10 Best Pool Pumps 2024 in the United States

How Should You Choose a Pool Pump

Whether it is for the maintenance of a residential pool or a commercial pool, installing a pool pump is highly essential. Your time in the pool is only enjoyable if the pool's cleanliness is maintained. Choosing a pool pump that is best-suited for your pool needs a little research. So, after going through thousands of pool pump reviews on the Internet, we offer you a guide in aiding you to choose the best pool pump.

What are the different types of swimming pool pumps?

Swimming pool pumps can be classified into three types as follows:

• Single Speed Pool Pumps: Due to its affordability, this is the most popular choice among pool owners. Single-speed pool pumps are designed to pump your swimming pool's water through your system at one constant speed. However due to its higher energy consumption, this pump is better suited for pools that are rarely used.
• Two Speed Pool Pumps: In two-speed pumps, there are two distinct speed settings: high and low, and a separate device is required to switch between them, such as an automation system. You can choose between the two speeds, so when you run at a lower speed, your energy consumption will decrease. These pumps are best suited for spa-like pools, turning your pool into a therapeutic or Jacuzzi-like experience  
• Variable Speed Pool Pumps: A variable-speed pump offers more than two speed settings: fast, moderate, slow, or whatever the pool owner prefers. It can handle more complex applications and is considered an "intelligent" pool because it automates speed adjustments according to the task being performed. The speed manipulation of the pump limits its energy consumption, so it is more efficient than a single speed pump.

What are the benefits of using a pool pump?

The following are some benefits of using a swimming pool pump:

• Cost-Effective: In energy efficient pool pumps, the motor spins at lower speeds, so fewer amps and watts are required, resulting in lower electrical consumption. With variable speed pool pumps, for example, users can maximize energy savings by finely tuning settings for cleaners, heaters, water features, or even spas attached to the pool. 
• Cleans the Pool: We use pool pumps to distribute chemicals evenly throughout our pools so they can effectively sanitize the water. From the pool, they transport water to the filter, heater, and chlorinator, where it is filtered, heated, and sanitized before it enters the pool again. This reduces debris in your pool while increasing the effectiveness of pool chemicals against algae and bacteria growth. 
• Convenient: Pool pumps are typically controlled by a timer or switch located near the pump. Pumps with variable speeds, however, come equipped with an on-board computer, allowing the user to select pump speeds and time of operation. Some models are even compatible with automation systems, also known as pool controllers, which allow users to control and operate the pumps remotely. 

What should you consider when buying a pool pump?

With so many types of pool pumps flooding the market, you might easily get confused. The following are a few factors that you need to keep in mind before your purchase:

• Check energy efficiency: Select the pool pump that has an energy saving capacity of up to 90%. Conserving energy is every man’s duty, so why not get a more efficient pool pump?

• Opt for variable speed: Choose a variable speed pump instead of a single- or dual-speed pump. A variable speed pump uses a permanent magnet motor, and it helps you set the flow rate at any speed of your choice.

• Check the horsepower: Look for a pool pump that has a strength that is adequate for the size of your swimming pool as well as your filter system.

• Explore mount options: Choose between a top-mount pump and a side-mount pump. Also, in-ground and above-ground pools have different pumps. Thus, it would be wise to select the one that is suitable for the design of your pool.

• Check voltage: Determine whether the voltage on the pump is 110 volts or 220 volts. The pump can be hard-wired into the electricity, or it may also require an outlet for you to plug it in. Usually, the above-ground pool needs a 110 V pump—therefore, choose accordingly.