Best Inground Pool Pump – Reviews & Buying Guide

It is imperative that you cut your coat according to your cloth. The same is true for many things which you would indulge in and it is no better said than when you want to select the best inground pool pump. Your swimming pool needs to be clean, clear and healthy always ensuring the wellbeing of your loved ones.

The power of your pool pump should match and marry the size of your inground swimming pool. A lesser capacity inground pool pump for a large swimming pool would bring immense strain on the former. On the contrary a large capacity inground pump for small inground swimming pool would be a waste of money and also would draw more energy to operate it.

Other relevant and salient factors pertinent to your inground pool would also need attention before you would decide on one. Hence it is imperative that you be very prudent and get the right information and advice before you would select your inground pool pump. To help you choose the best inground pool pump, we have selected and listed out the ten best models in the market which are available to you to arrive at the most prudent decision. Perusing each one carefully and reading through this inground pool pump review you would be well informed to select the best inground pool pump.

The brands and models that we have listed are a very good mix and it would be your prerogative to select the most appropriate and ensure you have long term trouble free service.

Here are the Best Inground Pool Pumps 

Review Summary Hayward SP2607X10 Super Dual-Speed 1 HP Inground Pool Pump

Eighty years of experience and expertise in the pool industry having innovated superlative equipment is what Hayward brings into the Hayward SP2607X10 Super Dual-Speed 1 HP Inground Pool Pump. This inground pool pump is a powerhouse encompassed in an all-weather resistant PermaGlass XL, thermoplastic body. This pool pump has a large 110 cubic inch strainer for optimum debris collection made of Lexan. The impeller constructed out of Noryl delivers high water flow rates at lesser horsepower than other pool pumps available in the market.

They all combine perfectly to ensure corrosion free and exemplary operation for years into the future. The strainer basket is clearly visible through the see through cover enabling cleaning as and when required. The easy to loosen swing away knobs enables convenient opening, cleaning and closing to ensure the basket is always free of debris for efficient performance. This pool pump is U.L listed and operates on either 110~120 or 220~240 volts, giving it a universal flavor. It is available in either single or dual speed ensuring you have the right options to ensure your inground pool is always at your beck and call. The high powered 1Hp delivered would keep your pool whatever size and shape it would be as clean, clear and invitingly healthy always. The Hayward SP2607X10 Super Dual-Speed 1 HP Inground Pool Pump should be the best inground pool pump for you.

Pros and Cons Hayward SP2607X10 Super Dual-Speed 1 HP Inground Pool Pump

Pros

• Powerful 1Hp
• 110~120 or 220~240 Volts
• PermaGlass XL Thermoplastic body
• Noryl impeller
• Large Lexan strainer basket
• Swing away knobs to access strainer
• High flow rates at lesser power outputs

Cons

• Price not competitive

Review Summary Pentair 340039 SuperFlo Single Speed Inground Pool Pump

Pentair is a name synonymous with high class pool equipment and has been around long enough to telescope their experience and expertise to every product they release into the market. The Pentair 340039 SuperFlo Single Speed Inground Pool Pump packs quite a punch with 1½ horsepower to ensure your inground pool pump delivers on its promises. Pentair promises to keep your inground pool clean, clear and healthy for all those who would use it. This inground pool pump boasts of a single speed pool pump delivering SuperFlo High Performance water flow thereby reducing on your energy bills and saving you some money in these belt tightening days for everyone.

Operating on either 110~120 or 220~240 volts single phase, this inground pump has a worldwide appeal and is universally accepted as one of the best inground pool pumps to suit any size or shape of swimming pool. The transparent strainer basket lid enables casual regular observance to determine the cleaning of debris collected. The internal components are wrapped in a very strong and sturdy body to ensure they are well protected. The outer body is corrosion resistant and protects the superlative hydraulics inside to deliver heavy duty performance with pin drop silence. The motor of this inground pool pump is heavy duty 56 square flange which is design engineered to ensure high class long term exemplary service. The quick self-priming quick start-up carries a manufacturer’s warranty of one year.

Pros

• A Pentair product
• 1½ horsepower
• Strong and sturdy body
• Pin drop hydraulic silence
• Single speed
• Single phase 110~120 or 220~240 Volts
• Large strainer basket with transparent lid
• Easy access to strainer basket
• Heavy Duty 56 square motor

Cons

• Some customer complaints

Review Summary Harris H1572748 ProForce 1.5 HP Variable Speed Inground Pool Pump

The Harris H1572748 ProForce 1.5 HP Variable Speed Inground Pool Pump stands up proudly competing with the big names in the pool pump industry. Though it may not have a long pedigree it has all the credentials to be among the best in the inground pool pump fraternity. The graphite and carborundum design engineered mechanical seals and internal components are manufactured to withstand the harshest of operations. The body encompassing the internal movable parts is researched and manufactured from high grade reinforced thermoplastics. This superlative combination ensures this inground pump is able to deliver reliability, efficiency and exemplary service. This pool pump will also provide years of trouble free service with the least maintenance.

Compared to many other pool pumps this versatile inground pool pump would keep your pool clean, clear and healthy but spending less of your hard earned money. Installation of this versatile pool pump is easy and DIY which does not need any professional inputs with the discharge and suctions ports designed with conveniently attachable 2 inch union connections. Universal usage is induced with the possibility of operating this pool pump acknowledged as one of the best inground pool pumps on 110~120 or 220~240 voltages. This inground pool pump is powered by a 1½ horsepower motor to ensure the job at hand is efficiently and flawlessly executed.

Pros

• Designed for reliability in performance
• Strong and study body
• Universal voltage operation
• Superior carborundum and graphite mechanical seals
• Easy maintenance and operation
• 1½ horsepower motor
• Costs less to purchase, operate and maintain.

Cons

• Poor electrical connections
• Warranty complaints

Review Summary Hayward SP2315X20 MaxFlo XL 2 HP Single Speed Inground Pool Pump

Stamped with the Hayward name this pool pump packs an incredible 2Hp powered motor to deliver exemplary service backed with superlative operation at optimum efficiency. Eighty years of Research and Development (R&D) is channeled to bring the best inground pool pump design engineered and manufactured by the House of Hayward.

The Hayward SP2315X20 MaxFlo XL 2 HP Single Speed Inground Pool Pump stands out like a colossal among the pool pump design and manufacturing fraternity. Installation is DIY and convenient with the suction and discharge ports designed with 2 and 1½ inch union connections to facilitate Hayward’s water flow design concept of Max Flo XL. The internal advanced hydraulics on par with the reliability and reputation of Hayward is encompassed in this single speed inground pump by a strong and sturdy corrosion free thermoplastic body. Without an iota of doubt this pool pump could be the one for you as it has everything you would want and also would keep any sized or shaped pool clear, clean and healthy.      

Pros

• Strong, sturdy corrosion free body
• 2 Hp motor
• Hayward designed Max Flo
• Superlative hydraulic internal operations
• 1½ and 2 inch suction discharge union connections

Cons

• Some customer complaints on delivery and warranty issues.

Review Summary-2HP Inground Pool Pump 220/110 Single Speed Pump

Superlative air flow ventilation to ensure the power packed 2Hp motor is kept cool for efficient operation is what stands out prominently in the inground pool pump. The single speed 110~120 or 220~240 Volt operated pool pump delivers 5,280 Gallons per Minute (GPM), through its 2 inch suction and discharge union connections. The 2HP Inground Pool Pump 220/110 Single Speed Pump which many discerning users consider as one of the best inground pool pumps in its category is a cut above the rest especially those pool pumps with big names stamped on them. The 2HP Inground Pool Pump 220/110 Single Speed Pump is ideal for inground swimming pools of any size or shape, hot tubs and spas.

The transparent pool pump strainer cover facilitates quick visibility of the strainer. Every bit of debris that comes through it is efficiently trapped and with the easily removable strainer cover, cleaning the large strainer of debris never was easier. The anti-corrosion materials used in the construction of the internal components are well protected with the additionally corrosion free polymeric material used in the construction of the strong and hardy external cover. This inground pool pump has a built in self-priming facility to effectively discharge air and ensure efficient operation.

Pros

• Self-priming facility
• Tough and sturdy external polymeric cover.
• Transparent strainer cover.
• Powerful 2 Hp motor
• 2 inch suction / discharge union connections
• Water efficiency at 5,280 GPM

Cons

• Some customer complaints

Review Summary Columbia 1.5 HP Variable Speed in Ground Pool Pump

This pool pump boasts of a high water flow rate, self-priming capability coupled with a powerful 1½ Hp motor to deliver what it promises. Price is a major factor in this inground pool pump which stumps the rest of the pool pumps in its category with its very attractive offer that has been the icing on its cake. The power behind this inground pump ensures compatibility and efficient operation with any inground swimming pool of any shape or size. Cleaning, clearing and keeping your inground pool always healthy for your loved ones is now an easy endeavor with the Columbia 1.5 HP Variable Speed in Ground Pool Pump.

The large 2-piece strainer basket would collect minute pieces of fallen hair, lint and small pieces of debris to ensure you inground pool is always clean, clear and healthy for those who would use it. The debris collected in the strainer of this pool pump could be easily observed through the conveniently opening transparent cover. This inground pump has an ultra-compact body made of high grade anti-corrosion materials to ensure long term exemplary service. The outer casing is well sealed to ensure the internal parts which are also corrosion free are well protected from the vagaries of Nature. This pool pump is operationally compatible internationally as it is bestowed with the capability of pumping water into and out of your inground pool operating either on 110~120 or 220~240 Voltages. The inground pool pump employs 1½ inch plumbing connections for suction / discharge for which the connections are supplied with the unit.

Pros

• Very attractive price
• 110~120 or 220~240 Voltages
• Anti-corrosion materials used
• High water flow
• 1½ inch suction / discharge
• Large strainer collects minute particles

Cons

• Customer complaints of low quality workmanship

Review Summary-Rx Clear Mighty Niagara Single Speed Inground Pool Pump

This pool pump is compact design engineered with efficiency at your fingertips with a powerful 2Hp motor to deliver high flow rate of water for faster cleaning, clearing and a healthier inground pool for your loved ones. The internal components are corrosion resistant for long lasting service with the external cover complimenting this which is also made with strong, sturdy and corrosion free materials. Though this inground pool pump is single speed operated it packs quite a clout to deliver exemplary results with a universal flavor. This is operational on either 110~120 or 220~240 voltages the Rx Clear Mighty Niagara Single Speed Inground Pool Pump efficiency with stability and optimum performance. The plumbing connection on the suction / discharge is design engineered with 1½ inch easy to fix plumbing. This pool pump is offered at a very affordable price.

The large but minutely woven strainer basket is efficient to trap small pieces of debris, even hair and lint enabling this inground pump to clean, clear and keep your pool healthy for all. This pool pump has self-priming ability to ensure unimpeded operation once you have got it working. It is easy to install, operate and maintain. It is a work horse and is powerful enough to deliver what it promises and one of the best inground pool pumps in price comparison to others. Though this inground pump is smaller in size than other pool pumps it delivers immense clout when it is working and cleaning up your pool.

Pros

• Compact design engineered
• Operational on 110~120 or 220~240 Voltages
• Large strainer basket
• Collects the minutest debris
• Transparent cover to observe strainer
• Easily detachable cover for convenient cleaning
• Self-priming
• 1½ inch plumbing
• Corrosion free

Cons

• A few customer complaints

Review Summary-Hayward SP3207x10 1 HP Single Speed Inground Pool Pump

The name says it all. Eighty years of Research and Development (R&D) is the result of the Hayward SP3207x10 1 HP Single Speed Inground Pool Pump. It could be surmised that this is one of the best inground pool pumps that you could lay your hands on and have your inground pool cleaned, cleared and made safe for your loved ones. This pool pump has all the ingredients to ensure it delivers what it promises. The 1Hp motor in this inground pump is design engineered to maintain high water flow rates through its 2½” and 2” suction and discharge union connections. The extra-large strainer basket holds above average quantity of debris enabling longer cleaning cycles. The strainer cover is transparent and the strainer is clearly visible enabling easy and convenient removal of debris when the need arises. No tools are required to open the strainer cover as it is held by an easily removable tri-lock design.

The high head impeller is perfectly balanced to ensure it maintains a high water flow rate to enable efficient high volume outputs of water to maintain optimum levels all throughout when the pool pump is in operation. Maintenance of this inground pool pump compared to any other in its category is easy and convenient. All internal parts of this pool pump could be accessed by the removal of just six (06) bolts. Installation is DIY and with a basic technical knowledge any defective parts at any stage could be easily accomplished to ensure long term trouble free service. Universally useable inground pool pump which operates on either 110~120 or 220~240 Voltages.             

Pros

• A Hayward product
• Easy maintenance
• Large strainer basket
• Lesser cleaning cycles
• Easy to open transparent strainer cover
• Operates on either 110~120 or 220~240 Voltages
• Six (06) bolts to access all parts

Cons

• Customer complaints on manufacturing and service issues

Review Summary- XtremepowerUS Variable 2 Speed 1HP Inground Pool Pump

Efficiency is at optimum when the XtremepowerUS Variable 2 Speed 1HP Inground Pool Pump is in operation with its dual speed, high performance, heavy duty and energy saving 1 Hp powered motor. The efficient air flow design ensures the movable parts within are kept at low temperatures whilst the inground pool pump is in operation. Speeds on the motor could be set between 1,750 and 3,450 rotations per minute enabling this pool pump to deliver extremely efficient cleaning, clearing and safe operation. The design engineering is flawless ensuring smooth and silent operations and long term exemplary service.

The conveniently removable cover of the extra-large strainer provides easy access to the latter enabling opening and cleaning only when debris is seen to be collected. This inground pump prevents unknowingly clogging of the strainer due to excess debris and additional avoidable issues cropping up. The 1½” and 2” suction and discharge ensures super-efficient water flows with temperatures rising even up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. UL listed and this pool pump is delivered with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

• 1,750 to 3,450 rotations per minute
• Super air ventilation cooling system
• 1½ “and 2” suction and discharge
• 1 Hp powered motor
• Operational up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons

• Some service and mechanical issues intimated by customers

Review Summary-XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Inground Pool Pump

An ETL certified inground pool pump which has all the ingredients to deliver on its promises. This pool pump is universally acceptable due to this inground pump’s operational capabilities with either 110~120 or 220~240 Voltages. Pumps through with efficiency an incredible 88 gallons per minute, this inground pool pump would be just what you would want for your pool pump. Powered by a 1½ Hp motor this inground pump could help you keep your inground pool clean, clear and safe at all times for your loved ones to have some fun and frolic.

The XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Inground Pool Pump could pump through when the water temperature rises and is good up to a high of 40 degrees centigrade. This pool pump boasts of a strong and sturdy polymeric constructed outer body which is resistant to corrosion and the vagaries of Nature. The internal moving parts are constructed with strong materials to ensure the least wear and tear when operational. Self-priming incorporated to expel air and ensure smooth operation at all times.

Pros

• ETL certified
• 1½ Hp motor
• Pumps through 88 GPM
• 110~120 or 220~240 voltages
• Strong and sturdy polymeric outer body
• Delivers on its promises

Cons

• Customer complaints about service and warranty

What does a pool pump do?

The pool pump consists of three very important and essential parts. The motor, impeller coupled with the hair and lint trap. The hair and lint trap is where the water that is sucked in by the pool pump circulates through and if any debris is prevalent would trap them to be removed and cleaned when filled up in the strainer. The pool pump sucks water from the pool via the skimmer and pushes it though the filter and pushes it back into the pool. The pool pump is the heart of your swimming pool’s water circulation system. It helps to ensure that the water in the pool is clean, clear and safe.

This continuous cycle would ensure that all debris, bacteria, harmful germs and other that are prevalent in the pool whether it is above ground, inground, hot tub or spa is filtered through by the pools filtering system. The strainer is just basic and would trap only larger debris but the filtering system is more sophisticated and ensures a bigger operation with the help of the pool pump.

Pool Pump types

There are different types of pool pumps but basically it precipitates to three major types. Some jurisdictions for various reasons do not permit some of them whilst other areas could have restrictions on specific operational issues. We look at the following major segments where the pool pumps divide themselves.

    Single-Speed pumps

Single speed pool pumps as described correctly would have only one speed when it is operational. Some jurisdictions even within the United States could differ in opinion and not permit these. But there is universal acceptance for single speed pool pumps which would have a start and stop control only.

    Dual-Speed pumps

These pool pumps are incorporated with two speed controls which are permitted in most jurisdictions. This type of pool pump is incorporated with two speeds with the ability to operate in two speeds according to the requirements.

   Variable-Speed pumps

These pool pumps would have two or more speeds which could either be controlled or would adjust speeds automatically depending on the water flow. There are safety features which would ensure it does not overload itself even if operated for longer periods of time.

The Key Components of a Pool Pump

There are inherent components which would determine for what type of operation a particular pool pump could be employed. We look at them as follows.

        Inground or Above Ground

There are some pool pumps which are compatible for use with either above ground or inground pools. Whilst some are basically only for above ground pools there are others that are designed and manufactured especially for inground pools. There are other pool pumps which could be used for both applications and are designed as such. It would be prudent to check them out before you would commit yourself to anyone so that you buy the most appropriate for the requirement at hand.

        Horsepower – Hp

The horsepower or Hp is the power output that could be derived from the pool pump. The higher the Hp the more powerful the pool pump is. Hence if you have a small hot tub or a spa a lower Hp would suffice but a bigger swimming pool would need a higher Hp for optimum efficiency. It is the quantum of water in the pool and the hours of operation that is envisaged which would determine the Hp of the pool pump that you would need to employ.

        Pump Motor Voltage

This is a very important factor to consider before you would purchase a pool pump. The right voltage in your home and the voltage permitted in the pool pump should be compatible or you could have a burnt out pool pump.

The voltages that are universally used are either 110~120 or 220~240 voltages. Hence looking carefully as to what supply you have and the one depicted on the pool pump would be imperative. Don’t plug in without checking this out, because such a careless move is not even covered by any warranty.

The Difference between Above-Ground and In-ground Pool Pumps

The main difference between an above ground pool and an inground pool is that the former would stand above ground level whilst the latter would be embedded into the ground. In the case of the pool pump for these two, an above ground pool pump does not have self-priming whilst an inground pool pump would self-prime to ensure it stays operational without any hassles.

How to Choose the Right Size Pool Pump?

First you would need to know the quantum of water in your pool which would generally be in gallons. For easy estimation, assuming you have a 35,000 gallon pool it would need a pool pump with a minimum water flow rate of 56 gallons per minute running for 10 hours continuously. Or if you have pool that contains 18,000 gallons, a pool pump with a water flow rate of 38 gallons per minute running for 8 hours would be required. On the contrary for an 18,000 gallon pool you could employ a pool pump with 30 gallons per minute pool pump running for 10 hours would also suffice.

When Should You Run the Pool Pump?

It is better to run the pool at night because electricity rates could drop at off during peak hours which would be an advantage economically. It is also necessary to run your pool pump for about an hour or more during the day too, as there could be dust and plant debris falling onto the pool. Pollen and other debris from the plant could drop whilst they are growing because most plant activities occur during the day when the Sun is up.

The rise in temperature would be good to circulate the water by running the pool pump during the day and prevent any algae from growing with the aid of the Sun. To keep your pool clean, clear and healthy you should have a good balance on how you would run your pool pump.

How Long Do you Run the Pool Pump?

Running the pool pump for about 8 hours during the night would be a good schedule to maintain. It should be regular and it would be ideal if you could install a pool pump timer to ensure it comes on and switches off during the set times. A hour ot maximum two during the day when the Sun is at peak would also be a good idea. Double settings on timers are available if you look around and getting one would relieve you of the hassle of doing it manually every day.

Tips to Select a High-Quality Pool Pump

There are many brands and models available in the market from which you could choose the most ideal pool pump to match with your pool. Some models may be too expensive and beyond your reach hence a good brand with a good reputation but an older model at a lower price could be a good way to select an affordable one. When new models are introduced the older ones become cheaper which could be a good time to pounce on an older model. They may most of the time be better in performance too.

It would also be prudent to determine the exact quantum of water in your pool and then match the pool pump accordingly. It is not necessary to buy a very powerful pool pump if you have a small pool. It would be a drain on your energy consumption too. Purchase your pool pump to be at optimum efficiency to serve your purpose and this way you would be able to cut down on energy costs and not unnecessarily pay through your nose. Matching the pool with the pool pump would be the most intelligent and prudent way to get the best inground pool pump for you. Whatever you may choose ensure that the water flow rate is adequate for the quantity of water in your pool.