10 Best Above Ground Pool Pumps

If you have a pool at your home and you want to keep it clean, it might be a challenging task for you. In order to maintain your pool’s cleanliness, you need to run a filtration pump to remove gunk and particles from the water. Pool pump not only gives you a clean swimming environment but it is also a requirement of most local and homeowners association pool codes. It provides a very neat and clean pool environment that is very necessary in maintaining your health. 

To buy the best pool pump is not an easy task as there are numerous types of pool pumps out there. The most important factor that needs to be considered is what local laws, ordinances, and HOA codes apply to your swimming pool. It is also necessary to determine the required pump flow rate for your pool’s capacity. By figuring out these two factors, you will be able to choose the best product that will clean up your pool in a very efficient way. If you want to know about more factors, read our buying guide and help yourself to select a best above ground pool pump for you. 

Best Above Ground Pool Pumps 2021

The Hayward Super Pump Single-Speed 2 HP Pool Pump is one of the world’s best-selling medium-head pump families and it sets the industry standard for efficiency and dependability. It is made up of a heavy duty material and features a high-performance motor. Due to airflow ventilation, it provides quieter, cooler and more efficient operation.

It comes with an extra-large debris basket that provides added leaf-holding capacity for less frequent maintenance. You can easily stain cover removal without tools because of exclusive swing-away hand knobs. Its unique service-ease design offers quick 4-bolt access to all internal components for simple servicing. 

Cons:

• Cheaply made 

Blue wave pool pump is made up of a highly durable polymer that resists rust and corrosion. It can fit for most of the filter systems and its dual port design allows for either vertical or horizontal discharge. This self-priming pump comes with a clear lid that allows easy cleaning.

This high performance pump is very quiet and efficient. It Comes with a 6-ft cord—110v. This pump is available in two sizes that are 1 HP or 1.5 HP pumps. If you are tired of your old inefficient pump, you can replace it with this water moving dynamo. 

Cons:

• It is not long lasting 

XtremepowerUS 75019 is a self-priming pump that comes with a digital control interface and is highly durable. It is made up of polymer material that prevents corrosion and rust and it is used as housing.  It features a high-performance motor with built-in airflow ventilation and thermal overload protection that deliver quieter noise and smoother running experience than traditional pumps of its class.

It offers a self-contained 24-hour time clock with custom speeds and timer functions that allows it to manage flow throughout the day. This pool pump is specially designed for both in-ground and above-ground pools and it can work with all types and sizes.

Cons:

• No suction power for a 1.5 HP pump

It is a powerful and heavy-duty pool pump that comes with a high performance motor and its air-flow ventilation provides a very quiet and cooler operation. It features an extra-large debris basket that keeps pool maintenance to a minimum while on the other hand, clear cover lets you see exactly when the basket needs cleaning.

It is a self-priming pump that discharges air from water intake to prevent the motor from running dry. It will deliver years of reliable service to you. 

Cons:

• Its suction power is a little less 
• It is not long lasting 

It is an in-ground pool pump that provides 110GPM of flow for use with In-Ground pools up to 55,000 Gallons, Hot Tubs, and Spas. This pump is highly powerful and it delivers an ultra-quiet operation. This self-priming pump is made up of premium material that ensures its durability.

In order to use it easily, it features a built-in wall plug and its Dual Voltage can be used as either 110-120V or 220-240V depending on your application. Due to the oversized basket strainer, it features easy cleaning and its see-through viewing lid provides clear viewing.

Cons:

• Poorly designed

You can easily replace your old cartridge with this new, double insulated pump that is very efficient and easy to use. In order to release the trapped air inside the filter chamber, this pump comes with an air release valve. It is specifically designed for Intex pools up to 6,000 gal with 1.25in (32mm) diameter hose fitting.

It includes One Hydro Aeration Technology inlet fitting along with one easy to clean, replaceable filter cartridge. It not only improves the water clarity inside the pool, but it also helps to improve circulation and filtration. If you want to maintain the cleanliness of your pool, this pump would be very helpful to you. 

Cons:

• Cheaply made 
• Not durable 

Hayward powerflo is a 1-1/2 HP High-performance pump that comes with clear strainer cover and is specifically designed to use with above ground pools. It is made up of a highly durable material that is rust and corrosion resistant. This pump delivers a very efficient and quiet operation.

It comes with a drip-proof double-sized seal that extends the motor lifespan and it delivers high performance. It features a transparent strainer cover that lets you quickly view how full the pump basket is and when it needs to be cleaned. It is specifically designed to use 1.5 inch diameter pool plumbing and includes 6-foot, 120V power cord. 

Cons:

• Less power 

If you want to Keep your above ground pool water clean, soft, and refreshing, this Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump by Intex is a best choice for you. It comes with a 6-function control valve that allows the pool owner to filter, backwash and rinse, recirculate, drain and close the system. The strainer basket provides easy-cleaning, and prolongs the life of the sand.

This pump is specifically designed for above ground pools 16′ and above and it generates a pump flow rate of 3,000 gallons per hour. It comes with a 6-way Valve, Pressure Gauge, Heavy Duty Tank, Strainer Basket, Built-in Timer and it requires no maintenance except replacement of sand. 

Cons:

• Very sharp plastic around the top ring

FibroPool Universal Booster Pump is designed in such a way that it allows the pump to run cool and save energy by using an intelligent running capacitor.  A 5 feet cord is included in it that makes it very easy to install. Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled ( TEFC) motor allows the pump to run cooler and quieter.

The Innovative impeller design of this pump cuts electricity use by as much as 25 Percent. Improved 1 in. fittings are 75 Percent larger in area and provide better flow and greater efficiency. It is specifically designed to fit POLARIS; PENTAIR; JANDY pressure cleaners.  

Cons:

• NOT Convertible to 110 volts
• Goofy power cable 

FibroPool FP200 comes with durable construction and sets the standard for excellence and value. It is designed for inground pools and spas of all types and sizes. It comes with a Super-sized 124 cubic-inch basket has extra leaf-holding capacity and extends time between cleanings.

Rigid construction with internal ribbing assures free flowing operation for heavy debris loads. Due to polycarbonate see-thru strainer cover, it allows you to see when the basket needs cleaning.  It easily installs on existing in-ground pool systems with a unique, stable mounting base for additional versatility. 

Cons:

• Poorly designed 

The Best Above Ground Pool Pumps Buying Guide

Key factors to look for while buying a pool pump 

There are some key factors that you need to look for while buying a pool pump. They make the buying experience very convenient and you can find the best product. 

• Size and flow rate 

The first step in finding the best pool pump is to determine its size and flow rate. You can use a pool pump size calculator to figure it out easily. You need to determine your pool’s total volume in gallons. For best filtration results, you need to choose a GPM that closely matches your desired flow rate. 

• Installation requirements 

Some pool pumps are only compatible with inground, permanent installation models only. Some of the pool pumps require direct wiring into your electric system. If you want a temporary setup, you can plug the pump into an outlet rather than wiring into the electric grid. You can choose either a wired or plug-in model. Wired pumps are compatible with larger pools with higher volumes of water and on the other hand, plug-in pumps are suitable for smaller or temporary pool setups. You need to know about the requirements of your pool before actually buying the product. 

• Speeds and setting  

There are single or variable speed options for a pool pump. Some of the pool pumps come with advanced settings such as cleaning, backflow or other functions. Some of them come with automatic timers. Programmable pumps are relatively more expensive but they are also more convenient than other ordinary pumps. 

• Voltage ratings and horsepower 

Horsepower and voltage ratings of the pump can vary because it depends on the size of your pool and your flow rate requirements. The lower horsepower pumps deliver lower flow rates than higher-HP options. Some of the lower HP pool pumps can perform efficiently without using much energy. A pump that overpowers your pool will only waste energy and cost you money so you don’t need to choose a pump just because of its higher horsepower ratings. 

• Safety features 

Every electric appliance comes with some safety features in order to prevent any damage. Make sure to buy the product that comes with all the possible safety precautions. Surge protection and overload breakers are essential features, and you should never install a pump without these safety precautions and an official UL listing. 

Above ground pool pump FAQs 

Q: What is the above ground pool pump? 

A: A pool pump is a product that maintains your pool’s cleanliness. It not only gives you a clean swimming environment but it is also a requirement of most local and homeowners association pool codes. 

Q: How long should I run my above ground pool pump? 

A: For a single-speed filter pump, you should run it for 1 hour for every 10°F of air temperature. If your pool is full of algae or a major weather event has occurred, then you need to run the pump for 24 hours in order to reach the highest level of cleanliness.  

Q: How long do you run Intex pool pump?

A: You need to run the pump for at least 12 hours a day. It will circulate all the water into the pool and will maintain its cleanliness. You could also run it for 24 hours a day.  .