Pool Pumps

Pool pumps are the heart of any pool and if they aren't working properly the rest of the pool system can fail. They are responsible for ensuring your pool is healthy every day. If your pump is failing, increasingly noisy to operate or you just need more power this article can help. There is a lot to know and learn when it comes to pool pumps so if you are in the market for a new pump or just want to learn more you've come to the right place.

If you have tried to navigate through all the different kinds of pumps on the market you probably felt confused at one time or another. It can be really frustrating shopping for a pump especially if you don't know what kind you need or the difference between dual and variable speed. We are going to start with going over the basic parts of a pump and how they work followed by our list of top rated pool pumps on the market today.  

How a Pool Pump Works

A pump has one job and that is to pull water out of your pool and then put it back in. This circulation process allows important functions to occur that keep your pool clean and safe to swim in all season long. In addition to pulling water through the filter, circulation is necessary to heat the water and if you have a salt water pool it allows chlorine to be produced in the chlorine generator. Adding chemicals just wouldn't have the desired affect if they weren't being mixed by the circulation process. 

A pool pump is pretty basic if you break down the parts that make it up. The motor is where it all starts and is what controls the speed and power that goes into turning the impeller blade. The resulting Horsepower or HP is important when it comes to sizing your pump properly for your specific pool. The impeller creates a constant flow of water that enters through the intake port and exits through the discharge port. The basket traps large debris as water flows through it and needs to be emptied as needed. 

Types of Pool Pumps

There are 3 main types of pool pumps; single, dual and variable speed. The basic single speed pump has been around for years and relied on by millions of pool owners around the world. The dual speed pump was introduced and gained traction because it could run at a normal speed and a reduced speed for energy conservation. In recent years the variable speed pool pump has emerged as the best choice for almost all pool owners because it can run at multiple speeds. Learn more about submersible pool pumps designed to remove water from just about anywhere.

Single Speed Pool Pumps

A single speed pool pump operates at one constant speed. The speed is determined by the horsepower of the motor which is commonly between .75 - 2.0 HP. If you are in the market for a new single speed pump it's imperative that you size the pump properly for your pool, erring on the side of being oversized. If you find that your single speed pump doesn't have enough horsepower or too much, you will need to replace it with a dual or variable speed pump or add a pool booster pump. 

The main advantage to purchasing a single speed pool pump is the low up front cost. Single speed pumps also tend to last longer on average most likely due to their simple design that's been perfected for many years. They can cost a lot more to operate compared to variable speed pumps and the power limitations can be problematic. 

Dual Speed Pool Pumps

A dual speed pool pump is very similar to a single speed pump except as the name implies it has 2 distinct speeds that it can operate at. The low speed is ideal for improved energy efficiency, routine circulation and chlorine production if you own a salt water pool. The high speed setting with up to 3.0 horsepower is ideal for operating water features, hot tubs and cleaners when sized properly. 

A dual speed pump has mid-range efficiency that's better than a single speed but doesn't quite compare to variable speed motor technology. The price is also middle of the pack but you get what you pay for in a pump that is versatile with 2 speed options. A dual speed pool pump has 2 speeds while a variable speed pool pump operates at multiple speeds on a sliding scale.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps

A variable speed pool pump is without a doubt the smartest option when considering a new pool pump. The top rated variable speed pool pumps on the market today boast energy savings up to 90% over single speed pumps. The numerous speed options allow you to completely customize and automate circulation and chlorine production if you own a salt water pool. The incredibly quiet magnet motor is the same technology used in electric cars!

Variable speed swimming pool pumps have multiples speeds and 90% more energy efficient than single speed pumps. They are the quietest pool pumps you can buy and even have government rebates because of their energy efficiency. Purchase rebates may be available from select pool pump manufacturers and local or federal government energy suppliers.

Always check manufacturer and government websites for the latest rebates for energy efficient variable speed pool pumps that can exceed $100. For more information on how to save energy operating your pool visit Energy.Gov @ Installing and Operating an Efficient Swimming Pool Pump. 

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Pool Pump Specifications

When purchasing a new pool pump you will need to do a bit of work before getting started. If you are buying a pump for a new pool you will need to work through the steps for sizing a pool which includes things like water volume, pool features and the total dynamic head or TDH. If you are buying a replacement pool pump your research should be a bit easier assuming that your previous pump was sized properly. 

Horsepower

The horse power of the pump is important. A pump is rated by the maximum horsepower it can produce and it won't exceed that amount. You need to make sure that you won't ever need more horsepower than your pump is rated for unless you want to adda booster pump. If you are buying a single speed pump you need to get it right, and if you are buying a dual or variable speed pump you have a bit more wiggle room. 

If you want to make sure that your pump has enough horsepower to keep your pool running smoothly you need to size your pool pump based on variables like water volume, pool features and piping. You'll need to determine the flow rate and take a look at turnover rate for your unique pool. 

Electrical Requirements

Pool pump electrical requirements vary with different pumps. Pumps are rated for either 115 volts or 230 volts and it's important to know this before installing the pump. A pump that is receiving an improper electrical current can overheat and cause irreversible damage. Always refer to the pump manufacturer's installation manual for complete instructions and hire an electrical professional for any electrical installations. 

Side Mount or Top Mount

There are two types of mounts for pumps, side mount and top mount which refer to where the intake and release ports are located. This is important if you have space limitations but also should correspond to where the ports are on your pool filter. Typically a sand filter will require a top mount whereas a D.E. and cartridge filter are side mounted. There may be exceptions to this so always double check before purchasing a pool pump. 

Pool Pump Troubleshooting

We've put together a short list of possible issues that a handy pool owner can troubleshoot on their own. If the issue requires a professional we recommend hiring someone that has expertise and knowledge working with pool pumps. In some cases you can void the warranty if you don't hire a certified professional to diagnose a problem.

Pool pump not working

• Make sure that the pump is wired for the appropriate voltage; 115 volts or 230 volts
• Ensure that the wires were installed correctly in correlation with the manufacturers wiring diagram.
• Check for a tripped circuit, blown fuse, open switches or relays and any loose wiring.

Pool pump making noise

• A pool pump making a humming noise could mean the impeller is jammed with debris and needs to be opened up and serviced by a professional. 
• Check for proper seals in the suction piping and other joints.
• The pump may have been improperly mounted. Make sure its securely fastened to a level surface or mounting pad.
• A leaky seal could lead to the bearings getting worn out by water and/or chemicals. This could lead to rust, overheating and needs to be greased or serviced. 

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Pool Pump FAQ's

Whether you are looking to purchase a new pump or you've owned a pool for years you may have some questions about pool pumps. Arming yourself with answers to questions will only enable you to make a better decision about your current pump or when you decide to replace or upgrade your existing pump. 

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