Best Submersible Pump – The Ultimate Buyers Guide
Posted in Water Pumps
March 9, 2024
Superior Pump 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Utility Pump
- 1800 GPH
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
CWKJ Durable 25W Outdoor Fountain Water Pump with 6.5ft Power Cord
- 400 GPH
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Simple Deluxe Submersible Pump with 15' Cord
- 1056 GPH
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
KEDSUM Ultra Quiet Water Pump with 11.3ft High Lift
- 880 GPH
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
WAYNE WWB WaterBUG 1/6 HP 1350 GPH Submersible Pump
- 1350 GPH
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Buying Guide for the Best Submersible Pump
Whether you’re running a fountain, an aquarium, or hydroponics, you need a high-quality submersible water pump to keep everything flowing. Without this crucial piece of hardware, you won’t have any water flow.
These pumps will make your life a lot easier, and they will ensure that you can enjoy your fountain or aquarium for a long time. Let’s see what they have to offer.
What is a Submersible Pump?
When it comes to any type of water pump, the action is simple - you’re moving water from one place to another, either with suction or a motor pushing the water through the system. A submersible pump operates the same way; however, it can be submerged in the water it’s moving.
The primary benefit of a submersible pump is that you have much more flexibility in where you can place it. Also, it can be a lot smaller and more accessible because you don’t need a massive motor. Since it’s in the water it’s moving, it works with much more efficiency than a dry pump.
Submersible pumps come in a variety of sizes to work in different conditions. Smaller units are perfect for aquariums and ponds, while larger ones can either work as a sump pump for a septic tank or to remove standing water from a particular location (i.e., after a flood).
Top 6 Best Submersible Pumps in 2024
1. Superior Pump 1/4 HP Thermoplastic Utility Pump
In-Depth Review
When picking out a submersible pump, the first thing to do is determine what you’ll be using it. In this case, we have a highly robust model from Superior Pump, which can be utilized for many different applications.
I love the Superior brand due to its fantastic customer service and customer reviews. Their pumps are strong enough to remove water from a flood, drain a pool, or operate as a sump pump. No matter what your needs are, this unit is sure to meet them.
The first thing that I noticed when I opened the box was that this pump is well-built. It comes with a corrosion-proof thermoplastic housing so the motor doesn’t wear down after multiple uses. Speaking of the motor, it’s a split-capacitor unit and thermally protected so that it won’t burn out, even while running for hours on end.
When it comes to moving water, this pump can do it better than most. It has a flow rate of 30 gallons per minute, so whether you’re pumping a flooded basement or a swimming pool, you can get the job done much faster than expected. It also has a vertical lift of 25 feet, so don’t worry about putting it too low from where you’re dumping the water.
Regarding reliability, you can connect a garden hose to the pump so that you don’t have to buy a separate tube for draining. It has clog-resistant intakes so that you won’t have to worry about the motor getting bogged down with any debris.
Overall, this is an incredibly versatile submersible pump.
Features
- 1/4 HP Utility pump moves up to 1,800 gallons per hour
- The pump will lift water up to 25' of vertical height
- Tough thermoplastic construction
- 10' cord length
- 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge for high-capacity pumping
- Includes 3/4 inch garden hose adapter
- The removable suction screen handles up to 1/8 inch solids
- Superior Pumps are Built to Last
- Engineered with quality components
- 100% factory tested
Top Uses
- Drain Pool
- Emergency Sump Pump
- Remove Water from Flooded Basement
- Transfer Outdoor Bodies of Water
Pros
- Powerful ¼ HP motor
- Other motor sizes available
- Continuous operation
- Durable plastic housing
- Thermally protected for longevity
- Split capacitor motor
- 25-foot vertical lift
- Large discharge port for faster pumping
- Garden hose adapter for convenience
- Optional float switch allows sump pumping
- 30 GPM flow rate
- Versatile operation fits almost anywhere
- Clog-resistant suction
- 10-foot waterproof power cord
- Draws water down to ⅛ inches
- Corrosion-proof materials
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Too strong for smaller applications
2. CWKJ Durable 25W Outdoor Fountain Water Pump with 6.5ft Power Cord
In-Depth Review
Although having a high-powered submersible pump is great for some applications, it can be too much if all you’re trying to do is power a fountain or aerate your aquarium water. In those situations, you will want something a lot smaller, like this fountain water pump. This unit is perfectly suited for any tank application you may have, whether it’s powering a fountain or keeping your fish happy.
One notable feature of this pump is that it comes with a water flow adjustment knob. This way you can get just the right amount of flow for whatever you’re doing. That being said, the maximum flow rate is 400 gallons per hour, making it a viable option for some high-efficiency operations as well.
The motor on this unit is small but effective. It can have a vertical lift of about seven feet, and it’s made of corrosion resistant stainless steel components so that it won’t corrode or break down too quickly. It’s also energy-efficient so that you don’t have to run a hefty utility bill because you have the pump running for too long.
My favorite feature while reviewing this pump was how quiet it is. Anyone who's owned an aquarium knows what I'm talking about.
Features
- The ultra-quiet operation will let you feel the sounds of the water pouring out of your fountain.
- This submersible water pump can create a water current, ideal for a medium-sized aquarium, small pond, water garden, and desktop water fountains.
- An adjustment knob allows you to set the amount of water pressure you need.
- 3 optional nozzles are included to create different views, each with its own unique design.
- Compact design is easy to hide & disguise.
- Includes a reasonably long power cord that is heavy-duty.
- This pump is easy to install and it has 4 strong rubber suction cups at the bottom for mounting to glass.
- The fountain pump's manual disassembly designed shell allow you to clean the pump input port and filter/impeller easily.
- Simply plug in power for quick water draining.
Top Uses
- Aquarium
- Fish Tank
- Water Fountain
- Tabletop Fountains
- Waterfall
- Garden Statuary
- Patio Drip Irrigation System
- Hydroponic Systems
Pros
- Powerful 25-watt motor
- Flow rate of 400 gallons per hour
- Flow adjustment knob for convenience
- Vertical lift of 6.56ft/2m
- Components won’t corrode
- Suction cups to attach to almost any surface
- 6.5 foot power cord for convenience
- 3 nozzles included
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- The flow rate may not meant for heavy-duty use
- May have trouble pushing water vertically in some cases
3. Simple Deluxe Submersible Pump with 15' Cord
In-Depth Review
This model from Simple Deluxe is one of the highest-powered pumps that I've reviewed, even though it is designed for smaller applications.
When it comes to a pond, fountain, or aquarium, you want a submersible pump that is reliable and up to the challenge. You also want a product that is safe for fish with no exposed copper or wires.
The motor on this model is incredible, as it uses non-corrosive materials like thermoplastic and aluminum oxide ceramics. It will hold up day after day without breaking down or shutting off. You can use it continuously, and the motor will keep on chugging.
The polished aluminum oxide ceramic impeller shaft insures long pump life because it is non-corrodible and more than 3 times as hard as stainless steel.
Because it’s designed for environments that may not have pure water, it comes with a filter inside to help keep debris from clogging the internal mechanisms.
Epoxy resin encasement of key internal motor components prevents unwanted conductivity and corrosion of metal parts.
Also, this pump has several threaded hose fittings so that you can find the right fit with no worries.
This pump is so easy to clean, no tools are required to disassemble and clean the filter or impeller.
If you need a powerful, compact, submersible pump, this is a great choice and it has a fantastic price point.
Features
- Safe for fish
- Durable quality
- Pre-filter included
- Waterproof electric power cord
- 3 size threaded nozzles. (83 inch, 1.06 inch, 1.34 inch)
- Cleaning is a breeze
Top Uses
- Aquarium
- Fish Tank
- Water Fountain
- Circulate and Aerate Water
- Spout Systems
- Hydroponic Systems
Pros
- Rugged plastic housing
- Max flow rate of 1056 GPH
- Max lift height 12 feet
- Filter system prevents clogs
- Aluminum oxide ceramic impeller
- Corrosion-proof materials
- Multiple nozzles
- Threaded fittings won’t break easily
- Adjustable flow rate for convenience
Cons
- For some uses, you may have to clean it frequently
4. KEDSUM Ultra Quiet Water Pump with 11.3ft High Lift
In-Depth Review
When it comes to smaller submersible pumps, Kedsum is one of the better brands out there. In this case, we’re looking at a high-powered offering that can push a lot of water through in a short period.
With a flow rate of 880 gallons per hour, this pump can work well in tiny aquariums or outdoor ponds with ease. It also has an adjustable flow knob so that you don’t move more water than is necessary.
A thing to note here is that the rotor is made of hard polyacetal material, which pumps water faster and more efficiently.
This pump has a ceramic shaft, which is more wear-resistant, high-temperature-resistant, and quieter than steel shaft models. It comes equipped with one more steel shaft, in case you need a quick replacement shaft.
For installation, the size of this pump makes it very easy to hide or disguise and it is made of epoxy resin, with no seals or messy oil. The suction cup mounting feet can be used for either vertical or horizontal mounting.
My favorite quality about Kedsum Pumps is that they are quiet. Some alternative models can be quite loud and can even interrupt your sleep.
Another thing we like about Kedsum is that it works in fresh and saltwater conditions. So, if you have a pond or an aquarium with saltwater, you don’t have to worry about it destroying the internal components, control box or motor.
On top of all that, this water pump is very easy to detach to clean.
Features
- Powerful Speed Flow due to a
- Ultra Quiet
- Perfect size
- 3 Outlet Adapters for Any Power Source
- Detachable and Cleanable
Top Uses
- Aquarium
- Fish Tank
- Water Fountain
- Circulate and Aerate Water
- Spout Systems
- Hydroponic Systems
Pros
- Powerful 100-watt motor
- Max flow rate of 880 gallons per hour
- Other speeds available
- Max lift of 13 feet
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Suction cups are perfect for aquariums
- Three hose adapters for various applications
- Works with salt or fresh water
- Easy to clean system
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Must be fully submerged to work
- In rare cases, the unit may emit small static charges
5. WAYNE WWB WaterBUG 1/6 HP 1350 GPH Submersible Pump
In-Depth Review
Next, we have another high-powered submersible pump that will work for larger applications, such as draining a pool. This model is great for many high-performance needs, making it a versatile and reliable choice for most people. It has a high horsepower motor, and it’s made of corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring that it’s built to last.
The flow rate of this pump is 1350 gallons per hour, which is perfect for draining a flooded basement or moving water from an outdoor pool. The motor is lubricated with oil, however, so make sure that you don’t need clean, uncontaminated water when pumping.
Overall, this is a decent pump that’s small enough to fit almost anywhere. It can make short work of any water that you have, and it will stay in excellent condition for a long time.
Features
- 1350 gallons per hour
- Top discharge is perfect for tight spaces and side discharge is ideal for easy water removal from flat open surfaces
- Brass discharge outlets that fit any standard garden hose
Top Uses
- Drain Pool
- Emergency Sump Pump
- Remove Water from Flooded Basement
- Transfer Outdoor Bodies of Water
Pros
- Rugged thermoplastic housing
- Powerful horsepower motor
- Garden hose adapter for convenience
- Plug and play operation
- Max flow rate of 1350 GPH
- Lightweight and very safe model
Cons
- No automatic shutoff
- In rare cases, the motor may burn out if not hooked up properly
6. Red Lion Premium Cast Iron Shallow Well Jet Pump
In-Depth Review
This Red Lion pump isn't your typical submersible pump, but it can be used for similar uses. We had to add it to the list because it was made by Red Lion, a global leader in the industry. Their innovative product portfolio is supported by unparalleled service to provide you with current solutions to your water pumping challenges.
This shallow well jet pump is built for clean drinking water. All components of the pump that come in contact with your water are NSF/ANSI 372 certified verifying it is safe for potable water.
We tested this pump with one sprinkler running continuously. This pump ran the sprinkler for 50 seconds to fill the water pressure tank and shut down for 2 minutes before starting again. It's able to keep up with and stay ahead of the sprinkler's needs.
I'm especially impressed with how quiet this pump is. I'm also really happy with the extra water plugs for the pump housing, the pressure gauge, and the very detailed instructions it comes with.
Features
- Versatile
- Powerful
- Quiet
Top Uses
- Shallow Wells
- Water Fountain
- Hydroponic Systems
Pros
- 115 / 230 Volts
- 12.6 GPM
- 1/2 HP
- Built for Clean Water
- Max Pressure 65 PSI at 5-Ft. Lift
- Max Head 150 Ft. at 5-Ft. Lift
- Great Instructions Included
- Industry Leading Customer Service
Cons
- High priced model
How to Choose the Right Submersible Pump
Flow Rate
Because your goal with a pump is to move water through the system, you want something powerful enough to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Thus, you want to pay attention to the flow rate to ensure that you’re on the right track. When looking at pumps, the flow rate can either be listed as gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per hour (GPH). The former is usually shown for high-powered pumps that can drain pools or flooded areas, while the latter is great for smaller applications, like hydroponics or aquariums. Another thing to look out for is an adjustable flow rate. Many times the pump will only be able to operate at one speed, which can be too fast for some situations. Having an adjustable system will enable you to get just enough power without going overboard.
Size
Because we’re looking at submersible pumps, that means that you will likely be putting them in the areas that need pumping. As such, you want to pay attention to the size of the unit itself, as well as the dimensions of the intake and discharge valves. In some cases, you may need to feed a hose into the water, while other times you want to avoid clogging the motor with debris. Smaller intakes won’t get clogged, but they may not flow as quickly as larger ones.
Vertical Lift
In most cases, you won’t be able to discharge water at the same level from which you’re pumping. Unless you’re operating a pond or an aquarium where the water is staying in one place, lift will become an issue. The vertical lift dictates how far the water will travel upwards - it’s a direct reflection on the power of the motor. The more lift you have, the stronger the pump. Usually, smaller units will have about 6-10 feet of lift, while more massive ones can go up to 30 feet. Think about the area in which you will deploy the pump before getting one with more lift.
Who Needs a Submersible Pump?
We’ve been talking about various uses for these devices already, but here are a few different situations where a submersible pump can come in handy.
- Aquariums
- Ponds
- Fountains
- Flooded rooms/basements
- Pools
- Septic tank
If any of these applications sound good to you, then you will want to buy a corresponding submersible pump to ensure that you can make the most of your water usage. Although it can be tempting to get a unit that’s more powerful than what you need, consider the fact that it may move too much water at once, as well as drive up your energy costs.
Final Verdict
Due to the fact submersible pumps are designed for different purposes, we want to provide you with our top pick for both small and large applications.
For aquariums, ponds, and fountains, we highly recommend either Kedsum Pump, as they are extra reliable and easy to use. They deploy in minutes and won’t break down quickly.
For pools, flooded areas, or septic tanks, you can’t go wrong with the Superior Pump. It has an incredible motor, and it’s built to last, even with continuous operation. No matter how much water you have to move, this is the pump that’s going to get the job done.
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[…] submersible pump is placed below the surface of the water to draw water from a well or other water source. Some […]
[…] submersible pump is placed below the surface of the water to draw water from a well or other water source. Some […]