Best Above Ground Pool Pumps (2026): 15 Picks
The top pick is the Blue Wave FlowXtreme 0.9 HP above ground pool pump and filter combo. Its listing states 0.9 HP, a single-speed motor, 115V, a 2,700 GPH flow figure, a cartridge filter and the above ground pool type, more stated details than any other listing in this shortlist. The guide then orders the remaining pumps by the number of stated details, then by speed type and the order in the pool file, comparing every pick on stated details and live prices.
15 picks from 30 pool pumps that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 11 makers. Every price below is live and carries the moment it was read.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- For an above ground pool replacing an old pump: This single speed pump states 2 HP, 115V and 6,090 GPH, useful when comparing a replacement on those stated details. See pick 4
- For an above ground pool with a sand filter combo: This listing names a sand filter sold with the pump and states 3/4 HP and 3,100 GPH flow, for an above ground pool owner comparing combos. See pick 13
- For a pool rated for both in-ground and above ground: The title states 2 HP, 6,800 GPH, 115V and 230V and both pool types, for a pool that the seller rates for in-ground and above ground use. See pick 12
- For an above ground pool owner who wants a cartridge filter combo: This top pick states 0.9 HP, single speed, 115V, 2,700 GPH and a cartridge filter, so a cartridge combo buyer can see the stated details at a glance. See pick 1
The 15 picks
1 Most stated details in this shortlist
Blue Wave FlowXtreme 0.9 HP Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter Combo
- Speed type
- Single speed
- Horsepower
- 0.9 HP
- Voltage
- 115V
- Flow rate
- 2700 GPH
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Cartridge
$399.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This listing states 6 details: 0.9 HP, single speed, 115V, 2,700 GPH flow, a cartridge filter and the above ground pool type. No other pick in the shortlist names that many details, so it ranks first by the ordering rule.
Pros
- States single speed
- States 115V
- States 2,700 GPH flow
- Names a cartridge filter and 0.9 HP
Cons
- No timer stated by the seller
- Pool type is above ground only in the title
Good fit if
- An above ground pool owner who wants a listing that names speed, voltage, flow, filter and HP
- A buyer who wants a cartridge filter pump combo
Skip if
- A buyer who wants a dual or variable speed listing
- A buyer who wants a timer stated by the seller
Verdict: The most complete listing in this shortlist, stating speed, voltage, flow, filter, HP and pool type.
2 Only variable speed pick stating 4,980 GPH flow
Blue Wave Sandman 22-In Sand Filter System for Above Ground Pools
- Speed type
- Variable speed
- Horsepower
- 1.5 HP
- Flow rate
- 4980 GPH
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Sand
$854.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:00 PDT - Details)
Among the variable speed listings in this shortlist, this is the only one that also states a flow figure. It states 5 details (1.5 HP, variable speed, sand filter, 4,980 GPH, above ground) and comes first among the 5-detail entries by the speed order.
Pros
- States variable speed
- States a sand filter
- States 1.5 HP
- States 4,980 GPH flow
Cons
- No voltage stated by the seller
- No timer stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An above ground pool owner who wants a variable speed motor and a sand filter combo
- A buyer who wants a stated flow figure
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a voltage figure stated
- A buyer who prefers a cartridge filter combo
Verdict: A variable speed sand combo with a stated 4,980 GPH flow figure.
3 Dual speed cartridge combo stating both pool types
Swimline HYDROTOOLS Pool Cartridge Filter Pump System for Above Ground &
- Speed type
- Dual speed
- Horsepower
- 1 HP
- Flow rate
- 5280 GPH
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Cartridge
$599.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:27 PDT - Details)
This listing states 5 details: 1 HP, dual speed, a cartridge filter, 5,280 GPH flow and both in-ground and above ground pool types. It is the first dual speed listing among the 5-detail entries, so it ranks third overall.
Pros
- States dual speed
- States 5,280 GPH flow
- Names a cartridge filter
- States in-ground and above-ground pool types
Cons
- No voltage stated by the seller
- No timer stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An owner with a pool the title rates for both in-ground and above ground
- A buyer who wants a dual speed cartridge combo
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a voltage figure
- A buyer who wants a sand filter
Verdict: A dual speed cartridge combo for both pool types with a stated 5,280 GPH flow.
4 Highest stated flow among single speed picks
VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump 2 HP 6090 GPH Max Flow Single Speed Pump
- Speed type
- Single speed
- Horsepower
- 2 HP
- Voltage
- 115V
- Flow rate
- 6090 GPH
- Pool type
- Above-ground
$159.90 (as of 10/18/2026 11:59 PDT - Details)
This single speed listing states 5 details: 2 HP, single speed, 115V, 6,090 GPH and above ground. Among the single speed picks in the shortlist, it has the highest stated flow figure.
Pros
- States 2 HP
- States single speed
- States 115V
- States 6,090 GPH flow
Cons
- No filter stated (pump alone)
- No timer stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An above ground pool owner who wants a pump alone with a stated flow figure
- A buyer who wants 2 HP and 115V stated
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a filter combo
- A buyer who wants a variable speed listing
Verdict: A single speed 2 HP pump with 6,090 GPH flow and 115V stated.
5 Single speed listing with 5,280 GPH and 1.5 HP
VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump 1.5 HP 5280 GPH Max Flow Single Speed Pump
- Speed type
- Single speed
- Horsepower
- 1.5 HP
- Voltage
- 115V
- Flow rate
- 5280 GPH
- Pool type
- Above-ground
$149.90 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This listing states 5 details: 1.5 HP, single speed, 115V, 5,280 GPH and above ground. It is the second single speed 5-detail entry by the pool order, so it ranks fifth.
Pros
- States 1.5 HP
- States single speed
- States 115V
- States 5,280 GPH flow
Cons
- No filter stated (pump alone)
- No timer stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An above ground pool owner replacing a single speed pump
- A buyer who wants a stated 1.5 HP and flow figure
Skip if
- A buyer who wants a pump and filter combo
- A buyer who wants a variable speed listing
Verdict: A single speed above ground pump with stated HP, voltage and flow.
6 Variable speed listing for both pool types with 115V
VIVOHOME 1.5HP 115V Variable Speed in/Above Ground Pool Pump
- Speed type
- Variable speed
- Horsepower
- 1.5 HP
- Voltage
- 115V
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
$279.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:27 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 1.5 HP, variable speed, 115V and both pool types. It is the first of the 4-detail variable speed entries, so it appears after the 5-detail listings.
Pros
- States variable speed
- States 1.5 HP
- States 115V
- States in-ground and above-ground pool types
Cons
- No flow figure stated by the seller
- No filter stated (pump alone)
Good fit if
- A pool owner who wants a variable speed pump for a pool the title rates for both types
- A buyer who wants a voltage figure stated
Skip if
- A buyer who wants a stated flow figure
- A buyer who needs a filter combo
Verdict: A variable speed pump stating both pool types and 115V.
7 Variable speed 2 HP listing for both pool types
VIVOHOME 2.0HP 115V Variable Speed in/Above Ground Pool Pump
- Speed type
- Variable speed
- Horsepower
- 2 HP
- Voltage
- 115V
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
$289.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:27 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 2 HP, variable speed, 115V and both pool types. It is the second 4-detail variable speed entry, so it ranks after the first.
Pros
- States variable speed
- States 2 HP
- States 115V
- States both pool types
Cons
- No flow figure stated by the seller
- No filter stated (pump alone)
Good fit if
- A buyer who wants 2 HP with variable speed
- An owner of a pool the title rates for both types
Skip if
- A buyer who wants a stated flow figure
- A buyer who needs a filter combo
Verdict: A variable speed 2 HP pump stating 115V and both pool types.
8 Variable speed listing with 230V and both pool types
VEVOR Variable Speed Pool Pump
- Speed type
- Variable speed
- Horsepower
- 1.5 HP
- Voltage
- 230V
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
$445.90 (as of 10/18/2026 11:27 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 1.5 HP, variable speed, 230V and both pool types. It is the third 4-detail variable speed entry, so it appears after the two VIVOHOME variable speed picks.
Pros
- States variable speed
- States 1.5 HP
- States 230V
- States both pool types
Cons
- No flow figure stated by the seller
- No filter stated (pump alone)
Good fit if
- A buyer who needs a 230V pump
- An owner of a pool rated for both types
Skip if
- A buyer who wants 115V
- A buyer who wants a filter combo
Verdict: A variable speed 1.5 HP pump stating 230V and both pool types.
9 Dual speed cartridge combo for above ground pools
SWIMLINE Above Ground Pool Cartridge Filter & Pump
- Speed type
- Dual speed
- Horsepower
- 1 HP
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Cartridge
$599.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:27 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 1 HP, dual speed, a cartridge filter and the above ground pool type. It is the first 4-detail dual speed entry, so it ranks after the variable speed 4-detail picks.
Pros
- States dual speed
- States 1 HP
- Names a cartridge filter
- States above ground pool type
Cons
- No voltage stated by the seller
- No flow figure stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An above ground owner who wants a dual speed cartridge combo
- A buyer who wants a filter sold with the pump
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a voltage figure
- A buyer who wants a sand filter
Verdict: A dual speed cartridge combo stating HP, speed and above ground type.
10 Dual speed 2 HP pump with 230V and both pool types
VIVOHOME 2.0HP Pool Pump Dual Speed
- Speed type
- Dual speed
- Horsepower
- 2 HP
- Voltage
- 230V
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
$269.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:59 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 2 HP, dual speed, 230V and both pool types. It is the second 4-detail dual speed entry, so it appears after the first.
Pros
- States dual speed
- States 2 HP
- States 230V
- States both pool types
Cons
- No flow figure stated by the seller
- No filter stated (pump alone)
Good fit if
- A buyer who wants 2 HP dual speed
- An owner of a pool rated for both types
Skip if
- A buyer who wants 115V
- A buyer who needs a filter
Verdict: A dual speed 2 HP pump stating 230V and both pool types.
11 Dual speed sand filter combo for above ground pools
Swimline | Above Ground Pool Sand Filter and Pump | 24" | 1 HP 2-Speed
- Speed type
- Dual speed
- Horsepower
- 1 HP
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Sand
$679.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:00 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 1 HP, dual speed, a sand filter and the above ground pool type. It is the third 4-detail dual speed entry, so it ranks after the other two.
Pros
- States dual speed
- States 1 HP
- Names a sand filter
- States above ground pool type
Cons
- No voltage stated by the seller
- No flow figure stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An above ground owner who wants a sand filter combo
- A buyer who wants dual speed
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a voltage figure
- A buyer who prefers a cartridge filter
Verdict: A dual speed sand filter combo for above ground pools.
12 Highest stated flow in this shortlist: 6,800 GPH
VIVOHOME 2.0HP 6800GPH Pool Pump for In/Above Ground Pools 115V/230V
- Horsepower
- 2 HP
- Voltage
- 115V and 230V
- Flow rate
- 6800 GPH
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
$239.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:59 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 2 HP, 6,800 GPH flow, 115V and 230V, and both pool types. It states no speed, so by the ordering rule it comes after the speed-stated 4-detail entries.
Pros
- States 2 HP
- States 6,800 GPH flow
- States 115V and 230V
- States both pool types
Cons
- No speed stated by the seller
- No filter stated (pump alone)
Good fit if
- A buyer who wants the highest stated flow figure in this shortlist
- An owner of a pool rated for both types
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a speed type stated
- A buyer who wants a filter combo
Verdict: A pump with 6,800 GPH stated flow, 2 HP and dual voltage.
13 Sand filter combo with a stated 3,100 GPH flow
XtremepowerUS 16" Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Swimming Pool
- Horsepower
- 0.75 HP
- Flow rate
- 3100 GPH
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Sand
$239.95 (as of 10/18/2026 11:59 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 3/4 HP, a sand filter, 3,100 GPH flow and the above ground pool type. It states no speed, so it ranks among the 4-detail no-speed entries.
Pros
- States 3/4 HP
- Names a sand filter
- States 3,100 GPH flow
- States above ground pool type
Cons
- No speed stated by the seller
- No voltage stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An above ground owner who wants a sand filter pump combo
- A buyer who wants a stated flow figure
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a speed type
- A buyer who needs a voltage figure
Verdict: A sand filter combo for above ground pools with a stated flow figure.
14 Sand filter combo stating 1.5 THP and 4,980 GPH
Swimline Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pool
- Horsepower
- 1.5 HP
- Flow rate
- 4980 GPH
- Pool type
- Above-ground
- Filter (pump and filter combos)
- Sand
$799.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:00 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 1.5 THP, a sand filter, 4,980 GPH flow and the above ground pool type. It states no speed, so it appears after the first no-speed 4-detail entries.
Pros
- States 1.5 THP
- Names a sand filter
- States 4,980 GPH flow
- States above ground pool type
Cons
- No speed stated by the seller
- No voltage stated by the seller
Good fit if
- A buyer who wants a sand filter with a stated THP figure
- An above ground owner who wants flow stated
Skip if
- A buyer who needs a speed type
- A buyer who needs a voltage figure
Verdict: A sand filter combo stating 1.5 THP and 4,980 GPH.
15 Both pool types with 1.5 HP and 6,027 GPH stated
VIVOHOME 1.5 HP 6027 GPH 115V Pool Pump for In/Above Ground Pools
- Horsepower
- 1.5 HP
- Voltage
- 115V
- Flow rate
- 6027 GPH
- Pool type
- In-ground and above-ground
$179.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This listing states 4 details: 1.5 HP, 115V, 6,027 GPH flow and both pool types. It states no speed, and it is the last of the 15 picks by the ordering rule.
Pros
- States 1.5 HP
- States 115V
- States 6,027 GPH flow
- States both pool types
Cons
- No speed stated by the seller
- No filter stated (pump alone)
Good fit if
- An owner of a pool rated for both types
- A buyer who wants a flow figure stated
Skip if
- A buyer who wants a speed type
- A buyer who needs a filter
Verdict: A pump stating 1.5 HP, 115V, 6,027 GPH and both pool types.
Side by side
| # | Pool pump | Speed type | Horsepower | Voltage | Flow rate | Pool type | Filter (pump and filter combos) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Wave FlowXtreme 0.9 HP Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter Combo | Single speed | 0.9 HP | 115V | 2700 GPH | Above-ground | Cartridge |
| 2 | Blue Wave Sandman 22-In Sand Filter System for Above Ground Pools | Variable speed | 1.5 HP | not stated | 4980 GPH | Above-ground | Sand |
| 3 | Swimline HYDROTOOLS Pool Cartridge Filter Pump System for Above Ground & | Dual speed | 1 HP | not stated | 5280 GPH | In-ground and above-ground | Cartridge |
| 4 | VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump 2 HP 6090 GPH Max Flow Single Speed Pump | Single speed | 2 HP | 115V | 6090 GPH | Above-ground | not stated |
| 5 | VEVOR Swimming Pool Pump 1.5 HP 5280 GPH Max Flow Single Speed Pump | Single speed | 1.5 HP | 115V | 5280 GPH | Above-ground | not stated |
| 6 | VIVOHOME 1.5HP 115V Variable Speed in/Above Ground Pool Pump | Variable speed | 1.5 HP | 115V | not stated | In-ground and above-ground | not stated |
| 7 | VIVOHOME 2.0HP 115V Variable Speed in/Above Ground Pool Pump | Variable speed | 2 HP | 115V | not stated | In-ground and above-ground | not stated |
| 8 | VEVOR Variable Speed Pool Pump | Variable speed | 1.5 HP | 230V | not stated | In-ground and above-ground | not stated |
| 9 | SWIMLINE Above Ground Pool Cartridge Filter & Pump | Dual speed | 1 HP | not stated | not stated | Above-ground | Cartridge |
| 10 | VIVOHOME 2.0HP Pool Pump Dual Speed | Dual speed | 2 HP | 230V | not stated | In-ground and above-ground | not stated |
| 11 | Swimline | Above Ground Pool Sand Filter and Pump | 24" | 1 HP 2-Speed | Dual speed | 1 HP | not stated | not stated | Above-ground | Sand |
| 12 | VIVOHOME 2.0HP 6800GPH Pool Pump for In/Above Ground Pools 115V/230V | not stated | 2 HP | 115V and 230V | 6800 GPH | In-ground and above-ground | not stated |
| 13 | XtremepowerUS 16" Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Swimming Pool | not stated | 0.75 HP | not stated | 3100 GPH | Above-ground | Sand |
| 14 | Swimline Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pool | not stated | 1.5 HP | not stated | 4980 GPH | Above-ground | Sand |
| 15 | VIVOHOME 1.5 HP 6027 GPH 115V Pool Pump for In/Above Ground Pools | not stated | 1.5 HP | 115V | 6027 GPH | In-ground and above-ground | not stated |
How we picked
The pool for this guide holds 30 priced listings for pool pumps whose title names an above ground pool (pumps the title rates for both in-ground and above ground are included) and states a horsepower figure. A combo whose title states no horsepower goes to the sand filter guide instead. This guide picks 15 of those listings. The picks are ordered by how many details each title states: speed, horsepower, voltage, flow, pool type, filter and timer, with the most detailed listings first. Within the same detail count, variable speed listings come before dual speed, dual speed before single speed, and listings that state no speed come last. Each pick is compared on the details stated in its listing title and on the live price shown with it.
How to choose
Inground or above ground: what the title names
Some listings state "above ground" in the title, while others state "in-ground and above-ground" or "in/above ground". This guide includes both, because the title names an above ground pool in both cases. Read the pool type wording in the listing title before deciding which listing matches the pool.
Single, dual or variable speed in a listing
The title names the pump speed when the seller states one: single speed, dual speed (also written "2-speed") or variable speed. Some listings here state no speed at all. These are different kinds of motor control, and the catalogue does not state energy use, operating cost or any requirement for one type. For questions about local rules, check with your local building office and your utility.
Horsepower, voltage and flow figures in a title
Listings state horsepower figures, voltage (115V, 230V or both) and flow in GPH or GPM. Some titles state a THP figure and no plain HP; the guide reports it as the title states it. The catalogue has no data on how a figure matches a pool size or plumbing. Read the maker's sizing page and manual, and ask a qualified installer, before choosing a replacement.
Sand or cartridge combos
Some picks name a sand filter or a cartridge filter sold with the pump. The guide reports which filter the title names and never compares how either filter type performs. The catalogue has no data on filter media, and no advice on sand or cartridge care belongs in this guide.
Who installs and wires pool equipment
Pool pumps are wired by a licensed electrician as the maker's manual says. The guide does not give wiring, breaker, bonding or grounding advice.
Rules to check before you buy: local code, permits and utility
The catalogue holds no data on permits, codes, utility incentives or any local requirement. Check with your local building office and your utility for the rules that apply to your pool before buying.
Questions
Does this guide cover energy use, operating cost, sizing or installation?
No. The catalogue holds only the details each listing title states: speed, horsepower, voltage, flow and filter combos. It has no energy use, operating cost, pool sizing or installation data. For those, read the maker's sizing page and manual and ask a licensed electrician or installer.
Are these pumps for above ground pools only?
Some titles state "above ground", while others state "in-ground and above-ground" or "in/above ground". This guide includes both, because the title names an above ground pool in both cases. Read the title's pool type wording before choosing.
What does a pump and filter combo include?
A combo listing names a filter sold with the pump: a sand filter or a cartridge filter. The pump alone listings in this guide do not name a filter. The catalogue does not compare how either filter type performs.
What does the guide mean by "not stated by the seller"?
When a detail does not appear in the listing title, the guide says "not stated by the seller" rather than guessing. The catalogue is built from the titles only.
Do these pumps come with a timer?
None of the listings in this guide states a timer. The catalogue does not include a timer figure for these pumps, so the guide treats timer as not stated by the seller.
Recent updates
- : First published.