Besides the filtration system, a pool pump is another important part to ensure you always have a clean swimming pool. The best pumps for above-ground pools will provide you with a cleaner and amazing swimming pool experience. A pool pump circulates and filters the water in the pool.
The main difference between a crystal clear pool and one that is gross is often the pool pump used. Getting a good quality pump is crucial because it will hugely affect the quality of the water in your pool. Without the pool pumps, the water will be stagnant and dirty, which can be discouraging to get in the pool on a sunny and hot afternoon.
The wide range of options and misleading product descriptions can make it difficult for you to get the best above-ground pool pump. For this reason, we have a review of the five best above-ground pool pumps, their good and bad, as well as a buying guide to help you know what features to look out for before buying one.
5 Best Pumps for Above Ground Pools
1. Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools
The Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools is an inexpensive pump and the best pump for . It has a built-in timer that allows you to set the times to clean, which means you won't have to monitor it. It leaves the above-ground pool water clean and clear without having to do a lot of work on your part.
The cartridge-based filter makes it simple to clean and do a replacement when they wear out. It is the best overall pool pump when it comes to value for money. It is a double insulated pump that features an air valve to release the air which is trapped in the filter chamber. There is a sediment flush value bottom of the Intex Krystal clear pump.
It features a 25-foot power cord that has a built-in GFCI. It features a pump capacity of 2,500 GPH, a flow rate of 1900 GPH, and is compatible with swimming pools of up to 15,200 gallons and 1.25-inch hose fittings diameter. This makes it an ideal pump for above-ground pools. The Hydro Aeration Technology helps improve water clarity, circulation, and filtration.
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2. CIPU 12-inch Sand Filter Pump System Handy 4-Way Valve for Above Ground Swimming Pools with Prefilter Pool Pump
The CIPU 12-inch Sand Filter Pump System is a reliable filtration solution for above-ground swimming pools. Featuring a compact design, it includes a handy 4-way valve and a built-in prefilter to enhance the efficiency of the pool pump. The system is powered by a 115V motor with a 6-foot cord, making it easy to set up and operate. Its durable construction and efficient filtration make it ideal for maintaining clean and clear pool water.
The CIPU 12-inch Sand Filter Pump System offers a cost-effective and efficient way to maintain above-ground pool cleanliness. Its 4-way valve and prefilter enhance convenience, though it may require frequent maintenance for best results.
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3. XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Variable 2-Speed High Flow Above-Ground Swimming Pump
The XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Variable 2-Speed Swimming Pool Pump is a high-performance pump designed for above-ground pools. With a powerful 1.5HP motor, it offers variable 2-speed operation, enabling users to switch between high-speed settings for fast water circulation and low-speed settings for energy efficiency. The built-in strainer basket effectively captures debris, while the slip-on fittings ensure easy installation and compatibility with most pool systems.
The XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Pool Pump is a solid choice for above-ground pool owners seeking a versatile and powerful pump. Its variable speed options and easy installation make it user-friendly, though it’s best suited for those comfortable managing manual operations.
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4. VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump, 2.0HP 115 V, 1500 W Single Speed Pumps for Above Ground Pool
The VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump 2.0HP is a high-capacity pump designed for above-ground pools, offering a maximum flow rate of 5400 GPH. Powered by a 1500W single-speed motor, it provides robust water circulation for efficient pool maintenance. This pump includes a built-in strainer basket to capture debris, reducing wear and tear while minimizing clogging. With its ETL certification, it ensures safety and reliable operation.
The VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump 2.0HP is a reliable and robust choice for above-ground pool owners with medium to large pools. While it delivers impressive power and flow rate, its single-speed motor may not be the most energy-efficient option for those prioritizing reduced energy consumption.
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5. Oswerpon Pool Pump Above Ground/Inground, 1.5 HP 6600GPH
The Oswerpon Pool Pump 1.5 HP is a versatile and powerful pool pump suitable for both above-ground and in-ground pools with capacities ranging from 15,000 to 31,000 gallons. With a flow rate of 6600 GPH, it ensures efficient water circulation and filtration. The dual voltage compatibility (110V/220V) enhances flexibility, and the self-priming design simplifies startup. Equipped with a strainer basket and drain plug, it offers convenience for maintenance and durability for long-term use.
The Oswerpon Pool Pump 1.5 HP is a reliable choice for medium to large pools, offering impressive performance and user-friendly features like dual voltage compatibility and a self-priming design. While it may not be the most energy-efficient option, its high flow rate and robust build make it a strong contender for pool owners seeking a durable and powerful pump.
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Factors to Consider When Buying Above Ground Pool Pump
1. Types of Above Ground Pool Pumps
When it an above-ground swimming pool, there are three main types of pool pumps available. They include;
a). Single Speed Pump
Single-speed pumps come with an impeller that will run at only one speed depending on the motor's horsepower. Unlike other types of pumps, single-speed pumps tend to consume the most energy.
b). Dual Speed Pump
Dual speed pumps come with high and low settings, which means you can choose either when running this pump on your pool. Although the low setting on the dual-speed pumps will consume less energy compared to the high setting, it is not very efficient and powerful in cleaning the pool.
c). Variable Speed Pump
The Variable speed pumps are better than the single-speed and dual-speed models because they consume less energy without compromise on efficiency. The variable speed pool pump is considered to be the best pool pump. Every speed on the variable speed pumps has been designed for different situations, from clearing algae to draining the water from your above the ground pool.
2. Size of the Pool
You need to consider the size of the pool before spending your money buying an efficient pool pump. The size should be in gallons because you may be required to calculate the flow rate per hour, which is indicated as GPM (Gallons Per Minute).
In order to determine the hourly flow rate that is sufficient for your swimming pool, you need to find the size of the pool in gallons then divide it by 8. The 8 represents the standard hours the pool pump should take to complete one cycle of water circulate. You can then divide the flow rate per hour by 60 minutes since pool pumps are labeled as Gallons Per Minute(GPM).
3. Voltage and Horse Power
Above-ground pool pumps are designed to either work when an inline is plugged directly into the power or when it is hard-wired directly to the power line. Either way, the above-ground pool pump will work, but you need to be sure that the voltage is efficient enough for the size of your above-ground pool.
This pump motor voltage comes in two different voltage levels that include 110 and 220 voltages. The 110 is the lowest voltage, and 220 is the highest voltage that most above-ground pool pumps will offer you.
4. Performance
Some pumps are more powerful than others. The best above-ground pool pumps should be powerful enough to circulate the over-pool volume for about four hours or less.
5. Durability
When pool owners are looking forward to buying a new pool pump or replacement pump, durability should be one of the critical factors that anyone shouldn't ignore. This is because you don't want to buy either sand filter systems or cartridge filter systems that will last for only a few weeks or months. Since this is quite a big investment you'll be making, and you should check the reviews and warranty to know the durability of the filter system.
6. Budget
While having a budget is important, it is also crucial to consider if the upfront costs of buying these pool pumps are worth the value they give. Since you'll probably be using the best pump for above ground pool for quite some time, then you should look for quality products within your budget. The budget should be in consideration of the size of the pool as well as your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Pool Pumps
1. How big of a pool pump do I need for an above-ground pool?
The best pump for above ground pool should have a size that matches the size and shape of your pool. A helpful tip would be to buy one that is at least 1 sq. ft per 10,000 gallons of pool capacity.
2. Can you use any pool pump for above ground pool?
Yes, that's possible for most pool pumps as long as the pool pump is below or at the pool water level and you also have a small pool. However, not all pumps can do this, but if the pump has the ability to turn over all the water in about 8 to 10 hours, and can also reach the desired pool filter flow rate.
3. Is a sand filter pump better for above ground pool?
Although the cartridge filters are the recommended choice for above-ground pools, the sand filters are also a good choice. However, a sand filter will filter the water down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter goes up to 10 microns which is half the amount. Moreover, backwashing the sand filter will only lower the water level of the pool, and you might lose some important chemicals during the process.
