Every pool pump gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Pumps are ranked within their pool type: above-ground pumps, in-ground pumps under 2.5 HP, and in-ground pumps of 2.5 HP or more.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | certified WEF against the ENERGY STAR minimum for its size | 35% |
| Value | current price per rated horsepower | 25% |
| Warranty | years of cover, on dealer-installed terms | 15% |
| Controls | built-in schedule, Wi-Fi and automation links | 15% |
| Noise | published sound level | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Since July 19, 2021, every pool filter pump made for the US has been tested under the Department of Energy’s procedure and certified with three figures: its rated horsepower, its hydraulic horsepower (the power it actually puts into the water at the test point) and its weighted energy factor (WEF), in thousands of gallons pumped per kilowatt-hour, weighted toward the low speeds a variable-speed pump spends most of its day at. These come from the ENERGY STAR certified pool pump list where the pump is on it, and otherwise from the maker’s spec sheet or manual. Each product page links its sources.
Pumps that run on both 115 V and 230 V are certified at each voltage. The 230 V rating, at the pump’s full power, is the one scored; the 115 V figures are noted on the product page.
The factors
Efficiency is the pump’s WEF compared with the ENERGY STAR minimum for a pump of its type (above-ground or in-ground) and hydraulic horsepower. A big pump moves more water against more resistance and always has a lower WEF than a small one, so comparing raw WEF would just reward small pumps; comparing it with the minimum for its size puts every pump on the same footing. For in-ground pumps, a WEF 10% above the minimum scores zero and 60% above full marks; ENERGY STAR sets a lower bar for the smallest in-ground pumps (under 0.711 hydraulic horsepower), so those are held to the curve for the larger ones instead. Above-ground pumps have a much lower minimum, which variable-speed models beat by two to three times, so for them 20% above scores zero and 190% above full marks.
Value is the current price per rated horsepower, on a log scale: $1,400 per HP scores zero and $250 per HP full marks. Prices are checked and dated on each product page.
Warranty is the years of cover: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks. The terms scored are the maker’s best residential terms, which for Hayward, Pentair and Jandy means a pump bought from an authorized dealer and professionally installed. Bought online and installed yourself, those makers often give less, and each product page lists the full terms.
Controls is how the pump can be run: a built-in programmable schedule counts for 30%, control from a pool automation system (Pentair, Hayward or Jandy, by RS-485 or relay) for 35%, and Wi-Fi with an app for 35% (an optional Wi-Fi module counts 20%). A variable-speed pump only saves energy if it is set to run slowly most of the day, and good controls make that easy.
Noise is the maker’s published sound level: 65 dB(A) scores zero and 45 dB(A) full marks. Most makers quote it at low speed and few give the distance, so it’s a rough guide.
What isn’t scored
Maximum flow. A pump’s top flow depends on the pool’s plumbing, and a variable-speed pump is meant to run well below it most of the time. It’s listed on each product page.
Pipe size, voltage and size. These decide whether a pump fits your equipment pad, not how good it is. They’re listed and filterable.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each pool type. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.