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.)

Click Here to View our Above Ground Pool Pumps

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

Click Here to View our Above Ground Pool Pumps

Comments

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(201 to 240 of 630)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/15/2017 

Sjk2017 - Yes, you will need a pump to circulate and filter the water to keep algae from building up. Here is our link to above pool pumps.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/12/2017 

I am buying a pool the is 118×69×27 do i meed to have a pump. I can not find where they sale the pools with the pump and all the description says it has the place to fill and drain easy.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/8/2017 

Ray - I went through our AG pump/filter sets and did not see a 1HP 2-speed with filter option. What you would have to do is find the AG 1HP 2-speed pump than look for the filter in the single speed pump/filter set that would support the upper limit of the 2-speed pump. They would have to be purchased separately.
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 Posted: 5/6/2017 

I want to purchase a 1hp 2 speed pump and cartridge filter for my 10,000 gallon above ground pool. Do you sell them together or do I have to purchase each item individually? Hayward or Pentair? I also use a salt system.






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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/6/2017 

Ginny - Assuming a 4' depth, your 30' x 16' pool hold about 14,000 gallons which is on the border for a 1 HP or 1 1/2 HP pump/filter system. For reduced original and operational costs, I would go with the 1 HP system. It will be significantly better that what Bestway provides. Make sure it is an above ground pump. Here is our link to our above ground pump/filter sets.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/5/2017 

Lisa Confused pool owner - Your pool size is just over 9000 gallons. I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems for your size pool. It is a very reliable system good for up to 11,000 gallons. You will need to buy the pump/filter set since the filter Intex provides is not large enough for this pump.
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 Posted: 5/4/2017 

Last year we purchased a Bestway 30 x 16 hard sided pool with a Flowclear sand filter/pump that moves 1000 gph. Although the pump can keep the water pretty clean, it proved that vacuuming was a nightmare, often taking hours with unsatisfactory results! We want to buy a new pump and filter, but we are concerned that "too much pump" will pull at or damage the liner. After much research (days!!!) I think we should get a 1.5hp system. What do you recommend?
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 Posted: 5/2/2017 

I have an Intex SF15150 sand filter and the pump doesn't seem to be strong enough to clean the pool. I need to upgrade to a stronger pump. My question is what's the largest pump I can put on to this filter and my pool is a 22 by 14 by 48 intex rectangular pool I believe and the upgraded cartridge pump we got with it burned up last summer, so were using the one that came in the box with the pool..My saltwater filter keeps telling me there's not enough flow coming from sand pump and we have back washed and change the sand
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/2/2017 

Carolina - I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems. It is a very reliable system good for up to 11,000 gallons. You will need to buy the pump/filter set since the filter Intex provides is not large enough for this pump.
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 Posted: 5/1/2017 

I bought a 16 by 48 intex pool the pump that came with it messed up what is the best pump you can recommend to avoid spending more money
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/1/2017 

Pam - Here's a link to out above pool Salt Chlorine Generators. The Chlorease systems won't work on a soft sided Intex pool - needs a rigid wall. If you can afford the AquaTrol system, it will last much longer and be more effective than the simpler systems. The HP (Hose Pipe) version is installed in the hoses/pipes next to your pool filter, where the RJ (Return Jet) version the cell is mounted directly to the return jet on the side of your pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/28/2017 

We have a 17' vinyl above ground pool. We tried to convert to Intex saltwater pump & cartridge filter last summer and it became a huge mess and we couldn't keep the chlorine in the pool no matter what we tried. What would you recommend for saltwater if that is really an option?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/27/2017 

Derian - I'd stay with the ec50. We always recommend buying a larger filter than you need. It avoids filter issues when your system isn't running optimally. Also, the filter last longer and you don't have to clean it as often.
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 Posted: 4/27/2017 

Currently have a 21' 48" pool with a Hayward ec50, there when I bought the house should I buy the same set up or go with a ec40??
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/21/2017 

Lisa - Your 24' pool is on the borderline between 1HP and 1.5HP pumps. I'd recommend buying the 1HP pump and S180T filter set. It will work fine and will save you energy cost operationally.
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 Posted: 4/19/2017 

Hi, I can't decide which pump to buy Hayward Pump & Filter S180T Filter w/ 1 HP Matrix Pump - S180T92S or Hayward S210T Filter w/ 1.5 HP Matrix Pump - S210T93S for 24' 52" round swimming pool with saltwater. If I go with S210T93S would it be better? explain me, please the difference how it will work on my pool?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/11/2017 

anonymous (pump upgrade) - Unless your previous upgrade is barely filtering your current system, I'd stay with the current pump/filter until it stops working. If your system is right on the operating edge, I'd recommend buying a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System. Your pool size is just under 7,500 gallons. This Hayward pump/filter system is very reliable and good for pools up to 11,000 gallons.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/11/2017 

Chris - You have about 7600 gallons of water in your 18'x48" above ground pool. For that many gallons, I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems. It is a very reliable system good for up to 11,000 gallons.
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Anonymous  Posted: 4/10/2017 

We had a 16 x 42 above ground pool for the last three years. At that time, we upgraded the pump. We just bought a 17 x 52 above the ground pool. Will we need a bigger/stronger pump?
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 Posted: 4/10/2017 

I have an intex 18' x 48" above ground pool. The filter and pump provided with the pool are far from adequate for the region I live in Coastal South Carolina. Which would be the best filter system to go with? I want to relax with my kids more than I want to clean a pool.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/4/2017 

lb51 - I'd recommend a 1 1/2 HP above ground pump for your pool. A very good and economical AG pump/filter option is this Waterway Carefree 19" Sand Filter & 1.5 HP 1Spd Pump.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/4/2017 

cant wait for Summer! - For your 15' x 48" above ground pool (~5,000 gallons), I'd suggest the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/3/2017 

We just purchased a 26' x 54" above ground pool. We had a smaller version but had issues with the keeping the pool clean. The new pool is 15000 gallons water. What pump should we get to utilize the best efficiency of the pool.
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 Posted: 4/1/2017 

Hello we have an above ground pool & want to change out the pump from a filtering system to a sand perhaps the dimensions are 15'x 48" what might you suggest?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/31/2017 

donna3828 - Your 22' x 52" pool holds just under 11,000 gallons. You could use the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System but you would be at the upper edge of its capability. A better choice would be Waterway's Carefree 16" Sand Filter & 1 HP Single Speed Pump. Either system is vastly superior to the Intex pump and filter system which generally only lasts a season or maybe two and does not circulate the water adequately.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/31/2017 

rwalsh - Did you mean you have a 27-foot pool rather than a 27-gallon pool? If so, you should have at least a 1 HP above ground pump. Our least expensive pump/filter set is Waterway’s Carefree 16" Sand Filter & 1 HP Single Speed Pump. It is a very good set comparable to the better known Hayward and Pentair systems.
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 Posted: 3/30/2017 

We have a summer escapes 22 × 52 and the pump and filter went out. What would be a good size and brand that would not cost a fortune? Is there much difference between the intex sand filter and pump systems and the hayward?
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 Posted: 3/29/2017 

I have an above ground pool, it is 27 gallons and I am needing advice on the best pump and filter system. We currently are using the filter system but our canister cracked, and I it is a pain to open and rinse the filter as needed.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/28/2017 

Karen - Your 14 ft x 42" pool actually holds just over 4000 gallons. The Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System would be a great fit for your pool and will last many more years than the Intex provided system.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/27/2017 

I bought an Intex Ultra Frame Pool 14 ft x 42 inches. I was told that the pump/filter that comes with the pool is not a good one. We have not set up the pool yet. It is round and will hold about 47000 gallons of water. I would like to have the right pump/filter before we start so I do NOT have to redo it. Thank you so much.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/14/2017 

Confused - AG pumps are gravity fed. That’s why they are position at the bottom of an AG pool. They are not designed to suck water in like an in-ground pump. If the majority of your pool's water is below the pump, you will need to buy an in-ground pool pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/14/2017 

I am sinking our 21 x 41 x 52 pool at least halfway in the ground and expanding the depth to 6 feet. Do I use an AG pump/sand filter or an in-ground system?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/27/2017 

Ann - A 20 ft round AG pool holds about 10,000 gallons of water so you will need a 1 HP pump. If you are upgrading the pump, you will also have to upgrade to a filter that accommodates the increased water flow of the pump. Here is a link to an economical 19" Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System W/ 1 Hp Pump we current have on sale. Here is another economical option, Carefree 16" Sand Filter & 1 HP Single Speed Pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/26/2017 

We bought our daughter an INTEX last summer. it is a 20 round, holds 50,000 gallons. it came with a cheap 1hp pump. I need to upgrade to a much better pump with easy maintenance. I had another pool one before with a sand filter system and it kept the pool clean. I also need a inexpensive pool shark of some sort. I about killed myself last year trying to keep the pool clean. Please help without breaking my piggy bank. Thank yu. Ann
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/14/2017 

Mpowe - Your pool contains over 15,000 gallons of water. For a pool that size, you should have at least a 1 HP pump. We have a 1 HP pump/filter system on clearance for $190 - 19" Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System W/ 1 HP Pump It is equivalent in quality to a Hayward system. For more information and availability, call our office at 877-372-6038. Another option is the Hayward Pump & Filter S166T Filter w/ 1 HP Matrix Pump & Timer. The timer would let you run automatically for 8 hours a day.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/13/2017 

We have an Intex 32X16X52 square pool, it came with a 2800 gallon-per-hour Krystal Clear sand filter pump and saltwater system with GFCI, it doesn't seem to be big enough to circulate the water or operate the automatic vacuum I bought to clean it, what would you recommend?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/5/2017 

Replacement pump/filter - If you have been happy with your DE filter, I'd stay with that. The cartridge filter has to be lifted out every 2-3 week for cleaning and they can get heavy with water in them. You might need help lifting out the DE grid assembly every year for general cleaning but other than that, adding DE every backwash is not difficult. For cost reduction, you might look at replacing. your current motor with an Energy Efficient, 2-speed or VS motor.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 2/4/2017 

Hi I have a 15x24 oval above ground pool. I've had a haywood d.e. pump and filter for the last 25 years (they're awesome). Unfortunately it's on it last legs and I need another one and I'm not quite sure which would be the best option for me. I need something cost effective which will clean well and is relatively simple as I am disabled. Please help.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/30/2016 

Beth - I assume that the motor on the pump is what's rusting and that you only need to replace the motor. The replacement motor for a PE71IIH is a BN25. You will also need to replace the motor seal shaft - E71. See our guide on "How To Replace a Pool Pump With An Energy Efficient Pool Pump" for more information.
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 Posted: 12/29/2016 

I have a 15x30 oval pool - it was installed in 2006 - replaced pump only 5 seasons ago - was told that pumps usually only last 5 years
Ours is rusting at the bottom of the pump AGAIN - I think the first one was a Hayward and this one is a Proline Model #PE71IIH serial # 380778
should I replace the entire system - filter and pump??? and with what?
Thanks

 Reply