Best Above Ground Pool Pump Reviews To Buy In 2024
Posted in Water Pumps
March 20, 2024
Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
- 1000 GPH FR, 110-120V
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump
- 2100 GPH FR, 110-120V with GFCI
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump
- 2500 GPH FR, 110-120V with GFCI
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Harris ProForce Above Ground Pool Pump
- 1.5 HP / 115V
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Blue Wave Maxi Replacement Pump
- 1.5 HP
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Buying Guide for the Best Above Ground Pool Pump
If you are the owner of an above ground pool, you will need a pool pump, no questions asked. Without a pool pump, your pool will be dirty, be left in bad shape, and will not look or feel clean at all.
The pool pump is commonly known as the “heart” of the circulation system in a swimming pool. It draws water from the pool through the skimmer and drain, then draws it into the filter, and then return the water to the pool area, keeping the pool clean and safe for recreational use. The pump consists of a motor, an impeller, and a trap that traps lint and hair.
Not sure where to begin when buying an above ground pool pump?
We reviewed five of the best pool pumps on the market today. We analyzed their strengths and weaknesses to help you compare and determine which pool pump is best for your pool.
Top 5 Above Ground Pool Pump Comparison Chart
1. Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump (1000 GPH Flow Rate)
In-Depth Review
This first pool pump courtesy of Intex comes in a plastic, grey shell. The maximum pool size for this pump is 6,000 gallons, and its peak flow rate is 1,000 gallons per hour. The smallest size pool that you can use with this pump is one that is 4000 gallons. This system is just for above-ground pools.
You can easily install this pump just by attaching the hoses, although partial assembly is required. The pump is double insulated so that it can last a long time and keep giving satisfying results time and time again.
This pump comes with an automatic timer that can flush water every two or 12 hours. Also included is a sediment flush valve and an air release valve for air, trapped inside the filter chamber.
The cartridge inside is removable and easy to clean. The cartridge is what manages the filter inside of the pool’s pump. Rinsing the cartridge out occasionally ensures a long life for this pump by Intex.
While the specs of this pool pump are phenomenal, it does not keep up pressure constantly for some reason. At the start, the pump works like a well-oiled machine, but then it does not keep this performance up soon after. We are not sure what they problem was, but this is concerning to us.
Features
- Double insulated pump
- Easy to use - simply replace the old cartridge with a new one every two weeks,
- The number on the actual item seen in the image is 637R, is the component part number that corresponds to the individual part for the system and this does not pertain to the model # 56637EG
- Air release valve for air trapped inside filter chamber
- Suitable for Intex pools up to 6,000 gal with 1.25in (32mm) diameter hose fitting
- Works with 15-feet Easy Set, 15-feet Metal Frame, or 18-feet by 10-feet Oval Frame pools. the hoses are 1-1/4 so if you need 1-1/2 you need an adapter
Top Uses
- Above Ground Residential Pools
- Medium Size Pool Performance
Pros
- Works with large pools
- Pump is easy to clean
- Has an air release valve
- Has strong insulation
- Includes an automatic timer
Cons
- Can't operate the pump for more than 8 hours per day
- Cartridge costs
2. Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump (2100 GPH Flow Rate)
In-Depth Review
This second above-ground pool pump from Intex is a very affordable model. It is a 2,100-gallon-per-hour pump that can go with pools that are up to 8,400 gallons in size or pools that are 15-18 feet in diameter. Like the previous pool pump, this pool pump is designed specifically for above-ground pools.This pool pump is simple to install. Partial assembly is required, but you just need to essentially connect hoses in the right places in order to get it working.This pool pump is easy to clean with a removable cartridge. You will need to constantly replace the cartridge every two weeks to ensure that your pool is always clean.
This pool pump also includes an air release valve so that air does not stay trapped inside the filter chamber. This pump too has a sediment flush valve.The impeller shafts inside this pool pump break sooner rather than later. The impeller is very important in a pool pump, but unfortunately, you cannot repair or replace these impellers, you instead need to buy a whole new pump to get a working pump, and that is not the solution any pool owners wants to resort to.
Features
- All natural sand provides excellent water filtration as the 6-function control valve allows the pool owner to: filter, backwash and rinse, recirculate, drain and close the system
- Built in 24-hour timer adds to the hassle-free experience with maintaining a cleaner pool
- Strainer basket provides easy-cleaning, and prolongs the life of the sand
- The Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump generates a pump flow rate of 2,100 gallons per hour, ideal for above ground pools 16' to 24'
- Pump requires virtually no maintenance except replacement of sand every 5 years
- Pump Flow Rate: 2,100 gph (7.9 m3/hr). System Flow Rate: 1,600 gph (6.0 m3/hr) ; Age Grading:adult
- Includes: 6-way Valve. Pressure Gauge. Heavy Duty Tank. Strainer Basket. Built-in Timer. Powerful Motor
Top Uses
- Above Ground Pools
- Medium to Long Term Pump Running Time
Pros
- Isn't too expensive
- Easy to clean
- Has an air-release valve
Cons
- Impellers break easily
3. Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump (2500 GPH Flow Rate)
In-Depth Review
This pool pump works at nearly 2,500 gallons per hour, for pools as large as 66 feet in diameter. This is ideal for public and municipal pools. No matter if you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, this pump is sure to work well.
This pool pump is a breeze to install with parts that are straightforward and simple. Installation to operation typically takes place in a little bit under an hour for us.
This is a relatively quiet pool pump that is close to inaudible. If this pump overheats, it will shut off. This is not a good sign when it shuts off unexpectedly, and they should have worked to mitigate cooling so that it can continue to work throughout the day. This pump has a lot of potential, but is bogged down with some quality control errors.
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Features
- FILTER PUMP: The Intex Krystal Clear filter pump with Hydro Aeration Technology improves circulation and filtration, improves water clarity, and increased negative ions in the water
- Pump runs on 110-120V and weighs 24.2 pounds
- COMPATIBLE: The Intex pump is compatible with pools up to 15,200 gallons with 1.25-inch diameter hose fittings.
- Easy-to-clean and replaceable 29000E Type B filter is included
- Pump is double insulated and has a sediment flush and air release valves
- Built-in ground fault circuit, interpreter and strainer basket included on pump prolongs the life of the pump and is easy to clean
- Features an automatic timer with preset 2 to 12-hour cycles
- Features a pump capacity of 2,500 GPH and system flow rate of 1,900 GPH, ideal for above ground pools and the heavy-duty tank is made of durable plastic.
- Set includes 2 1.25-inch hoses, 1 29005E type B filter cartridge, 1 inlet strainer, and 1 output strainer
- Pump meets UL/CSA standards
Pros
- Works with large pools.
- Comes with 2 horsepower.
- Pump is easy to clean.
- Works with above ground and in-ground pools.
- Is a quiet pump.
Top Uses
- Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Large Above Ground Pools
Cons
- This pump can overheat and shut off unexpectedly.
4. Harris ProForce Above Ground Pool Pump
In-Depth Review
This Harris ProForce pool pump has one and a half horsepower to it. With this in mind, it is able to provide circulation for pools that are 40 feet in diameter, which is pretty large. There are not many above-ground pools that are that large, but that goes to show how well this pool pump can work with yours. This also is a quiet pool pump. You might not be able to hear it during a noisy pool party, but you can be assured that it will work and do its tasks efficiently.
This pump also is durable, with its motor shaft being made of stainless steel. The shell is made of a thermoplastic body, ensuring a long life for your pool pump as a whole. This is also a pump that is fairly easy to clean and maintain. The basket will hold large quantities of debris so you will only need to clean it sporadically. The strainer also has a clear cover so that you can look inside without having to take the lid off. The one fault that this ProForce pump has is that there is no switch to turn it on or off. You turn it on by connecting it to a power source, and you turn it off by disconnecting it. Having a switch would have been standard and highly convenient, as this was something you should expect with every professional pool supply manufacturer.
Features
- Stainless steel 1.5 HP motor shaft is constructed with a reinforced thermoplastic body for longer life and durability
- Advanced engineering provides high efficiency and minimal noise
- Meets or exceeds all CSA and ETL requirements
- 115 volts. 1.5 inch internal threading and 2.5 inch external threading and comes with standard three-prong plug connection on a 3 foot cord
Top Uses
- Above Ground Pools in Residential Area
- Large Swimming Pools
Pros
- Pump is easy to clean
- Comes with 1.5 horsepower
- Is a quiet pump
- Works with large pools
- Is made of durable materials
Cons
- There is no professional way to turn this pump on and off
5. Blue Wave Maxi Replacement Pump
In-Depth Review
This next pool pump is brought to us by Blue Wave. This is a pump with 1.5 horsepower that is exclusive to above-ground pools. One unique feature about this pool pump is that it can be installed vertically or horizontally so that there is no right or wrong way to set it up. The gallons per hour on this pool pump by Blue Wave is 4500, which is an impressive number.
This pool pump is durable, coming with a sturdy polymer construction that is resilient against corrosion and rust. This guarantees that your pump will get years of use before you will need to buy another. This is also a pool pump that is fairly easy to watch over and maintain.
This pump is easy to clean and can prime itself. Like the previous pump, this one has a clear lid so you can easily see how much debris has been collected into its filter basket.
The sound you get from this pool pump is relatively quiet. If you ever hear any sounds from this pool pump, they will certainly sound pleasing and professional.
The one takeaway from Blue Wave’s above-ground pool pump is that it does not always self-prime. When it works, it will pump through lots of water, but when it doesn’t, you are certainly going to feel overwhelmed. We would appreciate it if this feature worked all the time and not some of the time.
Features
- Durable polymer construction that resists corrosion
- Same quality as Hayward, Sta-Rite and Pentair
- Self-priming pump
- Clear lid allows for easy cleaning
- Dual port design for either vertical or horizontal discharge; fits most filter systems
- 110 volt AC with 6-ft cord. Materials: Polyethylene, Plastic
- Not legal for sale in California
Top Uses
- Quiet Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Medium to Large Pool Pump Running Time
Pros
- Pump is easy to clean
- 1.5 horsepower
- Quiet pump
- Works with large pools
- Can prime itself
Cons
- Self Primer doesn’t always engage properly
How To Choose The Best Above Ground Pool Pump
Pools come in many shapes, sizes and types. So these factors will determine which pool pump you need.
Pool Size
Firstly, you should figure which class of size your pool falls into. The size of your filter greatly relates to the size of your pool. A small pool will typically warrant a small filter. A large pool will definitely warrant a large filter. You can buy a large filter for a small pool, but it is not necessary. You should not get a small filter for a large pool.
Filter Type
Secondly, determine the filter type that you prefer. There are cartridge filters and sand filters. Each has their own share of benefits as well as detriments. Sand filters last a long time and don’t require constant replacements. Cartridge filters are inexpensive, but they do require replacements every week or two, depending on how often you need your pool cleaned.
Cleaner Type
Finally, understand which type of cleaner that you will be using. There are three types of pool cleaners: robotic cleaners, suction sides, and pressure sides. They all do a good job at cleaning a pool, but all work in a different way.
Final Verdict
The Intex Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump is our #1 Top Pick, but you have to pay for cartridges.
We also really like the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools. This sand-powered pool pump takes away the pain of having to replace cartridges every couple weeks.
It is a sound investment for any pool owner that uses a pool regularly. This is a sturdy pump that has a valve with multiple different actions, you can command it to do what you need to without waiting or wishful thinking, which is another reason why this pool pump is worth the money.
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