Pool Pumps (Ultimate Top 10 Guide)

Anthony Barnes

Need to Hire a Plumber?
Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for made purchases.

Looking to upgrade your pool’s pump? Look no further! Water Heater Hub has scoured the internet to find the best pool pumps you can purchase from the comfort of your couch.

From energy-efficient models to top-of-the-line performance, we left no stone unturned. Don’t spend hours searching through endless options – let Water Hetar Hub do the work for you. Our team has tested and reviewed the top pumps on the market, ensuring that you get the best pump for the cost. Upgrade your pool and take the hassle out of shopping with WHH’s top picks for the best pool pumps.

Remember what happened last full season, when you didn’t get it pump, and people didn’t have fun in the pool because it was always mucky and murky and looked like a cesspool instead of a bright sparkling shiny inviting place to cool off? Don’t put it off get the pump you need today!

Image#1 BestFeaturesPrice
Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump

Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH, Automatic, Submersible, Swimming Pool Cover Pump

9.7
Check Price
INTEX 28637EG C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 1000 GPH Pump Flow R

INTEX 28637EG C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 1000 GPH Pump Flow R

9.5
Check Price
XtremepowerUS 2HP In-Ground Swimming Pool Pump Variable Speed 2

XtremepowerUS 2HP In-Ground Swimming Pool Pump Variable Speed 2″ Inlet 230V High Flo w/ Slip-On Fitt

9.1
Check Price
FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump (600 GPH) - 22 foot Heavy Duty Kink-Proof D

FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump (600 GPH) – 22 foot Heavy Duty Kink-Proof D

8.8
Check Price
INTEX 26643EG SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 10in

INTEX 26643EG SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 10in

8.6
Check Price
VIVOHOME 2.0 HP 6800 GPH Powerful Self Primming Dual Voltage in/Above Ground Swimming Pool Pump with

VIVOHOME 2.0 HP 6800 GPH Powerful Self Primming Dual Voltage in/Above Ground Swimming Pool Pump with

8.2
Check Price
XtremepowerUS 75113 Pump Pool ABOVEGROUND 1.5HP 2SPEED Energy Saving, Black

XtremepowerUS 75113 Pump Pool ABOVEGROUND 1.5HP 2SPEED Energy Saving, Black

8
Check Price
Seeutek 2.0 HP Pool Pump Above Ground and Inground,6800 GPH Powerful Self Primming Swimming Pool Pum

Seeutek 2.0 HP Pool Pump Above Ground and Inground,6800 GPH Powerful Self Primming Swimming Pool Pum

7.7
Check Price
Pentair 011533 WhisperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump, 2.6 THP

Pentair 011533 WhisperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump, 2.6 THP

7.4
Check Price
TOPDEEP 2HP Pool Pump Inground, Self Primming pool pump above ground, 6800 GPH Swimming pool pumps D

TOPDEEP 2HP Pool Pump Inground, Self Primming pool pump above ground, 6800 GPH Swimming pool pumps D

7.2
Check Price

What To Look For In A Pool Pump

As someone who loves swimming and spending lots of time in my own pool I know first hand how important it is to have a reliable efficient pool pump

Let’s face it pumps are responsible for circulating the water in your pool which helps to keep it clean and clear and make for a more pleasurable experience. If you don’t have a good pump, your pool could become stagnant, filled with algae, and basically an unsightly cesspool in your backyard.

So…if you’re in the market for a new pool pump there are a few things that we have discussed that we think you should consider.

The most important thing is you’ll want to look and see what size your pool is and the flow rate you need. Just to brush up on your flow rate math, flow rate refers to how much water the pump is able to circulate at any given time.

If you have a big pool you need a pump with a higher flow rate to make sure all the water gets circulated within a specific amount of time. Now if you have something smaller you may be able to get away with a pump that has a low flow rate. Next, you’ll want to consider what the horsepower is of this beast of a pump you’ll be purchasing. Just like in a car the horsepower determines how much work the pump is able to do and it’s usually measured in horsepower just like a car.

A high horsepower pump will be able to handle a much larger flow rate and it’ll also use more energy, not so good in this day and time. Another important factor that you want to take into account is the type of pump you need. There are two main types of pumps on the market, single speed pumps and variable speed pumps. The single speed type runs at a fixed speed which means usually you just turn it on and regardless of how much water it’s pumped it’s just going to pump at the same flow rate.

Now if we jump into the variable speed pumps now we’re able to adjust the speed based on the flow rate and how much is actually needed. So besides these two factors you’ll always want to consider the quality of the pump that you’re getting whether it’s variable or non variable it’s not going to do you a damn bit of good if it doesn’t work. You don’t want to end up with a pump that’s breaking down or needs a lot of maintenance because that takes away from the joy of having a pool in the first place, right?

And finally you want to think about how much this is going to take away from your retirement fund. While it is important to get the best pump you can afford you don’t want to break the bank either. Look for pumps that have a good balance of performance efficiency price and are the correct size pump for your needs. The team at water heater hub has dealt with every pump of every style shape and size and we’ve come up with these recommendations because we feel that these are the ones that you can actually buy online and get to your front door within a couple of days, there is a lot of things to consider, so read on learn as much as you can and make a decision that best fits your needs, good luck.

Pool Pump Cons

Choosing the wrong pool pump can lead to headaches and unhappy kids & worse a mad wife. Here are just a few of the cons to consider:

  1. Inefficient operation: If you choose a pump that is too small for your pool, it will struggle to move the right amount of water. This can lead to poor filtration & your pool will look like pigeon poop.
  2. High energy costs: An inefficient pump can lead to higher energy costs, as it will need to run for longer periods of time or at higher speeds in order to properly circulate the water. You might as well be throwing dollars away like a bachelor at a strip club.
  3. Short lifespan: A poorly designed or low-quality pump may break down & be a headache that medication can’t fix. This can be frustrating and costly, instead of floating around & sucking on your favorite beverage, you will just be sucking!
  4. Poor water circulation: If the pump is not able to effectively circulate the water, it can lead to areas of the pool that are not being affected by clean circulated water. This can result in the growth of algae and other contaminants, which will be noticed by your neighbor that only likes you for your pool.
  5. Noise pollution: Some pumps can be quite loud, nothing is worse than “Karen” yelling over th efence at how loud your awesome pump is. A loud pump can make it difficult to relax and enjoy your pool (silence is bliss).
  6. Poor value for money: buy once my good my dad said I think what he really meant isInefficient operation: If you choose a pump that is too small for your pool, it will struggle to move the right amount of water. This can lead to poor filtration & your pool will look like pigeon poop.
  7. High energy costs: An inefficient pump can lead to higher energy costs, as it will need to run for longer periods of time or at higher speeds in order to properly circulate the water. You might as well be throwing dollars away like a bachelor at a strip club.
  8. Short lifespan: A poorly designed or low-quality pump may break down & be a headache that medication can’t fix. This can be frustrating and costly, instead of floating around & sucking on your favorite beverage, you will just be sucking!
  9. Poor water circulation: If the pump is not able to effectively circulate the water, it can lead to areas of the pool that are not being affected by clean circulated water. This can result in the growth of algae and other contaminants, which will be noticed by your neighbor that only likes you for your pool.
  10. Noise pollution: Some pumps can be quite loud, nothing is worse than “Karen” yelling over th efence at how loud your awesome pump is. A loud pump can make it difficult to relax and enjoy your pool (silence is bliss).
  11. Poor value for money: buy once, buy good my dad said, I think what he really meant is don’t spend your money on cheap **** period .

Overall, it’s important to take the time to research and carefully consider your options when choosing a pool pump. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option available, this could end up costing you more in the long run. Instead, look for a pump that is the right size for your pool, has a good reputation for efficiency and durability, and offers a good balance of performance and price.

#1. Little Giant APCP-1700 115-Volt, 1/3 HP, 1745 GPH

I know, I know, we’re talking about pool pumps but there are a few different kinds that we need to look at.

Little Giant

This can be used as a part-time pump for a smaller pool but I’m telling you if you own a pool or you need to suck water out of a hole this is your pump.

It’s designed for automatic removal of water from things like pool covers, boat covers, roof tops all that kind of stuff you just need to have at least two inches of water and you set it right on top and it sucks it up like a Hoover.

This pump is well designed it’s ergonomic, has a built-in handle for portable ease of use and it’s compact. Little Giant is so easy to set up all you need to do is have a garden hose to connect and a 25 foot power cord, plug it in and away it goes.

We give it 4.3 stars for how easy it is to clean 4.3 stars for suction power 4.1 stars for value and 3.8 stars 4 longevity. We’ve owned two of these now over the last five years but we used a lot more than your average Joe so take that into account when looking at this super handy pool.

#2. INTEX 28637EG C1000 Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

This intex model uses a crystal clear cartridge filter pump for ground above ground pools.

Intex 28637EG

It has a 1000 gallon per hour filter rate and it’s one of our top choices. This pump is small and simple but durable, comes in and Gray plastic material and it’s roughly 10 1/2 by 15 inches.

The unit weighs just under 7 pounds and it has one simple cartridge that’s replaceable number 56637 EG. It has an air release valve for air trapped inside the filter chamber and it can easily run for up to 8 hours per day. It’s suitable for pools up to 6000 gallons and works on a 15 foot.

#3. XtremepowerUS 2HP In-Ground Swimming Pool Pump

The name of this pump is extreme power and it’s named that for a very specific reason.

Xtremepower Pool Pump

This variable speed 2 inch inlet, 230 Volt high flow pump made #3 on our list because of its power. It comes in a black housing with a copper colored electric motor.

This is a heavy duty high performance ventilated cooler operated motor it’s able to catch extra large debris in its debris basket even on its minimum setting.

This will allow you to enjoy the pool more with a clear cover that allows you to see into the basket which lets you know if it’s filled.

The two inch union connects suction and discharge with a Max water temperature of 104 degrees. This unit can move enough water for what we would consider a large pool and has countless 5 star ratings on many different

#4. FibroPool Electric Swimming Pool Winter Cover Drain Pump

Fibro pool has come up with a very simple pool pump and that is one of the reasons why we have it on our top ten list.

FibroPool

This pump runs at a rate of 600 gallons per hour, it has an integrated power cable plug and best of all it comes with a standard 110 Volt plug.

Comes with a 16 foot heavy duty hose which is king proof and that will easily remove water from any pulled depth. The motor is in the middle of the power range at coming in at 75 watts it does have a safety feature which is a manual shutoff valve.

This unit benefits from its price point to be honest, the noise level the suction power the value is all there but most of all people like this model because of its price point. Good pump at a reasonable price, what could be better?

#5. INTEX 26643EG SX1500 Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools

Intex knocked it out of the park with this nifty pool pump with a flow rate of 1500 gallons per hour.

This unit has six functional contros which enables the pool owner to filter, backwash, recirculate & drain the system as needed. It also comes with a handy 12 hour automatic timer so you can just set it and forget it.

A strainer basket provides easy cleaning & it’s made out of sturdy materials which prolongs the life of the sand filter. The technology incorporated into the filter pump is made of hydro aeration technology and it helps to improve the circulation and filtration. This is a solid middle-of-the-field pump that’s got a decent pump rate at a decent price point.

#6. VIVOHOME 2.0 HP 6800 GPH

This pool pump is no lightweight coming in at 31 1/2 pounds and pumping out 113 gallons per minute.

This powerful pump has some advanced engineering features and an impeller which maximizes flow and minimizes noise, so no upset neighbors with this pump.

One thing we like is that it’s se-f primes meaning you don’t have to fill the basket with water when things get a little dry, if you’ve had a pool pump before you know what I’m talking about. The full body is constructed with commercial grade reinforced thermoplastic and resist corrosion, rusting and it’s a unit that will stay durable for some time to come.

This pump has a wide applications as it has the ability to have variable speeds and pumps a variety of different levels of water per hour it’s not the least expensive unit but if you check-in often enough you can often get it at 50 to 60% off.

#7. XtremepowerUS 75113 Pump Pool ABOVEGROUND 1.5HP 2SPEED Energy Saving

Extreme power has turned up the heat with this powerful pool pump.

XtremepowerUS

They incorporated energy savings by allowing you to modulate and adjust the amount of water that’s pumped through this unit. It has a built-in 2 speed setting which gives more user control and gives you a lot more water transfer with low and high settings between 750 to 3450 rotations per minute.

This unit does come with an oversized strainer basket compared to the other picks and a transparent lid cover which if you’ve ever operated a pump it’s always nice to have something with extra capacity and you don’t have to unscrew the lid to see what’s inside of it.

This is a high performance motor with built in air flow ventilation and it does have thermal overload protection just in case you’ve let the pump run too long. Designed for above ground pools and spas of all sizes it is UL certified and meets the product standards and safety requirements.

#8. Seeutek 2.0 HP Pool Pump Above Ground and Inground,6800 GPH

Sometimes dual voltage is necessary for your particular application, utilizing an upgrade 110 Volt as well as a 220 Volt dual voltage motor as 60 Hertz unit runs practically silent

Seeutek

Coming in at a decent price point this sutek black stainless steel and plastic pump measures in that 25 by 10 by 14 inches.

This unit weighs in at 30 pounds and has a flow rate of 643 cubic feet per hour it’s not the most powerful on our list but it does the job if you have a medium to medium large size pool.

This 2 horsepower pool pump is designed specifically for above ground and inground pools and it meets the advanced engineering features with an impeller that maximizes flow and minimizes noise and here’s another unit that is self priming.

If you want to get an idea of how much water you can move with a 2 horsepower pump such as this you can achieve 6500 gallons per hour and a maximum head lift of 55 feet which makes the pump work for swimming pools that are under 48 by 24 feet with an average depth of six feet.

#9. Pentair 011533 WhisperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump, 2.6 THP

This unit is lower on our list not because of its quality because of the price.

Pentair

This whisper flow VST 2.6 horsepower unit is very powerful and moves lots of water with high efficiency. It has variable speed technology which reduces energy costs and improves mechanical seal and its totally enclosed fan which helps to make sure that the unit does not overheat.

This is a complete pool pump for inground swimming pools the motor voltage comes in at 115 volts all the way up to 230 volts, it’s variable speed, with a large suction cup and pipe.

This unit is able to suction and discharge large volumes of water but people tend not to like the off white color for whatever reason.

#10. TOPDEEP 2HP Pool Pump Inground, Self Primming pool pump above ground, 6800 GPH Swimming pool pumps Dual voltage with Strainer Basket 1500W

This 1500 Watt electric motor comes with some high efficiency numbers as well as an impeller to maximize flow and reduce noise.

This pump is efficient stable and is safe to operate and also has a longer service life than some of the other units on the list.

Made out of sturdy construction materials this 2 horsepower pool pump is featured with commercial grade reinforced thermoplastic and stainless steel motor housing which provides high performance suction and a powerful optimal flow.

This unit is used for swimming pools hot tubs thermal spring spas and irrigation systems and is ideal for all weather performance and quiet operation. This well sealed 100% drip proof heat resistant motor last a lifetime.

Need to Hire a Plumber?
Get a free estimate online from top local home service pros in your area.

Recent posts

Need help with a repair or install?

Free Online Quote

By Anthony Barnes

Anthony Barnes is the founder of Water Heater Hub and a second-generation plumber by profession. Before developing Water Heater Hub, Anthony Barnes was a full-time plumber, and he has undertaken a wide variety of projects over the decades. As a second-generation plumber, it was easy for Anthony to get used to the technicalities of all from a tender age