Variable speed pool pumps are becoming increasingly popular among salt pool owners due to their energy efficiency, cost savings, and advanced technology. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best variable speed pool pump for your swimming pool.
When it comes to finding the best variable speed pool pump, Discount Salt Pool has you covered. With a wide selection of models for all types of pools, including the best saltwater pool pumps, top-of-the-line variable speed pumps, and highly energy-efficient models, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your specific needs. Plus, if you're looking to reduce your use of traditional chemicals, Discount Salt Pool can assist you in finding the best chlorine alternative for your pool.
Content Table:
- 1. What Makes Variable Speed Pumps The Best Pool Pumps
- 2. Tips on Choosing the Best
- The Best Budget Pool Pump
- The Best For Inground Pools
- The Best For Above Ground Pools
- The Best For A Small Pool
- The Best For A Large Pool
- The Best Energy Efficient Pool Pump
- The Best-Rated Overall
- 3. FAQ
- 4. Best Pool Pumps Comparison
What Makes Variable Speed Pumps The Best Pool Pumps
Most experts agree that variable speed pool pumps are the best for saltwater pool systems, and quite frankly, the best pool pumps overall. These models, offering the newest technology, have several advantages over traditional single-speed pumps, including improved energy efficiency and cost savings.
Unlike single-speed pumps, which operate at a fixed speed and consume a constant amount of energy, variable speed pumps can adjust their motor speed to match the specific needs of a pool at any given time. This means that they can operate at a lower speed when less water flow is required, reducing energy consumption and cost. A study from the U.S. Department of Energy showed that variable speed pumps can save pool owners over 80% on their energy bills compared to traditional pumps.
Tips on Choosing the Best Variable Speed Pump for Your Swimming Pool
Choosing the right variable speed pool pump can make a significant impact on your pool's energy consumption and overall performance. However, with so many options available, it's essential to consider factors such as pool size, usage, pump features, and budget. The following sections provide recommendations and broad overviews of the best variable speed pumps for various scenarios. After reading through these recommendations, if you’re ready to purchase a variable speed pool pump, you’ll be well prepared to consult with a pool professional who will further help you in choosing the best variable speed pump for your specific needs.
The Best Variable Speed Pumps From Discount Salt Pool
In this section, we will provide an in-depth review of several of the best variable speed pool pumps available from Discount Salt Pool. Our review will cover the key features and specifications of each pump, along with their price ranges, to help pool owners make an informed decision. By choosing the best variable speed pump for your pool, you can enjoy significant energy savings and prolong the lifespan of your pool's filtration system.
We'll take a closer look at some of the best pool pumps for above ground and inground pools alike, including models from popular brands like Hayward, Pentair, and more. Read on to learn more about the best variable speed pool pumps and which might be the right one for you!
The Best Budget Pool Pump
The CircuPool SmartFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.5 THP is an excellent choice for a wide range of inground pools. It is energy efficient and easy to install, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run. This Energy Star rated pump has a high-performance permanent magnet motor that can deliver up to 1.7 THP of power. It has an easy-to-use programmable controller; its built-in programming provides a schedule that can work in many common applications, or you can quickly set up a custom schedule that allows you to adjust the speed and flow rate to your liking. It has four available schedule modes that allow you to set the pump motor’s speed & duration, as well as a “quick-clean” mode that allows you to easily override the schedule for activities like vacuuming. The SmartFlo also has built-in freeze protection and customizable priming mode. Its premium features give you the flexibility to save even more money on energy costs, without being hard to use or setup.
The Best Pool Pump For Average Inground Pools
The Speck Badu Pro-V 2.70 HP Variable Speed pump is an excellent choice for an inground pool. Speck boasts that every pump is performance-tested before leaving the factory, and that its pump components are so durable that it can run dry for up to an hour! The flagship pump model from Speck, the Badu Pro-V is very energy efficient and Energy Star rated. This pump has a high-performance motor and a permanent magnet that can deliver up to 2.7 THP of power, making it an ideal fit for most common backyard pools. Its clear lid has a built-in LED light, making it easy to check the strainer basket for debris. Its programmable controller that allows you to adjust the speed in order to optimize your flowrate throughout its schedule daily runtime.
The Best Pool Pump For Above Ground Pools
The Speck Model A91 Variable Speed Pump is the best choice for an above ground pool. This pump is designed to be a great energy-efficient solution for both small and large above-ground pools, keeping the price of an above-ground pump while providing the self-priming capability and efficiency of an in-ground pump. It has a dual voltage high-performance motor that delivers up to 1.1 THP of power, which has three adjustable power levels; levels can be set to range from 50 watts (1000 RPM) to 1000 watts (3500 RPM) in increments of 10 watts.
The Best Pool Pump For A Smaller Saltwater Pool
The Waterco Infinium Eco V-165 Variable Speed Pump is one of the best choices of pool pumps for small pools. Its compact size allows it to be a drop-in replacement for Hayward Super Pumps and Pentair SuperFlo Pumps. The Infinium pump series incorporates innovative hydraulic engineering that has been refined by Waterco for over 40 years. Thick walled body parts and a heavy duty TEFC motor make this a very energy-efficient, rugged, and tested design. Additionally, this pool pump is easy to install and operate, with a user-friendly digital control panel that allows for programmed pump speeds / duration as well as an override feature.
The Best Pool Pump For A Large Saltwater Pool
The CircuPool SmartFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump 30 THP is designed to handle the high water-flow demands of larger in-ground pools. With a powerful 3.0 THP motor, it is capable of moving large volumes of water quickly and efficiently. Its premium permanent magnet motor offers higher efficiency than many other large variable speed pump models, making it a great choice for pool owners looking to save energy and reduce their overall pool operating costs. The SmartFlo technology allows the pump to operate at lower speeds when the water flow requirements are lower, reducing energy consumption and saving money in the long run. This SmartFlo pump has four available schedule modes that allow you to set the pump motor’s speed and duration, as well as a “quick-clean” mode that allows you to temporarily interrupt the schedule for activities like vacuuming. The SmartFlo also has built-in freeze protection and customizable priming mode. Its premium features give you the flexibility to save even more money on energy costs, without being hard to use or setup. The high-performance and energy-saving features make this pump an excellent choice for those with larger pools who need a reliable and efficient pool pump.
The Best Energy Efficient Pool Pump
The Hayward TriStar VS Pump is one of the most energy-efficient pool pumps on the market. The W3SP3202VSP 110V model offers an Energy Star rated 12.9 WEF (weighted efficiency rating) offering leading efficiency, especially for a pump this size. This pump is designed to save you money on your energy bill while still delivering excellent performance. It has a variable speed motor that allows you to adjust the flow rate to your liking, and it has a permanent magnet that delivers up to 1.85 THP of power. It is also easy to install and operate, and it has a built-in timer that can help you save even more money on energy costs.
The Best-Rated Variable Speed Pool Pump Overall
The Pentair IntelliFlo VS Variable Speed Pump 3.95 THP is one of the best variable speed pool pumps overall with the IntelliFlo series boasting the top global sales in variable speed pumps. It has a powerful motor that delivers up to 3.95 THP of power, which is ideal for larger pools. It has Energy Star rate efficiency, and it has a variable speed motor that allows you to maintain a flow rate optimal which is for your pool’s needs and energy budgeting. It is easy to install and operate, and it has multiple schedule modes that can help you save even more money on energy costs.
Common Questions You Might Have While Looking For The Best Variable Speed Pool Pump
What is The Best Pool Pump?
There are several things to keep in mind choosing the best pool pump for your needs.
First and foremost, you'll want to consider the size of your pool and the required flow rate needed to keep it clean and clear.
Another important factor is the type of pool you have, whether it's an above ground or inground pool.
You'll also want to think about the unit’s power and speed settings, as well as its energy efficiency and quiet operation.
A variable speed pool pump is often the best choice for energy efficiency and cost savings. Other important factors to consider include the brand and model of the pump, its warranty, reliability, and the availability of replacement parts and accessories.
What is The Best Pool Pump For Inground Pool? And What is The Best Above Ground Pool Pump?
When comparing the best pool pump for an above ground pool versus an inground pool, there are several factors to consider.
One thing to look at is the size of the pool, as above ground pools are generally smaller than inground pools. The flow rate required to keep an above ground pool clean and clear is typically lower than that of an inground pool, so a smaller and less powerful unit may be sufficient.
Another important factor to consider is the pump's compatibility with the pool's filtration system. Above ground pools often have simpler filtration systems than inground pools, so a simpler and less powerful pump may be appropriate. Inground pools may require a more powerful pump with higher flow rates to ensure proper filtration and water circulation.
Lastly, you’ll need to see whether the pool pump is self-priming or not. Self-priming variable speed pool pumps have the ability to remove air from the plumbing system and prime themselves, while non-self-priming pumps require the pool water level to be above the pump to function properly. The self-priming option is generally more convenient, but non-self-priming pumps can be more affordable and suitable for specific pool configurations. For above ground pools, which tend to be smaller, self-priming is not as important, but when looking at pumps for inground pools it’s a function worth considering.
How Do I Find the Best Energy-Efficient Pool Pump?
To choose the best energy-efficient pool pump, you'll want to look for a unit with a high weighted energy factor (WEF), which is the energy efficiency rating system for pool pumps. Looking for an Energy Star-certified pump is a great place to start.
Variable speed pool pumps are typically the best energy-efficient pool pumps, as they allow you to adjust the speed and flow rate to match the needs of your pool. Look for a unit with a programmable speed setting to further optimize energy savings.
You'll also want to consider the size and type of your pool, as larger pools may require a more powerful unit even if it's rated as less energy efficient. A smaller pool pump will end up having to work twice as hard to circulate the water, reducing its energy efficiency and lifespan.
Lastly, consider the overall quality and reliability, as a unit that needs frequent repairs or replacements may negate any energy savings.
What Technology Makes a Variable Speed Pool Pump the Best Overall for Swimming Pools?
Variable speed pool pumps are best for both saltwater and non-saltwater pools because they use a permanent magnet motor and advanced electronics to provide the most energy-efficient and customizable options for pool owners. These pumps can adjust their speed and flow rate to match the needs of your pool, resulting in significant energy savings and cost reductions.
Another reason they are the best is that variable speed pumps can operate at low speeds for everyday pool maintenance and at higher speeds for tasks such as pool cleaning or waterfalls. Some units even have programmable speed settings to further optimize energy savings.
The Hayward Tristar and Pentair pool pumps are among the most popular and highly rated– the best variable speed pumps on the market. In addition to energy efficiency, these newer models offer quiet operation and increased durability, making them an excellent choice for any pool owner looking to save on energy costs.
What is The Best Variable Speed Pool Pump?
Choosing the best variable speed pool pump for a saltwater pool system involves several factors.
First, make sure the unit is specifically designed to handle saltwater. Consider the size of your pool and the unit’s overall horsepower, as a larger pool will require a more powerful pump. Also, look for models with a high flow rate and adjustable speed settings, as these can help to optimize water flow and reduce energy costs and look for models with programmable speeds, as this can help you customize the machine’s operation to match your pool's needs.
Finally, for the best variable speed pool pump for a saltwater pool system, you’ll want to look for saltwater pool pumps that offer quiet operation and are made of durable materials. Some of the best variable speed pool pumps for saltwater pools include the Hayward Tristar, Pentair SuperFlo, and Jandy Pro Series.
Be sure to consult with a pool professional if you have any questions or concerns about selecting the right model for your saltwater pool system.
Do I Need a Special Pump for a Saltwater Pool?
Not necessarily, but it is best to choose a pool pump that is designed to work with saltwater pools to ensure optimal performance and longevity, as these pumps are made with materials that can withstand the electrical effects of saltwater. As with regular pool pumps, the appropriate pump will depend on factors such as pool size, plumbing configuration, and desired flow rate.
While it is a common myth that salt water is more corrosive than traditional chlorine, this is not true. The reality is that saltwater can cause an electrical issue that can lead to corrosion if the pool equipment is not designed to handle it. Saltwater pool pumps are specifically designed to withstand the electrical effects of saltwater, which can cause accelerated corrosion on the motor and other components.
Keep Reading
If you want to dive a little deeper into ways you can make your pool more efficient while decreasing maintenance costs and your overall time investment, check out a few of these resources:
- The 5 Must-Have Upgrades for Your Pool System
- Taking Your Pool Water to the Next Level
- Just What Exactly is a Salt Pool?
Best Pool Pumps, Recapped
When it comes to finding the best pool pump, Discount Salt Pool has you covered. With a wide selection of models for all types of pools, including the best variable speed pumps and energy-efficient models, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your specific needs.
In addition to the best pool pumps, we also carry a range of products to help you maintain and improve your pool, including salt chlorinators, and filters. Plus, if you're looking to reduce your use of traditional chemicals, Discount Salt Pool can assist you in finding the best chlorine alternative for your pool. So whether you're in need of a new pool pump or looking to upgrade your entire pool system, Discount Salt Pool has everything you need to use the latest technology to keep your pool in top condition and to maximize convenience and reliability.
