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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(81 to 120 of 630)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/18/2019 

We'd be glad to assist you. Are those measurements in centimeters or inches?
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 Posted: 2/18/2019 

Hi good afternoon the measurements are in thanks
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/18/2019 

If those are inches, it translates to a pool that is roughly 53'x31'x12.5'. That would be over 100,000 gallons. Does this sound accurate?
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 Posted: 2/18/2019 

Hi sorry was my mistake the measurements are CM thanks
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/19/2019 

I'd recommend a 1HP filter and a 100 square foot cartridge filter. Something like the Hayward model CC10092S would be sufficient.
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 Posted: 11/12/2018 

I have a 26 ft by 52 above ground pool and was wanting to know wat kind and size sand pump I need thank you
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/15/2018 

Hello Gina - We'd recommend a 21" sand filter and 1.5HP pump. Something like the Hayward model S210T93S would be sufficient.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/15/2018 

Hello Gina - We'd recommend a 21" sand filter and 1.5HP pump. Something like the Hayward model S210T93S would be sufficient.
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 Posted: 7/28/2018 

I have an 18 round above ground pool, I believe we are below 10,000 gallons . Right now we are running a one horse pump The water starts to Gallup if we don't watch it closely we have to shdut it off and let the water calm down . My question is what size pump should I be running I already have a sand filter . Will a 1/2 hp be enough ?
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 Posted: 6/17/2018 

Great information to help me replace my pump system!
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 Posted: 6/1/2018 

Hello Mike - Yes, Jacuzzi Laser Sand Filters are compatible with other pump brands. You may not be able to use the type of hose that has union nuts on the end. You'll probably need a hose that clamps onto the adapter fittings.
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 Posted: 6/1/2018 

Hello Gwen - We'd recommend the Hayward EC50AC for a 28' above ground pool.
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 Posted: 5/31/2018 

We just purchased a home that has 28' round above ground pool. Looking to replace the sand filter. They had their own makeshift pvc tubing for the lines and it we have tried everything to fix it - not working. We are looking at the DE filters - Which Hayward Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E would be our best bet?
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 Posted: 5/30/2018 

Hello. Are Jacuzzi Laser Sand Filters compatible with other pumps (ie; Hayward)? TIA
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 Posted: 5/30/2018 

Hello Herbert - A 2HP pump is a little overkill for a 24' round pool. I would go with a 1.5HP 2-speed pump.
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 Posted: 5/30/2018 

Hello Craig - We'd recommend a 1HP pump and 18" sand filter for your 15'x26'x52" pool. Something like the Hayward S180T92S would be sufficient.
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 Posted: 5/28/2018 

I have a 16'x26'x 52" oval above ground pool I just bought, what size sand filter and what size pump is recommended?
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 Posted: 5/27/2018 

We are getting a 24' round x 52" deep pool. Is a 2 speed 2 hp motor a good pump to use for his pool?? Also it's a cartridge filter pump
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 Posted: 5/25/2018 

Hello Ruth - We'd recommend Pureline Pure Pro XL 3/4HP pump. The model number is PL1500. You'll probably need adapters for the ports since the Coleman pools use smaller hoses. An adapter that should work is part number 4564.
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 Posted: 5/25/2018 

Hello Jess - We'd recommend something like the Hayward EC40AC for a 21' above ground pool.
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 Posted: 5/24/2018 

I have a 16'x16' round Coleman above ground pool. The pump that came with it doesn't seem to filter the water fast enough & the water seems a little murky most of the time, even after treating it. We want to get a bigger pump this year, can you suggest what I should look for and will it be compatible with the hoses, etc we already have or will we have to buy adaptive parts tll?
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 Posted: 4/10/2019 

i have a 15' round pool. the pump is not strong enough to vacuum. I would like to upgrade to a1.5 horse. Will that be to much
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/10/2019 

You can put a 1.5HP pump on a 15' pool. However, the filter has to be able to handle the flow from a 1.5HP pump. Do you know the make and model of your filter?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/24/2018 

We have an above ground 21 foot round and would like to purchase DE filter. I just can't figure out what size?
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 Posted: 5/17/2018 

Hello Brad - Most of our 24' pool owners prefer a 1-1/2HP pump. We would recommend a sand filter that is 20" or larger.
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 Posted: 5/16/2018 

I have a 24 foot by 52 inch deep round AG pool. What is the best size choice for replacing the pump/filter unit? I would like to use a sand filter system.
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 Posted: 5/8/2018 

Hello Alan - Yes, the 18" sand filter and 1HP Hayward Matrix pump would be an excellent choice for your 15'x24' oval above ground pool.
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 Posted: 5/8/2018 

Hello Pam - A 20" sand filter would be sufficient for a 24' pool with a 1HP pump. Something like a Hayward S210T would be a good option.
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 Posted: 5/7/2018 

Is the Hayward Sand Filter Pump, S180T 18" Sand Filter and 1 HP PowerFlo Matrix Pump, a good choice for my 15'X24' oval above ground pool?
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 Posted: 5/5/2018 

I have a 24ft above ground pool. My sand filter has started leaking and I need to replace it. I just bought a new 1hp pump motor last year, so all I need is the sand filter. What size should I get?? 20" etc???
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 Posted: 4/23/2018 

We'd recommend a 1.5HP above ground pool pump for a 30' pool.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 4/19/2018 

I HAVE A 30' X 52 ABOVE GROUND POOL WITH A 19" SAND FILTER. MY PUMP IS A 1HP PUMP BUT IT HAS GONE OUT. WHT SIZE PUMP DO WE NEED TO GET FOR OUR SIZE POOL?
 Reply

 Posted: 2/25/2018 

Anonymous (AG Salt pool) - Here are links to Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter and Above Ground Pool Sanitizers that you should consider for converting your above ground pool to a upgraded pump and filter system with a salt chlorine generator.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 2/19/2018 

I have an above ground Pool & want to replace everything & concert to saltwater. What exactly do I need?
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 Posted: 1/7/2018 

Carrie S Newbold - It depends on the size of your AG pool. If it's a smaller pool. less than 9,000 gallons, I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System. If your pool is between 9,000 and 13,000 gallons, I would recommend a Hayward Pump & Filter S166T Filter W/ 1 HP Matrix Pump.
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 Posted: 1/2/2018 

I have a sand filter and my pool wont even allow me to vacuum the pool. It is not strong enough. What kind should I get?
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 Posted: 10/13/2017 

maggie - I would suggest upgrading to something like the PL1511 PureLine 1 HP Pump with 19" Sand Filter System this would be a huge upgrade from your current Intex filtration system. If you have a soft side pool, you may need one of these Pool Adapters to hook to the new hoses to the pool.
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 Posted: 10/13/2017 

Barbara - Try replacing the sand in your filter first. Also, check that your pump's impeller is not clogged. See our guides on "How To Change Sand In a Sand Filter" and "How To Clean Out a Pool Pump Impeller". If that doesn't solve your problem or you just want to go to a larger more efficient system, I'd recommend the PureLine 19" Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System W/ 1 H.P Pump. The suggested Waterway 1 1/2 HP pump would be larger than you need.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/10/2017 

I bought an above ground pool 12' x 24' x 52" deep. This is an intex pool. They sold it with a sand filter, it has to over work and still won't keep the pool clean no matter what I have tired. What hp pump would you recommend> Thanks Maggie
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 Posted: 10/7/2017 

We currently have the Coleman 18x48 above ground pool. We also have the Hayward vl series sand pump which we purchased about 4 years ago. We had to drain the pool because we couldn't keep the algae out. We had perfect water samples at the time. Could it just be the pump getting weak and not circulating right? Should I try a different size pump? A local pool company says to buy the waterway 1.5 hp pump. what would you recommend?
 Reply