Many pool owners tend to overlook the most important component of maintaining optimal circulation in an above ground pool throughout the summer. Above ground pool pumps are different from inground pool pumps, but the same principles apply to both. Water and chemicals must circulate through the container to filter out impurities and keep the pool squeaky clean. Without a quality above ground pool pump, you tend to spend a lot of time keeping the pool clean instead of enjoying it.
The best above ground pool pumps provide efficient water circulation and help maintain unobstructed pool access without frequent maintenance. When considering which pool pump to buy, there are several important factors to consider: the lifespan of the pump you are buying, the brand, and the warranty and durability features.
Pool Magazine makes it easy to choose the best above ground pool pumps. We will discuss single speed, double speed and variable speed pumps and discuss the different sizes, voltages and power of the pumps.
The PowerFlo VS 300 is an above ground variable speed pool pump that is more energy efficient and quieter than ever.
The PowerFlo VS 300 above ground pool pump uses 80% less energy than single speed pumps and pays for itself in less than two seasons of use.
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The unique design of the OptiFlo above ground pool pump ensures consistently high flow rates. The OptiFlo pump features a 48-frame thru-bolt motor for quick access for outlet repositioning and impeller maintenance, and a unique cam and ramp cover. OptiFlo pumps are shipped with a 3-foot cable and twist lock or standard plug. Models in the OptiFlo family now comply with new Department of Energy (DOE) regulations for energy efficiency standards.
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Hayward® Super Pump® continues to set the industry standard for quality and value, and the new Super Pump XE is no exception. The Super Pump XE is the ideal pump for almost any pool, delivering energy efficiency that exceeds US Department of Energy standards and reducing pumping equipment costs by up to a third. It’s the most versatile way to achieve unsurpassed quality with quick and easy installation and dual voltage capability.
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The Intex® Krystal Clear™ Sand Filter Pump keeps above ground pool water clean, soft and fresh. The sand provides excellent water filtration and the 6-function control valve allows the pool owner to filter, backflush and rinse, recirculate, drain and shut down the system. The flow rate of 3000 gallons per hour makes it suitable for above ground pools. In addition to replacing the sand every 5 years, the pump requires minimal maintenance.
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This truly adaptable device provides slower filtering for quieter, more consistent and thorough performance while saving you a lot of money. Includes controls for all heaters, purifiers, salt systems and even waterfalls. The pump runs cool, stays dry and durable thanks to permanent magnet technology and closed design.
The power of this pump is tailored to the shape and size of above ground pools, and it not only pumps water at a super-efficient rate, but also helps you save on your monthly energy bill.
Guaranteed service, discount entitlement and technical support from one of the most prestigious manufacturers in the world.
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The rugged ground pump is constructed from corrosion resistant polymer for years of reliable performance. This high performance pump is quiet, energy efficient and self-priming. The top outlet design is compatible with most filters and the large clear lid makes cleaning easy. This flow generator will replace your old dead pump.
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Cleaning, filtering and distributing chlorine/salt is handled by the new 1850W SPPE series electric swimming pool pump. It features a revolutionary removable filter basket with built-in thermal overload protection – it cleans your leaves, hair, debris and other contaminants as water circulates and passes through the filter.
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VIVOHOME pool pumps are made with a durable polypropylene body and a stainless steel motor for high suction performance and excellent flow. This pool pump runs very smoothly and quietly. Airflow ventilation promotes water filtration circulation and keeps your pool clean and hygienic. Suitable for all types and sizes of above ground pools and spas.
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For basic filtration and circulation, many consumers choose entry-level pool pumps. With this Bestway Flowclear 2500 gallon filter pump, you can keep clean water circulating around your pool. This device will help keep the water clean in summer. The Bestway Flowclear filter pump circulates water by pulling it out of the pool through the filter element and back. Includes two hoses and connects to two different points in the pool.
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The free end of one hose is connected to the inlet of the pool filter pump, and the free end of the other hose is connected to the outlet. At a rate of 2,500 gallons per hour, water is drawn from the pool and through the inlet hose, then cleaned by the filter cartridge and pumped back through the outlet hose. It then resumes its journey, providing clean, clear, hygienic water.
When looking for a new above ground or underground pool pump, there are various criteria to consider including pool size, material, power, and filter compatibility.
Pool owners must determine the minimum pump capacity to get the right size pump for the capacity of the pool. The flow rate is expressed in metric gallons per minute and indicates how often the pump filters the entire contents of the tank per day. This number is called the turnover ratio. The pump must be powerful enough to rotate the pool at least once a day, and preferably twice.
You can use an online pool pump calculator or do the calculations manually. Divide the capacity of the pool by 24 and that will give you the gallons per hour the pump needs to pump during the day.
Most manufacturers don’t list their pump’s capacity in gallons per minute (or per hour) because flow is determined by factors other than the pump, such as pipe size, fittings, pool filters, or even relative pump size relative to capacity. the pool is high. All of these factors cause resistance, reducing pump flow; this is often referred to as pressure resistance.
Pool pumps run on either 115 volts or 230 volts, and most pumps under 2 horsepower can run on both. Most household appliances run on 115 volts, while larger appliances such as electric stoves and clothes dryers require 230 volts.
“Make sure you understand the power requirements of the pump you plan to buy,” says a Fox Pools pool specialist. “Replacing an old 115V pump with a 230V pump or vice versa is more expensive than installing a pool pump that uses same power supply as the old pump. Much more complicated.”
While some pool pumps can be plugged into a regular 115-volt outlet, most are hardwired into your home’s electrical infrastructure. Remember that if you are using a plug-in pool pump, the outlet must be GFCI protected to avoid electrical shock. If the outlet is less than ten feet from the pool, it must also be a twist-lock plug to prevent it from twisting out, which could splash the outlet.
Noisy pumps can be annoying when you’re trying to relax by the pool. Pool pumps operate at a noise level of 65 to 90 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of two people talking and a hair dryer. At the lower end of the range, most modern pumps are designed for quiet operation. A pump with a completely closed motor runs quietly, about 40 decibels, about the same as a refrigerator.
Three types of filters are available for in-ground pools: sand, cartridge and DE (kieselguhr). Although most pumps are compatible with all types of filters, compatibility should be checked before purchasing a pump. In addition, each filter has a maximum flow rate determined by the type and size of the filter. Never run the pump faster than the maximum flow rate of the filter as this may damage the filter.
Pool pumps are available in a wide range of energy efficiency classes. While single speed pumps cost less initially, variable speed pumps will eventually pay for themselves in energy savings. The variable speed pump is programmable, allowing you to operate at a lower and more efficient speed during downtime when the pool is not in use and does not require cleaning.
You might be tempted to buy a 1.5 HP pump that is way more powerful than your pool needs. However, you will pay more for energy than if you use a smaller pump that is more suitable for the size of your pool.
Pool pump maintenance is an integral part of routine pool maintenance. As the pump sucks in water, the basket filters out hair, fluff and other particles that the pool skimmer misses. This filter needs to be cleaned regularly and some pumps have large baskets to allow longer cleaning intervals. Also, after cleaning the pool, it is necessary to clean the pump basket.
Because the pump needs air to circulate to avoid overheating, never cover it or place trees or plants around it. Make sure all air intakes on the pump motor are free of debris. Cover the pump and motor during the off-season to keep debris from collecting on them.
Since single speed pool pumps have only one speed, they pump water in and out of the pool at a fixed rate. You cannot increase the pump speed to increase its cleaning power, or decrease the pump speed to make it more energy efficient. A single speed pool pump is designed to run approximately 8 hours per day and should be able to turn the pool over at full power at least once.
The two speed pump has two different power settings giving you two different circulation speeds in the pool. This allows you to run at a faster rate when the pool is heavily used and needs more filtering, or at a slower rate when the activity is minimal. Although two-speed pumps are more expensive than single-speed pumps, they can save 50% to 70% on your energy bill.
The variable speed pump gives you complete control over cycle speed, allowing you to fine-tune it for optimal cleaning or energy savings. These pumps are equipped with programmable displays that allow you to adjust the pump speed throughout the day.
While these pumps are the most expensive of the three, their variable speed ability can save up to 80% or more on your energy bill over time. Compared to a single speed pump, a variable speed pump can run at a lower speed 24 hours a day, stirring about twice as much water with the same energy.
A report on Pool News brought to you by Markus Packer of Pool Magazine. Markus Packer is an experienced pool builder and pool maintenance specialist with 20 years of experience in the pool industry. In addition to being a pool professional, Marcus is a writer and longtime contributor to the Home Improvement section of Newsweek magazine and more recently Florida Travel + Living magazine. Do you have an idea or advice you would like to share with Pool Magazine? Email mpacker@poolmagazine.com with ideas for your stories.
Hayward® expands its presence in the outdoor living market with the acquisition of Halco Lighting Technologies®
Pool heaters and heat pumps are considered essential equipment for those looking to extend their pool season into later stages. Today, we’re going to introduce some proven top-notch products that make it easy to heat and maintain the temperature in your pool. While some heaters do an excellent job of heating pool water, some products stand out for their ability to heat efficiently. In fact, some pool heaters have a reputation for being reliable. Pool Magazine helps answer some consumer questions about which pool heaters work best, which pool heaters offer the best value for money, and which pool heaters offer the best performance.
Finding the right pool heater comes down to a few important facts that make it easy to find the right product for your backyard pool. It is often difficult for consumers to determine which heater is best for them. Some heaters work best in above ground pools, others are ideal for hot tubs and spas, and some are considered ideal for large underground pools.
When choosing a heater, you can choose from a variety of products. The three main types of heaters that consumers will eventually focus on are gas, electric, and solar. Each of them has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and we will spend some time discussing them.
We spend a lot of time evaluating pool equipment for Pool Magazine. Our approach to selecting the best heaters and heat pumps is based on feedback from consumers and pool professionals, as well as our own Editors’ Choice of the Year’s Best Pool Heaters. On our this year’s list, you’ll find several newcomers to the category, as well as industry favorites that consumers have come to rely on.
Here is a list of the best pool heaters for 2022, broken down by category. You will find first-class pool heaters for both above ground and in-ground pools. Our staff also advise on heat pumps, natural gas pool heaters, propane heaters, electric heaters and solar heaters. In this article, you can also find a helpful pool heater buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect product for your pool.
Like their underground relatives, above ground pools provide fun and entertainment for the whole family. For those with above-ground pools, there are plenty of low-cost heating options to extend the pool season until the end of the year. Finding the right heater for your above ground pool starts with determining whether you really want to significantly heat your pool water or simply heat it up to a more comfortable level.