Hey Pool Owners are you wondering to know what exactly is the difference between inground and above ground pool pumps?

We are here for you to solve this mystery.

It’s obvious! This question might have occurred to you at some point. Typically, when it comes to purchasing an expensive piece of pool pumps and wondering whether it is interchangeable.

The reply is… it depends, or perhaps yes, perhaps no.

The basic difference between inground and aboveground pool pumps is size; clearly, inground pool equipment is designed to provide greater volumes of water at higher flow rates.

Another sharp difference is the cost.

You’ve already found that aboveground pool equipment is far less expensive than in-ground pool equipment.

Because of the process, the entire price difference, and product versioning, aboveground equipment has narrower margins to offer advantages that are more competitive for the aboveground market which concludes as less disposable income than inground pool owners.

But can’t be denied both inground and above grounds are in the same boat along with their pumping equipment.

A general pool composition

Swimming pools are essentially large bodies of water with a pool in the center. They clean a significant volume of water continuously using a filtration and chemical processing device.

The following are the key components of a generic swimming pool:

• A platter
• A pump that is powered by electricity
• Drainage
• Water purifier

All of the above elements are connected by drainage PVC plastic plumbing. The basic concept is to continuously pump water from the pool back into the pool through filters and chemical processing systems.

Your pool pump, as you can see, is an essential piece of equipment; it is the “heart” of your pool. In the same way, as your heart circulates blood throughout your body, a pool pump circulates water throughout your pool.

What is a pool pump and how does it work?

A pool pump is made up of an electric motor and a wet end assembly. The motor spins an impeller inside an airtight housing, generating suction to draw water from the pool, filter it, and return it to the pool clean.

Pool water must be circulated regularly to keep it safe and clear. A swimming pool can quickly become stagnant and filthy without a pool pump to circulate the water and a filter to remove pollutants.

To begin, a hose known as the influent line removes water from the pool. The water from the influent line reaches the pump and is filtered before hitting the impeller by a straining bucket.

The impeller, a rotating turbine mounted on the electric motor shaft, generates centrifugal energy as it spins. By centrifugal force, water pushes itself out of the effluent hose or tubing that leads to the filter.

Difference between inground and aboveground pool pumps

Above-ground and in-ground pool pumps are the two types of pool pumps available.

Let’s compare and contrast inground and above-ground pool pumps.

The size difference between inground and aboveground pool pumps is the most significant. Since an inground pool circulates larger amounts of water at higher flow rates, this makes sense.

Manual-priming And Self-priming

Above-ground pumps require “manual priming”, while inground pumps are “self-priming.”

This refers to the pump’s ability to lift water vertically since most inground pumps are above water level. Pumps are often placed near, and in some cases well above, the water table.

Aboveground pumps are located below water level and provide “flooded suction,” which means the pump is fed by gravity and ambient pressure rather than vacuum or suction pressure.

Flow Rate

The flow rate is another distinction between above-ground and inground pumps. Flow rates of 30-60 gallons per minute are typical for above-ground pumps, while 75-150 gallons per minute are typical for inground pumps.

Every 8-10 hours, all of the water in a pool can move through the pool pump. You must ensure that the pump and filter flow rates are in sync. Otherwise, the filtering mechanism would not function properly if the water flow is too fast.

Better Air Pressure Handler

Unlike non-self-priming filter pumps, self-priming filter pumps can accommodate air, allowing them to aerate the vacuum line after filling with water. Water is poured into the filter housing through the lid.

Above the waterline, these filter pumps are safe to use. Since they can hold air, self-priming pumps make it simple to use manual hand pool floor cleaners.

Air cannot be handled by above-ground pumps. For pool water to flow freely through an above-ground pump, it must be below the water level. If the flow rate drops, the above-ground pump will eventually shut down and the motor will burn out.

Above ground can be used for both purposes

Yes, you certainly can. Your above-ground pool pump will have to be placed above your inground pool. It also depends on the pool’s size.

It doesn’t matter whether the pump is intended for above-ground or in-ground use as long as it can turn over all of the water in 8-10 hours and reach the pool filter flow rate. For each pump, you must also follow the water level law.

Maintenance Investment

A well-maintained in-ground pool can continue up to 20 to 50 years, while an above-ground pool can serve 10 to 15 years.

As the aboveground is built underground, on a similar phase inground pools are more damage-resistant. In above-ground pools, sharp objects pinch the vinyl walls or rip out the vinyl floor.

A pool would improve the quality of life for you and your family rather than being a long-term investment.

Tips for exactly which fits for you

People often purchase a larger pump than is needed because they assume that more power equals better performance. However, this raises maintenance costs, and your filter can become overworked as a result.

A pool pump can filter all of the water once a day as a general rule. As a result, the size of your pump should correspond to the volume of water in your pool.

Accurate pump size you would required for your pool

For this, you’ll want to double-check the gallons per hour (GPH) that your pump engages to transfer. A simple rule is to multiply the amount that is required by the pump to pump by 8 and compare the result to the total number of gallons in your tank.

Always concerned about the number of gallons of water your pool can hold? It’s simple math that everyone can do, and if math isn’t your strong suit, a calculator will come in handy.

First and foremost, determine the length, width, and depth of your swimming pool. Then multiply all three numbers together (in feet).

Simply multiply that number by 7.5 to convert and measure the volume of your pool in gallons, and you’re done! If you enjoy working with formulas, here’s one to try:

Total Volume of a Pool (in Gallons) = Pool Length (in Feet) x Pool Width (in Feet) x Pool Depth (in Feet) x 7.5

Final Verdict

The above-ground pump is usually made of fiberglass reinforced with lighter plastics. A 1 Horse Power pump is needed for above-ground pools with a capacity of fewer than 15,300 gallons. You’ll need at least a 1.5-horsepower pump for larger pools.

An inground pool pump is more durable and long-lasting. It is usually 115 volt/230-volt motor power and may be installed with a rust-proof metal housing.

These are all generalizations about inground and above-ground pool pump motor control. Always seek professional advice if you are uncertain.

It’s difficult to make a difference between inground and above-ground pool pumps. After understanding how to navigate and understanding the differences between the two types of pumps, you can choose which one to use.

If you own an in-ground pool, get an in-ground pump, and if you own an above-ground pool, go with an above-ground pump.