The Best Quality Pool Pumps & Motors

Swimming pool pumps are responsible for keeping pool water well circulated. They use low horsepower (HP) motors, typically between 1 and 5 HP (although the precise amount of power needed will depend on the size of the pool), to pump in new, fresh water, and pump out old water. Pumps and motors are generally sold together, and the companies Hayward, Pentair and Sta-Rite offer some of the best quality packages available. If you need a replacement motor for your pump, you may want to consider using one made by the renowned AO Smith Corporation.

  1. Hayward

    • Hayward is one of the most trusted companies in the pool pump and motor industry, according to WetHeadMedia.com. Two of their most popular pump and motor combinations include the Power Flo LX and the Super Pump. The Power Flo LX features a thermoplastic casing that is resistant to corrosion, a high-performance impeller and an incredibly quiet operation. It is also equipped with a transparent cover so you can tell when the pump filter basket (which can become clogged with leaves and other debris) needs to be cleaned. The Hayward Super Pump, according to the above source, includes all of the same features mentioned above, but is more energy efficient, has an easy-to-open cover and all of its inside parts (in addition to its casing) are made from corrosion-resistant material.

    Pentair

    • Pentair's premier pool pump and motor package is the SuperFlo Pump. According to WetHeadMedia.com, the pump is quiet in its operation, which is in part due to its incredibly thick casing walls (which also add to its sturdiness) and to its volute or spiral-designed pump pot, which helps eliminate hydraulic noise. The SuperFlo---despite its thick casing walls---is very compact in comparison to other pumps and can be stored in a number of locations (under a pool, side of a pool, etc.). If your pool is particularly large, or has a feature that requires a lot of pressure, such as a fountain or waterfall, you may want to bump up to Pentair's more powerful Challenger High Flow Pump.

    Sta-Rite

    • Another major competitor in the pool pump and motor industry is Sta-Rite, which offers three basic models, according to PumpAgents.com: the SNC Shallow Well Series, which is best-suited for Jacuzzis and small pools, the C Series, which works in variety of pool sizes, and the D140 series, which is designed for high-pressure applications as mentioned above. All three models feature specialized insulation to prevent against corrosion, and have permanently lubricated, incredibly sturdy ball bearings.

    AO Smith

    • According to AquaSuperstore.com, AO Smith manufactures pump motors for a number of big-name pool pump companies, including Hayward. All AO Smith motors feature sealed switches, copper windings and stainless steel driveshafts, and--according to the above source--they are energy efficient. The motors are compatible as replacements for most pump models on the market.