The best pool pumps in the UK 2023

The pump is the heart of a pool's circulation system. It removes debris from the water and keeps the chemicals well mixed for a comfortable swim. If, like 2 million English people, you own a pool, don't overlook the pump. With variable speed or not, many models that suit all types of pools exist, this guide will help you choose the most suitable for your needs.

This pump is a very good alternative to Hayward pumps. It has very high hydraulic performance: it is equipped with a Pentek motor, which has been proven to have good ventilation and silent operation. It is reliable and robust thanks to the quality of the materials with which it is made: its parts are molded in high resistance resin and it is equipped with improved mechanical seals for long and reliable performance. Finally, it has a high resistance to corrosion and is compatible with salt water up to a content of 4 g/L.

Espa Silver 22 M 2
9/10

Best value for money

Espa Silver 22 M

Thebest entry-level pool pump

The Espa Silver 22 M pool pump is a self-priming single-stage centrifugal pump with built-in pre-filter. It is compatible with all pools treated with chlorine.

263 £ on Manomano
Hayward Super Pump VSTD SP2616VSTD 3
9/10

Best value for money

Hayward Super Pump VSTD SP2616VSTD

The best high-end pool pump

With its 1.5 HP single-phase motor and quiet operation due to low-speed filtration, this pump is the best option on this list.

679 £ on Manomano
Kripsol KS 150 M 4
9/10

Alternative

Kripsol KS 150 M

A great alternative

Robust, reliable and highly efficient, the Kripsol KS 150 M is a pool pump that is perfectly suited to chlorine-treated sea water and fresh water.

228 £ on Manomano

The KS 150M is one of the most elaborate self-priming pool pumps ever designed by the Kripsol brand. It is true that the power of this pump is only 0.75 HP, but still expect great performance from it. Apart from its amazing prowess, this pool pump is also very robust. This device owes its amazing strength to the materials with which it was made. While the pump's body is made of composite materials combined with fiberglass, its noryl impeller is made of AISI 303 stainless steel. As for its mechanical seal, it is made of AISI 316 stainless steel. It is these quality materials that allow it to work with water heavily loaded with chlorine.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best pool pump

Any specific needs?

The best pool pump in 2021

Thebest entry-level pool pump

The best high-end pool pump

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best pool pumps

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE ALTERNATIVE
Pentair Ultra Flow Plus P-UFL-073 5
8/10
Espa Silver 22 M 6
9/10
Hayward Super Pump VSTD SP2616VSTD 7
9/10
Kripsol KS 150 M 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Pentair Ultra Flow Plus P-UFL-073
Espa Silver 22 M
Hayward Super Pump VSTD SP2616VSTD
Kripsol KS 150 M
This self-priming pump has a power of 0.75 HP for a flow rate of 22 m3/h, it is also equipped with a three-phase power supply.
The Espa Silver 22 M pool pump is a self-priming single-stage centrifugal pump with built-in pre-filter. It is compatible with all pools treated with chlorine.
With its 1.5 HP single-phase motor and quiet operation due to low-speed filtration, this pump is the best option on this list.
Robust, reliable and highly efficient, the Kripsol KS 150 M is a pool pump that is perfectly suited to chlorine-treated sea water and fresh water.
Flow rate
22 m3/h
22 m3/h
18 m3/h
16 m3/h
Power
0.75 HP
1.5 HP
1.5 HP
0.75 HP
Suction diameter
63 mm
63 mm
63 mm
63 mm
Discharge diameter
63 mm
50 mm
Low noise level
63 mm
Particularity
Corrosion resistant and salt water compatible
Self-priming
Saltwater compatibility

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Buying guide - pool pump

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How to choose your pool pump

You may know what type of pool pump you want, but before you make your decision, make sure you choose one with the right features for your needs.

#1 - Pump for in-ground pool or not?

You can find pumps for in-ground or above-ground pools. Although they are usually interchangeable, remember to check which one is more suitable for your pool.

#2 - The power

The more powerful your pool pump is, the faster it can draw in water, so you can run it less often and for shorter periods. But it also depends on the size of your filter and filtration system pipes. A pump that is too powerful can overwhelm a small filter. But if your system uses 3-inch pipes, you can install a three-horsepower pump, which will run faster.

#3 - The motor voltage

Before you buy your pump, first try to determine if it can be wired into your electrical system or require an outlet to plug in. You'll also need to determine whether the pump operates on 110 volts or 220 volts. Most above ground pools require a 110 volt pump. But you'll need to determine what voltage you're working with if you have an in-ground pool.

#4 - The electric consumption

Check

the power consumption of the pump you want to buy, opt for a pump that doesn't use a lot of power. Take into consideration the fact that your pump could run up to 12h/d during the good seasons, this could greatly increase your electricity bill.

#5 - The noise level

Make sure that the pump is not too noisy and that it will not bother you in the long run.

The bigger the pump, the better?

Much has been said about the size of the pool pump. Some say that the bigger the pump, the more efficient it will be. It's high time to debunk this misconception. It is not entirely true that the larger the pump, the better the water circulation. On the other hand, it can be more expensive than choosing the right size pump. Also, if the pump is too big, it could end up damaging the filter if it is smaller.

Secondly, it is important to determine if it is a saltwater pool. It is recommended that saltwater pools have two complete turnaround cycles in one day. If you follow this rule, you don't have to buy a large pump to make the circulation system work.

Don't neglect maintenance

Pool water can quickly become cloudy and hazardous to your health if it is not cleaned regularly and properly. The pump is the heart of your pool. It is the heart of your pool. It is used to draw water from the pool, which passes through a filter, before returning to the pool when it is clean. To keep your pool water healthy, you must maintain the pump regularly:

  • Making sure it is always lubricated, even in the off-season. Also, make sure your bearings are lubricated at all times to prevent the engine from overheating. This can cause critical failure of the entire system.
  • Making sure all seals are working properly, and that there are no leaks to prevent bearing failure and external damage.
  • Keeping the pump protected from the elements. Choose a material that is resistant to rust and rot. Also, choose a pump with a lockable hatch to keep it safe from the curiosity of your children and pets.

Beware of priming

Even if your pump has a self-priming feature, it may need to be primed initially. Remember to fill the water intake before the first start, do not let the water level fall below the skimmer opening. If the pump has no water to draw from the skimmer, it will draw air instead and lose its priming, leading to dry running. Dry running can damage the motor shaft seal, and it will prevent water from entering the motor.

The different types of pool pumps

There are mainly three types of pool pumps on the market.

Single speed pumps

Single speed pumps are the basic model of pool pumps on the market. Single speed refers to the fact that the motor turns the impeller at a single speed based on the motor's power.

Advantages:

  • Affordable: this type of pool pump is quite affordable, it is the cheapest option in terms of initial purchase price.
  • Easy to use and maintain: Using and maintaining them is a relatively simple process. Once they are plugged in and connected to the pool, they can be turned on and off.
  • Fairly durable: the typical life expectancy of a single speed pump varies, but we can say on average that these pumps last 3-10 years before they start to have problems.

Disadvantages:

  • Cannot adjust speed: this means that this type of pump will always run at high speed and full time.
  • Energy Consuming: Because they will always run at high speed, single speed pumps use a lot of energy and may not be the best choice when you need to reduce power maintenance costs. Depending on the size of your pool and the area you live in, this could cost up to $1000 per year per swimming season.
  • Noisy: This type of pump operates at a constant speed and can therefore be quite noisy, compared to a variable speed pump that can be set to low to medium speed.

Who is it for?

This type of pump will suit you if you only trust products that have already proven their quality and durability over time. These are their main assets. Single speed pumps will be less suitable for you on the other hand if you are looking for pumps that are energy efficient.

Variable speed pump

A variable speed pool pump uses a permanent magnet motor, the type used in electric cars. A magnet motor creates less friction than an induction motor.

Advantages:

  • More efficient: Less motor friction means higher efficiency, especially in terms of energy.
  • More economical: Variable speed pumps also use less energy and deliver water faster.
  • Quieter: They also operate at lower revolutions per minute (RPM) than single-speed pumps, so they are quieter.
  • Programmable: Variable speed pumps can be fully programmed to run at any time of day, at different speeds as well.

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive: These pumps are more expensive than single-speed pumps up front, and rightly so. In the long run, they will save you a lot of money, both in maintenance and in energy consumption.

Who is it for?

This type of pump is suitable if your budget allows you to acquire a pump that is energy efficient, practical due to its functionality and durable due to the quality of its manufacture. These are the most efficient pumps on the market, their main drawback being their purchase price.

Should the pool pump run continuously?

Experts recommend that the pool water be filtered every 24 hours. However, this depends on how often the pool is used. You do not need to run the pool pump continuously.

Why buy a pool pump?

Huge energy savings

Studies by the Department of Energy have shown that pool pumps are one of the biggest energy consumers in the home. Saving energy is good for the environment, but it's also good for your wallet! Variable speed pumps save money and energy because the motor runs at lower speeds, requiring fewer amps and watts. Compared to a single speed pump, you can save 50-80% simply by running the pump longer each day, but at lower speeds.

Ultra quiet operation

The permanent magnet motor in a variable speed pump operates at lower speeds, which makes less noise. You may have trouble hearing a pump or when it's running at lower speeds. Even when operating at higher speeds, VS pumps are much quieter than a standard pump. Due to a difference in motor design, variable speed pumps produce 25% fewer decibels, about 40-50 dB, compared to 60-70 dB for standard pool pumps, all other things being equal.

Optimal flow for specific tasks

Variable speed pool pumps give you the flexibility to find the best speed for filtering, heating, cleaning or operating spas and water features. With standard pool pump motors, you have only one speed (3450 rpm) for all of your pool's functions and features. One of the biggest advantages of variable speed pumps is that you can "dial in" the correct speed for a variety of needs.

Better water filtration

Water is better filtered at lower speeds. It is easier for the filter media to trap and hold small particles when the flow rate is reduced.

Advanced control systems

Pool pumps include an on-board computer that replaces the old mechanical clock, allowing you to easily navigate the menus to program pump speed and operating hours.

The best brands of pool pumps

In our opinion, the best brands of pool pumps in 2022 are :

Hayward
Pentair
ESPA
Desjoyaux
AstralPool –

Hayward is an American brand founded in 1925 and has specialized in pool equipment since its inception. This brand has done a lot of work in the innovation, development and democratization of the pool industry. We value this brand for its philosophy of innovation, excellence and the value of being close to its customers.

This other American brand was created in 1966 in Minnesota. The brand has diversified greatly since its inception: starting with the manufacture of plastic canoes; then computer software, before specializing in water distribution and the manufacture of pool pumps and other tools. The brand's philosophy is to solve real problems with smarter technology, which makes it a reliable brand.

ESPA is a company that has specialized in the design, production, distribution and innovation of pumps, systems and water management equipment for the domestic and residential sector since 1962. The brand enjoys international recognition and is particularly appreciated for its constant innovations, services, product quality and proximity to its customers.

This French brand has been around since 1966, created by the family of the same name who has always been committed to producing only locally. The fact that it produces locally means that it has control over the whole process. It is a brand you can trust, as this control guarantees a consistent and impeccable level of quality.

This Australian brand has been around for 40 years, specializing in "complete pool solutions", and prides itself on being at the forefront of research and development in the field. Its products are industry-proven and approved by the industry's top builders, retailers and service technicians.

Tips

Monitor the water level.

If the water level in your pool is above the skimmers, the skimmers will stop doing their job. Bugs and debris floating on the surface will not be drawn into the skimmer baskets and the water will not be cleaned. If the water level is not lowered, it will eventually create an unsafe swimming environment.

Don't let air get into the pump.

You

could damage your pump if you let it pump air. Keep the water at the right level: one-third to one-half the height of the pool's skimmer openings. If it's too low and air is being sucked into your pump through the skimmers, you'll soon have to start looking for a new pump for your pool.

Protect your pool from freezing.

Keep in

mind that when water freezes, its size increases by 9%, which can cause the filter housing to break and cause cracks. To avoid this, it's essential to keep your pump running during the colder months, keeping the water moving to prevent freezing. If you can't run the pump, be sure to remove the pump drain plugs, filter plugs, electrolyzer, etc.

Empty and clean your baskets regularly.

Whether

skimmer baskets or filter baskets, they should be emptied regularly. Baskets clogged with debris will restrict water flow and put a strain on your pump, wearing it out if the problem is not corrected.

Use the right size pump.

If

a pump is too large for the water supply or pipe size, your system will be starved of water. If your pump is too small for the rest of the system, it will struggle against resistive pressure. In either case, the pump and motor will not be able to do their job. This will cause the pump to fail.

FAQ

What are the elements that contribute to the energy efficiency of a pool pump?

A pool pump can be one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. Second only to your heating and cooling system. Many factors contribute to an energy efficient pool pump, such as:

  • The size of the pool pump in relation to the size of your pool
  • The flow rate
  • Pool pump technology (single speed or variable speed)

Why should I choose a variable speed pool pump?

Most variable-speed pool pumpshave electronic controls that allow the pump to run at a user-defined speed. Typically, they have three to eight speeds pre-programmed for various tasks, such as routine pool filtration or water feature operation. Because of their advanced technology, these pool pumps help save energy by operating at the right speed, at the right time.

My pool pump is humming and won't start. What can I do? How do I solve a low flow pool pump problem?

If your pool pumpwon't start and you hear a humming sound, check your impeller for debris. If debris starts to build up, it can block the impeller and disable the pump. To check the impeller, turn off the power to the pump and remove the screws in the middle of the pump housing. Once the screws are removed, remove the housing assembly and remove the impeller seal, remove all debris and reassemble the impeller.

If the pump flow has dropped, you will want to make sure nothing is blocking the flow of the pump or filter. First, check your filter gauge. If you exceed 10 psi above the manufacturer's specified clean reading, you will need to clean the filter to reduce the pressure and reset the flow to the pool pump.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to choose your pool pump?, irrijardin.fr
  2. Choosing your filtration pump: 2 more criteria, sa-piscine.com
  3. How to choose your pool pump? Our tips and tricks, prix-pose.com
  4. How a pool pump works, guide-piscine.fr
  5. What is the purpose of a pool pump?, alliancepiscines.com
  6. Pool maintenance: the benefits of a pool pump, blog.provence-outillage.fr
  7. Pool pump maintenance, spareka.fr
  8. Frequent breakdowns of a pool pump, goflipr.com
  9. The Best Pool Pumps of Every Speed, poolresearch.com
  10. How to Select the Best Pool Pump, swimuniversity.com
  11. Pool pump - Large choice of pool pump...., pompes-direct.com
  12. Pool pump at the best price | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  13. Pool pumps: motors and silent pumps from ..., hayward.fr
  14. Amazon.co.uk | Pool pumps, amazon.co.uk
  15. Pool pump cheap - Above ground filtration pumps ..., cash-piscines.com
  16. Pool filtration pump at the best price, mypiscine.com
  17. What pump for a natural pool? - Guide-Piscine.fr, guide-piscine.fr
  18. Meilleures Pompes Piscines 2021 - Test et Comparatif, futura-sciences.com
  19. Pool Filtration Pump - Irrijardin, irrijardin.fr
  20. Pool Filtration Pump : Hayward, Pentair, Intex et ..., piscineco.fr
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  22. Pool Pump : Great Choice of Filtration Pumps at mini price, piscine-clic.com
  23. Amazon., amazon.co.uk
  24. Pool Pump : How to Choose the Right Filtration Pump for your Pool, piscineinfoservice.com
  25. Pool Pump and Filter - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  26. Pool Pump : quality models and big brands, azialo.com
  27. Pool Filtration Pumps for Above Ground Pools | Cash Piscines, cash-piscines.com
  28. Pool Pump for Pool - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  29. Pool Pump cheap - Buy / Sell pool pumps - ..., piscineshop.com
  30. Pool Pump for Pool - ManoMano, manomano.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Pentair Ultra Flow Plus P-UFL-073 9
Pentair Ultra Flow Plus P-UFL-073
Espa Silver 22 M 10
Espa Silver 22 M
Hayward Super Pump VSTD SP2616VSTD 11
Hayward Super Pump VSTD SP2616VSTD
Kripsol KS 150 M 12
Kripsol KS 150 M

Lecteurs

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