The Best Inground Pool Pump

What is the best inground pool pump to buy? All swimming pools need to circulate water to prevent algae, germs, and bacteria from developing. 

A reliable pump can keep the water flowing via the filter, mix the chemicals with water, and maintain freshwater. The pump is truly the heart of a swimming pool. 

That is why you need to buy the ideal inground pool pump for your facility. 

Top 6 Inground Pool Pump Review: Editor’s Pick  

Let us review the top six inground pool pumps for 2020.

1. XtremePowerUs 1.5HP Inground Pool Pump

It comes with a heavy-duty motor with air-flow to allow for quiet operation. That means the system remains cool to ensure it continues to give you the high-performance you desire. 

Another notable feature is the large strainer basket that collects more debris for minimal emptying. And it is easy to open the lid when you want to empty the dirt. 

The unit also boasts of a transparent lid that enables you to see inside and know when it is time to empty. You can bet on the pump to be of high-quality and meet all the industry standards. 

The other thing is the ease of installation. You can assemble and install it without seeking professional help. 

2. XtremePowerUs 2HP Inground Pool Pump

The second product on the review comes with a powerful motor that can provide the pumping power your pool requires. It also features an air-flow that ensures it remains cool when operating.  

Another feature is the large debris basket that collects more debris than most products on the shelves today. The basket has a see-thru lid that allows you to know when it is the ideal time to empty the trash. 

It provides you 2-inch union connections for discharge and suction, meaning it is a standard model. The unit can handle water with a high temperature of 104 degrees F. 

It is the ideal unit for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. That makes it a versatile pump that can provide value for money. 

3. Pentair Sta-Rite N1-1-1/2A HP SuperMax Standard Efficient Single Speed Pool Pump

It is a high-performance model that you can use for your inground pool to keep it clean. The unit allows for a single speed that ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 HP, which is powerful enough to circulate pool water faster. 

It is a model that comes with N.S.F. and U.L. certification as it meets all the industry standards. Another great feature is the ramp and cam lid that locks and unlocks with ease. 

It also takes less time to maintain the pool pump to give you more time for swimming. The unit lasts for years without showing any sign of wear and tear. 

4. XtremePowerUs 1.5 HP Variable 2-Speed Swimming Pool Pump

The unit comes with a high-efficient impeller that reduces noise while maximizing flow. Its motor comes inside a commercial-grade frame that makes it more durable. 

Another feature is the heavy-duty pool pump that handles heavy usage and has an air-flow. You can be sure it is a quiet motor that remains cool no matter how long it operates.  

The other feature is the large debris basket that collects more trash before you can need to empty it. That basket has a transparent cover that lets you when it is time to clean the basket. 

It also offers built-in speed settings that allow you to control the water speed to meet your needs. 

5. Harris H157247 ProForce 1 H.P. Inground Pool Pump

The product’s motor comes inside a reinforced, thermoplastic body that gives it durability. It also boasts of graphite and carborundum mechanical seals that make it last longer. 

Another feature is the advanced engineering that helps the pool pump to operate quietly and be more efficient. It is a product that meets the ETL and C.S.A. standards.

The other thing is the 2-inch union connections that allow you to connect the discharge and suction ports with ease. You can do a DIY installing when connecting this pool pump.

It is among the long-lasting units you can get from the market today and offers effective services. 

6. Hayward 1 HP Max-Flo XL Inground Pool Pump 

It is a product that comes with a large strainer to collect more dirt before you need to empty it. The unit also boasts of a tri-lock see-thru lid, which you can use to see if it is time for unloading. 

Another feature is the corrosion-proof plastic material that allows the pool pump to function effectively under harsh conditions. It is a self-priming system that requires less maintenance. 

The model comes from a reputable brand that is known to provide durable pool pumps. It is a unit that offers you value and gives you years of service without getting damaged. 

Buying Guide: Best Inground Pool Pump

In the perfect world, the right inground pool pump would be the most affordable, most durable, most efficient, and most versatile. However, that is not possible, and the best unit should be the one that satisfies your pool’s needs.  

Follow these steps when choosing your inground pool pump:

1. Size Your Swimming Pool

First, you need to compute the volume of water in your inground pool in gallons. Here is how to go about it:

• Rectangular pool: Volume = Average Depth x Length x Breadth x 7.5. 
• Circular pool: Volume = Average Depth x Diameter x Diameter x 5.9 
• Kidney shaped pool: Volume = Average Depth x (Shortest + Longest Width) x Length x 3.38
• Oval shaped pool: Volume = Average Depth x Short Diameter x Long Diameter x 5.9

Note: The above measurements are in feet, and average depth is computed by adding the deep and shallow end depth divide by two. The volume is in gallons.  

2. Determine Gallons Per Minute (G.P.M)

G.P.H = Volume (step 1)/Number of Operation Hours 

For example, assume the volume is 20,000 gallons, and you want the pump to operate for 8 hours a day. 

G.P.H = 20,000 / 8

G.P.H = 2,500

You need to convert Gallons per hour (G.P.H) to G.P.M by dividing that figure by 60 minutes. 

G.P.M = 2,500/60

G.P.M = 41.66 

3. Measure Total Dynamic Head (T.D.H) or Average Feet of Head

It is a number that shows you how much resistance the pump might face when circulating the water. Add the length of all suction lines up to the pump and then divide by their total number to know the average feet per head.  

For example, assume 3 suction lines are measuring 20, 60, and 10 feet. 

T.D.H = (20 + 60 + 10)/3

T.D.H = 30 

4. Choose Your Pool Pump

 Now you can head online or to the store and look for a pump that can handle 41.66 G.P.M and T.D.H of 30. Shortlist three or four pumps that match these figures.

5. Oversize the Pump

Always ensure that you oversize the pump you wish to buy. For instance, in our case, we can go for a 50 G.P.M product.  

6. Consider Other Features 

Always consider other things like waterfalls, spas, solar heater, fountains, and cleaning systems. Also, note that a 1½-inch pipe can handle a flow rate of 60 G.P.M or less – choose a pump that can match the installed plumbing lines.  

Frequently Asked Questions

The below section looks at the frequently asked questions about inground pool pumps.

Q: What Size Pump for Inground Pool?

A: Pool owners might tell you that the bigger the pool pump, the better, and that might be true. However, you might incur an unnecessary cost when buying a system that is more than what your pool requires.

The general rule is to choose a pump that can circulate all the water within eight hours.   

Q: How to Drain an Inground Pool without a Pump?

A: You can drain your inground pool by using a submersible pump and hose. If the pool is on high ground, you can submerge the hose to the bottom and siphon the other end. 

However, that might not work for most inground pools and that when you need to connect the submersible pump to the hose and then drain it. 

• Connect the hose and the pump
• Submerse the pump to the bottom 
• Monitor the draining process
• Shut it off when you are done 
• Open the hydraulic pressure relief valve 

Q: Inground Pool Losing Water When Pump is Off?

A: That could mean there is a pressure-side leak on the return side. You can seek professional help to seal the hole.

In Conclusion  

All the pumps in our review can do a great job of circulating the water to keep your pool in good condition. You can choose the best inground pool pump for your facility among them.

The critical thing to remember is that you should go for a durable product that provides enough power. Good luck shopping!