10 Best Submersible Pumps to Drain Pool (October 2026)

Draining a pool with the wrong pump is a slow, frustrating job. A small 1100 GPH transfer pump can take a day or more to lower a few feet of water, while an oversized unit can push more water than a garden hose or lay-flat hose can carry. Other common mistakes are buying a pump that cannot lower the level close to the liner, one that only runs manually when you wanted an automatic shut-off, or one with a cord too short to reach an outlet. The Best Submersible Pumps to Drain Pool depend on how much water you are moving, how far it has to travel, and how low you need the water level to go.

The short answer: the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP suits small pools, hot tubs and occasional backup duty with a compact 6.8 lb body. The AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH suits anyone who wants a full pool drained quickly through a standard hose. The Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH suits buyers who want a light, portable pump with a 28 ft head for hot tubs and cover water. The rest of the list covers automatic and manual models, shallow-suction designs, a hose-included kit and a small clean-water pump.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP, a 6.8 lb pump with a 25 ft lift and a removable suction screen that handles 1/8 inch solids.
• Best for fast draining: AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH, rated at 75 gpm at 5 ft with a 30 ft maximum lift.
• Best for portability: Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH, a 28 ft head pump that includes a lifting rope and two hose adapters.
• Best for automatic shut-off: Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic, which switches on at 1-1/2 inches of water and off below 1/4 inch.

Best Submersible Pumps to Drain Pool Comparison (October 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Flow Rate	Max Lift	Weight
1	Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP	Small pools, hot tubs	1800 GPH	25 ft	6.8 lb
2	AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH	Fast full drains	4500 GPH	30 ft	8.5 lb
3	Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH	Portable hot tub draining	1800 GPH	28 ft	7.3 lb
4	FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH	High flow, high lift	4600 GPH	31 ft	Not listed
5	Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH	Mid-size pool lowering	2450 GPH	31 ft	9.4 lb
6	Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic	Pool cover water	2160 GPH	Not listed	Not listed
7	Acquaer 1 HP 4345 GPH	Storm water, large volumes	4345 GPH	30 ft	Not listed
8	FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base	Shallow final pump-out	2450 GPH	25 ft	8.5 lb
9	Limodot 1.5 HP Hose Kit	Hose and cord included	4000 GPH	31 ft	10.8 lb
10	6699 1/6 HP SUB 1100	Clean water, small jobs	1100 GPH	16.5 ft	5.9 lb

1. Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP: Best Compact Thermoplastic Utility Pump for Small Pools

• Motor: 1/4 HP, 120 V
• Flow rate: 1800 GPH (30 gpm)
• Maximum lift: 25 ft
• Solids handling: up to 1/8 inch through a removable suction screen
• Discharge and cord: 1-1/4 inch NPT with a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter, 10 ft cord

Pros:

• The 6.8 lb thermoplastic body is easy to carry to the edge of a pool and lower in on its handle or cord.
• A 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge with a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter covers both fixed plumbing and a standard hose.
• The removable suction screen can be cleaned between jobs and keeps debris larger than 1/8 inch out of the pump.
• A 25 ft lift is enough to clear most pool walls and send water up a sloped yard.

Cons:

• At 1800 GPH it takes noticeably longer to drain a large pool than the 4000 to 4600 GPH models on this list.
• Automatic operation is not specified, so plan to control it at the plug.
• The minimum water depth it can reach is not listed, so it may leave more water behind than the shallow-suction picks.

Best for: an owner of a small above-ground pool, kiddie pool or hot tub who wants a light, simple pump for occasional draining and basement backup.

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The Superior Pump 91250 takes the top spot because it is the most straightforward pump here. It makes no large claims, the specs are clear, and the 1/4 HP motor is matched to the jobs most owners actually have: lowering a pool a few feet after rain, emptying a hot tub, or clearing a flooded utility room. A one-year limited warranty and a 100% factory test round out the basics.

Its limit is speed. The AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH is rated at 75 gpm against 30 gpm here, so for a large in-ground pool the AQUASTRONG will finish the job in a fraction of the time. The Superior also lists a smaller solids tolerance (1/8 inch) than the 1/5 inch screens on the FOTING and Acquaer pumps, which matters if leaves and grit settled on the pool floor.

Choose it for modest volumes, tight storage and low fuss. Skip it if you need a pump that stops itself, in which case the Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic is the better fit, or if the pump will run for hours on a big pool.

2. AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH: Best High-Flow Thermoplastic Pump for Full Pool Drains

• Motor: 1 HP, 115 V
• Flow rate: 4500 GPH (75 gpm at 5 ft)
• Maximum lift: 30 ft
• Suction and solids: removes water to 1/5 inch, handles solids up to 1/5 inch
• Discharge and cord: 1-1/4 inch NPT with a 1-1/2 inch elbow and 3/4, 1 and 1-1/4 inch snap couplings, 10 ft cord

Pros:

• A 75 gpm rating at 5 ft gives it roughly two and a half times the flow of the 1800 GPH pumps on the list.
• The adapter set (elbow plus three snap couplings) fits garden hose, 1 inch and 1-1/4 inch hose without a hardware store trip.
• Bottom suction pulls water down to 1/5 inch, so the final pump-out leaves little behind.
• A built-in thermal overload protector shuts the motor down if it runs dry, which helps when you are not watching the last few inches.

Cons:

• At 8.5 lb it is heavier than the Superior and Green Expert pumps, and it is a sizeable unit for a small hot tub.
• It is a plug-in, manual pump, so there is no float switch to stop it when the pool is empty.
• Its 10 ft cord is the same as most rivals, so a long approach to the outlet needs an outdoor-rated extension cord.

Best for: an owner of a large above-ground or in-ground pool who wants to empty it in a few hours rather than a day.

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The AQUASTRONG is the speed pick. A 1 HP motor, a 30 ft lift and a 1-1/4 inch NPT discharge let it move far more water per hour than any 1/4 or 1/2 HP model, as long as the hose is wide enough to carry it. On paper, a 10,000 gallon pool is a few hours of work at its rated flow, though long hose runs and elevation will slow it.

It is also a more rugged build, with a reinforced thermoplastic casing and a mechanical seal. Compared with the FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH, it is very close on flow but offers the more complete adapter list and a lower solids tolerance matched to the same 1/5 inch screen. It also comes in a grey colour option.

It is the wrong choice for a hot tub or a small plunge pool where its output would exceed what a garden hose can carry, and where a lighter pump like the Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH would be easier to handle. If you want a pump that shuts itself off, look at the Acquaer automatic.

3. Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH: Best Lightweight Utility Pump for Hot Tub and Cover Draining

• Motor: 1/4 HP, 115 V
• Flow rate: 1800 GPH (30 gpm)
• Maximum head: 28 ft
• Weight: about 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
• Included: 1-1/4 inch hose barb adapter, 3/4 inch garden hose adapter, lifting rope

Pros:

• A 28 ft head is higher than the Superior's 25 ft, which helps when water must travel uphill to a drain.
• Both a garden hose adapter and a 1-1/4 inch barb adapter are included, plus a lifting rope for lowering and retrieving it.
• It has no installation steps: place it in the water, plug it in and it runs.
• Buyers report that it works well for hot tubs and pools and moves water at a steady rate.

Cons:

• Durability is the main concern: some buyers report the pump stopping after a few uses or failing early.
• There is no switch, so a power strip or the plug itself controls it.
• Minimum water depth is not specified, so the last inch or two may need a different pump.

Best for: a hot tub or small pool owner who wants a light, portable pump for periodic draining and flood cleanup.

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The Green Expert matches the Superior on motor size and flow, so the difference comes down to head, accessories and confidence. The 28 ft maximum head and the included lifting rope make it a little more convenient for awkward placements, and it moves hot tub water at a sensible pace. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.

The reason it sits third is reliability. Feedback is mixed on how long the pump lasts, and that is a real consideration for a pump you may need in an emergency. If it will be a frequent tool, the Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH or the Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic are the safer choices with longer coverage.

Note that this pump performs best with a standard hose; expandable or retractable hoses reduce flow. It is the wrong pick for emptying a large pool, where the AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH is a better match.

4. FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH: Best 31 ft Lift Thermoplastic Pump for Large Ponds and Pools

• Motor: 1 HP, 115 V
• Flow rate: 4600 GPH (76 gpm at 5 ft)
• Maximum lift: 31 ft
• Suction and solids: removes water to 1/5 inch, handles solids up to 1/5 inch
• Discharge: 1-1/2 inch NPT with a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter and a multi-hose adapter

Pros:

• A 76 gpm rating and a 31 ft lift put it at the top of the list for raw capability.
• The 1-1/2 inch NPT discharge accepts larger hose than the 1-1/4 inch outlets on the Superior and AQUASTRONG.
• The removable base is designed to be cleaned easily, and the rounded handle is comfortable to carry.
• A thermal overload protector guards the motor against dry running, and the maker offers 3-year after-sale support.

Cons:

• It is manual only and does not start or stop automatically.
• Weight is not listed, so handling effort is unclear compared with the 8.5 lb AQUASTRONG.
• The 10 ft cord is short for large yards.

Best for: a pool or pond owner with a long hose run or an uphill discharge who wants high flow and the largest outlet.

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The FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH is almost a twin of the AQUASTRONG on paper: slightly higher flow, slightly higher lift, and a larger discharge. The AQUASTRONG gets the edge because it supplies more fittings and a clearer feature set, but the FOTING is a good alternative if you plan to use 1-1/2 inch hose.

Its tip for use is worth following: tilt it as you lower it into the water so trapped air escapes before you plug it in. It is not the right choice for a small hot tub, where the Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH is easier to manage, or for anyone who wants float-style automation.

5. Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH: Best Oil-Filled Motor Pump for Mid-Size Pool Lowering

• Motor: 1/2 HP, 115 V, oil-filled
• Flow rate: 2450 GPH (38.35 gpm)
• Maximum lift: 31 ft
• Weight: 9.4 lb
• Discharge: 1 inch with a multi-use adapter (3/4 inch GHT, 1-1/4 inch NPT)

Pros:

• The oil-filled motor is designed to reduce overload problems and extend service life.
• A side inlet with a metal filter keeps debris out of the internals.
• The 31 ft lift matches the 1 HP pumps despite the smaller motor.
• It is used for pool lowering, water heater flushing and hot tub draining, and owners describe it as quiet and easy to hook up.

Cons:

• At 9.4 lb it is the second heaviest pump on the list.
• The 1 inch discharge limits throughput compared with the 1-1/4 and 1-1/2 inch outlets.
• Buyer opinion on noise is mixed.

Best for: an owner of an above-ground pool who wants a mid-power pump with a long lift and a durable motor.

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The Lanchez sits between the 1800 GPH utility pumps and the 1 HP models. Owners report draining several feet of water from an above-ground pool in about five hours, which is a realistic expectation for this class of pump. The 3-year technical support is a plus.

It is not the fastest, so a bigger pool belongs with the FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH. For shallow clean-up, the FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base is better.

6. Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic: Best Sensor-Controlled Pump for Pool Cover Water

• Motor: 1/3 HP, 115 V
• Flow rate: 2160 GPH
• Automatic operation: on at 1-1/2 inches of water, off below 1/4 inch
• Discharge: 1 inch NPT with a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter and check valve
• Cord and warranty: 10 ft, 3-year warranty

Pros:

• The electronic sensor starts and stops the pump on its own, which suits unattended jobs.
• Bottom suction removes water to a depth of 1/4 inch.
• The strainer base comes apart without tools or screws.
• The check valve in the hose adapter reduces backflow when the pump stops.

Cons:

• Maximum lift is not listed.
• Weight is not listed.
• At 2160 GPH it is not a fast option for large pools.

Best for: an owner who wants a hands-off pump to clear rain from a pool cover or a low spot.

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The Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic is the only pump here that starts and stops itself, and that matters for covers and recurring puddles. Owners report that it clears pools and hot tubs in about six hours and is easy to set up.

For a full pool drain, the manual AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH is the better match. The Acquaer's missing lift figure also makes it less suitable if the discharge must run uphill.

7. Acquaer 1 HP 4345 GPH: Best High-Capacity Pump for Storm Water Removal

• Motor: 1 HP capacitor motor, 115 V
• Flow rate: 4345 GPH (72.4 gpm)
• Maximum head: 30 ft
• Cord and immersion: 9.8 ft UL cord, maximum immersion depth 7 ft
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros:

• The capacitor motor delivers 72.4 gpm and is described as quiet.
• Buyers report it keeping up with heavy storm water and moving large volumes quickly.
• The 1-1/2 inch NPT discharge comes with an elbow and 3/4, 1 and 1-1/4 inch snap couplings.
• The two-year warranty is longer than the 12 months on some rivals.

Cons:

• It has no built-in float switch, which some owners see as a drawback.
• Weight is not listed.
• The immersion limit of 7 ft rules out deep use.

Best for: an owner with a large pool or a heavy rain problem who wants a high-flow pump with a longer warranty.

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The Acquaer 1 HP 4345 GPH competes directly with the AQUASTRONG, offering slightly lower flow but similar lift. It also comes in a light yellow colour option. Choose it if the longer warranty matters.

If you want automation, the Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic is the better match. Avoid dry running and freezing, as the maker advises.

8. FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base: Best Shallow-Suction Pump for Final Pool Pump-Out

• Motor: 1/2 HP, 115 V
• Flow rate: 2450 GPH
• Minimum water depth: 0.04 inch
• Maximum lift: 25 ft
• Weight: 8.5 lb, with a removable stainless steel filter

Pros:

• A 0.04 inch minimum depth is the lowest on the list, which leaves almost no water behind.
• The stainless filter handles solids up to 1/5 inch.
• Three adapters (3/4 inch garden hose, an NPT elbow and a multi-hose adapter) are supplied.
• An ergonomic handle and a hollow body make it easy to carry.

Cons:

• It is manual only.
• Gallons per minute are not listed.
• A 25 ft lift is lower than the 31 ft of other 1/2 HP pumps.

Best for: someone finishing a pool or cover pump-out who needs the last inch cleared.

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The FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base shares its flow with the Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH, but its advantage is how little water it leaves. Use it as a finisher after a bigger pump has done the bulk of the work.

It is not a main drainer for a big pool, so the FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH fits better there.

9. Limodot 1.5 HP Hose Kit: Best Complete Pump Package With 25 ft Hose and Cord

• Motor: 1.5 HP, 120 V
• Flow rate: 4000 GPH (66.66 gpm at 5 ft)
• Maximum lift: 31 ft
• Included: 25 ft cord and 25 ft discharge hose
• Weight: 10.8 lb, with a 12-month warranty

Pros:

• The 25 ft cord and 25 ft hose remove the need for extension purchases on short runs.
• The hardened stainless steel motor shaft and premium bearings are aimed at long life.
• Water can be drawn down to 1/5 inch.
• The 1-1/2 inch outlet comes with two adapters for NPT and barb fittings.

Cons:

• It is the heaviest pump here at 10.8 lb.
• The 4000 GPH rating is below the 1 HP pumps despite the larger motor.
• The warranty is only 12 months.

Best for: a buyer who wants everything in one box for a typical backyard pool.

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The Limodot 1.5 HP has the longest cord and an included hose, which makes it the most ready-to-run package. Its flow is lower than the AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH, so it is not the pick for speed.

If weight and handling matter, the Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH is lighter.

10. 6699 1/6 HP SUB 1100: Best Small Clean-Water Pump for Light Pool Tasks

• Motor: 1/6 HP, 115 V
• Flow rate: 1100 GPH (18 gpm)
• Maximum lift: 16.5 ft
• Minimum water depth: 1/12 inch
• Size and weight: 5.9 inch round, 8.3 inches tall, 5.9 lb

Pros:

• It is the lightest and smallest pump here and stores easily.
• It reaches water to 1/12 inch, shallower than most.
• Both a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter and a 1 inch adapter are included.
• Thermal overload protection is built in.

Cons:

• It is for clean water only and is not suitable for dirty water.
• It does not work with expandable hoses.
• 1100 GPH and a 16.5 ft lift are the lowest on the list.

Best for: someone with a small inflatable pool, a hot tub or a water heater flush who needs a tiny pump.

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The 6699 is for small jobs. It can handle a small pool but takes much longer than the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP, and it cannot handle debris.

Use the FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base if you want a larger pump for shallow work with a stainless filter.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Submersible Pump to Drain Pool

The core trade-off is speed against handling. Bigger motors move more water per hour but weigh more, need wider hoses and can overwhelm a small setup. A smaller pump is easier to carry but may take a full day.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Pool volume: divide the gallons to be drained by the pump's real flow to estimate run time.
• Hose size: match the pump's outlet to the hose you own, as the 3/4 inch garden hose limits flow.
• Discharge height: compare the vertical rise with the pump's maximum lift.
• Automatic control: decide if you need a pump that stops itself or one you control at the plug.
• Final water depth: check the minimum depth if you want to leave a dry floor.

Flow Rate and Horsepower

Horsepower and GPH rise together. The Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP and Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH sit at 1800 GPH, the Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH and FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base at 2450 GPH, and the 1 HP models between 4345 and 4600 GPH. Rated flow is measured at about 5 ft of head, so real flow falls with longer, narrower or uphill hoses.

A drain-down estimate helps. A 10,000 gallon pool at 4500 GPH is a few hours on paper, but at 1800 GPH it is well over five. Electric power can also matter: if the site has no outlet nearby, solar powered water pumps are a slower but outlet-free alternative for ponds and fountains.

Manual Switch Versus Automatic Operation

Most pumps here are plug-in manual units, including the AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH, FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH and 6699 1/6 HP SUB 1100. They are simple but need supervision, because running dry shortens their life even with thermal protection.

The Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic uses a sensor to start at 1-1/2 inches and stop below 1/4 inch. The Acquaer 1 HP 4345 GPH has no float switch, so a timer or power strip helps with unattended use.

Minimum Water Depth and Suction Design

How low a pump can go decides how much water remains. The FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base reaches 0.04 inch, the 6699 1/12 inch, and the AQUASTRONG, FOTING 1 HP and Limodot 1/5 inch. The Superior and Green Expert do not list a figure.

Solids tolerance matters too. Most screens pass 1/5 inch, but the Superior lists 1/8 inch. If algae and debris sit on the floor, run a vacuum first, such as an above ground pool vacuum for algae, to protect the intake.

Hose Fittings, Cord Length and Power Supply

Check the fittings before you buy. The Limodot 1.5 HP Hose Kit includes a 25 ft hose, while the AQUASTRONG and Acquaer 1 HP include multiple snap couplings. Most pumps ship with a 10 ft cord, so plan an outdoor-rated extension cord and keep connections off wet ground.

Think about the rest of the pool equipment too. If you drain the pool for a refill or liner work, check any swimming pool heat pump fittings and shutoffs before the water level drops.

Frequently Asked Questions About Submersible Pumps to Drain Pool

What size submersible pump do I need to drain a pool?

For a large pool, a 1 HP pump such as the AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH or FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH is the practical choice. For small pools or hot tubs, a 1/4 HP model like the Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP is enough. Divide the water volume by the real flow to estimate time.

How long does it take to drain a pool with a submersible pump?

It depends on volume, hose length and lift. A rated 4500 GPH pump can empty a 10,000 gallon pool in a few hours, while an 1800 GPH pump takes much longer. Owners of the Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH report about five hours to drain several feet from an above-ground pool.

Can a submersible pump drain a pool all the way?

Not completely, as every pump leaves some depth. The FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base reaches 0.04 inch and the 6699 1/6 HP SUB 1100 1/12 inch. The remaining film can be removed with a sponge or wet vacuum.

Do I need an automatic pump?

Not for a full drain, since you will be there. An automatic unit like the Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic is better for cover water or recurring puddles. For manual models, unplug them when the water is gone to avoid dry running.

Can I use a garden hose with these pumps?

Yes, most include a 3/4 inch garden hose adapter, including the Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH and Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP. Larger hose carries more water, so 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 inch lay-flat hose suits the 1 HP pumps. Avoid expandable hoses, which the Green Expert and 6699 specifically warn against.

Can these pumps handle dirty pool water?

Most can pass solids up to 1/5 inch, though the Superior is limited to 1/8 inch. The 6699 1/6 HP SUB 1100 is for clean water only. Heavy sludge calls for a stronger screen and a regular clean of the base.

Final Verdict: Which Submersible Pump to Drain Pool Should You Buy?

Best Submersible Pumps to Drain Pool for most owners start with Superior Pump 91250 1/4 HP: a 1800 GPH rating, a 25 ft lift, a 6.8 lb body and a removable screen for solids up to 1/8 inch. Its main weakness is speed, since large pools take a long time and its minimum water depth is not listed.

For alternatives by use case, the AQUASTRONG 1 HP 4500 GPH and FOTING 1 HP 4600 GPH are the choices for large pools, with the Acquaer 1 HP 4345 GPH as the pick if you want a two-year warranty. The Lanchez 1/2 HP 2450 GPH fits mid-size pools, and the Green Expert 1/4 HP 1800 GPH fits hot tubs and portable use.

For specialist jobs, the Acquaer 1/3 HP Automatic handles pool covers unattended, the FOTING 1/2 HP Stainless Base clears the last fraction of an inch, the Limodot 1.5 HP Hose Kit includes the hose and cord, and the 6699 1/6 HP SUB 1100 covers small clean-water jobs. If you are still undecided, pick the AQUASTRONG for a big pool and the Superior for anything else.