10 Best Cheap Above Ground Pool Pump to Buy in 2020

Spring is already here, and summer is fast approaching. It means homeowners with swimming pools or those planning to invest in one are getting all systems primed and set for the first day. Opening your swimming pool should be a stress-free and highly anticipated event for the whole family. Assuming took all necessary precautions to ready your pool for winter, which includes protecting your above ground pool pump, the inaugural day should be without setbacks. But that’s not the case annually.

The pump is at the heart of your swimming pool’s circulations. It’s the reason you need the best pool pump for the kind of pool at your place. The pool pump has the most important job in your pool equipment. If it is not working correctly or completely dysfunctional, nothing else will work. Getting the finest tools and products can sometimes cause unnecessary stress in trying to keep your pool in perfect form. The reason is that there are plenty of different brands, types, and prices in the market.

The difference between an excellent above ground pool and a terrible one is usually the kind of pump you use for cleaning. Misleading product descriptions often make it challenging to find the right model for your pool. It means you won’t get value for your money. That’s why we are providing this above ground pool pump guide. The guide will help you learn the right pump for your pool. Besides, you’ll also learn more concerning the various pool pumps available out there.

Top 10 Best Affordable Above Ground Pool Pump Reviews in 2020

Every industry has a product that stands out from the rest. Irrespective of the equipment you pick below, you can rest assured you’re getting the best value for money.

1. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump by Intex not only ensures a clean pool but also keeps the water soft and refreshing for bathing and swimming.

Key Features

• Sand filters
• 6-function control valve for filtering, backwashing, rinsing, recirculating, draining, and closing the system
• All-day built-in timer
• 3,000 GPH flow rate
• Compatible with 16-inch+ above ground pools
• 59 horsepower pump motor

2. Hayward SP1593 PowerFlo Matrix

The SP1593 PowerFlo Matrix by Hayward is the pump you’ll get if you want unmatched water circulation in your pool.

Key Features

• Industrial-size strainer basket
• Convenient conversion button from horizontal to vertical orientation
• 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Norly impeller
• Built-in drain plug
• 5 HP size
• Integrated auto thermal overload protector

3. WYNP WAPC250 Wayne Pump

The Wayne 57729 above ground pool pump provides consistent, worry-free water circulation for your pool throughout the year.

Key Features

• 3,000 GPH
• Auto On/Off technology
• Clog-free strainers
• Integrated check-in-valve
• Built-in three-quarter-inch garden hose adapter
• Provides 25-ft hose

4. SP1580X15 Hayward Power-Flo Pump

Hayward’s SP1580X15 Power-Flo pump will ensure you have the cleanest and safest above ground pool in your neighborhood.

Key Features

• Comes with six-foot power cord
• 100% drip-proof design
• Double-sized seals
• One and a half inch discharge and intake impeller
• The transparent strainer basket cover
• Anti-corrosion thermoplastic housing
• 20 Amps circuit breaker

5. 28633EG Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump

There’s no better way to keep your above ground pool water crystal clear and refreshing throughout summer than this 28633EG pump with a Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter.

Key Features

• 2500 GPH flow rate
• Sediment flush valve
• Auto timer with two preset cycles
• Replaceable filter cartridge
• Double insulation
• Air release valve
• One set of the hydro-aeration inlet fitting

6. 5 HP ProForce Harris H1572730 Pump

The ProForce H1572730 above ground pool pump from Harris is one of the low-cost models that yield outstanding performance to its users.

Key Features

• Thermoplastic coated stainless-steel shaft
• 5 HP pump size
• Two sets of 1.5-inch connectors
• Uses 115 V electricity
• Transparent strainer lid
• One-year manufacturer’s warranty

7. 1000 GPH Krystal Clear Intex Cartridge Filter Pump

This Intex cartridge filter pump will provide an easy way to keep your above ground pool looking clear and refreshing all through the months of summer.

Key Features

• Cartridge filter technology
• 1000 GPH flow rate
• Up to 6,000 gallons above ground pools
• Auto timer with two preset cycles
• Double insulation
• Maximum eight hours per day operations
• Air release valve
• One set of the hydro-aeration inlet fitting

8. SuperFlo 342001 Pentair Pool Pump

Pentair’s SuperFlo 342001 series is an easy to install pool pump for its excellent performance.

Key Features

• Variable speed technology
• Runs on 230V electricity
• Comes with no-drip technology
• 5 HP pump size
• Compatible with above ground swimming pools
• 24-hour memory real-time clock

9. 5 HP SP15932S Hayward PowerFlo Matrix

You’ll get this SP15932S PowerFlo Matrix pump by Hayward for unmatched water circulation throughout summer.

Key Features

• Dual-speed motor construction
• Compatible with above ground and in-ground swimming pools
• Industrial-class strainer basket
• Rear-mount on/off switch
• Dual-orientation performance
• Auto thermal overload protection

10. Pentair DYNII-NI-1-1/2 HP Dynamo Pump

Unlike well-known brands, this easy to install pool pump from Pentair will surprise you with its resilient performance and power.

Key Features

• Single-speed motor construction
• Comes with power cord
• Compatible with above ground pools
• Self-priming technology
• Clear filter lid
• Large-capacity strainer basket
• Strengthened fiberglass material

11. Soft-Sided Sand Filter System Pool Pump

If you’re searching for an economical pump for your above ground pool, the Soft Sided model from Sand Master will be a perfect fit.

Key Features

• Sand filter technology
• Suitable for up to 9,600-gallon pools
• 20 GPM pump
• Four levels of the multiport valve
• Twelve-inch filter tank
• Anti-corrosion filter compartment
• 42 pounds of sand filter tank capacity
• Integrated pump to strainer hose
• Works with 115V electricity

Buyer’s Guide: How To Select The Right Above Ground Pool Pump For Your Swimming Pool

Now that we have looked at some of our favorite above ground pool pump models let’s talk about what is vital to consider when shopping for pool pumps. The little machine is the most essential part of your above ground swimming pool. It keeps your water healthy by circulating it through the chlorinator and water filter. The wrong pump could turn your water green, cloudy, and nasty. In this shopping guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of choosing the perfect pump for your above ground pool.

1. Pump Performance

Flow Rate: It’s one of the first things you’ll want to verify in the specifications of a prospective above ground pool pump. The flow rate could be in Gallons Per Hour (GPH) or Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Make sure the rate of water flow matches your pool capacity.

Motor Power: After matching your pool capacity to the right flow rate, you need to make sure the motor has adequate power to operate long enough to clean your pool water. You’ll be looking for the horsepower (HP) ratings. The majority of small and medium-sized pools will use a 1.5 HP motor. However, you may need a 2.0 HP motor if your above ground pool is large with high capacity requirements.

2. Energy Consumption

After determining the kind of power you’ll need for your pool pump, the next concern should be its energy efficiency. Note that even small-sized 1.5 HP pumps can consume a substantial amount of electricity under continuous use. But you want to make sure your swimming pool bills don’t outpace your budget.

The specifications table in the product user manual should have details on power usage. You can still do more research on the internet or ask from the local pool supply shop for accurate answers.

3. Construction Materials

Don’t assume the construction material just because you are getting a well-brand. Most household names will cut back on high-end materials to offer an inexpensive alternative to their top-notch equipment. Confirm the pool pump’s specifications before purchasing to be sure it’s plastic-made to withstand impact, heat, and sunlight damages. You should particularly look for thermoplastic materials or indicate protection against pool heat and UV light.

4. Safety Features

It’s uncommon for electrical appliances not to include double or triple protection against overload or electrical malfunction. Even so, you should still cross-check for integrated safety precautions in the pool pump design. Overload breakers and surge protectors are critical features.

5. Ease of Installation

The learning curve to installing a pool pump is somewhat shallow. Nevertheless, you still want to ensure it uses the standard 1.5-inch intake and drain connections, plus the regular 3-prong power cord.

6. Filtration Type

Cartridge filters do a tremendous job of keeping your pool water clean and clear. But they are costly to replace plus they need fairly regular replacements to keep peak flow rates. Sand filters are more affordable and may only need fresh sand once yearly. You can even let the sand for as much as five years. Although most pool owners prefer swapping the sand out each season to ensure the water is as clean as possible.

How Does The Pool Pump Function?

An above-ground pool pump is the most essential component of your above ground pool system. It pulls water from your swimming pool, filters it thoroughly, before circulating it back to the pool as safe and clean for bathing and swimming.

Before we look at how the pump works, let’s first go back to history, briefly. Initially, people would use their hands to clean the pools manually. The method could only remove large particles like leaves and branches but leave behind fine debris such as sand and dust fragments.

The pool pump consists of five crucial parts, including;

• Water inlet: It allows water to flow into the pump. The inlet’s diameter determines a pump’s flow rate.
• Water outlet: It’s the opening that lets water out of the pump after the filtration process.
• The impeller: It spins to allow water to flow out of the pool pump.
• The filter: It captures fine dust and dirt particles before water leaves the pump back to the swimming pool.
• The motor: It facilitates the pumping function in the pool pump. The motor produces power that the impeller uses to force water out of the pool pump.

The five components work together to disperse water treatment chemicals widely instead of concentrating them in one place. The electric motor can use between 100 and 220 volts to give 3,450 rotations per minute. It’s advisable to watch out for excess water getting into the motor. Its exposure to the environment means it is air-cooled, and continuous water contact can cause damages.

Excessive water can enter the motor through the cooling vents under the pump’s housing. The impeller connects to the motor at the tip of the motor shaft. When the shaft rotates, it turns the impeller, which in turn circulates the water through the filter or hair trap and the lint. The lint and filter are at the end of the pool pump. The impeller forces water to come out at the pump’s top through a pipe that connects to the filter.

The small openings of the impeller can often allow debris to get through. If you notice lower than usual readings on the pressure gauge, it could mean a clogged or damaged impeller. You can disassemble the impeller to determine the problem. Assembly and disassembly of the impeller are straightforward processes.

The filter at the end of your above ground pool pump contains the hair trap and special lint. It stops most of the debris in the water from getting into the impeller assembly. There’s a basket inside the hair trap. It’s vital to check and clean this basket twice or thrice a week.

Without regular cleaning, the basket can clog and prevent water flow to the pump. It would result in loss of prime, where the motor pumps air instead of water. The loss of prime causes the motor to run faster and finally burn out.

How Long Should I Run My Above Ground Pool Pump?

Similar to when you should run your pump, two significant factors determine how long each pumping cycle should last;

• Filtration
• Chemical demand

During the months of summer, your pool’s chemical demand will be at its highest. With a higher bathing load in summer than any other season, the amounts of water fragments will increase as well. It also means higher demand for thorough filtration to remove excess particles at this time. So, the rule of thumb to decide the length of each pumping cycle is;

• For every ten degrees Fahrenheit of outside air, the pool pump should run for 90 minutes.

If your monthly pool temperature is averagely 100° F, for example, your above ground pool pump should operate for a minimum of five hours a day for the whole month. However, you need to be careful when following this rule since there’s no precise monthly temperature prediction.

Pool experts recommend running the pump between four and five hours daily, during winter months. On the other hand, the recommendation for the hottest summer months is twelve hours a day. Additionally, your regional temperatures will determine the pumping cycle lengths for spring and fall.

Regardless, it’s always smart to divide your day into multiple cycles of at least four hours each. The reason being four hours is the minimum time it will take for all the pool water to go through the filter at least once. Besides, it’s the advisable interval period between chemical addiction and the next pool use.

With the above information, it is clear why you need to invest in the finest above-ground pool pump for your pool. You’ll want to make sure the pump not only lasts through operating hard times but also extended periods in the busy hot summers.

Like other equipment and products for the above ground pool, finding the best pump can quickly get discouraging. You are looking for durability and quality, as well as getting the most value for your funds. How can you accomplish this with tons of products on the market today?

In this above ground pool pump reviews, we hope to lay all your worries aside and lead you to the exact pump for your pool’s needs. You’ll find the best equipment for investing your money and getting your pool up and running.

When Is The Best Time To Run The Pump?

Two factors will decide when to run your pump;

• Chemical demand
• Cost of energy

Chlorine is a chemical that treats pool water. The sun’s UV rays remove chlorine from water. Therefore, your pool water needs the highest levels of chlorine during the day. Most methods of water chlorination need the pump to run. It means that daytime is the best time to run your pump. But there’s a caveat to that.

The cost of electricity is more during the day than at nighttime. So, to decide the best schedule for operating the pump, you must weigh the two factors. The best approach would be to run your pump from morning to evening. This schedule is most appropriate for a pool owner who’s electricity tariffs don’t fluctuate throughout the day.

Alternatively, you can operate the above ground pool pump at night to prevent high utility bills. To do this, however, be sure to add enough amounts of chlorine to the water to sustain the pool’s daylight needs until 3.00 pm or beyond. You should take the utmost caution during afternoon hours because it’s when the sun’s ultraviolet light is strongest.

Tips For Setting Up Your Above Ground Pool Pump

Setting up your above ground pool pump should be a simple and straightforward process if you follow the instructions that came with your equipment. In most case scenarios, you’ll need to;

1. Put down some concrete slabs or paving stones and make sure they are level before you place the pump. It’s vital to get a level base to prevent issues arising with your filter because of uneven ground.
2. Connect the stand 1.5-inch hoses to the inlet and outlet ports
3. Confirm that you’ve closed all filter basket systems and snug hose seals before you plug in the system.
4. Connect your pump to the power outlet while it is off.
5. Turn on the power switch and allow the equipment to run for some time to be sure it’s functioning correctly.
6. Consider buying an aftermarket timer to turn the pump on and off using set intervals, if it doesn’t come with a built-in timer. Doing so will ensure you maintain clean pool water while keeping energy use at a minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best above ground pool pump?

The best above ground pool pump is often a matter of personal choice. However, we recommend the Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump from Intex for the best value. It packs more than adequate power for cleaning the majority of small and medium-sized pools effectively. It doesn’t need a separate system to maintain the quality of pool water, and it uses a cost-effective, natural sand filter.

How does an above ground pool pump work?

An above-ground pool pump uses the motor to circulate water from the pool to the filter and chlorinator, and back to the pool. The cycle helps to keep your pool water clean, clear, and safe throughout its usage.

Should the above ground pool pump run all the time?

Your pool pump shouldn’t run all the time. However, the filtration and chemical demand will decide how often to run the pool pump. In periods of high pool usage such as during summer, there’ll be more need for filtration because of higher debris in the water. Similarly, the hot sun at that time will remove chlorine from water, which will necessitate higher rates of chlorination. Both processes can only happen when the pump is operating.

How much does it cost per month to run a pool pump?

The monthly cost of running a pool pump will depend on the frequency of use and whether it’s during the day or night time. In most areas, electricity costs more during the daytime. So, it should be costlier to use your pump from sunrise to sunset than vice versa.

Recommended For You:

• Pentair 342001 Variable Speed Pool Pump Review
• Hayward SP3400VSP Ecostar Variable Speed Pool Pump Review
• Review of Hayward SP2607X10 Super Pool Pump
• Hayward H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater

The Bottom Line

There are tons of above ground pool pump options in the market. But the Krystal Clear pump from Intex with a sand filter will give you the best value for money. The pool pump is powerful enough to deal with the majority of above-ground medium-size swimming pools efficiently. You won’t require an isolated system to clean your water. Furthermore, its natural sand filter is easy to maintain and cost-effective. The pool pump has a transparent lid making it easy to check and empty the filter basket. Its greater energy efficiency in comparison to products with a similar price-point makes it the first choice when looking for a replacement or to install a new pool.