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Swimming Pool Pumps: The Ultimate Guide in 2024

An above-ground swimming pool pump beside a brick wall

People buy swimming pool pumps to keep their pools in tip-top shape because nobody wants to take a dip in a dirty pool.

These pumps work magic by circulating the water, removing gunk, and replenishing it with fresh, clean water. But, like any other product, there are some factors to mull over before businesses start stocking up on these pool pumps.

Luckily, businesses can explore this article for some great tips on picking the right swimming pool pumps and the top types to go for in 2024.

Table of Contents
What are swimming pool pumps and why do consumers need them?
What are the different types of swimming pool pumps?
Things to look out for when choosing swimming pool pumps
Rounding up

What are swimming pool pumps and why do consumers need them?

A white swimming pool pump in the middle of plants

Consumers running a swimming pool without a pump is a useless venture. Why? Because swimming pool pumps are the heart of any pool. A standard pool pump comprises the following parts that perform different functions in a pool. 

Here’s a breakdown of the various parts:

  • The motor: generates power for water pumping
  • Housing: the container that houses all the components of the pool pump
  • Strainer: separates liquids from dirt and debris
  • The impeller: the driving force of the pump
  • Diffuser: works with the impeller to control the water pressure of the pump
  • Gasket: prevents water leakage 

Consumers need swimming pool pumps because they help filter, circulate, clean, and distribute chemicals in a pool. Without it, any pool would be bacteria-infested, dirt-ridden, and unsafe overall.

Another reason consumers need swimming pool pumps is because they help keep their pool looking great while maintaining the perfect temperature, no matter the season.

Google Ads data says pool pumps wrapped up September 2023 with a solid 74,005 searches and kicked off October with 49,500 queries.

What are the different types of swimming pool pumps?

Single-speed pool pumps

A small black single-speed pool pump

Single-speed pool pumps have been around for a long time. They are generally popular amongst consumers who own or live in residential areas. The single-speed pump is high-powered and operates constantly (normally 3,250 RPM).

Single-speed pumps are more affordable in the pool pump market because of their heavy-duty functioning motor. But they are also popular for their high reliability. 

Though the single-speed pool pump is praised for being budget-friendly, it is not the cheapest to run long-term. In addition, this pool pump may also be noisy as the motors generate loud sounds that may displease anyone in proximity.

Dual-speed pool pumps

A medium-sized blue dual-speed pool pump

Unlike their single-speed cousins, dual-speed pumps do exactly what their name implies, offering two speed options: full and low. 

For hotter climates where swimming pools are always in high demand, dual-speed pumps are the perfect option, as they help lower cleaning and filtration costs. Interestingly, setting the pool at low speed will keep things flowing 24/7, saving consumers the additional expenses of backwashing, debris filtration, and pool vacuuming.

However, consumers can also quicken the process with the full-speed mode. Although it’s not the best mode to use 24/7, it’s suitable for initial filling and filtration before switching to low-speed mode for the rest of the day.

Although the dual-speed pump‘s low-speed option boasts many benefits, it may affect the pool heater efficiency and prevent chlorine generators from working properly.

Variable-speed pool pumps

A small black variable speed pool pump

Variable speed pumps are the most expensive type of swimming pool pumps available. They use a permanent magnetic motor, which consumers can set at any RPM to keep water flowing at a healthy and affordable rate.

The variable speed pump is easy to install and has an advanced automated system that users can use anywhere and anytime. It offers a remote operation, making it easy to control and adjust the pump without the user’s presence.

Another feature consumers love about variable-speed pumps is their easy customization. Beyond setting the speed, these pumps are compatible with all pool types despite their different RPM requirements. 

In the long run, the variable speed pump saves costs as consumers can keep them running 24/7 at a stable voltage. In addition, variable speed pumps are durable, with a system featuring a built-in unit for cooling, noise reduction, and friction damage prevention.

Things to look out for when choosing swimming pool pumps

The pool pump’s sizing

A large-sized swimming pool pump by a brick wall

When choosing a swimming pool pump, consider its size. Remember that pools vary, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. 

If the pump is too small, there will be inadequate water circulation, chemical imbalance, strain, and possible damage to the equipment. But if the pump is too big, water circulation would be excessive, leading to faster damage rates and increased maintenance costs.

Consumers will often shop for pool pumps based on the size of their pool and its capacity. So be sure to indicate if the pool pump offered can handle small above-ground pools or the larger in-ground variants.

Voltage

When choosing pool pumps, remember to factor in the voltage. Pools come in all shapes and sizes, meaning their pumps will require different voltage options to operate at their best. But the most common options are 115V and 230V.

Typically, smaller above-ground pool pumps run on 115V, whereas the larger in-ground variants call for 230V to do the job right. In addition, most variable speed pumps work with 230V, although there might be some 110V options available.

However, it’s necessary to check their performance ratings, as motors designed for higher voltages often deliver significantly higher efficiency.

Horsepower

A silver pool pump motor responsible for generating horsepower

Another key factor to remember is the pool pump’s horsepower. Usually, it depends on the size of the consumer’s pool and the volume of water it holds. In a nutshell, the bigger the pool, the more horsepower the pump should pack.

Pool pumps with insufficient horsepower won’t circulate the water efficiently. But if it’s overly powerful, it can waste energy, leading to higher utility costs. So, the right balance is essential for consumers.

Horsepower generally goes hand in hand with the pump’s capacity to achieve specific flow rates, with higher horsepower ratings resulting in higher flow rates. Remember, larger pools, which require more water circulation, usually rely on pumps with higher horsepower.

Horsepower (HP)Pool type Flow rate (gallons per minute)Pool volume (gallons)
0.5 to 1.5 HPSmaller above-ground pools (no extra features or equipment)Approximately 60 to 90 GPMUp to 10,000 gallons
1.5 to 2.5 HP Small to medium inground pools (standard equipment like waterfalls or fountains)Approximately 60 to 90 GPM10,000 to 20,000 gallons
2.5 to 4 HPLarge-inground pools (multiple pool features and equipment)Approximately 90 to 120 GPM.20,000 to 40,000 gallons

Note: Variable speed pumps are exceptions to these average numbers, as consumers can adjust everything about them to fit their pool’s specific requirements.

In-ground or above-ground pumps

Lastly, businesses must determine if consumers have an above or below-ground pool. Above-ground pool pumps are tailored for smaller, portable pools, while in-ground pumps are meant for larger, permanent pools.

Typically, above-ground pool pumps are more compact and less potent than their in-ground counterparts. Their design often has fittings that consumers can connect to smaller-diameter pipes or hoses, like the required pool pump.

Rounding up

Selecting the right swimming pool pump for consumers needs consideration of more factors than size. Businesses must also consider their target consumer’s voltage, pool flow rate, and required horsepower before stocking up on pool pumps.

Thankfully, this article simplifies everything for businesses by breaking down each consideration. Regardless of the type chosen, a crystal-clear pool for consumers is the main goal.

So, don’t miss out on this investment opportunity—stock up on swimming pool pumps and make the best offers for more sales in 2024.

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