Best swimming pool pumps for 2021! (Buyers Guide)

A swimming pool pump is the beating heart to your entire pool operation, when selecting a pool pump you want to ensure the best quality and performance with any type of swimming pool pump. The pump is responsible for moving the water through the pool filter, salt chlorinator, heater and even power a suction cleaner around the pool!

View our range of pool pumps here!

There are some key points that each pool owner should be aware of when shopping for the right pool pump. A pool pump consists of 4 main components:

1. The inlets and outlets of the pump, these are the main ports where water flows in and out and play a key role in the amount of water can flow through your system
2. The pump basket catches debris before the water comes out of the pump and enters the pool.
3. The impeller inside the pump spins and draws water into the pump and propels the water back out of the pool pump.
4. The motor is the electrical engine of the pump, driving the shaft connected to the impeller, that moves the water in and out of the pump

Selecting the right flow rate is key when selecting a swimming pool pump, but the choice depends heavily on the characteristics and application of your pool.

The key measurables is the size of the pool, the distance of the pump from the pool, the other equipment associated with the pool and if a suction cleaner is also going to be in use.

Along with the size, other factors play a role as well. For instance:

• Ensuring the pump has the ideal flow rate if you have extra bends or lengths of plumbing around the pool equipment.
• A more powerful pump may be required if the distance from the pool to the equipment is greater than a few metres.
• If your application has the pool above or below the equipment, as the pump will need more power to circulate the water at these different levels from the pool skimmers and back to the returns.

If the pool or filter are going to be under heavy use or work (with debris, bathing loads etc) the filter can get quickly clogged that produces resistance against the water flow. A powerful pump will be capable of dealing with that resistance to keep the process going.

Fact: There is no “one size fits all” pump!

There are many pump brands Mr Pool Man can supply and stock some exceptionally good pool pumps for both in-ground and above ground pools, but you have to consider your budget and check important features like quality, noise levels, flow rates, basket size, etc to make the right purchase. Here are some good options to consider -

The Water TechniX Alpha high-capacity pump sets the standard for value and excellence. It combines cost-efficient design with heavy-duty construction. This pump is designed for all types and sizes of in-ground and above ground swimming pools. It is also recognized in the industry for its quality, durability and whisper-quiet operation!

Engineered to perform, designed to last and priced for value, The Water TechniX Alpha is the new range of pool pumps that's making waves! With easy plumbing thanks to quick connect unions on the suction and discharge ports. All Alpha pumps come with interchangeable 40mm and 50mm unions to easily plumb into any pre-existing piping to ensure high flow and performance with any application.

Water TechniX Alpha pumps use premium 316 grade stainless steel materials in all working mechanical parts and corrosion-proof resins in all moulded components to improve pump longevity and ensure whisper quiet operation.  

The Alpha pump sports a clear cover allowing full view of the pumps operation and large strainer basket, as well as an easy access lint pot with swing-aside knobs when it's time to empty out the leaves with ease.

Fact: Water TechniX Alpha Pumps are made in Australia!

• Swing-way hand knobs – make strainer cover easier to remove as no tools are required
• Oversized debris basket with extra leaf holding capacity – this offers less frequent maintenance
• Clear pump lid – easy to see when you need to clean the basket
• Easy to install – requires simple installation and servicing
• Made in Australia!

• In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Commercial pools
• Water features and fountains
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating
• Aquaculture
• Models to suit pools up to 100,000 litres

• Compatible with 40mm & 50mm piping
• Suitable for all residential and commercial applications.
• Elevated housing to ensure pump remains dry
• 316 Marine grade stainless steel components for longevity
• Heavy-duty, high-performance bearings
• 3 Year warranty

Water Technix pumps are here to give you more time to enjoy your pool instead of maintaining it!

The Onga PPP series pumps are a trusted Australian choice, the Onga Pantera pool pumps have been specifically designed to incorporate features that will provide reliable and efficient pump operation. Pantera pumps are durable, high performance and corrosion resistant pumps!

Features:

• 316 Stainless Steel shaft extends the life of the pump
• A heavy-duty 316 Stainless Steel mechanical seal
• Self aligning barrel unions (40mm/50mm) included
• 3 years limited warranty

Ideal for:

• In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Water features and fountains
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating
• Aquaculture

Benefits:

• Extended life of the pump due to corrosion resistant stainless steel
• Stainless steel mechanical seal provides longer life
• Larger lint pot with clear lid makes cleaning faster and easier

The Davey Starflo series pool pump is specifically designed to circulate swimming pool water for filtration and sanitising applications. The pump provides a universal fit to existing Astral CTX range of pumps. Its multi-fit choice make it very versatile. You can use it for many applications and it's constructed heavy duty UV materials with strong corrosion resistance. This reliable pump includes a fully enclosed motor to help protect against the elements. It even has a self-resetting, built-in thermal overload to protect the motor from overheating.

Tip: This Davey Starflo pump will retrofit Astral Hurlcon CTX400 TX360 CX360 pumps with no plumbing changes to replace existing Hurlcon CTX / TX / TX / E Series Pumps

Ideal for:

• In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating
• Aquaculture

Features:

• Easy to remove, see-through strainer lid
• Self-resetting thermal overload protection in the event of the pump overheating
• Stainless steel motor shaft won’t corrode or rust
• High-performance motor Viton mechanical seal for long life
• 3m power lead with 10amp Australian three pin plug fitted to all models

Benefits:

• Suits multiple applications
• Heavy Duty, corrosion resistant materials
• Long-lasting mechanical seal
• High Strength stainless steel motor shaft
• Fully serviceable, allowing for easy maintenance and repair
• 3 Year Warranty

The Onga Leisure Time pool pumps have been purposefully designed to provide maximum performance and corrosion resistance at a realistic cost. Onga pride themselves on the most economical pool pump possible without sacrificing any of the essential elements that ensure durability, quality and dependability. The Onga LTP series pumps are the most common pool pumps in Australia and renown for the best value for money available.

Features:

• Onga's renown self-aligning barrel unions make pipework connection a breeze.
• elevated mount into the pump design keeps moisture well away from the motor.
• Large hair and lint pot with see through lid - Easy to clean large hair and lint pot with a clear lid so you can check at a glance whether or not it is full.
• Low friction lint pot O-ring - Having a low friction teflon impregn self-lubricating O-ring on the lint pot means you only need to tighten the lid by hand.

Ideal for:

• In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Water features and fountains
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating

Benefits:

• Suits swimming pools from 20,000 litres and up to 90,000 litres
• Hair and lint pot and barrel unions included
• 2 year manufacturer's warranty

The Davey Sureflo pool pump is specifically designed to circulate swimming pool water for filtration and sanitising applications. The Sureflo series pump provides a universal replacement to the ONGA LTP and Poolrite EP range of pumps.

Fact: These are a great retrofit pump with superior quality at a fraction of the price!

Features:

• Easy to remove, see-through strainer lid
• Easy to use barrel unions
• Corrosion resistant impeller for longer lasting trouble-free performance
• Self-resetting thermal overload preventing overheating
• Stainless steel motor shaft won’t corrode or rust
• High-performance motor Viton mechanical seal for long life

Ideal for:

• Small In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating

Benefits:

• Suits multiple applications
• Heavy Duty, corrosion resistant materials
• Long-lasting mechanical seal
• High Strength stainless steel motor shaft
• Fully serviceable, allowing for easy maintenance and repair
• 3 Year Warranty

The AstralPool CTX pump has been designed to effortlessly meet the needs and demands of all pool applications. Made in Australia from high-quality materials and components the CTX is designed to produce greater efficiency and operate at much lower operating noise levels. Suitable for both domestic and commercial applications the CTX will provide a high performance and reliability for years to come.

Features:

• A range of sizes allows you to choose the right one for your application;
• Capable of high flow and pressure – rated a higher flow than most other pumps
• Large capacity lint pot that reduces the frequency of maintenance;

Ideal for:

• Small In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating

Benefits:

• Quiet operation that allows you to operate at any time of the day or night;
• Robust construction, built to weather even the harshest conditions;
• Economical flow design using less power to move more water;
• Minimal ongoing maintenance;
• Manufacturer’s 3 year warranty

Poolrite pumps are made in Australia and are one of the most popular swimming pool pumps. They have been recognized by their quality, durability and quiet operation. Poolrite Quietline SQI Series Pumps deliver high performance, durability and a very quiet operation.

Features:

• Clear pump cover provides a full view of its operation
• Easy access to the lint pot with swing-aside knobs
• Large capacity Strainer
• Diffuser for low noise operation

Ideal for:

• Small In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating

Benefits:

• Corrosion-proof resins used in all moulded components
• Double insulated, heavy duty motor
• Easy plumbing thanks to quick connect unions on suction and discharge ports
• Suits residential and commercial installations
• Made in Australia

The Zodiac FloPro Series pool pump is a quiet, energy efficient, high-performance pool pump. Designed specifically for Australian conditions the Zodiac FloPro is ideal for domestic pools.

To ensure maintenance and everyday use is a breeze the FloPro Series pool pump is equipped with an ergonomic cam lock lid and a large lint basket. The clear view lint basket lets you see when the basket needs cleaning.

The FloPro series pool pump is uncompromising with power while keeping costs down. Equipped with 50mm barrel unions you can be assured of efficient flow of recirculated water throughout the pool.

Features:

• Ergonomic cam lock lid with easy alignment
• 50mm barrel unions for increased water flow
• Oversized capacitor to ensure consistent, reliable performance.

Ideal for:

• Small In-ground pools
• Above ground pools
• Large swim spas & plunge pools
• Solar pool heating

Benefits:

• Energy and Cost Efficient
• Backed by a 3 Year Warranty
• Outstanding Construction  
• Quiet Technology - Less noise and quiet operation

While you can't go wrong with any of the recommended pumps listed above, our recommendation fully goes to the Water TechniX Pump Alpha. It has a good balance between price and features that allows it to compete with pool pumps that are twice it's price! Not only that, but the Pump Alpha is distributed exclusively by Mr Pool Man, this means that you deal with us directly for warranty! No more getting passed around from dealer to dealer or stockists just to avail of warranty! Looking for other sizes or brands? Check out our collection of pool pumps below!