The pool is arguably the best place to cool off on hot days. However, have you ever stopped to think about the factors that influence water quality? The pump is essential equipment for those who want to keep the swimming pool always clean and ready for use, let it be above ground swimming pool or the in-ground counterpart. It is not possible to have a pool without a pump.
The assertive purchase of the pump is important when it comes to determining the water quality of your pool. This is because the pump is responsible for allowing water to circulate throughout the reservoir, thus eliminating impurities. In addition to the pump, the filter is another indispensable equipment. In conjunction with the pump, it will also help with pool maintenance and filtering. If you are looking to ensure the cleanliness of your pool water, then you need to get the best pool pump, information about which you can find in the pool pump reviews consumer reports consisting of six products.
Reviews Of 6 Best Pool Pumps
1. Intex Krystal 26647EG Clear Sand Filter Pump
Intex is a company that is known for manufacturing some of the best above ground swimming pools and pool pumps. This highly efficient sand filter pump is available in four sizes, which are, 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, and 16 inches. The one I’m reviewing is 14 inches, which is the best-selling model on various online eCommerce portals.
The pump flow rate of this model is 2,800 GPH whereas the system flow rate is 2,150 GPH, which indicates that this is a powerful pool pump. Moving on from the flow rate to the functions of the pool pump, then this pump features six controls, which are, filter, drain, backwash, recirculate, rinse and close.
The company has added a 24-hour automatic timer in the pool pump, which shuts down the pump when you want it to. You will also get a strainer basket in the unit, which makes cleaning of the filter easy and ensures the longevity of the pump. For better circulation and filtration of water, the company has added the pump with ‘Hydro Aeration Technology’, which also increases the negative ions and improves water clarity.
2. Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pump 1.5 HP Pool Pump
Hayward SP2610X15 Super Pool Pump is one of the best in-ground swimming pool pumps that you will find on the market. This pool pump is efficient, reliable, cost and energy-efficient. When it comes to installing this pump, you will not face any issue, as there is a clear instruction manual, which comes along with the pump.
As far as construction is concerned, then you will find the use of high-quality material that is rust and corrosion-free. This pool pump gives you better flow rates and higher pressure at lesser horsepower than most pumps in the same category. Hayward pump is self-priming and can easily lift water up to 10-ft above the water level.
Other features of the pump include a heavy-duty motor that is known for its incredible performance and quiet operation, a see-through cover for easy checking the settings and functions of the pump and an extra-large leaf basket that hold more leaves and debris. Coming to the drawbacks of the unit, then this has only one, i.e., single-speed setting when other pumps at the same price range have two settings, high and low.
3. XtremepowerUS XP75035 2HP Inground Pool Pump
Check out this another incredible in-ground swimming pool pump, which produces 2 HP of power to clean the pool. The pump has excellent airflow ventilation and a flow rate, which stands at 5280 Gallons per Minute. The higher flow rate comes from its 2-inch suction and discharges union connections.
You will also see a transparent strainer cover that allows you to see the strainer. The removable strainer cover traps all the debris that goes into the strainer, which makes your task a lot easier. The high-quality polymeric material used in this pool pump will not corrode with time, thus writing off the doubts over the longevity of the pump. Being a self-priming pool pump, it effectively discharges air to maintain the optimum operation of the pump.
4. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
Intex is back with its another product, which is again a superior quality filter pump made for above-ground pools. This pump will clean and soften pool water to enhance the swimming experience for users. The filtration system makes use of sand, which is a natural filter for cleaning water. Besides sand, the pump incorporates a 6-function control valve, which allows the unit to filter, drain, rinse, recirculate, closure and backwash the system.
What else? Well, you are getting a 24-hour built-in timer, which results in easy maintenance. The inclusion of a strainer basket cleans the sand so that it can be used for a longer duration. Coming to the flow rate of the pump, then that stands at 3000 GPH, whereas the system flow rate is 2450 GPH. You will also see a heavy-duty tank incorporated into the pump along with a pressure gauge. Moreover, the inclusion of a Ground Circuit Fault Interrupter (GCFI) makes sure that the pump remains safe at the time of voltage fluctuations.
5. Little Giant APCP-1700 Automatic Swimming Pool Cover Submersible Pump
Don’t be deceived from its small size, this pool pump is all about power, as it churns out 1745 GPH, so if you have a large-sized pool, then this is the pump that you should go with. The pump comes with a ¾-inch garden hose connection and a 25-inch power cord. The pump can activate in 2-inch of water and delivers a 1-inch FNPT discharge. A float switch is integrated into the pump, which automates the activation. The pump has the ability to handle hot water as well, i.e., water at 120 Fahrenheit, just in case, you decide to enjoy swimming in December. Overall, a great product, an efficient unit for your large swimming pool.
6. Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
If you want a pool pump for a medium-sized pool, then Pentair 342001 SuperFlo Vs Pump will be the most suitable choice for you. The compact design of the pump makes installation easy, plus its powerful (5 HP) yet quiet (TEFC) motor makes sure that the water is pulled in large volumes, thus reducing the total pumping time. When you are specifically looking for an affordable, durable and reliable product, then the name of this pump will be there on the list. You can vary the speed in this pump, a feature that is missing in many pool pumps.
What To Consider When Choosing The Pump?
Filter size and compatibility
Before buying the best pump, you need to size the pool to know the exact idea about the filter you need to get. Thus, the first point to consider is whether the pool is public - in clubs, gyms, and condos - or if it is private.
Residential swimming pools have to be filtered for 8 hours, so the pump must have the potential to operate all this time in partnership with the filter. Public pools, however, need equipment that can pump the entire volume of the pool in 6 hours. It is worth noting that the power of pool pumps ranges from ¼ up to 12 horsepower.
Volume
The choice of the ideal pump is also directly related to the total pool volume. The most powerful pump will not always be the solution to perform the pumping. If it is stronger than the amount of water available, it will certainly compromise filter performance.
It is also important to understand that the correct pool volume information will allow not only filtration but also heating by the pump evenly. It is the pump that forces the pool water to recirculate, sucking the bottom water volume and returning it to the surface and vice versa, completing the filtration and keeping all the water clean.
In addition, the pump also ensures that the surface and bottom temperatures of the pool are the same. This avoids the imbalance of having a warm surface for those just touching the water and a cold bottom for when the person has already dived, for example.
Plumbing Capacity
Another factor to consider when choosing the pump is the plumbing capacity. This information should be obtained from the company or professional who built the pool. The diameter of the pipeline should be known as there is no possibility of water passing above the maximum capacity of the pipes.
Water needs to enter, pass through the filter and return to the reservoir. Thus, it is no use to buy a pump with higher capacity than the plumbing, because the installation will not be successful since the pipes support a maximum limit of water.
The average capacity of pipelines is 50 mm. To calculate, you need to take into account two bottom drains in addition to the piping. The pump draws water through the bottom drain, forwards it to the filter and returns water filtered by the return device, which has a variable size of 1.5 to 2 inches. Check the size of each of these elements in detail and then choose the best filter and pump set for your pool.
Place of installation
The pump, filter and all other equipment that assists with pool maintenance will be installed in the pump room. It is important that this space is located in a weather-free environment, as rain, moisture or even impurities such as dust and foliage can compromise the life of the equipment. The pump room should also have a drain to prevent water build-up or excess moisture.
The environment around the pool
Pools built near gardens require pumps that are more powerful. Considering the large presence of grass, trees, and leaves, the pool will be more subject to impurities and therefore, to keep the water always clean, you need a suction pump. Similarly, swimming pools located away from nature can count on a smaller power pump.
How To Care For The Pool Pump?
After choosing the pool pump as well as the ideal filter, it is important to pay attention to some precautions that will guarantee the perfect operation of the equipment, the service life of the equipment and the quality of the water.
It is necessary to ventilate the pump room frequently in order to minimize humidity and to prevent the accumulation of impurities. Another caution is always to be aware of the types of leaks in equipment - pump and filter - as they can generate oxidation or even stall motors and damage bearings.
Pump and filter usage should also be monitored so that they do not operate without water or closed registers. When it comes to filters, it is also important to take care of maintenance by changing the filtering load, i.e., sand every two years. It is the sand, which is responsible for the filtration, so its quality needs to be up to date.
It is noteworthy that the importance of choosing the right pool pump is also directly related to electricity consumption. In addition to ensuring the cleanliness of the pool, it is important that this occur economically.
Final Verdict
When you are fond of swimming and own a personal swimming pool, then you must invest in a quality pool pump as well to maintain the serenity of the water inside the pool. A pool pump is important even when you have the best pool cleaner at your disposal for cleaning the pool because both have different applications, and the partnership of both pool pump and pool cleaner can get you clean and safe water inside your swimming pool. I have discussed six best pool pumps in my unbiased and detailed pool pump reviews consumer reports, so your job now is to pick one of the most suitable product according to the type and size of your swimming pool and make a purchase.