The Best Above Ground Pool Pump

What is the best above ground pool pump to buy? Keeping pool water circulating requires a high-quality and effective pool pump.

It is vital to ensure that your above ground water circulates to keep it clean and have an excellent place to swim. Sadly, given the number of designs and manufacturers on the market today, it can be hard to choose the best pool pump.  

Our review of the top seven above ground pool pumps can help you to have an idea of what you should buy. 

Top 7 Above Ground Pool Pump Reviews 

Here are the top seven above ground pool pumps that can keep your facility clean.

1. Hayward W3SP1580 Power Flo Pool Pump

The pump is suitable for both the on-ground and above-ground pools and offers up to 1 H.P. It is a PowerFlo LX single-speed model that can circulate the water within hours.  

The system has an extra-large debris basket that collects more debris than most products out there. That basket has a transparent cover that allows you to keep an eye on the trash level and know when to empty it.

Another feature is the heavy-duty motor that provides steady performance and is energy efficient. It is a motor that produces less noise to ensure that you use your pool when the pump is on.

Key Highlights and Features:

• Drain plug for easy maintenance
• Long-lasting, rust-proof housing 
• Energy-efficient motor
• Easy to assemble and install 
• Extra-large basket for collecting debris

2. Harris H1572730 ProForce 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Pump 

The product has stainless steel 1½ H.P. motor that provides enough power to circulate the water with ease. It comes inside a reinforced thermoplastic body that gives it durability and longer life.  

Its advanced engineering makes it energy efficient, meaning that you save on power bills. You can also bet on low noise and less heat. 

The pool pump meets all the ETL and CSA standards of a quality product. You can use it without worrying and know it is certified for pool installation. 

It features a 3-prong plug connection and has a three feet cord.

Key Highlights and Features:

• Requires up to 115v to function 
• Offers 2.5-inch and 1.5-inch external and internal threading, respectively 
• Easy to assemble and connect 

3. Hayward W3SP1592 PowerFlo Matrix Above-ground Pool Pump

It is a 1 H.P. pool pump that can keep your above-ground in good condition. The model boasts of an industrial-size basket that collects even the largest of debris and does not require a lot of maintenance. 

Another feature is the heavy-duty motor that lasts for decades without getting damaged or slowing down. That motor also provides enough power to circulate the water without producing heat. 

There is a vertical/horizontal discharge feature that allows you to install your pump the way you want. That discharge makes it easy to operate your unit with a single touch of a button.   

Another feature is the quick disconnect discharge and intake pipe that allow for simple maintenance.

Key Highlights and Features:

• Easy to assemble and install 
• One of the most affordable pool pumps today 
• Lasts for decades 

4. Doheny’s Above Ground Pool Pro Swimming Pool Pumps 

If you want a product that can give you value for money, then the Doheny’s Pro Pool Pump is the model for you. It provides dependable performance to ensure that you get the best results possible. 

One thing, this unit costs less compared to most brands on the market today. It features a 1.5 HP motor made of stainless steel material to withstand harsh conditions. 

The product is reinforced by a thermoplastic body that adds to its durability and reliability. Another feature is the advanced engineering that adds to the efficiency of the pool pump.

Key Highlights and Features: 

• Produces minimal noise 
• Meets or exceeds ETL and C.S.A. standards
• Comes with a three feet cord 
• Connects to standard three-plug sockets

5. Pentair DYNII-NI-1.5 H.P. Dynamo Single Speed Above-ground Pool Pump

The DYNII-NI-1.5 H.P. model features a self-priming design that provides it with a longer life. It is reinforced with fiberglass that adds to its durability and strength to withstand heavy usage.

Another feature is the large capacity basket that holds more trash compared to other products out there. That basket comes with a see-thru lid that enables you to view the content and empty it when it is full.  

It also has a diffuser and impeller that combines to provide you with an excellent flow rate. You can depend on the pool pump to do its job without consuming much power. 

Key Highlights and Features:

• Measures 24x9x15 inches 
• Provides excellent flow rate 
• Has a large basket that collects more debris 
• Requires minimal maintenance 

6. Pentair Dynamo 1.5 HP Above-Ground Pool Pump

The unit comes with the standard 1½-inch ports that enable you to install it with ease. It was designed for all above-ground swimming pools and can circulate the water within hours.

The product has a large basket that collects lots of trash, meaning that you do not need to empty many times. That basket has a see-thru lid that you can use to find out if you need to remove the trash.  

It is boasts of high-quality hydraulic engineering that allows for effective operation. The product also consumes less energy compared to other brands out there. 

Its reinforced fiberglass body makes it durable to ensure that you get value for your money.

Key Highlights and Features: 

• Lower energy usage 
• Quiet operation 
• Has a durable body 
• Easy to assemble and install 

7. Harris H1572729 ProForce 1 HP Above-Ground Pool Pump 

The model’s 1 H.P. motor is made of stainless steel material that gives it durability and longer life. That motor comes inside a thermoplastic body that enables it to handle the pool conditions without corroding. 

It also boasts of the latest engineering that gives it power and maximizes energy usage. Another great feature is the low noise production that allows you to use your pool when the pump is running. 

The unit also comes with ETL and C.S.A. certifications that show it meets all the industry standards. You can easily connect it to your swimming pool without needing professional help. 

Key Highlights and Features:

• Comes with standard 3-prong plug connection 
• Features a three feet cord 
• Easy to assemble and install 
• Lasts for a long time 

Buying Guide: Choosing Above Ground Pool Pump

Some pumps for above ground pools are better than others. Here are things to keep in mind when choosing the right model for your facility. 

1. Pump’s Housing Mount

 You can get side mount and top mount models. They serve different types of pools; you need to figure out what kind of pool you own. 

A cartridge or DE filter requires a side mount while a sand filter goes with a top mount pump. Stick with the recommended pump for your swimming pool.

2. Pump Motor Volt

These pumps can either be hard-wired or outlined systems. Find out what your swimming pool use before you purchase your pump. 

Also, figure out if the pump needs 110v or 220v to operate. Most above ground pool pump uses the 110v connection.

3. Horsepower 

 It is the motor’s power. The horsepower or HP determines how powerful the motor is and is a critical factor when choosing a pool pump. 

The ideal pump should provide enough power to meet your filter and pool needs. 

4. Pool’s Size 

It is vital to compute the size of your pool in volume – given in gallons. The perfect pump should meet your pool’s capacity to ensure that the water circulates at least once per day.

5. The Budget 

You also need to factor in the money you have planned to spend. You can find both expensive and cheap products on the market. 

It makes sense to pay more to get a quality pool pump that can last for years. 

6. Maintenance and durability

You should choose a pump that does not require regular maintenance to give you the freedom and more time of using the pool instead of maintaining. The system you want should also last for years to provide you with value for money.

Useful tip: You should only buy a pool pump that can match your above ground pool needs and the one you can afford. Note the HP before you settle for the pump and get a model you can install via DIY.   

Frequently Asked Questions

Let us turn our attention to repeatedly asked questions about pool pumps. 

Q: How Long Should I Run My Above Ground Pool Pump?

A: You should run your above ground pool pump for about 8 hours a day to ensure that the water circulates appropriately and get cleaned. If you size it correctly, your pump should push all the water within that period. 

However, the horsepower might be overrated, and that means it can take less than eight hours. 

Q: How to Prime an Above Ground Pool Pump?

A:  You might need to prime your above ground pool pump if it cannot pump the water with force. Follow these steps: 

• Switch the pool pump off
• Shut all suction valves of the pump
• Open the air relief 
• Clean the strainer basket 
• Run water via the strainer using a hose 
• Switch the pump on and open suction side valve gently  
• The pump should catch the prime 
• Open the other valves 

Q: How to Clean Above Ground Pool Pump Basket?

A: You can clean this basket by following these steps:

• Remove the basket and empty the trash 
• Spray it with water using a garden hose  
• Return the strainer and lock it using your hand

Q: What Size Pump for Above Ground Pool?

A: If you have a round pool with less than 15,300 gallons of water or it is less than 24 ft., use a one HP pump. Use a 1.5 HP pump if it is more than 24 ft. 

Q: What HP Pump for Above Ground Pool?

A: Most above ground pool comes in similar shapes and sizes, and choosing the ideal HP is easy. Generally, a pump with 1HP is perfect for a pool of up to 24 feet, while anything more than 1HP is suitable for bigger pools.  

Q: How to Winterize Above Ground Pool Pump?

A: Follow these steps:

• Remove the pool accessories like ladders, pipes, and others 
• Balance the pool water chemicals 
• Clean your pool thoroughly 
• Reduce the pool water to under the filtration line 
• Cover your pool
•  Remove the filter and pump system

In Conclusion 

If you want to buy the best rated above ground pool pump, then you need to begin your search with the models we have reviewed above. They have enough power to move the water around and are perfect for most above ground swimming pools. 

Always remember to choose a pump that can meet your pool’s need to circulate the water at least once per day.