Having a backyard pool is a luxury that most of us can only dream of! But if you are lucky enough to have your own pool, you know firsthand how difficult they are to maintain.
Your pool pump is a critical piece of equipment that prevents your relaxing oasis from turning into a cesspool of algae and debris. That said, some pumps are better than others.
One of the biggest issues people face with their swimming pool pumps is noise! It takes a lot of power to drive the impeller, resulting in tons of vibrations and unwanted noise. The same can be true with sump pumps too, if your not careful you can get a bit of kit that is not as quiet as you would like. Most owners think that the noise is just a sacrifice they have to make. But, that’s not the case.
The best quiet pool pumps can get the job done while keeping the peace. Whether you’re looking for a replacement pump or want to invest in a quiet model for your new build, you have a lot of great options. Here are some of our favorite quiet pool pumps.
Best Quiet Pool Pump Reviews
Pentair 011518 WhisperFlo
Here’s a powerful pump that you won’t even notice running. Thanks to the durability of the unit, it produces far fewer vibrations than other pumps on the market. On the outside, the pump is sporting a thermoplastic body that resists corrosion and weather damage.
Inside, the pump has a stainless steel motor shaft and sealed bearings that don’t need maintenance. This inground pool pump only has one speed. But, it has good energy efficiency and performance.
Key Features:
- Produces around 65 decibels
- 1.5 HP pool pump
- Single-speed
- Large strainer basket
- Heavy-duty housing
- 1-year limited warranty
Hayward W3SP2610X15 Super Pump Pool Pump
From Hayward is this heavy-duty pool pump. At 1.5 horsepower, the pump can handle most pools without any issues. It’s compatible with a wide range of pool equipment and can effectively cycle the system without any issues.
Inside this pump, you’re getting a high-performance motor with some unique design elements. It has built-in ventilation ports for better airflow. As a result, the motor stays cool no matter how long you run the unit. This prevents overheating and helps keep things quiet!
Key Features:
- As quiet as 45 decibels
- 1.5 HP pool pump
- Single-speed
- Easy strainer cover removal
- Serviceable design
SUNCOO Swimming Pool Pump
Thanks to its durable housing and thick internal insulation, this is one of the quietest pool pumps on the market! You’re getting a double-sized flange to keep noise in. Pair that with the drip-proof housing and protected insulation, and you have a unit that can provide whisper-quiet insulation.
One thing we like about this pump is that it is self-priming. While it’s primarily built for above-ground pools, the equipment prepares itself for damage-free reset. You can start the pump confidently after a power outage without having to worry about issues.
Key Features:
- Above-ground pump
- 1.5 HP pump
- Corrosion-proof
- 110 GPM
- Heavy noise insulation
- Self-priming
Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump
Looking for a pump that’s easy to install? This Pentair 342001 is relatively DIY-friendly. It doesn’t require extensive rewiring. Because it works on 115 or 230 volts, it’s compatible with most existing systems. Running the pump is easy, too!
The pump has a digital display and some simple push-button controls. Choose one of the programmable settings. Or, override those settings to make manual adjustments as you see fit! The TEFC motor will kick into gear to keep your pool clean quietly.
Key Features:
- About 45 decibels
- 1.5 HP pump
- Variable-speed
- Simple pool control panel
- Energy-efficient
- Runs on 115 or 230 volts
Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo VS Pool Pump
Here’s another fantastic choice from Pentair. The Pentair 011028 is an efficient pool pump that you could run all day long. It’s a variable-speed unit that has eight different settings. Like the Pentair 342001, you can also override those settings to make adjustments as you need.
The pump comes with a rotatable control panel. You can even mount it on a wall with additional accessories or use it with Pentair automation equipment.
Powering the pump is a permanent magnet motor. It’s fan-cooled to improve performance, reduce the risks of overheating, and cut back on unnecessary noise.
Key Features:
- As quiet as 45 decibels
- Fan-cooled pump motor
- Variable-speed
- 8 programmable speeds
- Energy-efficient
Raypak Protege 1.5 Horsepower Pool Pump
The Raypak Protege isn’t the fanciest or more robust pump out there. But, it can serve smaller pools very well. The 1.5-horsepower pump offers one speed and consistent performance. Not only that, but it offers versatility and simple installation.
Just plug it into any grounded electrical outlet. The induction motor is energy-efficient and doesn’t produce a ton of noise, which is always a plus!
Key Features:
- 1.5 HP motor
- Above-ground pump
- Single-speed
- Consistent water flow
- Quiet operation
XtremepowerUS 2HP Inground Pool Pump
From XtremepowerUS is this powerful in-ground pump. This unit is equipped with a 2-horsepower motor. It’s a dual-speed pump that’s very easy to control. There are no complex control systems to worry about. Just flip the switch to choose between high and low modes.
The housing of this pump is quite impressive. It’s covered with a polymeric material that’s both corrosion-resistant and touch. As for noise, this unit doesn’t disappoint. The motor has airflow ventilation to ensure smooth operation around the clock.
Key Features:
- Self-priming
- Corrosion-proof housing
- Quiet operation
- Dual-speed
XtremepowerUS 1.5HP Variable 2-Speed Swimming Pool Pump
Here’s a slightly lower-powered version of the previous XtremepowerUS pump. It also has two speeds for you to choose from. On the lower speed, the impeller moves at about 1,750 rotations per minute. On the higher speed, you’re getting nearly double that!
The pump is very efficient at cycling average-sized pools. If used on a smaller pool, you can achieve a higher turnover rate to keep your pool sparkling. The pump is also surprisingly quiet. Like the other XtremepowerUS pump, it has the same ventilated motor design to reduce noise.
Key Features:
- Dual-speed
- Simple speed selection
- Quiet
- Oversized strainer
Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump
This Hayward pump is an investment that can pay for itself in no time! It’s a variable-speed pump with several control options. Take control of the pump’s operations on the digital control panel. There, you can program cycles and keep track of performance.
The most impressive thing about this pump is that its Energy Star rating. This is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. It uses less energy than most pumps, keeping your electricity bills low.
Key Features:
- Produces around 45 decibels
- 1.85 HP pump
- Variable-speed
- Programmable
- Digital controls
- Very energy efficient
Harris H1572730 ProForce Pool Pump
Looking for a simple pump that cuts back on noise? This model from Harris may be what you’re looking for! It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as some of the more expensive pumps on this list. But, it gets the job done and has a solid build.
The magic is in the construction. The unit features a body of reinforced thermoplastic. It’s corrosion-resistant and withstands exposure, pool chemicals, and more. With its low price tag and long lifespan, this pump is a worthy investment.
Key Features:
- 1.5 HP pump
- Thermoplastic body
- Single-speed
- Works with a standard 115-volt outlet
Blue Wave NE6183 Tidal Wave 2-Speed Replacement Pump
Upgrade your existing pump and save on the headaches! This pump from Blue Wave is very quiet, producing as little as 45 decibels. But, it doesn’t skimp on performance. In fact, it may provide you with better results than your old equipment!
That’s because this is a dual-speed motor. With a flip of a switch, you can control the performance to match your needs. The pump is easy to install and can work on most pool systems without any issues.
Key Features:
- As quiet as 45 decibels
- Two-speed
- 1.5 HP pump
- Versatile installation
- Simple toggle switch
What Makes a Pool Pump Noisy?
Did you know that pool pumps, on average, produce well above 70 decibels of noise? To put that into perspective, continued exposure to noises around 70 decibels or higher can lead to hearing damage!
But what exactly causes all of that noise? There are a few different sources.
The first, and most common, is vibrations. Inside your pump, there’s an impeller that creates the suction force your pump needs to operate efficiently. The pump is constantly moving. With high-speed pumps, the impeller can move so fast that it causes excess vibrations.
Other factors, such as low-quality housing material, loose bolts, and poor insulation can create vibrations as well. A quiet pool pump will take the steps to mitigate those issues. They have enclosed fans, durable covers, and plenty of insulation to keep vibrations to a minimum.
Noise can also come from the skimmer. Skimmers operate differently than the standard pool filter. They are built to capture floating debris, such as leaves. The pump works to create some light suction to drive debris into the strainer basket.
The problem is, however, that debris can block the inlet for the pump. If you don’t clean out the debris basket regularly, the pump will not receive water.
This leads us to the final cause of pump noise: low water levels!
Pumps need to have full access to the water in your pool! Not only does it drive the water to the filtration system, but it also keeps it cool. When it’s not receiving water due to low levels in the pool or a clogged skimmer, the pump can overheat.
Needless to say, this is something you want to avoid! Overheating doesn’t just cause noise problems; it can cause permanent damage to the pump’s functionality.
Choosing the Best Quiet Pool Pump
Finding the best pool pump for your needs is no easy task. Pumps aren’t like your average appliances. They are specialized pieces of equipment with one sole purpose: to clean your pool. Unless you’re a plumbing professional, you probably have no idea of where to start your search.
Luckily, we have you covered! Here are some important considerations to make when choosing a quiet pool pump.
Noise Levels
If your goal is to have a peaceful backyard oasis, pay attention to average noise levels! Many manufacturers will provide a decibel rating to give you a better idea of what to expect.
It’s important to remember that no pump is going to be completely silent. These units will make some noise. There’s no getting around that. However, manufacturers can implement clever design features to minimize noise as much as possible.
Look out for solid construction, insulation, and energy-efficient design. Also, pay attention to how stable the pump is. Will it sit outside your pool on the ground or does it need to be anchored to a concrete pad? Does it come with an isolating rubber pad to minimize vibrations?
All of those details matter when it comes to noise.
Horsepower
The horsepower rating reflects the pump’s capabilities. A high-performance pump is always best. You want your equipment to cycle the pool water efficiently and keep things clean.
Generally, the lowest you should go is one horsepower. However, residential pool pumps can go up to three horsepower or more.
Match the power rating to the size of your pool. Pool owners with smaller above-ground pools can get by with a weaker pump. But larger pools will need a super pump with tons of power.
Flow Rate
The flow rate indicates how much water the pump can handle within a specific timeframe. For residential pools, you’ll usually see the flow rate represented as GPM, or gallons per minute.
The higher the GPM rating, the more efficient and powerful the pump is.
There’s a trick to choosing the right flow rate for your pool. The goal is to choose a unit that will cycle the entire volume of your pool twice every day. So, multiply your pool’s volume by two.
Then divide by 24 to see how much gallons per hour the pump needs to move. Now, take that figure and divide it by 60 to get the appropriate GPM rating you should be looking for.
Single vs Dual vs Variable
There’s no denying that pool pumps use a ton of energy. Pumps are on for several hours a day if not more. To ensure that you’re not driving up your energy bill too much, you need to pay attention to the energy requirements of the pump.
This is where single, dual, and variable-speed parameters come in. These specs indicate how many operating speeds the pump can handle.
With a single-speed pool pump, the unit is going to run the same way regardless of your needs. While that may seem suitable enough for your pool, you will spend more on energy costs. That’s because the pump can’t adjust the flow rate based on your cleaning needs.
Dual-speed pumps operate in “high-speed” and “low-speed” modes. When it comes to up-front costs, these units are more expensive than single-speed pumps. But, they can dramatically reduce your energy usage. They attach to an automation system that switches between the two speeds based on your needs.
Now, if you want to experience the most energy savings as possible, go with a variable-speed pool pump. The most advanced pump option available, these units let you make performance adjustments on a whim. If your pool is looking pretty good, dial back the output. You can still get some cleaning power. But, you’re not using more power than you need.
On average, a pool pump with variable speed settings can help you save as much as 90 percent on your energy usage compared to a single-speed pump.
In-Ground or Above-Ground?
If you have an above-ground pool, it’s best to stick with an above-ground pump. The same goes for in-ground pumps and in-ground pools. So, why does this decision matter?
It comes down to priming. An in ground pool pump is self-priming, which means that it flushes itself with water whenever you need to startup. Running the pump without any water in the system can lead to significant damage, so having a self-priming feature is always a good thing.
Above-ground pumps may require manual priming. However, some also have flooded suction to let gravity do all the work.
Warranty
Finally, make sure you’re getting a pump with a good warranty. Pumps are a big investment, so you want that peace of mind. Many manufacturers offer multi year warranties. But make sure you’re reading the fine print first! The warranty may only be valid if it’s installed by a professional.
Conclusion
Don’t settle for a noisy pool pump! Your backyard pool is supposed to be a place of relaxation and fun. But when you’re dealing with the grating hum of an inferior pump, it just turns into a headache.
Upgrade your pump with one of these quiet models. You won’t regret it!
