Top 7 Things to Consider when buying the best pool pump

Your pool pump is likely the single most important piece of equipment you'll buy for your pool. Why? Because it will determine the rate of water circulation in your pool and water circulation is crucial for a healthy pool and ensuring pool equipment longevity. There are a variety of factors to consider when buying the best pool pump for your pool. 

1. Pool Size

An important consideration is the size of your pool in litres, that is how many litres of water is in your swimming pool. This is because you'll need to calculate your pool's flow rate per hour labelled as lpm (litres per minute) in order to check whether the pool pump is compatible with your pool size. 

Calculate your pool in litres, to find the best size pump for your pool. 

2. Power

A common misconception in the pool world, is the higher the horsepower, the better. You'll want to choose a pump that is powerful enough to clean your pool and circulate the water in your pool. But it's important to first check the maximum flow rate of your filter. If you exceed this maximum flow rate with a pump too powerful, you'll run into irreversible and expensive problems with your pool equipment. The flow rate should display like below: 

Source: AstralPool.com

3. Speed

Pool pumps that can run at different speeds ( look for dual, multi or variable speed pumps) consume much less electricity than their one-speed pump counterparts, making them less expensive and more energy-efficient. 

Dual, multi and variable-speed pumps can be sped up when more power is needed but can also run at a slower speed for filtering. 

Here are the most popular combinations for pool pumps and pool filters: 

Source: poolexpress.com.au/-sp-175.html

4. Noise

Another thing to consider is the output noise of your pump. Purchase a pool pump that is quiet to run so you can run it during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper without being a hindrance to neighbours. Either look into customer reviews or read the description and specs of the pool pump on the website to find a less noisy option. 

5. Energy Rating

New energy performance standards and mandatory labelling regulations will apply to pool pumps in 2022.Though at present, the energy rating of many modern pool pumps and brands that participate in the Voluntary Energy Rating Labelling Program on the Energy Rating website can be found here. 

6. Convenience

You might not know about pool pump timers, or you might think that all pool pumps come with a timer, but not all pool pumps are accompanied by this component. Pool controllers, or pool pump timers, are crucial devices if you want to keep your pool clean at lower electricity costs and save yourself the hassle of manually switching your system on and off every day. Some pumps might actually turn off when it overheat as a safety precaution, but without a timer, your pump will continue to run until this point and heftily chip into your electricity bill.  

7. Affordability

After you do your research, you'll find that some pool pumps are much more affordable than others, and you might lean into the upfront savings of a more affordable pump. Buying the incorrect size pump or a pump with less durability will cost you significantly more in the long run. 

Dual, multi and variable speed pumps are generally more expensive but more durable, water-efficient and energy-efficient, offering greater long-term savings in your pool maintenance. 

Take a look at the variety of pool pumps available to find the best pool pump for your pool.