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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(321 to 360 of 630)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/9/2016 

Bobvan - Check the standpipe, that the laterals go into, for cracks. Also, some of the standpipes have O-rings at the top. Check the parts list for your filter and see if you have one and that it is not damaged. Then check the spider gasket in your multiport valve. If it is damaged, it would let waste water and sand go back into the pool.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/9/2016 

I would recommend a 3/4 HP pump for your size pool. Take a look at the new Pureline 3/4 Hp Above Ground Pool Pump. It is built with the same quality as an AG Hayward pump for a much better price. For an SCG, I would recommend the Crystal Pure Salt System 20,000 gallons. It operates like the Hayward Aqua Rite SCG at a much-reduced price. You will also have to buy piping, flex or rigid, to connect these units together.
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 Posted: 5/7/2016 

I have an 18 foot above ground pool with a 1 horsepower pump and 16 inch radiant water sand filter with silica. every time I bckwash I lose at least 10 pounds of sand. is my pump too strong. I have taken the sand filter apart and the laterals are in good shape pointing the correct direction any suggestions
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 Posted: 5/6/2016 

I just got an 18 ft above ground pool from someone today but they don't have a pump, what size pump do I get for a pool that size? And also I want to get one that converts it to salt water
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/4/2016 

Sahm - I would recommend a Pentair Clean & Clear 75 Sq. Ft. 1 H.P Pump for your size AG pool.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/3/2016 

PG - We don't have many dual speed AG pumps and I would go with a 1 1/2 HP pump for your size pool. Here's a link to a WaterWay POOL PUMP AG, HI-FLO, 1 1/2 HP, 115V, 2-SPEED, 6' NEMA CORD. I would buy the larger cartridge filter.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/3/2016 

Tammy - I would recommend a 1.5 HP pump with the larger cartridge filter for your size pool. Take a look at the new Pureline 1.5 Hp Above Ground Pool Pump. It is built with the same quality as an AG Hayward pump for a much better price. For an SCG, I would recommend the Crystal Pure Salt System 20,000 gallons. It operates like the Hayward Aqua Rite SCG at a much-reduced price. You will also have to buy piping, flex or rigid, to connect these units together
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 Posted: 5/2/2016 

I have a 22'round AG pool and am looking for a new pump for it. As our pumpkins that it came with quite. I want a cartridge filter that is the most low maintenance and that is what I'm used to. What would u recommend?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/2/2016 

TPais1007 - Your pool size is just under 13,000 gallons. I would recommend a PureLine Pure Pro XL 1 HP pump for this AG pool. Note that this pump only works on 115V.
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 Posted: 4/30/2016 

hi, I need filter/pump combo for 15x30 AG pool. I want a dual speed pump, is 1 hp which will run at 1/2 hp on low strong enough for this pool? is 100SQft cartridge filter good or should I go with 150sqft? I want the filter a little bigger than minimum recommended but don't want too big. thanks
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 Posted: 4/30/2016 

I need to replace a pump for my above ground pool it is 27 X 16 4 feet deep what would you recommend?
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 Posted: 4/29/2016 

Hi! I have a 16x32 intex ag pool. The pump no longer works so I want to replace it. I have been using the sand filter but have not had very good results with it so I want to purchase a new cartridge filter. My pool holds a little over 15,000 gals. I have been researching pumps and want to go with Hayward model. Will that brand work with a intex pool? I also want to use saltwater so what should I purchase for my pool? I'm looking at the Hayward sp1593 pump and also their large cartridge filter. What else should I purchase in order to use saltwater? What's your thoughts on my choice of pump and filter for the pool?
Thank you,
Tammy

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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/25/2016 

reecespieces5 - If your pool is in-ground and your water feature is elevated or pushing water, you will need a small in-ground pump like the Hayward Super Pump 1/2 HP Single Speed Swimming Pool Pump with a Hayward Star Clear Filter 25 Sq Ft 1-1/2" Ports. For an above ground pool, where the pump is installed below the water line, you could use a 25 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter System w/ 40 GPM Pump.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/24/2016 

mlopez1 - I would recommend the Hayward EC40C Perflex Filter W/ 1 HP Matrix Pump set for you size pool.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/24/2016 

7500 gal AG pool - Yes that is the size pump and filter we would recommend.
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 Posted: 4/22/2016 

We have a very small, ~400gal. 8x12 pool/water feature. What pump and filter system would you recommend? We would like to use the cartridge filter type. Thank you.
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 Posted: 4/21/2016 

I currently have an above ground pool 24*52 and am looking for a new pump and D.E. filter. What are your recommendations.
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Anonymous  Posted: 4/21/2016 

i have a 7500 gal round pool and i need a new pump and filter. is a 19 in filter and 1HP motor big enough?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/20/2016 

Mike - I would recommend The Perflex DE Filter 20 Sq. Ft for your size AG pool. If you are considering replacing both the pump and filter, I would recommend the Hayward EC40C Perflex Filter W/ 1 HP Matrix Pump set.
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 Posted: 4/20/2016 

I have a 24' round intex pool that has cartridge filter. What DE filter would you reccommend?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/18/2016 

Jessica - For your 18' Round Above Ground pool, i would suggest a Skid Pak Clean & Clear 75 Sq. Ft. 1 H.P Pump. Pentair is a great company and this is a good price for a reliable pump and filter set.
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 Posted: 4/18/2016 

Hello, I have an 18x48 pool. We are needing a new pump an filter system this year. What would you recommend? And I would really like to stay away from sand filters!! Thank you!!
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/18/2016 

Tiny/Delis -For a 18'x52" above ground pool, I would recommend a Hayward Pump & Filter S166T Filter w/ 1 HP Matrix Pump & Timer combination. Your comment just asked for information on a pump. AG pumps are usually sold as a set with the filter. If you weren't looking for the set, just buy the 1HP Matrix pump. Also this combination includes a timer to automatically set the time to run the pump each day. If you don't want that, we sell the set without the timer for ~$30 less. You had also asked for information on AG pool solar heaters. Here is our link to "Solar Heaters".
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 Posted: 3/17/2016 

Hello, and thanks for your post. I'm planning to buy an Intex above ground pool (18 × 52) for a single mother of 7 children. One of her children battled cancer 5 years ago and the cancer came back. The little girl is 10 now and I asked her what would be something she would like and she told me me a pool for her yard this summer. I'm planning to get the Intex brand because it's what I can afford at this time. From previous experience I had an Intex pool before and the pump it came with it was horrible. Can you please help and tell me what would be the best pump and solar for a very high traffic in the pool and not to mention the debris of crab grass and trees. Please tell me ASAP. I would appreciate it before I make a purchase.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/8/2016 

Greg - This is the VS pump that we are recommending for above ground pools.
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 Posted: 3/8/2016 

Thanks for the quick response. I am running new wires so I could do 120 or 240. Would you recommend a different pump since I can do either?


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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/7/2016 

Greg - If you are using 115V for supply power, we would recommend the Hayward Super Pump VS Variable Speed Pump (115V). You should recoup your higher initial purchase cost in just over a year with reduced operational costs.
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 Posted: 3/6/2016 

I am building a pump/filter system for a new 24 foot above ground pool. We are looking into Solar as well. Everything I read about solar seems to point towards getting a vari speed pump. But then I'm looking at having to buy a separate filter and its around $1200 just for the filter and pump. I don't mind if it will save money in the long run but is this the best way to go?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/16/2015 

Dustin - We usually recommend a 1 HP pump for AG pools that are 24' or below in diameter. If you are considering adding a small solar heater, you could stay with 1 HP. With larger solar heater or arrays of heaters, you should consider a 1 1/2 HP pump. For a cartridge filter/pump set, I would recommend something like a Pentair 1 HP OptiFlo Pump Twist Lock Cord W/ 75 Sq. Ft. Clean & Clear Cartridge Filter. This set has the more common twist lock plug. We also sell a set with a standard plug.
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 Posted: 11/15/2015 

I am rebuilding a King George 24' above ground pool that collapsed this summer. 52" height. The original pump/filter was 1.5 hp sand filter. I am just starting my search but I think I would like a cartridge filter. Is 1 hp enough? Any advice on make, model and size?
If I added a solar heater do I need to bump up to a 1.5 hp?

Thank you.

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/26/2015 

Liz - For your size pool I would recommend a Jacuzzi Laser 19" Sand Filter W/ 1 HP Pump. It's a very good set and we have them on clearance currently.
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 Posted: 9/25/2015 

I purchased an Intex 22x52 round pool this summer and the pump(Krystal clear Model 633T filter pump) does not seem to be adequate for this size pool, was wonder if you could recommend a pump/filtration system for me.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/16/2015 

HappyTrainFan - For a 20' round 52" deep AG pool I would recommend a S180T Hayward sand filter.
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 Posted: 9/16/2015 

Hello, I have a 24x52 foot above ground pool. I have not had any luck with a cartridge filter system. My question is I have a Hayward 1.5 HP pump but need to buy a sand filter. What Hayward filter size would you recommend to buy?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/15/2015 

30' AG pool - If your pool is completely above ground, I would recommend staying with an AG pump. They are designed differently than the IG pool pumps. And I would recommend a 1.5 HP pump for your size pool.
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Anonymous  Posted: 9/14/2015 

Hello, We are getting a 30 ft. round above ground pool. I have had a few pool companies tell me an in ground pool pump would be a good idea for our pool. Could you please give my your opinion on that? We wanted a 2 H.P. but after reading above I see maybe a 1.5 H.P. would be what we need. Could you also please give your opinion on that? Thank you!
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/31/2015 

Dave - For an economical but above average replacement, I'd recommend a filter set like the Hayward Pump & Filter S180T Filter w/ 1 HP Matrix Pump or the Jacuzzi Laser 19" Sand Filter W/ 1 HP Pump (now on sale).
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 Posted: 8/31/2015 

I have a 18x36 Doughboy pool and have been having issues with the pump and filter. What would a good but economical replacement recommendation?

I do not want to keep throwing money at the pool until I get filtration and umping right.

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 Posted: 7/27/2015 

Thank you so much, that's what I was thinking. And, yes, I know about the holes for pump/filter...thought we'd use a hole-saw, silicon if needed to seal. Labs already think the empty tank is a great toy, leaping in, leaping out!!
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/27/2015 

Nana - You shouldn't need more than a 1/2HP pump and filter for a 1000 gallon stock tank. And you are going to have to cut some holes in the tank for supply and return lines to the pump/filter.
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