Best 1 HP (Horse Power) Pool Pump With Filter

A pump is a device that moves fluids (liquids or gases) utilizing mechanical action typically converted from electrical energy to hydraulic energy. A pool pump is the heart of the swimming pool which provides the movement of water circulation through filtration and treatment. It draws water from the pool through filter and heater so that the water can be filtered, heated, and sanitized before returning to the pool.

This is regularly done to maintain the pool area from any hazards like insects, pests, debris, and other toxic chemicals. Pool pumps consume 3000 to over 5000 kWh per year. These pumps circulate water through cheaters, cleaners, water features, or fountains.

Why 1 hp pool pumps are highly RECOMMENDED?

There are many pool pumps available in the market varying from 1-, 1.5-, ¾-, (or) 2- hp (horsepower) pool pumps. And sometimes pool builders and installers go with 1.5- (or) 2- hp pool pumps considering only the money factor and not the shape and size of the pool area. 1.5- (or) 2- hp pool pumps are designed for larger pools whereas for medium-sized pools one should always go with 1 hp pool pumps.

These 1 hp pool pumps usually consume less energy than any other pool pumps. In many places, 2 hp pumps have been installed while 1 hp pumps produce the same flow volume and reduced energy usage. Larger pumps consume larger electrical usage and it results in poor filtration when compared to small-sized pool pumps like 1 hp pool pump.

Power Consumption

During summer, pumps need to run longer to maintain clean water. Generally, these pool pumps run for 8 hours a day to properly circulate and clean the water. The average pool holds 20,000 gallons of water and the pool pump consumes 2500 kWh per year to circulate and filter it.

Usually 1 hp motor uses 17.904 units of power when it runs continuously for 24 hours.

i.e.,

1 hp = 746 watts (approx.)

if we calculate for 1 hp motor for 24 hours we have;

746/24 = 17904 Watt-hour

which is equal to 17904/1000 = 17.904 units.

GPM and Life Span

1 hp pump gives 52 GPM flow (gallons per minute or simply flow rate) on a regular system with 64 feet of head and on low speed, 1 hp moves 43 GPM. It usually pumps 80 liters of water per minute. Like all other pumps, these 1 hp pumps also lasts for around 8 – 10 years if it is properly maintained.

To calculate GPM of the pool pump, one should follow these steps:

Usually, most specifications are given in GPM, and to convert the GPH (gallons per hour) to GPM, just divide the GPH by 60 minutes.

For example, consider a pool holding 25,000 gallons of water and to calculate the GPM:

First, divide 25,000 by 8,  25,000 ÷ 8 = 3,125 in GPH

Now, divide the GPH by 60,  3,125 ÷ 60 = 52 GPM (approx.)

Swimming Pool Water Pump Cost

Average cost: $700 – $1500 (for installation on inground)

Maximum: $2400 – $5000

Minimum: $500 – $600

Depending upon the type and brand used, 1 hp pool pumps could cost around $500 – $1200.

Amps of 1 HP Pool Pumps

The strength of a current of electricity is determined in amperes or simply amps.

Generally, a pool pump draws 10 amps at 240V regularly.

For 1 hp pool pumps it draws around 10 to 12 amps at 120 volts and depending upon the plumbing it may draw less.

A 1 hp motor on 115 volts is rated at 16 amps but as compared to the previous one at 120 volts this seems a bit high and it changes accordingly.

To calculate the amps for example,

• Watts = Volt × Amps
• 1 Horsepower = 745.699872 watts

Therefore,

• If Voltage= 120 volts then,

Current (amps) = 745.699872/120 = 6.214 amps

• If Voltage = 240 volts then,

Current (amps) = 745.699872/240= 3.107 amps

Best 1 HP Pool Pumps For the Money

So far we have seen what a pool pump is all about and the specifications of 1 hp pool pump. Now let’s see what are the best products available on the market for the consumers.

Harris Pool Products

Harris pool pumps are built at an affordable rate and sustainability for a long period. These pumps use high engineered motors for cool, quiet, and efficient operations; and most probably they are suitable for highly demanded installation.

Harris H1572747 ProForce 1 HP Inground Pool Pump 115/230V

• Cost less than big name brands
• Outstanding results and performance
• Made with heavy-duty, corrosion-proof construction
• Advanced engineering provides high efficiency and minimal noise
• They consist of the large, easy-to-clean filter basket
• The reinforced thermoplastic body is built for long life and durability.
• Carborundum and graphite mechanical seals for longer life and sustainability.
• Designed to meet all CSA (Canadian Standards Association from Canada) and ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories from the UK) requirements.
• 115V/230V- 2-inch union connections for suction and discharge ports.
• Pump dimensions: 25×15×11 inches (L×H×W), Floor to suction port- 8 inches, Floor to discharge hose- 12 inches.
• Weight: 35 pounds

Pros

• Cost Less
• Easy to Install

Cons

• Customers complain about having issues with durability of the pump
• DIY install causes warranty problems

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.0/5
Walmart: 4.5/5

Hayward Store 

Hayward super pumps are known for their reliability and energy efficiency. They provide us with long-term service and can operate at single and variable speeds. These pumps are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use because of being ergonomic and it operates quietly. They can be used for both in-ground and above-ground pools.

Hayward W3SP2607X10 Super Pump Pool Pump, 1 HP

• Dependable and technologically advanced in design and performance
• Corrosion-proof thermoplastic construction
• Heat resistant
• Industrial-size ceramic seal
• Heavy-duty high-performance motor
• See-through strainer cover
• Mounting base is included
• Exclusive swing-away hand knobs
• A Noryl impeller
• Pump dimensions: 28.1×8.6×9.8 inches
• Weight: 34.3 pounds

Pros

• Very quiet
• Cost less
• Long life and Durability

Cons

• Customers face issue with leaking water and pump losing prime
• No fittings included

Buy a pool pump seal kit along with any purchase of pool pump in case of substantial leak

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.4/5
Walmart: 5/5

Hayward W3SP1580 Power Flo Pool Pump, 1 HP

• Designed for rigors of above-ground and in-ground pools
• Extra-large debris basket with clear cover
• Heavy-duty motor
• Durable, corrosion-free suitable for all-weather performance
• Drain plug available for easy maintenance of the pump
• Heat-resistance, double-sized seal for long motor life and 100% drip-proof
• Product dimensions: 20.5×6.5×8.5 inches
• Weight: 22.2 pounds

Pros

• Easy to setup and install
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Customers face issue with durability of the pump
• You may spend a lot of time manually priming the pump

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.6/5

Hayward W3SP2307X10 Maxflo XL Pool Pump, 1 HP 

• Advanced hydraulic for increased energy efficiency and priming ability
• Compatible with seamless retrofit installations
• With incredible economy and performance, this is stated as the most energy-efficient pump
• Clear strainer cover with less than a ¼ turn
• Reliable performance with heavy-duty motor
• Product dimensions: 28.8×7.9×10.5 inches
• Weight: 35.6 pounds

Pros

• Quiet and reliable
• Cost effective
• Powerful Pump
• Moves lot of water

Cons

• Difficult to install and no instructions provided
• No factory warranty on reconditioned motor

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.4/5

Hayward W3SP3007X10AZ Super II Pool Pump, 1 HP 

• Its hydraulic efficiency provides greater flow at the lower operating cost
• Saves electricity and money
• With additional riser base, the Super II is used as a drop-in replacement for most aftermarket installations
• Oversized debris basket
• Pump lid removal tool is available
• High-performance motor with long-term reliability
• Available in single or two-speed models
• Product dimensions: 28.9×8.5×13.3 inches
• Weight: 42 pounds

Pros

• Very low maintenance
• Bigger filter basket allows the water to flow around the blocked area
• Customers feel the pump to be very powerful when compared to 2 hp pool pump
• Easy to install and wire
• Very quiet

Cons

• Lid seals need to be changed often as well as the threads break off on the lid
• Expensive

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.3/5

Hayward W3SP1780 Powerflo II Above Ground Pool Pump, 1 HP 

• Superior performance and quality for pools requiring self-priming action
• Extra large-debris
• Maintenance-free operation with heavy-duty motor and automatic thermal overload protector
• Durable corrosion-proof housing
• Decreased maintenance hassle
• Quick-release, clear strainer cover
• Product dimensions: 20.8×6.8×8.3 inches
• Weight: 23.9 pounds

Pros

• Designed for quiet operation
• Transparent debris cover shows when basked needs to be cleaned

Cons

• No power cord
• No power switch

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.2/5

Pentair Pool Pumps

Pentair provides in-ground pool pumps with innovative designs and exceptional efficiencies. These pumps are more energy-efficient than any other in-ground pool pumps and can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year. Many of their works have earned the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR designation.

Pentair 340038 SuperFlo High Performance, Single Speed Pool Pump, 1 HP, 115/230 volt, 1 phase 

• Moves more water more efficiently at lower operating costs
• Reduced hydraulic noise with superior internal flow
• Thick-walled body parts, a heavy-duty 56 square flange motor, and heavily engineered hydraulics
• Oversized strainer basket
• See-through lid
• Self-priming
• Easy start-up
• 115/230 volt, single phase
• Product dimensions: 32×38×71 inches
• Weight: 32 pounds

Pros

• Incredibly quit performance
• Cost effective
• Plug and play by the on/off switch

Cons

• Full warranty if professionally installed and 60 days warranty if self-installed
• You need a timer on your pool pump to save energy costs
• The base was not high enough

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.4/5

Pentair 011513 WhisperFlo High-Performance Energy Efficient Single Speed Full Rated Pool Pump, 1 HP, 115/208-230 Volt, 1 Phase

• Ultra-quiet
• Maximized water flow and energy efficiency with Unique FunnelFlo diffuser and high-efficiency impeller
• Minimized turbulence and noise
• Costs less to operate
• Uses less horsepower to produce required water flow
• Oversized strainer basket
• See-through lid
• Compatible, various filters and jet action spas
• Product dimensions: 12×27.5×14.5 inches
• Weight: 45 pounds

Pros

• Full rated 1 hp pump -> delivers true horse power
• The flow rate is impressive
• Good design and very quiet

Cons

• Full warranty if professionally installed and 60 days warranty if self-installed
• Clearing debris is little strenuous due to narrow bottom.

TIP: Buy an extra basket and rotate them. The debris falls right out after it dries.

Customer Ratings:

Amazon: 4.3/5

Our Choice:

• Hayward W3SP3007X10AZ Super II Pool Pump, 1 HP
• Pentair 340038 SuperFlo High Performance, Single Speed Pool Pump, 1 HP, 115/230 Volt, 1 Phase 

These two pool pumps offer high-performance capabilities as an upgrade path for medium head pumps. They are easy to install and replace. These pumps save energy and with the easy see-through lid, we can easily identify the debris and other hazardous materials and make sure the pool system is clean and safe.

Conclusion

So, before purchasing a new pool pump one should determine the size and shape of the swimming pool. The builders and installers sometimes could insist on going for higher horsepower pool pumps which may be at a risk in the future. We must check the proper installation and maintenance of the pool pumps.

Buying bigger pumps than needed not only leads to higher electrical consumption but it also may lead to overpowering of the filter system. We should opt for a pump which filters all the water in the pool at eight hours. Energy savings, better filtration, quieter operation, and high reliability are the four key points that have to be noted before buying a pool pump. 1hp pool motor normally is highly efficient and energy saver or consumer when compared to any other pool motors.

To maintain a healthy pool area and installing a new pump, follow these procedures:

1. Inspection: to keep out of reach of hazards (pests, insects, toxic chemicals, debris) and area for maintenance & pool pump replacement
2. Calculate: To determine the amount of flow required to circulate through the filtration system, calculate the volume of the swimming pool in gallons.
3. Determine: to estimate the total amount of energy usage determine the wattage use (existing pool) and amount of usage on a daily basis.
4. Estimate: by estimating the usage of a new pump we can easily calculate the expected energy use and savings.
5. Remove old one
6. Install a new one
7. Calibrate the flow to obtain the lowest possible motor speed during circulation
8. Verify the filtration flow rate, energy usage, and expected wattage use.

Now, it’s your turn to decide what to buy and what not to.