According to the chart for 50 Feet of Head (closest to 47'), we need a pump between 3/4 HP (31 GPM) and 1 HP (50 GPM). Since we always go for the higher GPM, we would select the 1 HP pump.
Their filters are user-friendly and reliable. They clean well and overall are very well designed. If you ever have to make a decision from a price perspective, then hands down Hayward is the better choice. However, I personally prefer Pentair products because they have a nicer design and are easier to use.
Our Top Quiet Pool Pumps
- Pentair 342001 Variable Speed Pool Pump. Best Overall.
- Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High-Performance Pool Pump. Most Quiet.
- Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump.
- Pentair WhisperFlo Standard Motor Up-Rated Pump.
- Blue Wave NE6183 Tidal Wave 2-speed Replacement Pump.
To get that figure, divide the GPH by 60 to calculate how many gallons per minute (GPM) need to be pumped for full turnover. Once you have all the numbers, you can find the size of pump that will accommodate the GPM required for your pool and turn over the pool's water in one eight-hour period.
New motors can cost from $100 - $500, and labor fees are usually lower as well, closer to $150 to replace just the motor if everything else is in good shape. Keep in mind that if your pump is oversized for your pool it can cause the motor to wear out faster, as well as resulting in higher energy bills.
The main difference between inground and aboveground pool pumps is that inground pumps are “self-priming”, and aboveground pumps are not. This refers to the ability of the pump to lift water vertically, since most inground pumps are located above water level, and most aboveground pumps are situated below water level.
You cannot replace a 1.0 full rated motor with a 1.0 uprated motor. However, you can replace your 1.0 Full rated motor with a 1.5 HP uprated motor. This is because they both will have the same total horsepower.
The Best Pool Filter
- Best overall: Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump.
- Best cartridge pool filter: Intex 28635EG Krystal.
- Best pool sand filter: SUNCOO Pro 2450GPH Sand Filter Pump.
- Best D.E pool filter: Hayward Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Filter.
- Best inground pool filter system: Hayward S270T Pro Series 27″
Harris products are cost-effective compared to most well-known models, and they give an excellent performance. With that said, there are dozens of Harris pool pumps on the market today, making it hard to know the ideal unit.
The number 1 benefit of a Variable Speed Pool Pump is energy savings. The savings come from the “Variable” portion of the VS Pump. By lowering the RPMs, the pool pump will consume less energy. If you have a water feature you can create even more savings by using a VS Pump to control your water feature as well.
The 5 Best Pool Heaters of 2020
- Best Overall: Hayward HeatPro at Amazon.
- Best Budget: SmartPool SunHeater Solar Heating System at Amazon.
- Best for Above Ground Pools: Hayward H-Series Propane Pool Heater at Poolsupply4less.com.
- Best Electric: Ecosmart US SMART POOL Tankless Pool Heater at Amazon.
- Best Heat Pump:
How to Prime a Pool Pump
- Turn the Multiport Valve to Recirculate. This will direct the water into the filter head, and then right back out to the pool.
- Remove Pool Plugs.
- Fill The Pump With Water.
- Turn the Pump On.
In-ground pool pumps are commonly 'self-priming', which means that they can create enough suction to lift water vertically, as much as ten (10) feet in most cases. However, when pumps are more than a few feet above the pool water level, it can become easy to develop pool priming issues.
What you're looking for is a pump that will be able to pump all the water in your pool through the filter in no more than 8-10 hours. This typically looks likes 40 GPM (gallons per minute) for smaller pools and 80 GPM for larger pools.
Best Pool Pump Brands
| Hayward Model | Price Range | Multiple Speed Settings |
|---|
| SP3400VSP Ecostar | $880 to $1,255 | Yes |
| SP2302VSP Max-Flo | $655 to $973 | Yes |
| SP2610X15 Super Pump | $365 to $470 | No |
It's not uncommon for a 1.5 horsepower pump to use 1500 – 2000 watts. This is unfortunate, because most pools only need 1/4 to 1/8th horsepower for circulation. Higher power may be needed for tasks like vacuuming the pool.
If you hear a loud grinding sound, it's usually a sign that the bearings are getting worn down. The bearings are the part of the machine that keep the motor running. Your pump could be leaking water, or the bearings might need to be replaced instead of the entire motor.
