Last Updated on January 29, 2023
When you’re looking for the best pool pumps for Bestway pools to keep yours up and running all summer long, it can be a daunting task. Luckily, we are here to simplify this decision-making process by giving you the right information on which above ground pool pumps you should consider.
Whether this is your first time owning a Bestway pool or you’re actively looking to upgrade or replace your current Bestway pool pump, we’re here to help you.
All swimming pools need a pool pump to function properly, and if yours is not up to par, it can be frustrating. We have compiled the best pumps for Bestway pools so you may find one that suits your needs.
Many of us are unhappy with our original purchase or we’ve encountered problems in recent years- but instead of spending money on pump repair, why don’t you invest in an upgrade or a new Bestway pool pump?
Bestway Pool Pumps At A Glance
Bestway Flow Clear Above Ground Pool Pump
First, we would like to discuss the Bestway Flow Clear Above Ground Pool Pumps. This is Bestway’s most basic pump and filter combination. It comes with most of their pool sets being sold on local and online stores. There are several versions of this type of filter pump, but with varying gallons per hour (GPH) rating.
These pumps are fairly easy to set up so you can start using your Bestway pool right away. They are also easy to operate and the instructions are simple enough that any pool owner can understand and follow.
The Bestway Flow Clear Above Ground Pool Pump utilizes Type B filter cartridges that should be changed or replaced every two weeks for best results. Bestway highly recommends this pool pump for those with above ground pools that have a maximum water capacity of 300 to 15,200 gallons.
The Bestway Flow Clear Above Ground Pool Pump has the following models in its lineup:
Pros and Cons
Simple but versatile design
Easy to operate
Uses inexpensive filter cartridges
Requires regular replacement of cartridges
It may not be powerful enough to operate a pool vacuum
Not recommended to run for more than 8 hours per day
What Real World Users Say…
“I was so happy to purchase this pool pump when mine went out. It works excellent in my 15” pool!”
“I bought this for my little guys small pool, (only 1500 Gallons) to replace the useless filter that came with the INTEX pool. I really have no complaints.”
“This filter/pump is an absolute workhorse! I’ve had it for at least a month now and it runs strong each and every day! I originally had my water level a little too low (just slightly above the output valve) and the force of the water created a very strong stream of water through the air and across the pool.”
Pick The This One If:
Budget:
This is the most affordable pump available.
You have a small pool:
This pump is fine for the smaller Easy Set pools
Bestway Flow Clear Sand Filter Pumps
The Bestway Flow Clear Sand Filter Pumps is our recommendation for those pool owners looking to move away from filter cartridges and save money on their pool’s weekly operating costs.
It comes in three different tank sizes that cater to different pool sizes from 300 to 11,200 gallons.
Sand filters are a common choice for inground pool owners, but recent changes in technology have made them more accessible to above ground pool owners.
Sand filters are an excellent way to keep your pool water clean. The sand filters work by allowing the water from your swimming pool to flow through a canister that contains sand. The larger particles are unable to pass through, and the filtered water is pump back to your pool.
To know the basics of how the sand filter works, you can utilize this diagram.

You’ll find that sand filters are a much less expensive option than running a filter pump system that uses filter cartridges. During prolonged use, the cartridge may have to be replaced every couple of weeks, while the sand on sand filter pumps only need replacing once in three years.
When it’s time to change your filter media, all you have to do is add the new sand and turn its backwash setting on so it can rinse the filter. This upgrade from traditional filter pumps is an excellent way to keep your pool water clean and clear without spending a fortune.
Pros and Cons
Improves water quality better than traditional pool pumps
Lower operating and maintenance costs
Easy to set up and operate
Higher initial costs
What Real World Users Say…
“We replaced our pump of three years that came with an 18×9 pool from Costco. Wow! This pump is a powerhouse and keeps our water crystal clear.”
“No filters to change or buy. Just backwash the sand once a week.”
“This pump works great, had been the easiest pump I’ve ever used. The only downside is there is no timer to get it for a preset number of hours a day.”
Pick The This One If:
Bigger Pools:
If you have one of those bigger Bestway pools, then this the perfect pump for you to utilize.
Less Maintenance:
This Bestway Flow Clear Sand Filter Pump is perfect for pool owners who don’t have enough time to change filter cartridges regularly.
Everything You Need To Know About Pool Pumps
The pump is the most important part of a pool because it keeps water moving and circulating. The filter cleans up any dirt or impurities that might be in your pool, but without proper circulation, anything can get into the water if left stagnant for too long. This often leads to more problems and causes your swimming pool to be too unsafe to swim on.
What is Flow Rate?
It is important to note how many gallons of water your pump moves per hour or minute, this is your pump’s flow rate. The measure you should be looking for is GPH which stands for Gallons Per Hour; this will tell you exactly how many gallons of water the pool pump filters per hour.
If you are trying to find out the GPH or GPM of your pool pump, all you have to do is convert GPM to GPH or GPH to GPM, divide the GPH by 60, or multiply the GPM by 60 since there are 60 minutes in one hour.
GPM x 60 = GPH GALLONS PER HOUR
GPH/60 = GPM GALLONS PER MINUTE
What is Turnover Rate?
Turnover rates and flow rate are two different things. Turnover rates apply to the overall pool water, while flow rates are for pool pumps only. If your turnover rate is too low than what’s needed by your pool, then water is not being sanitized well.
Turnover rate is defined as the amount of time it takes for all the water in your swimming pool to circulate through your filter pump. This is measured in hours, how many hours it takes.
If your pool pump allows you to turn over the water in your pool twice a day, then the turnover rate is 12. If you have a smaller pool pump and all the water only goes through it once for the whole day, then your turnover rate is 24.
Pool Size Is Important!
When it comes to selecting the right Bestway pool pump, your pool size should be your top consideration.
It’s a well-known fact that most of the pool sets you’re buying only come with a pool pump that meets the minimum flow rate required. The main reason for this is for the manufacturer to save money and be able to offer the pool set at a lower price that’s more appealing to their consumers.
Because of this, deciding to upgrade your Bestway pool pump is one of the best decisions you could make to achieve a much better pool experience.
How To Choose The Best Pump For Bestway Pools
When it comes to choosing the best pool pump for your Bestway pool, you should keep these three factors in mind:
Speed of the pool pump
Pool pumps vary in speed, so it’s important to buy one that can easily handle the maximum water capacity of your pool. The speed of your selected pool pump affects your pool’s turnover rate, and the faster it can turn over your pool water, the better.
Since we’re looking to get the best pool pump for your Bestway pool, then we recommend going with a variable speed pool pump. This type of pool pump is more efficient but requires less energy than single-speed or dual-speed pool pumps.
One of the things you should look at when determining the better pool pump is GPH, the higher the GPH, the more powerful the pump is.
Type of filtration (Sand vs Cartridge Filter)
As we’ve discussed before, there are two different types of filter pumps: sand and cartridge.
When it comes to choosing the best pool pump for your Bestway pool, you have to ask yourself if you have the time to regularly change filter cartridges or not.
Filter cartridges are better than sand filters when it comes to their filtration capabilities, but you’ll have to change or clean your cartridge filters at least once every two weeks.
Meanwhile, sand filter pumps only require you to change their filter media once every 3 to 5 years.
Depending on how often you use your pool and your budget, you might be better off choosing one over the other. It all comes down to how much time you have and how much you’re willing to spend on your pool’s weekly operating and maintenance costs.
Upgrading your Bestway Pool Pump
Switching from the small cartridge filter that came with your pool to a more powerful and low-maintenance sand filter pump is the best way to upgrade your pool pump. The new model will fit right in and will be better in circulating and filtering your swimming pool.
Benefits Of Upgrading Your Pool Pump
Using a more powerful pool pump for your above ground pool comes with the following advantages:
- Better water circulation
- Cleaner and clearer pool water because of the improved filtration capabilities
- Less time needed to clean and maintain the pool
Upgrading your Bestway pool pump is a good investment since you’ll be using your swimming pool for years and having a reliable pump is the key to making that happen.
Tips For Your Bestway Pool Pump Upgrade
You can easily use most of the products we’ve mentioned here and replace your old pool pump. Here are some tips to ensure that your pool pump is set up properly.
- It must be installed on a leveled surface that is protected from the weather, rain, and freezing temperatures.
- There should be enough space to allow you to access the pump easily and do routine maintenance.
- Pool pumps need a free circulation of air for cooling purposes.
- Never put pool chemicals into your filter pump. This can damage the equipment and void its warranty.
- Replace your filter cartridges as soon as there is too much debris or dirt on them.
- Use No. 20 silica sand for a better and more efficient filtration system.
How Long Should You Run Your Pool Pump Each Day?
The answer to this question depends on your pool specifications. According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), they have developed standards, the American National Standard for Above ground/On-ground Residential Swimming Pools. which states the following:
11.1.2 Turnover. The equipment shall be sized to provide a turnover of the pool water at least once every 12 hours. The system shall be designed to give the proper turnover rate based on the manufacturer’s specified maximum flow rate of the filter, in the clean media condition of the filter.
This simply means the pool pump you are using should have a turnover rate of at least 12. Your pool water should be circulated through your filter and pump twice a day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bestway Pool Pumps
Where can I buy Bestway pool pumps?
Amazon is the best place for purchasing your new pool pump because they have various pumps available in their inventory. You also have access to verified reviews that will tell you if a product is right or wrong for what you need.
How much does it cost to run a Bestway pool pump?
For those who have a 1 HP pool pump running 8 hours per day, the monthly energy cost may range from $25 to $40.
The cost of running this type of equipment is dependent on several factors such as your current location and how often it’s used.
How long do pumps for Bestway pools last?
The Bestway cartridge filter pumps can last between 2 to 4 years, sometimes longer depending on your usage and maintenance process. The sand filter pumps last longer between 6 to 8 years.
Will a Bestway Pool Pump work with other brand pools?
Yes, the Bestway pool pumps will work with other brands of above ground pools such as Intex, Summer Waves, and Coleman. You just have to verify first if you’re using the correct inlet size for your pool.