Quiet Pool Pump Choices of 2020
If you know how noisy a pool pump can be, you know how important it is to look for a quiet one. While there are ways to reduce the amount of noise a pool pump makes, you probably should just buy a quiet one to start with. While you do want one that is silent, you also don’t want a weak one.
If you are currently experiencing a lot of noise with the pump that you own. Consider checking it over thoroughly. Check for any loose parts or screws that could be coming undone and make sure the motor sites on a solid platform. If everything looks ok you can always fix anti-vibration pads to the device to make it snugger and therefore completely eliminate the noise with no problems. Often times this fix can prevent you from having to go out and purchase a new one and spend your hard-earned money when you don’t have to.
As with most things, there are plenty of large differences between the many different pools pumps out there. Some have way more of a soft sound when they are running day or night.
There are a couple of things to look for when you go shopping. Below are a few tips and reviews to help you find the quietest pool pump for your pool. We took a lot of time to do research and test for ourselves which ones have the most advantageous features and which ones don’t work as well for maintaining peace and quiet.
Considerations When Choosing the Quietest Pool Pump
Horsepower, GPM’s & Noise
One important thing to consider when choosing a pump is the combination of GPM and horsepower. GPM stands for gallons per minute. This is how fast the pump operates and how fast it can empty your pool.
What most people don’t realize is that the more efficient your pool pump is, the better off you are going to be with noise, and the smoother it is going to sound. If you get a pump that has a lot of horsepower, but it isn’t efficient when pumping, it’s going to sound terrible and make noise that echos for long periods of time.
Finding the right efficiency when choosing a pump is one of the major keys to making sure that it is quiet. You want to find the right combination of GMPs to pool size that will give you that nice, soft hum that you can barely hear, even at night.
Power
Your most important consideration is to make sure that the pool pump has the strength to effectively heat and clean your pool. If you have an effective pool pump, you can circulate all your pool water every 12 hours at a minimum. Some users prefer to turn over their water every eight to ten hours.
The larger the pool, the larger the pump you will need. You measure the pump’s strength by the gallons of water it can move per minute or GPM. Horsepower is closely connected to the GPM of a pump, which should be somewhere in between ½ and three horsepower. The more horsepower you have, the more GPM there is.
The distance that is between the pool and the pump is another consideration. The farther away the pump is from the pool, the longer length of pipe you will need. It will also need more power than a pump that is close to your pool. Using a shorter amount of pipe will improve your efficiency, so the closer the pump is to the pool, the better.
You also want to avoid a 90-degree angle to make your pump quieter and more efficient. A large pool filter will also help as well as keep the strainer basket and pool grates clean allowing water to pass by freely.
Simply put, the bigger the pool you have and the larger space between the pump and the pool will require more and more power. It’s very simple and easy to determine what you need as long as you know the measurements of your pool. Every single pump will have the specifications on it if you need to determine if it will work. Just match your measurements to the description of what the pump says.
Energy Efficiency Rating
How much energy a pump needs is closely connected to the strength of the pump. Usually, a pool pump will run for several hours a day, so having one that is energy efficient is important. You can save hundreds of dollars when you buy an energy-efficient pool pump.
Pumps with variable-speeds are also more energy-efficient than a standard pump. This is also where the pump’s strength becomes important. Get a pool pump that has the turnover you prefer and skip the huge one that has more power than you need.
According to the EPA, you should only run a standard pool pump for three hours a day based on water quality. You can then increase in half-hour increments the pump time from there as you need to. You can also reduce the pump time needed by using chemical additives and scrubbing the pool walls yourself.
If you are interested in an energy-efficient pool pump, look for either a two-speed or variable speed pump that is big enough to circulate the water two times a day and to do that continuously every day during the week. Standard pool pump motors were not really created to run continuously for long periods of time, however, you can use a variable-speed pump around the clock. Although a variable speed pool pump is expensive to start with, it does save you money and energy over a long period of time. Plus, these two types of motors are pretty quiet.
Noise
If you’re concerned about noise, make sure to match the pipe that is required for your pool instead of getting some that are really powerful. Remember that a strong pipe is a loud pipe. However, there are some strong pumps that are quieter than a typical weaker pipe. It all depends on the motor’s mechanics, just like in a car or any other type of mechanical equipment.
Another consideration is how much vibration you have coming from the motor that resonates with the material surrounding it. Since some pump motors have a thick insulation surrounding, it can reduce the amount of noise that you hear. And, a variable-speed pool pump is typically quieter than a standard pool pump, plus it can be used for longer periods of time without causing damage to the motor. They also save you a lot of money.
Price
Price is a huge factor that most people don’t think about. You want the most efficiency and power for the least amount of money that you would be willing to spend. This can be a difficult decision but our goal is to make it easy.
Our biggest tip when it comes to this is to buy a pump that is slightly more efficient than needed. When you do this, you are essentially saving money on electricity and saving money on maintenance expenses as well. If you were to buy a pump that is at the exact efficiency or slightly below, it may be a bad deal because you will save money in the short term, but in the long term you will be burning up cash from having to repair it and all of the money it costs to run the machine.
Think long term and get a high-quality device that will last so you don’t have to shell out more money just to take care of it. In this case, cheap is not good.
Warranty’s
Since these products have a lot of different parts, ensuring that your device has an excellent warranty is a good idea to look for. It’s easy to find out if you look at the box or product description if you’re looking online. Hopefully, whatever pump you buy has at least a 1-year warranty. Before you buy, check for this and get the correct phone number for the warranty in case anything goes wrong. It’s often easy to locate on the box and comes in a pamphlet when you get it in the mail.
Types Of Pool Pumps
There are 3 different types that you should know about. Each of them has its own pros and cons to them so that you can give yourself the best chance of finding the one that works for you.
1. Single-Speed
This is a very popular choice for almost everyone out there. The consistency of speed is unprecedented with this one. Since it is not adjustable, the default setting is usually at a high rate. They are the most cost-efficient and easiest to find if you’re just looking for a temporary or cheap solution.
Because they are only set to 1 speed, it is going to be a killer on your electricity bills. Another disadvantage is that it’s one of the noisiest around. Often, they are made with cheap quality materials and this will result in a very noisy pool pump.
2. Two-speed
Similar to the 1 speed, this type of pump has 1 main setting, but conveniently, there is another low-speed setting. This is incredibly handy, especially when all you need to do is circulate the water.
All you have to do is locate the low-speed switch and you will be able to change it from high to low.
The only drawback to this is that because of this added feature, you will pay a little bit more in order to get it.
3. Variable-speed
The variable-speed pumps are definitely the most expensive out of the bunch but for good reasons. Often they are created with higher quality materials so they are quieter.
The biggest reason they are great is that you can set the speed. of GPM that you want. Because you can do this, the efficiency goes through the roof and you can save on costs. Because they are more expensive, they will also last longer. Keep in mind that if you buy one of these you can treat it like an investment if you are planning on maintaining your pool for a long timer. It is worth it for a lot of people.
Comparing In-Ground & Above-Ground Pumps
This is essentially the kind of pool you own. Depending on the pool you have, this will give you an indication of what type of pump will be necessary.
In-ground pool pumps are installed on your pool on top of the water. This means that the pump has to prime itself in order to suck that water up vertically. One tip to keep in mind for these types is to make sure to increase the water level if it’s not getting the suction it needs. This is often a quick fix that most people don’t realize and will often prevent terrible noise in the future.
If you have an above-ground pool, this type of pump can be put in at the below water level. This means that it doesn’t need to be self-priming because gravity can do the job for it.
Best Quiet Pool Pump Reviews
1. Hayward Max-Flo Single Speed Pool Pump
- Max-Flo standard efficient single-speed medium head in-ground pool and spa pump
- Features swing-aside knobs for easy access to strainer compartment, a heavy-duty motor, “service-ease” design for convenience and easier operation
Setting the standard for value, durability, and performance, the Hayward Max-Flo Single Speed Pool Pump is an efficient in-ground pool and spa pump. Using a see-thru strainer, you can easily see when your filter basket needs to be cleaned. And you get dependable sealing with the heavy cover gasket guaranteeing that you will have positive seating.
With a durable and rugged one-piece housing, you get continuous operation, rapid priming, and full-flow ports. The completely balanced impeller features wide and smooth openings that will stop clogging, and the easy to service design gives you easy access to all the pump’s internal parts. You also get knobs that swing to the side so you can access the strainer compartment easily.
The high-performance motor features air-flow ventilation to give you quiet and cool operation. With the stable mounting base, you get the support that is stress-free. It also adapts to 48 and 56 frame motors while providing an industrial-sized seal that is heat-resistant.
With the single speed option, you get fast operation and high-functionality. You can get the pump with 115 or 230 voltage and one horsepower.
Pros
- This pump is super quiet as well as very well constructed
- It holds pressure and doesn’t struggle in the water
- This pump is perfect for small swimming pools and isn’t too loud
Cons
- The instructions are not very clear
- It has a pretty small filter
2. Blue Wave Tidal Wave Pool Pump
- Dual port design for either vertical or horizontal discharge; fits most filter systems
- Meets new local codes requiring energy-saving, multi-speed pool pumps; Comes with power cord and fittings. Motor Frame Size-48 inch
Saving you money and providing powerful performance, the Blue Wave TidalWave Pool Pump is an energy-efficient above ground pool pump that features two speeds. Using water that flows slowly, you less friction in your plumbing system and filter meaning less energy is used. When you need to vacuum your pool, simply switch the pump to the high speed for more power.
With a polymer construction that is corrosion proof, you will have a long-lasting pool pump with efficient and quiet performance. This self-priming pool pump features a very large clear lid allowing for easy cleaning and will fit more filters. The motor on the Blue Wave Tidal Wave Pool Pump is energy-efficient and a lot quieter than other pool pumps on the market.
Included with the Tidal Wave Pool Pump are a six-foot 20-amp cord and a horizontal discharge that includes a 1.5-inch inlet and outlet that you can adapt easily to pretty much any system. You also get a drain plug that makes it easier to maintain and winterize the pool pump.
Pros
- This pump comes at a good price for the power that you get
- This is a very efficient pump that you never hear
- The variable speed is great for filtering for different cleaning purposes
Cons
- The basket housing moves a little
3. Pentair SuperFlo VS Pool Pump
- Variable speed technology costs significantly less to operate. Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0. 16 per kWh in a 20, 000 gallon.
- Ideal for standard pools requiring up to 1. 5 hp pump; 110-230v and 50 and 60 Hz capability
Giving you notable energy savings, the SuperFlo VS Pool Pump uses variable speed technology in standard pools. This affordably priced pool pump reduces your energy costs up to 80% through its three-speed settings that allow you to manually program the pump and offer an override capability. This is an easy to use and easy to install a pump that also comes with a built-in timer and at easy to understand graphical display.
With a large clear lid, the top discharge design provides easy cleaning and fits most filters. The SuperFlo VS Pool Pump works on pools that require up to 1.5 horsepower pump and features an intuitive user interface. It also has an easy to access electrical connection giving you easy installation into your pool.
With an ultra-quiet TEFC motor, you will hardly notice the pump when it operates. The completely enclosed fan is barely heard and also eliminates any high-pitched or unpleasant noises.
Pros
- If you have the skills, it is super easy to install and set-up
- It isn’t too expensive and comes with a three-year warranty
- The pump has a variable speed feature, which can save you money
Cons
- It needs professional installation for some people
4. Pentair IntelliFlo Pool Pump
- Energy savings up to 90-percent vs. traditional pumps
- Dramatically quieter operation; Carton Wt: 45 pounds
Providing custom programming, the Pentair Intelliflo Pool Pump gives you the best pump speeds for tasks like cleaning, heating, and filtering. This powerful pump is also energy star certified and features a three horsepower and 230-volt motor. With built-in diagnostics, this durable pump will last you many years.
Perfect for almost any application, the IntelliFlo uses an optimal speed that is slower, so that its slow movement will lessen the appearance of algae that can happen when water rests for a long period of time. This also helps the filter work more effectively to sift out particles from the water that aren’t pushed through a filter under high pressure. When you have water that continues to move, chlorinators and chemical dispensers work better as well.
With eight-speed settings that are programmable, you can customize the speed of your pump, and the included timer will guarantee the run times and speed settings. It also comes with a powerful rear fan that will keep the motor from overheating. This cost-effective pump will help you save 90 percent more energy than a regular pool pump making it a sound investment.
This pump is also compatible with several digital spa and pool controls making it a great choice for advanced pools and spas. The magnetic motor on the IntelliFlo also gives you better performance. At only 45 decibels when operating, this pump is a lot quieter than regular pool pumps that will operate somewhere from 60 – 70 decibels.
Pros
- Once you get it set up, it works very well
- It comes with great features like a programmable timer and variable speed
- It is a lot quieter than typical pumps
Cons
- It is very difficult to program
- The instruction manual is terrible
5. Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
- Maxflo vs brings variable
- Speed technology to the favorite, traditional maxflo pump family
Used as a drop-in upgrade, the MaxFlo VS Pool Pump uses variable speed technology and gives you up to 80 percent energy cost savings. Available in both 230 volts and 115 volts, the MaxFlo VS will quickly pay for itself in comparison to a single-speed pool pump. With quiet operation and high performance, this pump is worth paying a little more for.
This energy star efficient pool pump comes with variable speed settings and a completely programmable digital control interface making the operation of the pool pump easy. You can rotate the interface to four different positions or you can mount it on a wall for easy operation and access. With a high-performance TEFC motor, you get more reliability, efficiency, and quiet operation.
Pros
- It includes many options including rotating the user interface
- This is a very quiet pump that you can’t even tell is on most of the time
- It helps you save a lot of electricity with its energy-saving features
Cons
- It doesn’t come with very decent installation instructions
- You cannot wall mount the control panel
The winner of the quiet pool pump roundup is the Blue Wave Tidal Wave Pool Pump. Providing powerful performance, the TidalWave also saves you money with its energy-efficiency. Using two speeds, it uses less energy unless you need it for cleaning and maintenance. It is also corrosion-proof giving you a reliable and long-lasting pool pump.
It is also easy to clean and will fit several types of filters. Plus, it is super quiet in comparison to other pool pumps on the market. The definite winner of the quiet pump roundup is the Blue Wave Tidal Wave Pool Pump hands down.
In the end, we hope this has significantly helped you make your decision on which one to buy. Maintaining a pool isn’t always fun, but if you have the right equipment, it can be a joy to have. Keep in mind that the more expensive pump you buy, often the higher quality and the longer it will last. This will inevitably give you peace of mind, which is often priceless.