’t it?

In spite of you being a beginner, you’ll NOT at all face any problem with the installation process.

In fact, a quick disconnect intake and discharge pipe connection would do the trick for you.

Unlike its competitors, the Hayward W3SP1593 comes with a high-performance impeller that has the capability to open widely and thus keeps the problem of clogging at bay which is mostly caused by leaves and debris.

Definitely, the Hayward W3SP1593 passes our test successfully and we recommend the product whole-heartedly.

Check Hayward W3SP1593 Price On Amazon

Harris H1572730 ProForce 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Pump 115V

The Harris H1572730 scored really high on parameters such as performance and cost-effectiveness in our test.

Harris H1572730 ProForce 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Pump 115V

Well, when we tested H1572730 against some of the big brands above the ground pool models what we found was unbelievable.

 The Harris ProForce 1.5 HP above-ground pool pump performed surprisingly well, here I would like to make a point straightforward forward that it doesn’t outperform the aforementioned models but considering its price, the Harris ProForce has done fairly well. 

Moreover, these pumps have a longer lifespan as they are made up of heavy-duty corrosion-proof material.

On top of it, the motor shaft is made of stainless steel and also constructed with a reinforced thermoplastic body for enhanced longevity and durability which is definitely something you must look for when investing in a pool pump.

The things that really grabbed my eyeballs were the design and engineering behind this highly affordable pump.

In fact, the pump would operate smoothly and quietly without compromising efficiency.

Similar to other pump models that we’ve discussed so far, it also comes with a debris strainer that is not only large in size but also very easy to clean.

Definitely, the Harris ProForce 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Pump can be an awesome investment in case you’re looking for a good return on your investment in the long run.

Feel free to ask your doubt or queries in the comment section, we would be more than happy to help you.

Check Harris H1572730 Price On Amazon

In The Swim Hayward Powerflo LX 1.5 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump with Replacement Lid O-Ring

Unlike the aforementioned models, the Swim Hayward Powerflo comes in a bundle of two items, that is, a pool pump, and a Replacement Lid O-Ring.

The 1.5 HP above-the-ground pool pump is a great offering from the brand Hayward and has performed fairly well on parameters such as price, durability, quiet operation, etc.

In The Swim Hayward Powerflo LX 1.5 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump with Replacement Lid O-Ring

Frankly speaking, the pump comprises almost all the essential ingredients that you might be looking for in an above-ground pool pump.

The uniquely designed pump has all the control units in place to help a beginner perform the operation with ease.

The high-performance engineered pump has a longer lifespan and the credit goes to corrosion-proof materials that are used in its manufacturing.

Not only the pump body but also the motor has a longer lifespan because of the drift-proof double-sized seal that it comes with.

a Just forget to mention, Swim Hayward has performed fairly well on the heat-resistant parameter which is definitely good news as you can use the pump for a longer duration without worrying about it getting overheated. 

Moreover, the built-in impeller ensures that the pump has a consistent flow rate by mitigating fluctuation in the flow rate if any.

The strainer basket is of decent size and comes with a see-through lid so that a quick inside view can let you know when you need to clean the debris basket.

Overall, the performance of this pump was more than average in our test across the testing parameters, and you can definitely go for it if you’re looking for an “above the ground” pool pump in a “budget category”.

Check Swim Hayward Powerflo LX Price On Amazon

Blue Wave NE6171B Maxi Replacement Pump for Above Ground Pools, 1.5 HP

So, here I come with yet another highly affordable pump for above-the-ground pools.

This 1.5 HP little beast is a great offering from the brand Blue Wave.

Moreover, the manufacturer claims to match the quality of high-end brands, and like you, we were also eager to know the truth behind the claim.

Blue Wave NE6171B Maxi Replacement Pump for Above Ground Pools, 1.5 HP

 Frankly speaking, the claim was partly true and we are delighted to affirm that the Blue Wave NE6171B is a great option for you right now on the market ONLY IF you’re on a shoestring budget or right now you can’t afford to invest in high-end pumps. 

Here, I would also like to make it clear that if you’re a resident of CALIFORNIA then I’ve got bad news for you.

Yes, you guessed it RIGHT!

It’s not LEGAL to sell NE6171B in California.

In spite of the pump being highly affordable, the manufacturer hasn’t compromised on the quality and it is very well noticeable from the fact that the pump is constructed from a durable polymer known to keep the corrosion at bay.

Like the previous models, the self-priming pump also comes with a clear lid that makes cleaning a cakewalk.

The NE6171B scores really high on the compatibility parameter in our test and you would be astonished to know that it fitted most of the filter systems that we tried to fix it with.

On top of it, the built-in dual-port design makes both vertical as well as horizontal discharge possible.

However, if you’re looking for a pump made of stainless steel then the NE6171B might offend you as it comprises a major percentage of materials such as polyethylene and plastic.

Rest assured, the pump is worth the investment.

Check Blue Wave NE6171B Price On Amazon

PENTAIR 340210 Dynamo Above Ground Swimming Pool Pump 1.5 HP w/3′ Cord 115V

The PENTAIR is a well-known and well-trusted brand, and I’ve personally used quite a few offerings from this brand, and they are literally awesome.

Anyways, enough bragging, let’s see what this brand has on the plate to offer us.

Well, the PENTAIR 340210 Dynamo has scored fairly well on the parameters such as strength and durability, and the credit goes to the reinforced fiberglass that it is made of.

Moreover, the Dynamo pump comprises a large capacity basket with a see-through lid to help you expedite the cleaning process easily and fastly.

In fact, you can save a good amount of time on cleaning.

Again, the 340210 has performed fairly well on the flow rates parameter and it was made possible only because of the high-quality impeller that it comes with.

It also comes with an easy access discharge port that converts really well between a horizontal and vertical mode for fast in-field service minimizing labor expense.

Furthermore, the single-speed pool pump also comes with a self-priming design that ensures longevity.

Definitely, the pump is a unique blend of performance and quiet operation, and the best part is, the performance remains uninterrupted for years to come.

In spite of you being a beginner, you’ll NOT face any problem in installing the pump.

All in all, a great above-ground pool pump with a big brand name standing behind it.

Check PENTAIR 340210 Price On Amazon

1.5 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump with Cord

The Mighty Mammoth above-the-ground pool pumps are available in two variants, that is, 1.5 HP and 2 HP.

Moreover, it comprises a spacious strainer basket that would be of great help to you when it comes to dealing with leaves and debris.

1.5 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump with Cord - Mighty Mammoth High Performance Motor for Clean Swimming Pool Water - 1.5 HP - 110V-120V - 60HZ

 Furthermore, the pump is superlatively engineered to circulate pool water in an effective way, and just for your information, the Mammoth pump has performed fairly well on parameters such as vibration and durability in our test. 

For the healthy functioning of the filter, the pump comprises corrosion-proof housing, and needless to say, the machine is robustly constructed in order to help you achieve optimum results.

The feedback from my clientele has been positive about this idiosyncratic pump, and particularly they have mentioned the awesome customer service that the brand offers.

On the downside, a few of my clients have complained about the inability of the pump to run on a GFCI-protected circuit after getting wet significantly.

Meanwhile, I would also like to highlight that process of installation is newbie-friendly and you can expedite it without a need for professional help.

Rest assured, you’ll never REGRET investing in this powerful above-the-ground pool pump by any means.

Check Mighty Mammoth Price On Amazon

Best Rated 2.0 HP Above Ground Pool Pump Review

In this section, we would be reviewing some of the best 2.0 HP above-ground pool pumps which are highly powerful, reliable, and energy-efficient.

Moreover, they would be a great fit for medium and large-size pool pumps.

TOP WAY 2HP 110V Swimming Pool Pump 111GPM Filter Above Ground Pools Water Pump

The TOP WAY water pump scores really high in our test for the parameters such as reliability and multi-functionality.

In fact, this thermally protected pump can be used for swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.

TOPWAY 2HP 110V Swimming Pool Pump 111GPM Filter Garden Inground and Above Ground Pools Water Pump

Similar to the aforementioned pump models, it also comes with a spacious basket that drastically reduces the frequency of cleaning debris, and as a result, you can save a tangible amount of your time.

The manufacturer gives high priority to safety measures which can be well understood from the fact that the machine is UL certified which ensures recognized standards for safety.

On the price front, most of us can afford this budget-friendly pump packed with user-friendly features.

On top of it, the pump possesses a robust construction and also has a longer lifespan.

The pump could be a great fit if you’re among those who love to experiment with upcoming and innovative products.

But, at the same time, you also need to understand that such products do possess a higher level of risk which is not the case with well-established and well-trusted brands.

Check TOPWAY Price On Amazon

XtremepowerUS 75035-1 2 HP Self Prime in/Above Ground Swimming 2″ NPT Fitting ETL Pool Pump

Another high-quality 2 HP pool pump that was made to our list is XtremepowerUS 75035-1.

The self-priming pump is constructed from corrosion-proof polymeric materials, and as a result, you can expect it to be durable and long-lasting, and the same was confirmed in our testing as well.

XtremepowerUS 75035-1 2 HP Self Prime in/Above Ground Swimming 2" NPT Fitting ETL Pool Pump, Black

Frankly speaking, the pump scored high on parameters such as power, quietness, and smooth run-time user experience which makes it one of the most sought pool pumps in the 2 HP pump category.

The uniquely designed pump has smooth airflow ventilation which definitely encourages quieter operation.

Another great thing about this little beast is its compatibility with a wide range of brands and thus making it a top choice for a wider audience.

In fact, you can use it with solar heating as well as an in-floor cleaning system which depicts the level of compatibility it possesses.

Similar to the aforementioned above-ground pool pumps, it also comes with an easy setup new build pool system so even though you’re a first-time buyer, you can easily set up the machine without the need for professional help, interesting, isn’t it?

I wholeheartedly recommend this pool pump to my readers, and I hope that you’ll also have positive feedback about it as my clientele had in the past.

Check XtremepowerUS 75035-1 Price On Amazon

Best Rated 1.0 HP Above Ground Pool Pump Review

On high demand from our readers, here we’re with some of best above ground 1 HP pool pump which is mainly meant for small and medium-sized pools.

Blue Wave NE6181 Tidal Wave 2-Speed Replacement Pump for Above Ground Pool, 1 HP

The NE6181 is a high-performance cost-effective 1 HP pump meant for small to medium size pools.

It goes without saying that the Blue Wave NE6181 comprises all the ingredients that you might be looking for in your favorite pump for a small-size pool.

Blue Wave NE6181 Tidal Wave 2-Speed Replacement Pump for Above Ground Pool, 1 HP,Black

The pump is highly compatible which is depicted from the fact that it can fit most filter systems.

Moreover, the built-in dual port is uniquely designed to expedite either vertical or horizontal discharge without any hassle.

Unfortunately, the pump is not for sale in California so you’ll not be able to avail of its service in case you’re residing in California.

It’s a 2-speed pool pump so depending upon your requirement you can easily switch between these speeds which allows you to save on electricity bills as well.

For example, you can opt for an energy-saving speed of 1750 RPM when expediting normal operation.

On the other hand, you can switch to an RPM of 3450 when using a pump with a pool vacuum that requires additional power.

The set-up and installation process is easy and less time-consuming.

All in all, an affordable pool pump for small and medium-sized pools that you’ll never REGRET investing in.

Check Blue Wave NE6181 Price On Amazon

Pentair Dynamo 1 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump – 340197

The Pentair is a well-renowned brand that has proved its mettle time and again by introducing a high-quality cost-effective pump.

Furthermore, the self-priming 340197 is made of reinforced fiberglass, and as a result, you can expect the pump to be durable and long-lasting.

The debris and leaves are well taken care of by the spacious strainer basket which comes with a see-through lid.

Pentair Dynamo 1 Horsepower Above Ground Pool Pump - 340197

Like other Pentair pumps, the 340197 also comprises a high-quality diffuser and impeller to ensure that the flow rates are excellent.

Needless to say, the pump has a robust construction and makes very little noise when operating.

In simple words, if you’re a quality-conscious pool owner like me then definitely it’s an ideal choice for you.

Finally, the pump is a unique blend of high efficiency, quiet operation, and longevity and has outperformed most of the brands on these parameters IF NOT ALL in our evaluation.

Check Pentair Dynamo Price On Amazon

Blue Wave NE6151B Maxi Replacement Pump for Above Ground Pools,1 HP

The Blue Wave NE6151B, a self-priming pump, is constructed from a durable polymer that is capable of resisting corrosion.

Moreover, the spacious strainer basket and a see-through lid that it comes with, reduces the burden of frequent cleaning, and thus saves you time that you can utilize for some other important task.

Blue Wave NE6151B Maxi Replacement Pump for Above Ground Pools,1 HP,Black

On top of it, the dual-port design could be of great help for either vertical or horizontal discharge.

In spite of the pump falling in the affordable category, it scores well on parameters such as reliability, performance, and durability in our test so if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a high-end above-ground pool pump, then definitely the Blue Wave NE6151B could be a great option for you.

Trust me, before making such claims, I’ve taken feedback from quite a few clients of mine who have been using this brand for at least a couple of years if NOT MORE.

All in all, a budget above-ground pool pump comprises all the essential ingredients to help you achieve an optimum result.

On the downside, if you’re residing in California then unfortunately you wouldn’t be able to take the NE6151B service.

Check Blue Wave NE6151B Price On Amazon

Best Above Ground Pool Pump | Buyer’s Guide

This is a very important section especially if you’re a first-time buyer and just starting out your journey as a pool owner.

Here, we would be discussing all the important parameters that you must consider as a pool owner to get the best result from this comprehensive buying guide.

How to choose the best above-the-ground pool pump as a beginner?

Frankly speaking, choosing your above-ground pool pump wouldn’t be a tough job if you’ve done your homework correctly.

In case, it’s the first time you’re planning to buy an affordable yet performance-driven above-ground pool pump then all you need to do is to keep reading till the end so that you get a good knowledge of the essential parameters that might influence your buying decision.

Pump Performance

Before you decide on the pump performance, it’s equally important that you’ve got thorough knowledge about your pool capacity.

Moving further, you need to be very thorough with the flow rate when it comes to checking out the specification of a prospect.

As a token of verification, it is important that you ensure that the flow rate (GPH/GPM gallons per minute) matches your pool capacity.

At the same time, you also need to ensure that the pump that you’re planning to buy comes with a powerful motor that can generate sufficient power to run long enough to keep your pool clean.

So, if you think that the prospect is capable of handling your pool requirement then make sure that it has a good HP rating.

In case, you don’t have an idea about horsepower then please allow me to explain it to you.

Most small to medium-sized pools are perfectly fine with a 1.5 HP motor, but at the same time, if you own a larger above-the-ground pool with huge capacity then you might need a 2.0 HP motor.

A close look at the performance table on the box of most pool pumps would help you in getting a conclusive answer to most of the aforementioned questions IF NOT ALL.

Energy Consumption

Once you’ve figured out the RIGHT power that you need for your pool, trust me, half of the work is done on your end.

The next thing that you need to explore is the energy-efficient parameter and how your prospect performs on it.

Let me tell you very openly, even though you’ve narrowed it down to a 1.5 HP above-ground pool pump, it might consume a tangible amount of electricity over a period of time.

The best bet could be to go thoroughly through the specification for typical usages that are listed in the specification table of the manual that comes with the pump.

Just for your information, a single-speed pump might consume more power than a 2-speed or a variable-speed pump.

Construction Materials

It is a well-known fact that at times even the most expensive brands cut back on quality materials in order to offer a low-price variant of their high-end offering, be it a powerful tool, electronic gadget, or something else.

Don’t forget to check out the specifications of your pool pump prior to purchase.

Make sure the materials used in constructing the pump are robust, durable, and comes with a longer lifespan.

For example, if the material used is plastic then it is your responsibility to ensure that the plastic used is capable of resisting impact damage, sunlight, and heat damage.

You can also look for the pumps that use thermoplastics or list their constructing materials as UV and pool-heat resistant.

Safety Features

It’s highly recommended that you should opt for the pump that comes with safety features.

For example, a pump that comes with a backup system to prevent overload or damage due to failure in the electrical system could be a great bet.

Similarly, it is you who needs to ensure that all the essential safety features are met and safety precautions have been integrated into the design.

To name a few, surge protection and overload breakers are essential features and always refrain from buying a pump that doesn’t possess these two safety precautions as well as an official UL listing.

Ease of Installation

As a beginner, you should look for a pump that can be installed easily and without any hassle.

It goes without saying that some pump models can be installed easily and in less time as compared to others.

However, you must confirm that the pump that you’re planning to buy comes with a standard 3-prong electrical cord and uses standard 1.5-inch intake and drain ports.

At the same time, refrain from buying the pump model that comes with some specific installation requirements such as wiring the pump directly into your home electrical system or using non-standard ports.

Filtration Type

I personally prefer and recommend cartridge filter systems for the swimming pool as they do a great job when it comes to keeping water clear and clean.

But, at the same time, you need to understand that certain costs are involved on a regular basis when it comes to availing of such premium service.

Not only are they expensive to replace but also need replacement on a frequent basis to maintain optimal flow rate.

So, you might be thinking about what is the best cost-effective alternative, right?

Don’t worry, I’ve got a piece of good news for you, and I knew you guessed it perfectly RIGHT.

The closest alternative that comes to my mind is none other than SAND FILTER.

Not only are they cost-effective but also come with a very low maintenance cost.

In fact, all you need to do is to fresh sand once a year, that’s all.

In short, decide about the kind of filter system that you want your above-ground pool pump to have even before you go shopping to negate the last hour’s confusion.

Warranty

I’ve often noticed my client ignoring warranty and don’t include it when comparing two different brands or models.

But, my advice to you would be to NEVER ignore the warranty.

The thumb rule is, the more the warranty duration the better the product would be.

You might be wondering, how can I make such a statement, right?

Well, the higher warranty period simply shows the confidence and trust of the manufacturer that it has in its offering.

How to set up the above ground pool pump for the beginners?

Frankly speaking, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pool owner, installing your pool pump wouldn’t take much of your time if you follow the right instruction in the right way.

Before placing your pool pump, it is highly recommended that your pool is leveled well.

In case, you need to level it then you can take the help of concrete slabs or pavers whichever best suits your requirement.

A solid and well-leveled base is very important as it keeps the pump level and prevents future problems that might occur due to either pump or filter just because they aren’t on level ground.

After ensuring that the base is leveled and solid, place the pump and connect your standard 1.5” hoses to the intake and exhaust ports.

In the next step, you need to check that the filter basket systems are closed and that hose seals are snug before plugging in the system.

Before connecting the pump to power make sure it is OFF.

In the next step, switch on the power and allow the pump to run for a couple of hours, and at the same time, also ensure that the pump is functioning properly.

Most of the pump that I’ve reviewed comes with a built-in timer but if you’re planning to buy one that doesn’t possess this feature then you can buy a smart home outlet rated for the heavy amperage draw of your pool pump and set it up to turn your pool pump on and off at intervals throughout the day.

As a result, you can expect clean pool water, and also your energy cost will be reduced drastically because of the efficient utilization of your pool pump.

Above Ground Pool Pump Safety Measures

  • The power cord should be well insulated and kept away from the pool
  • Always buy UL listed pool pumps and don’t forget to check electrical wiring for a sign of wear and tear
  • Damaged or loose electrical cables should be replaced immediately
  • It’s always advisable to hire an expert for repairing purposes rather than doing it on your own
  • Always follow the instructions given in the manual and never skip any step

Pump Needed As Per The Type Of Pool Chart

Type Of PoolPump Needed
Above Ground
  • Single, Dual, or Variable Speed
  • Medium Head
  • Sized for Pool
Inground
  • Sized for Pool
  • Medium Head
  • Single, Dual, or Variable Speed
Spa
  • High Head
  • High Efficiency
  • Sized for Pool/Spa
Waterfall/Water Feature
  • Low Head
  • Sized for Feature

Pool Water Pump Sizing Chart

If you’re buying an above-ground pool pump or any other pump for the first time then you need to understand that for a pool pump to perform effectively it must be properly sized for your pool.

So, what does it mean?

This means estimating the number of gallons of water per minute that your pump needs to turn over in order to cycle all of the water in your pool at least once in a 24 hour period.

Let’s have a quick look at the below chart to get some idea.

Size of PoolNumber of GallonsHP Needed
15 feet round5,800¼ HP
18 feet round8,300¼ HP
20 feet round10,200

¼, 1/2 HP

12 x 24 rectangle10,800

¼, ½ HP

16 x 34 kidney16,500½-1HP
16 x 32 oval17,200½-1HP
16 x 32 rectangle19,200½-1HP
20 x 38 kidney20,2001 HP
18 x 36 oval21,7001, 1-½ HP
18 x 36 rectangle24,3001, 1-½ HP
20 x 40 rectangle30,0001/1-½ HP

The first thing that you need to do as a pool owner is to calculate the number of gallons in your pool.

The aforementioned step is highly important and you should be accurate with the calculation to achieve the optimum outcome.

Ideal water needs to be turned twice in a pool within 24 hours so you need to multiply the number of gallons by 2.

For gallons/hour, you need to divide the number that you got in the last step by 24.

And, for getting gallons per minute, you need to divide the above result by 60.

So, finally, you’ll be able to reach a golden number, that is, gallons/minute which is what most pump sizes are.

FAQs

As promised to my readers, I would be responding to the queries related to the above ground pool pump in order to help you make an informed buying decision effortlessly.

In case, you also have any doubts or queries related to the topic, then feel free to ask us in the comment section.

What is the best pump for an above ground pool?

Frankly speaking, there isn’t a single answer to the question, which is the best pump for an above-ground pool.

In short, IT DEPENDS.

The term “best pump” is relative and what may be the perfect pump for you might not even cater to my requirement and vice-versa.

So, the best thing that you can do is to jot down your requirement and then find a pump that suffices your requirement as well as falls well within your budget.

The reason why I mentioned budget is that at times it is that SINGLE factor that has the potential to completely change the buying decision.

Forget others, I’ve not been able to buy some high-quality woodworking tools just because my budget was way less than their price, and I think quite a few of you can easily correlate with such a scenario, right?

However, if you’re interested in knowing more about the above-ground pool pump that I recommend to my clientele and you can also check it out HERE. (Link will navigate to Amazon)

How long does an above ground pool pump last?

To be honest, I can’t give you a definite time range.

However, as per my expertise and experience, I can affirm that pool pump motors typically last about 8 to 10 years before needing either replacement or rebuilding.

Noisy screeching front and/or rear bearings are some of the early signs that will tell you when there is a need for replacement.

How much does an above ground pool pump cost?

Again, there isn’t any hard and fast rule, when it comes to predicting the price of the above-ground pool pump.

In layman language, it DEPENDS.

However, I’ll try to be as accurate as I can in order to help you in the best possible way.

But, what I’m gonna share with you now is the data that you should use just for your reference.

Price may vary significantly in some cases.

It’s just the prediction to give a rough idea and please don’t consider it a benchmark at all.

Pool Water Pump Price by Pool Type

Pool Pump TypeCost
Single-speed$300-$600
Low-head$300-$600
Medium-head$300-$800
Dual-speed$500-$800
Variable-speed$800-$1200
High-head Submersible$800-$1200

Brand, Characteristics, Average Cost

BrandCharacteristics Average Cost
Harris
  • Quiet
  • Inexpensive
  • Multiple options available
  • Above and inground options
$200-$500
Intex
  • Sand filters
  • Good for above ground pools
  • Easy to use cartridges
$200-$500
Hayward
  • High flow with lower HP
  • Energy efficiency
  • No tools are required for basket access
$500-$1200
Pentair
  • Energy efficient
  • High-performance
  • Compatible with apps/spas
$600-$1200
Sta-Rite
  • Portable pumps
  • Good for utility
  • Can be used along with covers
$600-$1200

How much does it cost to install a swimming pool water pump?

Well, it goes without saying that a pool pump is the heart and circulatory system of any pool.

Needless to say, it plays a key role in keeping your pool clean and free from debris.

In fact, the main function of a pool pump is to turn over the water in a pool at least once a day.

And, the pump also pulls water through the filter to ensure that the pool water is not only FREE from debris but also algae growth is under control.

Furthermore, the pool pump ensures that the pool chemical is put to work in an efficient and effective manner.

The below table will speak on its own about the pump installation cost.

Pool Pump Installation Cost Chart

National Average Cost $950
Average Cost Range $700 - $1500
Minimum Cost $500
Maximum Cost $2400

Is it worth running an above ground pool pump in night?

Definitely, you can run an above-ground pool pump at night, but is it REALLY worth running it at NIGHT is again a question mark.

Let’s dive deep into the question.

I wouldn’t deny the fact that in some places the cost of electricity is lower at night as compared to the daytime but by running the pump at NIGHT, you might be thinking that you’ll save some dollars, right?

But, will the savings catch up?

Again, it’s a question mark…

Trust me, what I’m gonna talk about now is the outcome of my experience and when I was young I also have the same question in my mind, and I tried running the pump at night not once, twice but quite a few times…

Cutting long-story-short, let’s first understand the benefits of running the above-ground pool pump in daylight.

By running the pool pump in daylight you can easily ensure proper sanitation.

In fact, chlorine is degraded by sunlight, so you can expect a larger demand on chlorine residual during daylight.

When the pump is operating it easily disperse chlorine throughout the pool.

Most of the pools use certain types of chlorinator that add chlorine only when the pump is running.

One of the benefits of running above the ground pool pump in daylight is that it keeps the level of chlorine constant throughout the pool.

You can’t negate the consumption of chlorine during daylight as most of us use the pool in daylight, right?

A pool must have a proper level of chlorine in order to check the growth of algae, germs, bacteria, etc.

On the other hand, if your pool has a lower level of chlorine or it is not evenly distributed then the intruders including bacteria and germs get an opportunity to grow at an alarming rate.

Moreover, the outcome would be worse than you might be thinking.

In fact, problems such as cloudy water, algae blooms, and even recreational water illnesses that can be transmitted between bathers could arise in an epigrammatic span of time.

So, in short, if you’re running your pool pump at night then definitely, you would be able to save few dollars but I can say with confidence that those extra dollars would certainly be spent in paying for additional chemicals as well as operational costs.

It’s A Wrap

First of all, I along with my team would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Trust me, we’ve put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this comprehensive buying guide on the best above-ground pool pump.

Moreover, we’ve tried to cover almost all the topics that would help you in some ways or others in order to help you make an informed buying decision.

To be honest, all the above-ground pool pumps that were made to our list are of high quality and have proved their mettle time and again by delivering high performance.

In all my product review posts, I say to my readers that the word “best” is a relative term and what may be the best pool pump for you might not be for me and vice-versa.

So, take your time and make buying decisions wisely.

Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.

After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?