Keeping your inground pool crystal clear and inviting requires a reliable and efficient pump at the heart of its circulation system. The right pump not only ensures proper filtration and chemical distribution but also plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and overall pool health. With various types and horsepower options available, selecting the ideal pump can feel overwhelming.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best pool pumps for inground pools. We’ve compiled a list featuring energy-efficient variable-speed models, powerful single-speed workhorses, and versatile all-in-one systems to help you find the perfect match for your pool’s specific needs and ensure a sparkling swim season.
The Best Pool Pumps for Your Inground Pool
- LANCHEZ In/Above Ground Pool Pump, Self Primming
- Hayward Power Flo Pool Pump, 1.5 HP
- Hayward Super Pump Pool Pump, 1 HP
- Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
- XtremepowerUS Sand Filter with Pool Pump
- Hayward PowerFlo Matrix Above-Ground Pool Pump
- Intex Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System
- AQUASTRONG Variable Speed Pool Pump
- Doheny’s Inground Swimming Pool Pro Pump
- Hayward Super Pump Single Speed Pool Pump
LANCHEZ In/Above Ground Pool Pump, Self Primming
The LANCHEZ pool pump is a versatile and powerful option suitable for both inground and above-ground pools. Its dual-speed motor allows for effective water circulation, offering a high-speed setting for intensive cleaning and a lower speed for quieter, energy-efficient daily filtration. This flexibility helps in managing operational costs while maintaining excellent performance.
With an impressive flow rate of 6600 GPH, this pump ensures quick and efficient water movement through your filtration system. It includes built-in overheat protection, which safeguards the motor by sustaining a maximum water temperature of 122°F, contributing to its durability and extended service life. The included 1.5″ and 2″ NPT adapters provide installation versatility.
Hayward Power Flo Pool Pump, 1.5 HP
Designed specifically for the demands of above-ground and on-ground pools, the Hayward PowerFlo LX is built for dependable performance. Its heavy-duty motor is engineered not only for power but also for energy efficiency and remarkably quiet operation, making it a considerate choice for any backyard environment.
The pump features a durable, corrosion-proof housing that stands up to all-weather conditions, ensuring consistent performance season after season. This robust construction minimizes maintenance needs and provides long-term reliability, making it a solid investment for pool owners seeking a trusted brand name.
Hayward Super Pump Pool Pump, 1 HP
The Hayward Super Pump is an industry standard-bearer for efficiency and dependability, part of a best-selling medium-head pump family. It is engineered for pool owners who value consistent, reliable performance and quieter operation for a more peaceful pool area.
Its heavy-duty, high-performance motor is complemented by advanced airflow ventilation, which promotes cooler and more efficient operation. A significant benefit is the extra-large debris basket, which provides added leaf-holding capacity. This feature means less frequent cleaning and maintenance for you, saving both time and effort.
Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
As a genuine O.E.M. product, the Pentair SuperFlo VS represents the forefront of pool pump technology with its variable speed capability. This technology is a game-changer for energy savings, allowing the pump to run at lower, more efficient speeds for routine circulation, significantly reducing electricity consumption compared to traditional single-speed models.
Durability is a key feature, thanks to its Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) motor. This design protects the motor from moisture and debris, enhancing its lifespan and ensuring reliable performance even in challenging conditions. It’s an intelligent choice for the cost-conscious and environmentally aware pool owner.
XtremepowerUS Sand Filter with Pool Pump
This XtremepowerUS model is a complete filtration system, perfectly pairing a 1.5HP pump with a 19″ sand filter. The system is engineered to provide optimum flow rates that promote superior water clarity and quality, offering an all-in-one solution for your pool maintenance needs.
It features a low-noise design, making its operation less intrusive in your outdoor living space. The sand filter is dependable, maintaining the sand height level to expose water to the maximum sand surface area for optimum filtration. The included 5-way valve allows for easy filtering, backwashing, rinsing, recirculating, and winterizing.
Hayward PowerFlo Matrix Above-Ground Pool Pump
The Hayward PowerFlo Matrix is designed with convenience in mind, featuring an industrial-size strainer basket. This large basket is excellent for collecting big debris like leaves and twigs, which translates to less frequent cleanings and easier overall maintenance for the pool owner.
At its core is a heavy-duty, high-performance motor that includes an integrated automatic thermal overload protector. This safety feature provides years of reliable operation by preventing the motor from overheating, ensuring the pump can handle the rigors of a full swim season.
Intex Sand Filter Pump & Saltwater System
This Intex system offers a two-in-one solution, combining a sand filter pump with a saltwater chlorinator. Sand filtration is a cost-efficient method for keeping pool water clean, as the sand media is inexpensive and typically only needs replacement every five years with regular backwashing.
The system circulates water through six cleaning functions—filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and closed—for maximum performance. A significant convenience feature is the 24-hour digital timer, which can be programmed to automatically turn the pump on and off each day for up to 12 hours, enabling effortless scheduling and consistent cleaning.
AQUASTRONG Variable Speed Pool Pump
The AQUASTRONG pump is built for significant energy savings, utilizing advanced variable speed technology to reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional single-speed pumps. This efficiency leads to substantial long-term cost savings on your electricity bill while maintaining excellent pool performance.
It offers powerful and customizable performance, allowing you to set speeds from 1200 RPM to 4000 RPM. This ensures efficient operation for pools of all sizes and provides precise control over your pool’s circulation. You can also program up to four different time periods within a 24-hour cycle, optimizing filtration to suit your specific schedule and needs.
Doheny’s Inground Swimming Pool Pro Pump
Doheny’s Pro Pump is a self-priming workhorse designed with practicality in mind. It features an extra-large basket that extends the time between necessary cleanings, and its clear lid offers easy visibility for quick maintenance checks, saving you time and guesswork.
Its heavy-duty construction includes a stainless steel motor shaft and a reinforced thermoplastic body, ensuring durability that withstands both hot summer sun and freezing winter temperatures. The pump offers versatile connection sizes with 3.5″ external and 2″ internal connections, providing broad compatibility with various pool systems and includes 2″ unions for straightforward installation.
Hayward Super Pump Single Speed Pool Pump
This Hayward Super Pump is a reliable and well-regarded single-speed option for pool owners who prefer a straightforward, set-it-and-forget-it solution. It is known for its robust construction and consistent performance, making it a trusted choice for ensuring effective water circulation and filtration.
Like its sibling model, it is designed for efficiency and dependability, featuring a design that promotes cooler and quieter operation. Its proven track record in residential pools makes it a go-to option for those seeking a no-fuss replacement or upgrade for their existing pool pump system.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pool Pump for Your Inground Pool
Choosing the right pump for your inground pool isn’t just about finding the most powerful one; it’s about finding the one that fits your pool’s specific needs and your budget. I’ve learned that getting this decision wrong can lead to high energy bills, poor water circulation, and a lot of unnecessary noise. Let’s break down the key factors you should consider before you make your purchase.
First, you need to understand pump types. The main categories are single-speed, dual-speed, and variable-speed pumps. Single-speed pumps are the old-school workhorses. They run at one constant, high speed, which means they get the job done quickly but also use a lot of electricity. Dual-speed pumps give you a bit more control, allowing you to run on a low speed for general filtration and a high speed for more demanding tasks like vacuuming. The real stars of the show, however, are variable-speed pumps. These allow you to fine-tune the motor’s RPM (revolutions per minute) to the exact level needed for any task. While they have a higher upfront cost, their energy efficiency is so significant that they often pay for themselves in electricity savings within a couple of seasons.
Next, you have to get the sizing right. This comes down to two things: horsepower (HP) and flow rate (measured in Gallons Per Minute, or GPM). A common mistake is thinking that a bigger horsepower number is always better. An oversized pump can be just as problematic as an undersized one, causing excessive noise, strain on your filter, and wasted energy. To find the right size, you need to calculate your pool’s total gallon capacity and determine your desired “turnover rate” (how many times you want the entire volume of water to pass through the filter each day). A pool professional can help with this calculation, but generally, you want a pump that can turn over your pool’s water in 8 to 10 hours.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of energy efficiency and noise level. As I mentioned, a variable-speed pump is the king of efficiency. Look for pumps that are certified by independent organizations, as this can directly translate to lower monthly bills. Noise might not seem like a big deal until you install a pump that sounds like a jet engine next to your peaceful backyard oasis. Variable-speed pumps are typically much quieter, especially when running on lower settings. Reading user reviews can give you a great sense of how loud a pump really is during operation. By weighing these factors—type, size, efficiency, and noise—you can confidently select one of the best pool pumps for inground pools that will keep your water crystal clear without draining your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pool pump do I need for my inground pool?
Figuring out the right size isn’t just about horsepower. You need to consider your pool’s total volume in gallons and your plumbing size. A pump that’s too powerful can damage your filter and plumbing, while one that’s too weak won’t properly circulate and clean the water. I recommend calculating your pool’s volume (Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 for rectangular pools) and then aiming for a flow rate that can turnover that volume in about 8 hours. It’s often best to consult with a pool professional to ensure you get a pump that is correctly matched to your specific pool system for optimal performance.
Are variable-speed pool pumps worth the higher initial cost?
In almost every case, yes. While a variable-speed pump can cost more upfront than a single or dual-speed model, the energy savings are substantial. These pumps allow you to run at lower, more efficient speeds for routine filtration, which uses significantly less electricity. Many pool owners report that their variable-speed pump pays for itself in reduced energy bills within one to two swimming seasons. They also tend to be quieter and put less stress on your pool’s entire system, potentially leading to fewer repairs down the line.
How long does a typical inground pool pump last?
With proper maintenance, you can expect a good quality inground pool pump to last between 8 and 15 years. The lifespan heavily depends on a few key factors: the quality of the pump, how many months of the year it runs, whether it’s properly sized for the pool, and your local climate. A pump that runs year-round in a harsh climate will have a shorter life than one used seasonally in a milder area. Regular maintenance, like keeping the pump basket clean and ensuring good water chemistry, will also help you get the most years out of your investment.
Can I install a new pool pump myself?
If you have good DIY skills and experience with plumbing and electrical work, it is possible. The installation involves disconnecting the old pump, making new plumbing connections (which may require cutting and gluing PVC pipe), and wiring the electrical connection, which must be done to local code standards. However, because of the electrical components and the importance of a water-tight seal on the plumbing, I often suggest hiring a licensed professional. An improper installation can lead to leaks, motor damage, or even electrical hazards, so it’s usually money well spent for peace of mind.
Why is my pool pump making a loud noise?
A sudden loud noise from your pump is a call to action. It could be several things. A grinding or rattling sound often points to a failing shaft seal or bearings inside the motor. A high-pitched whine might indicate an issue with the motor itself or that it’s working too hard due to a clog. Sometimes, the noise is simply caused by air getting into the system, often from a clogged skimmer basket or a loose pump lid O-ring. If you hear unusual noises, it’s a good idea to turn the pump off and check for obvious obstructions. If the problem isn’t simple, call a technician to prevent further damage.
What is the best time of day to run my pool pump?
To maximize efficiency, the best time to run your pump is during off-peak electricity hours, which are typically overnight. This is when utility rates are lowest. Furthermore, running the pump at night allows it to filter and circulate the water after a day of use when contaminants like sunscreen and debris are most likely to be in the pool. If you have a variable-speed pump, you can run it on a low speed for more hours during the day for consistent filtration and then program a higher speed cycle during the cheaper, overnight rate period.