How To Select Above Ground Pool Pumps

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The pool pump is the heart of your above ground pool; it ensures your water stays healthy by moving it through your filter and chlorinator. Having the wrong pump can mean your pool water will get cloudy, green, and nasty. In this guide, we'll walk you through on how to size your above ground pool pump.
 

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Step 1

Sizing above ground pool pumps is much simpler than their inground counterparts. Above ground pool pumps are generally below the waterline thereby gravity fed, with minimal plumbing between it and its suction ports. The simplicity the pool’s plumbing allows you to size the pump by pool size alone (most times.)

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Step 2

Round Pools: The chart shows the normal manufacturer pump sizing recommendations for pool sizes. The horsepower overlaps on the “tweener” sized pools 15’ is a small to medium, and 27’ is medium to large.

Ranges:
  • ¾ Horsepower: 8’ to 15’ Round
  • 1 Horsepower: 15’ to 24’ Round
  • 1-1/2 Horsepower: 24’ to 36’ Round

Step 3

Oval Pools: Similar to the round pools, the horsepower recommendations overlap for some models. If your pool falls in one of these overlap areas, then consider how much swimmer traffic you expect. Light to moderately used pools, choose the lower HP, for higher swimmer loads, choose the step up.

Ranges:
  • ¾ Horsepower: 12’ X 17’ to 12’ X 24’
  • 1 Horsepower: 12’ X 24’ to 15’ X 27’
  • 1-1/2 Horsepower: 15’ X 27’ to 18’ X 33’

Step 4

Reasons to step up horsepower: Longer than standard plumbing lines and/or pool accessories may require you to make the jump to the next highest horsepower to ensure proper flow rates. Common causes for larger pumps
  • Suction line from the skimmer to pump is longer than 15-feet
  • You’re planning to use a suction cleaner, e.g. the Hayward Navigator, The Pool Cleaner, and Kreepy Krauly
  • Adding solar panels, especially ones mounted on roofs or fences increase the strain on the pump, requiring extra HP oomph

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Comments

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(481 to 520 of 630)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/29/2013 

Chad - We would recommend a Hayward Matrix Pool Pump 1 HP as a good option for replacing your current motor.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/28/2013 

I have a 16' Doughboy above ground pool. Can I use a pump other than a Doughboy (Power Pak I)? I just bought a new DE filter last year, but I think the pump might be on its last legs.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/27/2013 

Noki - An AG pool pump is designed differently that an in-ground pool pump. An AG pool pump is generally placed below the surface of the pool and relies on gravity to fill it. With your pool submerged 36" you may only have 10-12" of water above the pump which may not provide enough pressure to fill your pump fast enough. I would suggest calling Intex and asking them if an AG pool pump will work in your situation. If yes, I'd recommend a Game Sand Pro 50 Filter System. If you need an in-ground pool system, I'd recommend a Hayward Super Pump 1 HP SINGLE Speed W/ C1200 120 Sq. Ft. Cartridge Filter.
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 Posted: 5/27/2013 

My roommate just purchased an 15' X 52" above ground Intex pool. Against the advise of what I have read on line....we are countersinking it about 36" inches and using building supply polystyrene (either 3/4 inch or 2" )foam panels to use around the perimeter before back filling. The pump that came with it appears inadequate since it will be countersunk. What size pump, make and model would you recommend? The pool only cost $250.00 but the labor, supplies, fencing and the relocation of pipe has exceeded 2K. I'm too far in to back out now. HELP!!!!
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/22/2013 

AG pool pump size - We would recommend a 1 HP pool pump for your 16x24 AG oval pool.
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Anonymous  Posted: 5/21/2013 

What is the recommended pool pump size/hp for a 16x24 kayak ag pool?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/4/2013 

Anita - The Pro Series AG Pools have their own unique pump and filter system and connections but if you want to be a little creative you can probably figure out how to connect another system. One we have recommended for AG pools is the Game SandPro 50 for your size pool. As to the Salt Chlorine Generation system, if this is a metal frame Pro Series pool, as many are, we would not recommend using a SCG system. It would corrode the metal.
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 Posted: 5/3/2013 

I have a 22'x 52" Pro Series AG Pool. I would like a sand and saltwater w/pump System. Which will you recommend?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/2/2013 

Leslie - We would recommend a 1 HP pump for a 13' x 22' x 52" oval above ground pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/2/2013 

I have a 13" x 22" x 52" pool. I was wondering if a 1 hp is going to be too much for this size?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/28/2013 

moonpie - We recommend a 1 HP or 1 1/2 HP pump for a 24 ft round above ground pool. 1 HP would be the most economical approach for operational costs.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/27/2013 

Hi looking to but a 24 ft round pool, comes with a 2hp, 2 speed pump, will this work or will it be too big? Thanks
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/24/2013 

jewels - A 150 Sq Ft filter is good for your size pool. If you want to stay with the dual speed pump, we would recommend a Pentair 1.5 HP OptiFlo Pump 2 Speed Twist Lock Cord W/ 150 Sq. Ft. Clean & Clear Cartridge Filter. For a single speed pump see Pentair 1.5 HP OptiFlo Pump Twist Lock Cord W/ 150 Sq. Ft. Clean & Clear Cartridge Filter. The Twist Lock Cord refers to the plug that goes into the power box. You push it in and twist it to lock it in.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/23/2013 

Thank you for your response. I have decided to get cartridge filter with pump. Can you put recommend a good one please? I have looked at the ones you carry and can not decide which one I should get. Also local pool company told me I need to get a system that covers 200 sq ft for my pool size. Sounds kind of big to me. Thanks again
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/22/2013 

jewels - Assuming you have a 1 1/2 HP motor which is what we recommend for a 30' round pool, we would recommend a filter in the 100 to 150 sq ft filtering range. If you can afford it, get the larger filter. It will last longer and require fewer cleanings. Also consider getting a filter from the same manufacturer as your pump. They are generally sold in sets on a common base. Connections will be easier.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/21/2013 

I have a 30 ft round pool and using a sand filter with a 2 speed pump. I want to start using a cartridge filter system but have no idea what size I need. Help please?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/20/2013 

rickneworleansla - Generally you need to run water features on the higher speed but if you have just one stream of water (fish) with short hoses to the fish, it may work. I would go with the 1HP pump and put a valve in the line to the fish. This way you can shut the fish off if it doesn't have enough pressure and only run it at the high speed.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/19/2013 

NGOs - We recommend a 1 1/2 HP pump for a 27' / 52" AG pool.  One good option is the Hayward Pump/Filter S210T Filter w/ 1.5 HP Matrix Pump and Timer.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/18/2013 

I have a 21' round above ground pool that the pump motor just went out on. After reviewing the available pumps I think I may go with a Hayward SP15922S dual speed 1hp pump. Will the low speed on that pump have enough power to also push water through my water feature(fish that spits water into the pool) along with the regular filtration. The current 8 yr old Century AO 1hp pump did it but if the skimmer got clogged a little it would spit water out the pool and I would come home to low water. Would it be better to go to a 1.5 hp motor 2 speed motor? Thanks for the write up!
 Reply

 Posted: 4/17/2013 

I have a 27 foot round / 52 h what size sand filter an pump should I be using? Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/17/2013 

Kathie - Yes, a 1 HP pool pump is the correct size for your 15 x 25' oval AG pool.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 4/16/2013 

I have a 15x25 oval above ground pool could you tell me if the 1hp is the correct pump size. thank you
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/14/2013 

George - You pool size is right on the border between 1 HP and 1 1/2 HP. We would recommend the smaller 1 HP size for energy efficiency.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/12/2013 

whats the best size pump and filter for a 24x48 above ground pool
 Reply

 Posted: 4/3/2013 

I am looking for a pump and filter to go on a 15ft above ground pool. The pool is old and it has a circle opening for the skimmer not a retangler one.The pump was on the outside and the small plastic cage skimmer was on the inside of the pool.The size of the pool 15x36
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/17/2013 

18' x 52" AG Pool - We usually recommend a 1 HP pump for this size pool. There aren't that many energy efficient pumps available for an above ground pool, but Waterway puts out a 1 HP 2-speed pump. See part number 52252206S for their pump/filter combination.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 3/14/2013 

I have a 18' x 52" round pool. I am looking for a filter/pump & have no idea if I should be going for a 3/4 HP or 1 HP.

I went to a local pool store & she showed us the Pentair Sand Dollar SD 40. Is this too big? Looking for Energy Efficient - any recommendations? Also considering Hayward - which do you recommend?

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/15/2012 

degandv - Your 16x32x4.5 oval pool contains 15,000 plus gallons of water. We recommend a 1 1/2 THP pump for any pool over 14,000 gallons. THP is the product of HP and Service Factor (SF) shown on the motor label.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/14/2012 

We have a 16x32x4.5 oval pool. What horsepower do we need.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/26/2012 

george - I assume you mean you have a 200 sq ft filter and that your pool is an 12x24 above ground oval. The pump that is usually matched to this size filter and pool is 1.5 HP.


































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 Posted: 9/25/2012 

I have a 200 lbs filter what size motor I need for a 12by24 pool
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/20/2012 

Diana - AN S180T filter would be fine also. You can always go higher on a filter than the pump requires. And the answer for a two speed pump is the same as I suggested for the smaller filter. You will probably have to buy the pump and filter separately. Give us a call and we can set this up for you.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/19/2012 

Would it be okay to go with the S180T? Does it come with a two speed pump?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/17/2012 

DIANA - The smaller S166T filter would be fine for your size pool. And you could substitute the Power Flo Matrix 1 HP dual speed pump, SP15922S, for the single speed pump packaged with this set. You may have to order the filter and pump separately.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/17/2012 

I have a 15x48 above ground pool. Need both filter and pump. Looking at Hayward S166T and S180T. Which one would be best? Also, do they have two speeds? Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/13/2012 

george11704 - Your pool contains about 10,000 to 11,000 gallons. I would used a 1 HP motor for that size pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/12/2012 

I have a 15' x 26' above ground oval should I be using a 1hp or 1-1/2hp pump w/ my sand filter
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/10/2012 

12x3 - An 8HP pump is way too big for your 12 x 3 pool. You shouldn't use anything bigger than 1 HP and even that may be too big depending on what size filter you have. Pump and filter have to match or you will damage the filter.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/10/2012 

I have a 12x3 pool,part above ground part sunk,running a sand filter and barracuda pool cleaner,have been offered 8hp pool pump,is this to powerful for this use.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/7/2012 

Kristi - Yes a Doughboy pump and filter can be used on a pool that is not a Doughboy. Any filter and pump combination can be used if it will physically work, and pump enough water to keep the pool clean.
 Reply