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10 Best Quiet Pool Pumps [Buyers Guide and Reviews]

During my first month with a swimming pool, I was amazed at just how much noise it makes. Even when I was sitting in my home at the kitchen table, I could hear the pump gurgling through the sliding glass doors. And so began my search for the best quiet pool pump.

As it turns out, some drastic differences between pool pumps can cause some pumps to be much quieter than others. Single-speed pool pumps and variable speed pumps may both force water through your pool filter, but they do so with varying degrees of noise. So, what’s the quietest pool pump?

In this article, I’m going to review 10 of the best pool pumps with quiet operation. But first, it’s important to know how a pool pump functions and what makes one louder than another.

At a Glance: Our Choices for Best Quiet Pool Pumps in 2020:

Other Good Choices:

 

We have researched and prepared many ‘Best Quietest’ lists to make your product searches easy and efficient. Here are just a few:

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A keyword search of the site will bring up articles from Coffee Grinders to Sump Pumps. Hopefully you will find what you need.

 

 

Best Quiet Pool Pumps

What Exactly Does a Pool Pump Do?

Before you run out and purchase a new quiet pool pump, you need to know exactly what it does. A pool pump circulates the water in your pool, pumping it through a large filtration system that removes all the debris, dirt, and contaminants from your pool’s water.

Pool pumps have to run for around eight hours each day, so they need to be robust with a long lifespan. At that time, they must move all of the pool water through the filter to ensure that it’s clean and safe.

Main Components of a Pool Pump

Though pool pumps do perform heavy duties, they’re pretty simple with just three main components.

First, the housing. This is a small container with a lid and a strainer basket. Water gets sucked into the housing to make it’s way to the filter.

The impeller is a spinning blade that creates the suction that forces the water to move through the pump and up to the filter.

Making the impeller spin is a small motor attached to the back, which is the final component of a pool pump. This is the part that makes the noise since it’s going to be running for eight hours or more each day.

​Types of Pool Pumps

Single-Speed Pool Pump

As the name implies, the single-speed pool pump moves at just one speed. It’s always running at maximum power, so you’re always using the most electricity and making the most noise possible. These pumps will circulate all of your pool’s water in eight hours, but they’ll be a nuisance while they do it.

Two-speed Pool Pumps

A two-speed pool pump can use less energy than a single speed pool pump since it has both a high and low setting. On high, it runs and sounds about the same as a single-speed pool pump. On low, it’s much quieter. However, they cost nearly as much as variable-speed pumps without offering as much versatility or energy savings.

Variable-Speed Pumps

If you want the quietest pool pump, you’re going to want a variable-speed pump. These pumps allow you to set the water flow rate to exactly where you need it. By controlling the RPMs of the pump, you can use less electricity to circulate the pool’s water, making variable-speed pumps more energy-efficient than single or two-speed pumps.

With a variable-speed pump, you may let your pump run for much more of the day but at a considerably lower power level. This means less noise is made and less energy used, even though the pump is running for more hours. By running your pump in a low energy setting for longer periods, you can save hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bill.

Best Pool Pump Brand

Pentair

Pentair is one of the most well-known and trusted names in pool equipment. With over $3 billion in revenue in 2023 and locations in 25 countries, it’s safe to say that they’re a big deal in the market.

Pentair provides sustainable water solutions to industries and individuals worldwide. Through their Safe Water programs, they have helped over 3 Million people in the developing world gain access to clean and safe water.

Hayward

A longstanding giant in the pool industry, Hayward has been developing cutting edge pool equipment for over 80 years. They work hard to ensure that they stay at the forefront of the industry as a leader in technology innovation. Offering both commercial and residential product lines, Hayward makes high-quality pool tools and components meant to simplify your life.

Blue Wave

Blue Wave started over 10 years ago, providing quality pool chemicals to consumers. They’ve since expanded and offer many different pool products such as full above-ground pool kits and pool equipment and accessories of all kinds. They have a full staff of specialists to answer all of your questions and offer some of the best customer service in the industry.

Best Quiet Pool Pumps – Product Roundup and Mini-Reviews

1. Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump

Packed with 1.5 horsepower and loads of useful features, the Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump is one of the quietest and most energy-efficient pool pumps on the market. It’s a standard, drop-in replacement for most pumps, but it will run so much quieter that you may not even notice it.

So, how does it manage such quiet operation? It’s thanks to the motor housing that totally encloses the motor. This just about eliminates the noise it makes, especially the high-pitched, unpleasant sound that pool pumps often make. This pump is whisper-quiet, even though it’s got enough power to circulate your pool’s water at speeds up to 3,450 RPMs.

The Pentair SuperFlo VS is energy-star certified, so you can trust that it’s going to reduce your energy usage, minimizing your electricity bill and your effect on the environment. This saves you money while saving the planet, a definite win/win.

To keep energy usage so low, this pump offers three operating speeds. This allows you to dial in exactly the right speed and power for your pool, so you’re not wasting energy by running the pump faster than it needs to.

This pump is also easy to install. It can run on almost any electric circuit that you currently have at your pool. Whether your current pump runs on 110V or 220V, the Pentair SuperFlo VS will work with your existing electric. It can run on any voltage between 110v-230V, simplifying the installation and ensuring it fits almost every pool.

Key Features

  • Runs on 110V-230V electricity
  • Three operating speeds
  • Built-in timer with 24-hour memory retention
  • Ultra-quiet operation

 

2. Topway 2HP Pool Pump 

If you can’t stand noisy pool pumps and you need a quiet replacement, but you still prefer the simplicity and ease-of-use provided by a single-speed pool pump, then you might consider the Topway 2HP Pool Pump pool pump. It’s quiet enough not to disturb you or your neighbors even though it doesn’t have multiple speeds to choose from. It achieves this quiet operation through superior internal flow design that noticeably reduces operating noise.

Packing 1.5 horsepower, this pump has plenty of power to circulate your pool’s water without ever getting bogged down. It’s also very heavy-duty, built to withstand daily abuse for many years. It’s got a 56-square-flange commercial-grade motor that will last for many cycles without any problems.

To reduce the amount of maintenance you’ll need to perform, this pump has an oversized strainer basket that can hold considerably more debris than the strainer baskets that come with other pool pumps. This means you won’t have to empty it nearly as often. Plus, there’s a see-through lid on top of the basket, so you can easily check how full it is without having to open it.

Since this pump is self-priming, it’s an excellent choice for in-ground pools. It starts quickly and easily each time, and it can even be installed above the water level. In the end, it’s one of the quietest single-speed pool pumps available, and it’s a great choice if you want to keep a single-speed pump while still getting a quieter operation.

Key Features

  • Superior internal flow design reduces operating noise
  • Oversized strainer basket
  • See-through lid for easy inspection
  • Self-priming for easy startup

 

3. Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo

If you’re looking for the absolute top of the line performance and a stacked set of premium features that are hard to match, then the Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo may be the pool pump for you. This pump is so energy-efficient that it offers energy savings of up to 90% over traditional pool pumps. It’s even energy-star certified to verify how efficient it is.

Part of the way that this pump achieves such efficiency is by using high-end ultra-efficient PMM or permanent magnet motors. These motors have far less friction than traditional motors and therefore offer the highest efficiency possible. They’re also much quieter than other motors, making pumps with PMM motors considerably more desirable.

To make sure that no unexpected problems arise, built-in diagnostics on the Pentair IntelliFlo keep the pump protected in all situations. It’s also got a TEFC or enclosed fan-cooled motor. This helps contribute to a longer lifespan and even quieter operation.

To ensure that you get maximum flexibility from your pump, eight different speed settings are programmable. This lets you dial in the exact right pump speed, conserving energy and saving you money. Plus, a built-in timer guarantees that your pump only runs when you want it to.

One thing to keep in mind is that this pump only runs on 230V electricity. If you have 110V power at your pool, then it might be an expensive upgrade to swap to a 230V circuit to use this pump, which is already a premium-priced product.

Key Features

  • Up to 90% energy savings over traditional pumps
  • Built-in diagnostics keep the pump protected
  • Full compatibility with pool control systems
  • 8-speed settings

 

4. Hayward SP2607X10 Super Pump

The Hayward SP2607X10 Super Pump is a high-performance pool pump with quiet operation. It’s available with power levels ranging from 0.5 horsepower to 2.5 horsepower, depending on how large your pool is. It’s also self-priming, with enough suction to lift water 10 feet, making it a great choice for in-ground pools.

This pump features a mounting base that not only offers plenty of stability and support for the pump but is also very versatile, able to work with 48-frame and 56-frame motors. There’s also an industrial-sized heat-resistant seal for long-lasting drip-proof performance. But if anything does go wrong, this pump allows easy access to all of the internal parts, simplifying any repairs that need to be made.

Thanks to the oversized debris basket that offers 110 cubic inches of space, you won’t need to empty it every day as you do with smaller baskets. Even more convenient, the clear lid lets you easily check the basket without needing to open it so you can tell at a glance whether it needs to be emptied or not. Plus, the swing-away knobs on the lid stay attached when you remove the cover. This means there are no loose parts to lose, and it can still be opened with no tools.

This pump manages to be very quiet for a single-speed pump. This is due to the improved ventilation on this pump that allows for cooler operation. But it’s a standard-efficiency pump and isn’t the most energy-conscious since it’s missing the energy-star certification.

Key Features

  • Self-priming up to 10’ of lift
  • 110-cubic-inch basket
  • Easy access to the internals for servicing

 

5. Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS

Nearly silent and very conservative with energy, the Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS is a high-end pool pump that can save you up to 80% on your energy costs compared to a single-speed pool pump. This pump is packed with top of the line features and has an equally high build quality.

The MaxFlo VS has a permanent magnet motor that provides some of the quietest and most efficient operation you can find. It’s energy-star certified, so you can be sure that its energy savings are verified. And if the permanent magnet motor isn’t high-tech enough for you, it’s also totally enclosed and fan-cooled, meaning it runs cooler, quieter, and more reliably. You can trust this pump to run for years, saving you money on your energy costs each month.

On such a premium product, it’s not surprising to find nice features such as the digital display that makes this pump very easy to program. You can also get it in either 115V or 230V configurations to match your existing wiring. But it’s not switchable between voltages, so you’ll need to make sure you purchase the one that works with the electric circuit you already have in place.

If you want to use pool control systems with automation such as OmniLogic or Aqualogic, this pump is compatible with any automation system thanks to the relay control.

Key Features

  • Available in 115V or 230V
  • PMM and TEFC motor
  • Very quiet and efficient operation
  • Digital display

 

6. Blue Wave NE6183

Powerful and reliable while remaining cost-effective, Blue Wave NE6183 pool pump from Blue Wave offers quiet operation and energy savings over single-speed pumps. This pump has two speeds to choose from, giving you twice as much versatility. At low speed, you get 1750 RPMs for quieter operation and less energy usage. At high speed, it’s 3,450 RPMs, which is ideal for powering pool equipment like skimmers and vacuums.

Since it has dual ports that allow for vertical or horizontal discharge, this pump can be mounted in multiple ways. This means it’s able to fit in almost space, making it a great drop-in replacement for most situations. It’s also self-priming, so it’s a great choice for in-ground pools where the pump will be mounted higher than the level of the water.

Though it can operate quietly while conserving energy, this pump is also a high-performance beast, capable of flow rates up to 75 gallons per minute at a head of 0’. It’s also built to last, meant to withstand years of constant use. It’s made from corrosion-proof polymer that won’t break down from the wet conditions.

Depending on the size of your pool, you can purchase this pump with a one horsepower motor or 1.5 horsepower. Both options are built to run off of 110V electric, so the installation is easy. A six-foot-long power cord lets you plug it into any standard outlet, so there’s no need to call a professional to hook it up. But keep in mind, it’s not legal in California!

Key Features

  • Dual ports for vertical or horizontal discharge
  • 2 speed settings to choose from
  • 75 GPM flow rate with a head of 0’

 

7. Hayward SP1580X15 Power-Flo LX Series

The Hayward SP1580X15 Power-Flo LX Series on-ground and the above-ground pool pump is a powerful pump with very few settings for you to worry about. It’s got great longevity and will last for many years, thanks to thoughtful features such as the thermoplastic housing, which is completely corrosion-proof, protecting the internals from damage. This housing offers all-weather performance and even traps a lot of the noise inside, making this a much quieter pump overall compared to other single-speed pumps. It’s also got a heat-resistant double-sized seal that protects the motor and ensures it keeps performing for many years.

Convenience is always important to me, so the oversized strainer basket with 118 cubic inches of space is attractive. Plus, it’s got a clear lid that lets you check the debris level without opening it, saving you even more time since you’ll only need to empty it when it’s ready.

For an easy installation, this pump runs on standard 120V electricity. It’s equipped with a six-foot power cord that you can plug into any standard outlet, eliminating the need for professional help during installation. If you have a bit of faith in your abilities, you should be able to hook this pump up with no problems.

Since this pump is a single-speed pump and it’s got 1.5 horsepower, it’s not legal in the state of California where any single-speed pump with 1.0 horsepower or greater is prohibited.

Key Features

  • The thermoplastic housing is corrosion-proof
  • The heat-resistant seal protects the motor for a longer lifespan
  • Strainer basket is 118 cubic inches with a clear lid

 

8. Harris H1572730 ProForce Above Ground Pool Pump

Durable, budget-conscious, and easy to install, the Harris H1572730 ProForce is a very viable option for above-ground pools. It’s built into a reinforced thermoplastic body that offers awesome corrosion-resistance and durability, protecting the pump from adverse weather, critters, physical damage, and more.

Inside the thermoplastic body, a powerful 1.5 horsepower motor keeps things moving in a surprisingly quiet manner. Thanks to advanced engineering, this motor manages high power and efficiency while producing minimal noise, and you can hear the difference.

Despite being a quiet pump, the Harris ProForce is still a single-speed pump. That means it’s not quite as efficient or quiet as it could be if you were able to program it to the exact right speed for your pool. It also means that this pump isn’t legal in California since it’s a single-speed pump over the power limit for that state.

With a standard 3-prong power cord, this pump easily plugs into any 115V outlet. If you currently have 115V electricity at your pool, then this pump should be a drop-in replacement. However, the power cord is shorter than on similar models from competitors. With a reach of just three feet, you may need to relocate the pump or outlet closer to each other so they can reach.

Key Features

  • Standard 3-prong, 115V power cord
  • High-efficiency design with minimal noise
  • Reinforced thermoplastic body for longevity and durability

 

9. XtremepowerUS 2HP Inground Pool Pump

XtremepowerUS offers a powerful alternative to the standard Hayward and Pentair pool pumps that have flooded the market. This pump packs an impressive 2 horsepower for enough power to circulate the water in pools of almost any size.

To keep all that power moving, this pump requires a 220V electric circuit. If you don’t have 220V at your pool now, it could be a major hassle to get it there. But if your current pump is 220V, this one should be an easy replacement.

With so much power available, this pump can move up to 88 gallons per minute. That’s one of the most impressive flow rates I’ve seen on a pool pump. It’s got a maximum suction of 66 feet, so it’s perfect for in-ground pools. To help all that water flow freely, two-inch union connections were used at the suction and discharge ports.

All that power is great, but it wouldn’t be very efficient if you always had it running at maximum. Luckily, this pump has two speeds to choose from, giving you more versatility in how you run it. Low mode is much more efficient and quieter, while high mode provides plenty of flow for running vacuums, skimmers, and other pool equipment that hooks up to the pump.

Keeping step with the more well-known and brand-name manufacturers, this pump features an extra-large debris basket that won’t need daily emptying. It’s also got the clear lid, so you don’t have to waste time opening it to check just to find an empty basket.

Key Features

  • Runs off of a 220V circuit
  • 2” union connections for suction and discharge ports
  • 88 GPM flow rate
  • 66’ max suction distance

 

10. Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250

When your pool cover starts to accumulate water from rain, dew, or other means, you need to be able to remove it before you can take the cover off. Having a professional come to remove the water for you can be expensive and time-consuming, so getting a pool cover pump is a better choice. The Wayne 57729-WYNP WAPC250 pool cover pump is a quiet pump that offers automatic operation when it detects water, making it a convenient and easy to use option.

When the water on your pool cover reaches 2⅛”, the pump will automatically turn on and remove the water. When the water gets below ¾”, the pump will shut off automatically, ensuring that it doesn’t run dry or waste any electricity. This means you can plug it in and walk away without having to worry about the pump or your pool cover getting damaged.

While most pumps need to be emptied and prepared for the cold weather, the Wayne pool cover pump is an exception to the rule. This pump has built-in freeze protection that will prevent the pump from getting damaged when it’s cold. But you should still take the pump indoors when temperatures fall below freezing.

The strainer base filters debris, so you don’t have to worry about this pump getting clogged. Plus, the base is extra-wide to prevent the pump from tipping over. And since it’s an oil-free pump, you won’t have to perform any regular maintenance.

Key Features

  • Automatically activates when water gets to 2⅛”
  • Auto shutoff
  • Freeze protection built-in

 

Things to Consider When Buying a Pool Pump

Your Pool Size

Before choosing a pump, you’ll need to determine how many gallons of water your pool holds. Then you can check the manufacturer’s suggestions for what power and flow rate you’ll need to circulate that volume of water. This will allow you to pick a pump with plenty of power to circulate all the water in your pool.

Power

We often think that more power is automatically better. With pool pumps, this is not the case. A more powerful pump may be able to move more water, but it also uses more electricity and makes considerably more noise as well.

Of course, you certainly don’t want an underpowered pump either. If your pump isn’t powerful enough, it could have trouble circulating the water in your pool. It may need to run for longer, using more energy than it should. Your pool water may also not circulate completely, meaning that it won’t be as clean.

You’ll see two ratings on pool pumps that are important. First, is horsepower, then GPM or gallons per minute. Horsepower is how much power the motor makes and GPM is the flow rate.

You want to find a pool pump that can easily meet the needs of your pool without being excessively powerful. This way, you’ll get a good mix of low-energy and low-noise operation with plenty of circulation to get the water through your pool’s filter.

Noise Level

Naturally, you want the quietest pool pump possible, so it’s not disturbing you or your neighbors. By properly matching the size and power of your pump to the size of your pool, you should be able to find a quiet pool pump that won’t bother anyone.

Pool Pump Type

What type of pool pump you choose will have a major impact on how noisy and efficient it is. If you want the quietest and most energy-efficient pool pump you can get, then you’ll want a variable-speed pump that can be set to run at the exact right RPMs for your pool’s size.

In-Ground or Above-Ground

An in-ground pool pump is usually installed above the level of water, so they must be self-priming to lift water vertically. Above-ground pool pumps, on the other hand, are usually installed below the water level and aren’t self-priming.

Energy Efficiency

Your pool pump is going to be running all day for over 100 days each year. That’s going to add up to some serious energy usage. Finding the most energy-efficient pool pump possible can have a drastic effect on your energy usage.

Features

Some pumps have special features to make them more appealing. Digital displays, oversized strainer baskets, and multiple operating speeds are all useful features that are worth considering.

Budget

While it can be tempting just to purchase the best and quietest pool pump you can find, that’s probably not cost-effective. There are many options available and they range in price from affordable to wildly expensive. Your budget is going to be a determining factor in how much you shell out in the end.

Pump Motor Voltage

What voltage electricity is your current pump running on? Some pumps are designed for standard 120V outlets, while others are meant to be used on 240V circuits. If you have 120V electricity at your pool now, but you get a 240V pump, you’ll have to do some major upgrades to get proper power. Make sure you purchase a pump that uses the same voltage electricity as the pump you’re replacing.

Warranty and Customer Service

Since your pool pump will be running for many hours each day, it’s likely that eventually, something might go wrong. When it does, the peace of mind that a good warranty and premium customer service can provide is a lifesaver. If you have a good warranty, you can rest assured that your pump will be replaced with no issues.

Conclusion

At this point, you should understand exactly what a pool pump is and what it does. You should also know how to pick out a quiet pool pump since we discussed the different types of pool pumps and what things you need to keep in mind when you’re searching for a new pool pump.

For the quietest, most energy-efficient pool pump possible, I recommend the Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo pump. With eight different speed settings to choose from and its advanced design, this pump offers up to 90% energy savings over traditional pumps. Plus, built-in diagnostics keep the pump protected and safe, so you have very little to worry about and just as little maintenance to perform.

If you feel like you learned something from this article or the information was helpful, please feel free to share it so that others can gain from the information it contains. If you leave comments and questions in the comments box below, I’ll be sure to respond to them as quickly as I can.


Eugene Sokol

Hi, I’m Eugene. I work with noise all day, so I enjoy any peace and quiet I can find. I began looking at ways to improve the sound quality of my home and to make a soundproof office for myself. As a DIY enthusiast, I looked for solutions I could do. I created this blog to share what I learned and to make it easier for you to improve your quiet space too.


2 thoughts on “10 Best Quiet Pool Pumps [Buyers Guide and Reviews]”

  1. Hi Eugene,
    he content was very informative. Hoping you could help me make a decision on a pump. I have a single stage pump that is very noisy. I am replacing the pump with a variable speed pump. y neighbor has a Andy 1.65 V pump that is very quiet and has performed well. I was going to have that model installed but unfortunately my automation system is Hayward/ old line and the Jandy pump does nit integrate with this system so I am looking at other vs pumps. I think I have narrowed it down to:
    Hayward Tristar 900 VS or the Pentair Intelliflo VS. I listened to the Pentair today and on low speed it was very quiet but as it was turned to ie: 3400 rpms it was very loud.Strange to me that it only comes in a 3hp. My main motivation for switching pumps is for quiet and the energy savings. I believe i will be running it lower speed most of the time so any of the pumps should be quiet and reliable, I believe?
    What are your thoughts.I trust my pool person and n o stake in whatever I get but will have either installed although he thinks the Hayward may be a better choice.
    I appreciate your thoughts on this
    Thank you – Harry
    [email protected]

    Reply
  2. No, my neighbor has a pentair intelliflo pump and the pump is superficially quiet but it emits low frequency sound through the ground that transmits through our entire foundation. Anywhere between 36.72 up to 51.3 Hz. The worst part of this type of noise is that you can’t close a window to get away from it, it resonates through our entire house.

    And since it’s a variable speed pump, it runs at about three different frequencies alternating 24 hours per day. Unless you want to ruin your relationship with your neighbor, you’ll get a regular pool pump instead and only run it for 12 hours at the most so that if there is some type of noise, there will at least be some time away from it and if it’s superficial noise, they can at least close a window if they don’t want to hear it.

    Reply

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