Having a good submersible pool pump is like having a great workhorse that assists you in safely draining water from spas and swimming pools. Sometimes, it can help you with pumping excess water from a flooded basement.
After interviewing some renowned experts and testing over 40 models ourselves, here are the 6 best submersible pool pumps.
Here are the best submersible pool pumps you can buy in 2024:
- Powerful (Utility Pump): Superior Pump 91570
- Best For Quick Water Draining (Utility Pump): Green Expert 203618
- Easy To Install (Utility Pump): Little Giant 505025
- Quiet (Sump Pump): WAYNE WWB WaterBUG
- Powerful (Sump Pump): MEDAS 4623 GPH
- Sturdy (Sump Pump): Homdox Sump Pump 1/2HP Clean Dirty Water Submersible Pump 400W Pump
| 6 Best Submersible Pool Pumps | ||
|---|---|---|
Powerful | Superior Pump 91570
| |
Best For Quick Water Draining | Green Expert 203618
| |
Easy To Install | Little Giant 505025
| |
Quiet | WAYNE WWB WaterBUG
| |
Powerful | MEDAS 4623 GPH
| |
Sturdy | Homdox Sump Pump 1/2HP Clean Dirty Water Submersible Pump 400W Pump
| |
Powerful (Utility Pump): Superior Pump 91570
- Very powerful & efficient - ½ HP motor & split capacitor
- Solid and long-lasting - double heavy-duty stainless-steel jacketed shaft seal
- Reliable - CSA certified and UL/CUL listed
- The filter could work better
- The hard plastic feet aren’t conductive to put on a hot tub shell
Superior Pump 91570 sets it apart with its powerful ½ HP motor that can suction up to 3,300 GPH at 0’ depth – nearly twice faster than other models that we have tested.
At 20’ depth, it still works very powerfully with 1,500GPH of flow rate.
Another notable feature is the split capacitor that includes two gears - one for boosting the start-up and one for keeping the operation efficient.
We were also impressed with its solid and closed structure. The double jacketed shaft seal that is made of heavy-duty stainless steel keeps the motor housing from water-absorbing pretty well.
This design is CSA certified and UL/CUL listed, as well as carrying the manufacturer's 3-year warranty.
| Superior Pump 91570 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | thermoplastic |
Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
Max Flow Rate | 3,300 GPH at 0’ |
Highlight Features | ½ HP motor & split capacitor double heavy-duty stainless-steel jacketed shaft seal CSA certified and UL/CUL listed design |
The Superior Pump 91570 is completely factory tested for quality and functionality. It’s also the most powerful utility pump in the competition.
Best For Quick Water Draining (Utility Pump): Green Expert 203618
- Drain water quickly – the 1/4 HP PSC motor
- Able to work consistently with no issues - thermal overload protection
- No extension cords required - 25' long grounded power cord
- Not for flushing water heater
Green Expert 203618 is a great budget option for quick water drainage. Featuring a 1/4 HP PSC motor, it easily reaches the speed ranges of 21.5 GPH (at 10' of discharge lift) to 1,585 GPH (at 0' of discharge lift) and can remove water level down to 0.2”.
The thermal overload protection design allows it to work consistently with no problems.
Besides, the 25' extra-long grounded power cord makes it versatile enough to be used in many different situations with no extension cords required.
Use it with peace in mind because Green Expert 203618 is already factory tested and UL certified.
| Green Expert 203618 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic |
Horsepower | 1/4 HP |
Max Flow Rate | 1,585 GPH at 0’ |
Highlight Features | the 1/4 HP PSC motor thermal overload protection 25' long grounded power cord |
The Green Expert 203618 has quick water-draining performance and can remove water level to 0.2”, which is ideal for different uses.
Easy To Install (Utility Pump): Little Giant 505025
- Come almost completely pre-assembled
- Hard-wearing & able to work in hot tubs - overheat-resistant motor & die-cast aluminum housing with epoxy coating
- A bit pricey
The Little Giant 505025 comes almost completely pre-assembled, so the remaining task for you is little and it is also quick to finish - unlike the two above which only come 50-60% pre-assembled.
Among three picks in this category, it's easy to point out that this is the least powerful.
It can suction water 1,200 GPH, which is more of a device for light-duty tasks.
But we appreciate its quality structure which includes an overheat-resistant motor and a die-cast aluminum housing with epoxy coating. It can work in hot tubs up to 120 degrees F with no issues.
| Little Giant 505025 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Aluminum |
Horsepower | 1/6 HP |
Max Flow Rate | 1,200 GPH |
Highlight Features | Come almost completely pre-assembled a permanently lubricated oil-filled shaded pole motor epoxy coated die-cast aluminum housing |
Coming almost completely pre-assembled, the Little Giant 505025 is very easy to install.
Quiet (Sump Pump): WAYNE WWB WaterBUG
- Work nearly silent
- Versatile - Multi-flo technology with two discharge options
- Leave the basement or pool base dry – able to suck the water down to 1/16”
This sump pump removes water superbly fast, works efficiently, and just hums quietly. It is nearly silent that you can’t tell whether it has started yet.
The Multi-flo technology with two discharges – side discharge and top discharge - allows for easily choosing the right option for specific applications. Moreover, the 30-foot max head can suck the water down to 1/16”.
It’s perfect for clearing out the pool and occasional basement flooding.
| WAYNE WWB WaterBUG Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Thermoplastic |
Horsepower | 1/6 HP |
Max Flow Rate | 1350 GPH |
Highlight Features | Multi-flo technology with two discharge options able to suck the water down to 1/16” |
Looking for an ultra-quiet sump pump? Don’t hesitate to try the WAYNE WWB WaterBUG
Powerful (Sump Pump): MEDAS 4623 GPH
- Very powerful – feature a 1HP motor
- Able to pass big solids up to 1
- No complaint
MEDAS 4623 GPH far outperformed the other brands in power. It boasts a 1HP motor - twice stronger than our former pick: the Homdox Sump Pump.
It provides up to 4,623 GPH max flow rate and can pass big solids up to 1" diameter without clogging, allowing for use in both clean and dirty water.
As for the water-suction function, the sump pump can remove water level down to 1mm.
But what we liked the most about this unit is the safety design. It automatically shuts down if failing to pump water or when the water level is under 4.7", and turns on when the water level is above 4.7".
Meanwhile, its motor has thermal overload protection designed for safety when running constantly.
| MEDAS 4623 GPH Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic, Metal |
Horsepower | 1 HP |
Max Flow Rate | 4623 GPH |
Highlight Features | feature a 1HP motor Able to pass big solids up to 1" diameter Start/stop automatically thermal overload protection motor |
Among the sump pump models that we tested, the MEDAS 4623 GPH is unusually powerful. It provides up to 4,623 GPH max flow rate and can work in different waters.
Sturdy (Sump Pump): Homdox Sump Pump 1/2HP Clean Dirty Water Submersible Pump 400W Pump
- Sturdy and protective - higher base plate & corrosion-resistant thermoplastic body
- Strong and versatile for different outflows – three fittings & the 1/2HP motor
- Difficult to adapt it to a standard garden hose
This pump is portable, lightweight yet durable.
While featuring a higher base plate to prevent collecting debris in the sump pit, it boasts a corrosion-resistant thermoplastic body to keep the internal metal parts from impacts and last longer.
The pump provides three fittings and the motor offers 2,115 GPH of max flow rate, making it strong and versatile enough for different outflows.
About safety, it features similar to the MEDAS 4623 GPH above.
| Homdox Sump Pump 1/2HP Clean Dirty Water Submersible Pump 400W Pump Specifications | |
|---|---|
Material | Plastic, Metal |
Horsepower | 1/2HP |
Max Flow Rate | 2115GPH |
Highlight Features | higher base plate & corrosion-resistant thermoplastic body three fittings & the 1/2HP motor |
The Homdox Sump Pump 1/2HP is the sturdiest and safest model to use this year.
How To Choose The Best Submersible Pool Pump?
Discharge Rate
This feature shows you how powerful a submersible pool pump is. Its measuring unit is gallons per hour (GPH). A basic rule of thumb is the higher the discharge rate, the faster the pump can run.
When choosing submersible pool pumps, the discharge rate of the tool must be equal to or higher than the required pressure.
For example, a 500GPH pool pump is perfect to tackle a hot tub while a 1,000 to 3,000 GPH model is powerful enough for a large-size pool.
Types Of Pump
There are two main types of submersible pool pumps: sump pumps and utility pumps.
To determine which one is the best for your needs, please take a peek at this table:
Sump pumps | Utility pumps | |
Purpose of use | For draining flooded basement | For draining well, emptying clogged sinks, removing standing water, etc. |
Strength | Fast water-pumping performance | Portable |
Weakness | Not portable | Unable to pump solids, so they’re not suitable for sewage-type applications |
Best for | Places with infrequent flooding | Small places |
Safety Features
It is important to pay extra attention to the safety features when choosing them.
Auto-shutoff is the one that any pump must-have.
This feature will automatically turn the tool off when detecting that the water level is under the minimum, which keeps you and the pump safe.
Which Brands Make The Best Submersible Pool Pump?
Superior Pump
The name of this brand is also their No.1 mission from the start – manufacturing superior pool pumps only. Superior Pump stands out from the rest for providing reliable products that are made from top-notch components.
Little Giant
Little Giant has been in the industry for over 80 years and also has remained their top ranking in providing different types of high-quality pool pumps which can stand the test of time.
But what distinguishes them from the competition is the proven reliability and superior technical know-how.
FAQs
Can I use a submersible pump in a pool?
Yes, you can. Submersible pumps are made to remove excess water from a swimming pool or spas.
How do submersible pool pumps work?
Here is the way a submersible pool pump works: At the place that it is located, the motor pulls water from the side or bottom into the pump. Then, it expels the water through a hose to a predetermined spot (which is usually away from the spot being pumped).
Can I be in the pool with a submersible pump?
No, you can’t.
It is risky to be in the pool with a submersible pump. Accidents might happen, so wait until the tool finishes its job and is removed from the pool.
Can you leave a submersible pump plugged in?
Yes, you can.
All submersible pumps are built to not turn on until the water level is above 1-1/4 inches.
How long can a submersible pump run continuously?
A low-quality submersible pump can run constantly for 6-18 hours while a high-quality one can last 20 to 24 hours. After that, you should let it take a break.
Can I clean the bottom of my pool without a pump?
No, you can’t.
A pump is a must when it comes to cleaning the bottom of a swimming pool. But there are ways to keep the pool water clean for longer, such as agitate and circulate, prevent algae, sanitize by using chlorine and frequently remove debris.
How do I know if my submersible pump is bad?
There are some noticeable signs to let you know if your submersible pump is bad. The easiest way is to use your ohmmeter. For more detailed guides, please follow this tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIEnOZRybds
Can a pool pump hurt me?
Yes, it can.
The power output of a pool pump might hurt or cause life-threatening injury. If you unwittingly cover the suction point of the pump with any of your body parts, it might disembowel, drown, or trap you.
How long does a submersible pool pump last?
A submersible pool pump averagely lasts 8 to 15 years.
At what depth should a submersible pump be installed?
A submersible pump should be installed at no less than 5’ from the bottom of the well.
Conclusion
That’s all for our guide for the best submersible pool pumps. We have tried our best to include all the essential information here to help you find the right one that meets your budget and needs.
Thanks a lot for reading!
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
