What is the Difference Between Above Ground and in Ground Pool Pumps?

Summer is here and you decide to invite the whole family to the pool. A swimming pool of any kind is a major investment, but one that will bring you and your family great joy!

However, you must decide whether to install an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool. Therefore, before installing, you should understand the pros and cons of each pool and pump. 

We hope this article answers your questions. We have prepared a comparison of aboveground and inground pool pumps to answer their differences. Let's find out together next.

Swimming pools are very simple in function: they are just large bodies of water. They use filtration and chemical treatment systems to continuously clean large volumes of water.

A standard swimming pool consists of the following main components:

Electric pump

A water purifier

Chemical feeder

Drainage

PVC plastic pipes connect all the above elements. The basic concept is to continuously pump water out of the pool and back into the pool through a filter and chemical treatment system. 

As you can see, your pool pump is the key piece of equipment; it's the "heart" of your pool. A pool pump circulates water around your pool just like your heart circulates blood in your body. 

A motor and a wet end assembly make up a pool pump. A motor spins the impeller inside the sealed enclosure, creating suction to draw water from the pool, pump it through the filter, and return clean water to the pool.

To keep it clean and clear, the pool water must be circulated daily. Without pool pumps for circulating water and filters for eliminating toxins, swimming pools can quickly become stagnant and dirty.

First, a hose called an intake hose draws water from the pool. Water from the inlet line enters the pump and passes through the filter barrel before reaching the impeller.

As it spins, centrifugal energy is generated by a rotating turbine wheel mounted on the motor shaft. The water squeezes itself out of the outgoing hose or pipe, through centrifugal force to the filter. 

You have two different pool pumps to choose from - above-ground and in-ground pool pumps. 

Let's see the difference between in-ground and above-ground pool pumps.

The main difference between in-ground and above-ground pool pumps is their size. This makes sense because in-ground pools circulate more water at higher flow rates.

The main difference between in-ground and above-ground pumps is that above-ground pumps require manual activation, whereas underground pumps are "self-priming".

Since most underground pumps are above the water level, this has to do with the pump's ability to lift the water vertically. Pumps are usually installed above the water table, and in some cases even higher.

Above-ground pumps are installed below the water level and have "overflow suction," which means that gravity and atmospheric pressure power the pump without the need for significant vacuum or suction pressure.

Another difference between aboveground and underground pumps is flow. Aboveground pumps can be made at 30-60 gallons per minute, while underground pumps can reach 75-150 gallons per minute. 

All water in the pool should be pumped through the pool every 8-10 hours. You must ensure that the pump flow matches the filter flow. Otherwise, if the water flows too fast, the filtration system will not function optimally.

Self-priming filter pumps, unlike non-self-priming pumps, can hold air so they can independently inflate the vacuum line after filling with water. Water fills through the lid of the filter housing. 

These filter pumps are completely safe to use above the waterline. Self-priming pumps can easily use manual pool floor cleaners because they can carry air.

Aboveground pumps cannot handle air. The above-ground pump must be below the water table for pool water to flow freely through the pump. If the flow stops, the above-ground pump will stop sooner or later, risking burning the motor.

Aboveground pumps are usually made of reinforced fiberglass and lighter plastics. As a general rule, above-ground pools of less than 15,300 gallons require a 1hp pump. For larger pools, you will need at least a 1.5hp pump. 

An underground pool pump is a more robust pump. It can be made with a rust-proof metal case, usually a 115V/230V motor power supply. 

These are just a summary of the motor power sizes for in-ground and above-ground pool pumps.

Sure. Your in-ground pool must be above your above-ground pool pump. It also depends on the size of the pool.

The planned use of the pump, above or below ground, does not matter, as long as it can turn over all the water and meet the flow of the pool filter within 8-10 hours. You must also follow the water level rules for each pump.

Subterranean pools also require extensive excavation and leveling, as well as additional structural support in the form of reinforced walls. As one might imagine, this significantly increases the initial cost of the buried tank.

A 12' x 24' in-ground pool will cost about $31,000. However, it is worth remembering that the cost of installing an in-ground swimming pool is unimaginable.

Above-ground pools and pumps are much easier and cheaper to install. The average 12-foot by 24-foot above-ground pool costs about $8,300. 

If you're wondering which pool, above or below ground, will give you long-term benefits, read on. 

A well-maintained in-ground pool can last 20 to 50 years, while above-ground pools typically last 10 to 15 years.

In-ground swimming pools are also more resistant to damage because they are installed underground. Above-ground pools are often more susceptible to sharp objects puncturing vinyl walls or tearing in vinyl floors. 

Instead of focusing on long-term investments, focus on value, and a swimming pool will enhance the quality of life for you and your family. 

It can be difficult to draw the line between these two in-ground pool pumps and above-ground pool pumps. Now that you've learned how to swim through the differences between the two types of pumps, you can decide which one to use.

Go with the flow; if you have an in-ground pool, use an in-ground pump, and if you decide to use an above-ground pool, use an above-ground pump! If you are planning to buy a swimming pool pump, please contact us.

MAYGO POOL is a custom pool pump manufacturer with 30 years of experience. We specialize in professional technical solutions for residential and commercial swimming pools. At present, we have provided swimming pool solutions to thousands of customers in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, etc. In order to ensure the continuous improvement of products and performance, my pool looks forward to your communication and assistance in product optimization. Make sure you will have better market competitiveness.