1. Home
  2. How To Guides
  3. How to Size a Pool Pump for Your In-Ground Pool

How to Size a Pool Pump for Your In-Ground Pool

WRITTEN BY: 

  3.64 out of 5 stars on 98 ratings
(Click on a star to add your rating)

When purchasing a new in-ground swimming pool, you need to determine what size pool pump is required. There is a tendency to purchase a bigger pump than what is necessary because people think bigger is better. However, not only does this lead to higher operating costs, but you may also be overpowering your filter system. As a general rule, you should have a pump that filters all the water in a pool in an eight-hour period. This page will show you how to select a pump that filters all the water in your pool in eight hours.

Click Here to View Inground Pool Pumps 
 



Comments

Email

Print

Steps

Video

Step by Step

Top

Step 1

Rectangular Pools

Your first step is to determine the number of gallons of water in your pool. The formulas for calculating the gallons depend on the shape of your pool.

Measure the length (ft), the width (ft) and the average depth. The average depth is determined by adding the depth at the shallow end to the depth at the deep end and dividing by two.

The formula for calculating the total gallons in a rectangular pool is Gallons = Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5.

For example (see picture): your pool is 30 ft long and 15 ft wide. The pool's shallow end is 4 ft and its deep end is 8 ft. So, the pool's average depth is 4 plus 8 = 12 divided by 2. This gives you 6 ft. The pool's capacity is 30 ft x 15 ft x 6 ft x 7.5 = 20,250 gallons. Go to Step 5.

Click Here to View Inground Pool Pumps 

Step 2

Round Pools

Determine the number of gallons of water in your round pool, measure the diameter of the pool and its average depth. The average depth is determined by adding the depth at the shallowest part to the depth at the deepest part and dividing by two.

The formula for calculating the total gallons in a round pool is Gallons = Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9.

For example (see picture): your pool is 25 ft in diameter, the pool's shallow end is 3 ft and its deep end is 7 ft. So the pool's average depth is 3 plus 7 = 10 divided by 2. This gives you 5 ft. The pool's capacity is 25 ft x 25 ft x 5 ft x 5.9 = 18,428 gallons. Go to Step 5.


Step 3

Oval Pools

To determine the number of gallons of water in your oval pool, measure the longest diameter, the shortest diameter, and the average depth. The average depth is determined by adding the depth at the shallow end to the depth at the deep end and dividing by two.

The formula for calculating the total gallons in an oval pool is: Gallons = Longest diameter x Shortest diameter x Average depth x 6.7.

For example (see picture): Your pool's longest diameter is 25 ft, shortest diameter is 15 ft and the pool's average depth is (3 + 7) / 2 = 5 ft. The pool's capacity is 25 x 15 x 5 x 6.7 = 12,563 gallons. Go to Step 5.

 

Step 4

Kidney Shaped Pools

To determine the number of gallons of water in your kidney-shaped pool, measure the largest width, the smallest width, and the average depth. The average depth is determined by adding the depth at the shallow end to the depth at the deep end and dividing by two.

The formula for calculating the total gallons in a kidney-shaped pool is: Gallons = (Longest width + Shortest width) x Length x Average depth x 3.38.

For example (see picture): Your pool's length is 25 ft, longest width is 15 ft, shortest width is 10 ft and the pool's average depth is (3 + 7) / 2 = 5 ft. The pool's capacity is (15 + 10) x 25 x 5 x 3.38 = 10,563 gallons.


Step 5

Now that you have calculated the number of gallons in your swimming pool, you want to determine the required gallons per minute (GPM) you need to a pool pump to clean all the water in your pool in eight hours. To come up with this flow rate, simply divide your calculated gallons by eight.

For the Rectangular pool example, the GPH required is 20,250 gallons / 8 hours or 2531 GPH.

Most pool pump specifications are expressed in gallons per minute (GPM). So, to convert from GPH to GPM, divide your GPH by 60 minutes - 2531 GPH / 60 = 42.2 GPM.


Click Here to View Inground Pool Pumps

Step 6

Having calculated your required GPM, you next have to figure out the average Feet of Head for your pool pump. Check out our blog on How to Calculate Feet of Head. 

**Please note, we are currently reviewing our procedure for estimating feet of head. Current estimates are too high**

Step 7

You now have the information required to select the size of your pool pump. Go to the description page of the style of pump you would like to purchase. Many pump manufacturers will provide a chart on this description page showing the HP required for your particular GPM and Foot of Head. For example, say you wanted the popular Hayward Super Pump (an abbreviated version of the Hayward Super Pump performance page is shown at the left). Based on the data calculated above for a typical RECTANGULAR pool, we are looking for a pump that will handle 42GPM with a 47 Feet of Head. According to the chart for 50 Feet of Head (closest to 47'), we need a pump between 3/4 HP (31 GPM) and 1 HP (50 GPM). Since we always go for the higher GPM, we would select the 1 HP pump.

Step 8

The full performance page for the Hayward Super Pump can be found at this link, Hayward Super Pump. For the location of performance pages for other pump models, contact an Inyopools sales representative at 1-877-372-6038.

Step 9

The size of your pool filter is directly related to the pool pump you have selected. If your pool filter is too small for the pump, there will be additional strain on the pump motor as it tries to push water through and encounters resistance at the filter. This will eventually burn out the pump motor and your filtration will also be compromised. We recommend selecting the filter so that it is oversized to be absolutely certain it can handle the flow coming from the pump. So, in this case, instead of getting a filter rated at exactly 42 GPM, you should select one that is a little higher – around 60 GPM would be fine.


Step 10

There are a couple of other considerations that should be mentioned in your selection of a swimming pool pump. The above calculations are based on a basic pool configuration with no extra water features like: fountains, spas, waterfalls, solar heating, and in-floor cleaning systems. These features generally require higher GPM rates which equate to a higher HP pump. Also if your pool requires greater than 60 GPM you may need at least 2" diameter suction pipes. Suction pipes of 1 1/2" have a physical limit of 60 GPM. 2" pipes can handle up to 100 GPM.

Comments

Top
Add a Comment
(41 to 80 of 603)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/13/2021 

That is essentially a small lake, that would require a commercial-style pump and filtering system. That is not something we can size with that basic of info. If this is a new install we would need to know an accurate feet of head, plumbing size, any local codes that may affect the type of pump install. If you are replacing a pump, you can go with the same model and HP if you have that information.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/14/2020 

My in ground pool has 2" inlet and outlet supply lines and a 2 1/2 hp pump. Can I use a sand filter with a 1 1/2" multiport valve?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/22/2020 

I would not match a 2.5 horsepower pump with a 1.5" port multiport valve; guaranteed pressure issues.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/22/2020 

Thanks, I had the contractor replace the 1 1/2" valve with a 2" multi-valve. Much quieter, less vibration and better performance.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/31/2020 

our 10,000 gal pool translates to 21GPM I believe. for a solar set up running 8 hours a day (min), what size pump would be good? are there kits which include panels?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/1/2020 

The Pentair IntelliFlo VF Variable Speed Pump - 011012 would be the ideal pump for your install. Because that is a very specific and relatively l low flowrate, a variable speed would be a must. The VF has an advantage over all the other variable speed pumps because it allows you to set your motor's speed based on desired gallons per minute instead of RPMs. 
 Reply

 Posted: 6/28/2020 

I’m desperate. My pool isn’t suctioning. Rectangle 36 x 16 (or so). I know it’s 30,000 gallons. What kind of pump do I need?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/23/2020 

How do you know this is an issue with the pool pump and not an issue with your system? How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System
 Reply

 Posted: 6/28/2020 

I’m desperate. My pool isn’t suctioning. Rectangle 36 x 16 (or so). I know it’s 30,000 gallons. What kind of pump do I need?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/26/2020 

Has the pump always struggled with low flow, or is this recent issue? If it is a recent occurrence, I will try troubleshooting the pump and plumbing using this guide - How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System. It is a heck of a lot cheaper than a whole new pump.If this flow issue has been constant, I can try to find a suitable upgrade if you can provide me the model number of your pump.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/12/2020 

I have a 35,000 inground pool what size sand filter and pump do I need?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/10/2020 

For a 35k gallon pool, I suggest using the Pentair IntelliFlo VF Variable Speed Pump - 011012 and the Pentair Filter - TA-100D (30-1/2") Tagelus W/ Valve - 145240
 Reply

 Posted: 4/5/2020 

Hi, I would like some help please with sizing pump and filter? I have a pool that is 5o ft x 26 ft and between 4 ft x 6 ft deep, I wanted to know my flow rate. I figures 93 GPM also there is 2 1/2 piping a 3 hp pump and a Hayward filter W3C4030 {425 sq ft } and 3 heater in parallel would like to know if the pump is too big or keep pump and increase filter. at present motor and pump are new but current draw in high. it may be causing drag through the filter. thank you
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/7/2020 

Is this a commercial or residential installation?
 Reply

 Posted: 4/7/2020 

It is condo association.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/7/2020 

That would probably fall under commercial, which has different local ordinances and codes that vary depending on the area. You'd do best to contact a local contractor or inspector to have them guide you.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 3/30/2020 

I have a 20x40 unground pool with a 10ft deep end 30,000 gallons of water. I have a 1 1/2 hp motor but I just got a lager filter and my water flow has greatly decreased. Should I get a 2 or 2 1/2hp?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/31/2020 

The addition of the filter shouldn't have changed the flowrate of the system. it may have affected the PSI reading on your filter, but flow shouldn't be an issue. PSI does not necessarily equal the flow rate. The larger filter allows the water to sift through quicker, keeping PSI lower but the flowrate should stay unaffected; if not increase Take a look at this article: How Do I Correct Low Water Pressure?; for an idea of why you may have lower flow.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/13/2019 

Great article. Too bad there are so many lazy people who don't even take the time to use the formulas. "I have a 10,000 gallon round pool. I"m too dense to figure out my pump size. DUUUUUUUUH"
 Reply

 Posted: 12/6/2019 

We have a kidney shape in-ground fiberglass pool 10000 gallons. Pump Waterway smf-110 just blew. What pump should we purchase for replacement?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/9/2019 

You may install another Waterway SMF 1 HP Max Rate Single Speed Pump or you can use a different model like the Pureline Prime 1HP or Prime 1.65 VS
 Reply

 Posted: 8/28/2019 

I just have a 13 x 8 round above ground pool please what size pump
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/4/2019 

A 1/2 or 3/4 HP pump would be sufficient for your pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/9/2019 

You stated 13 x 8 round. I assume you are saying 13' diameter? Or is this an oval 13x8?
 Reply

 Posted: 8/13/2019 

What size pump should I use for my 24ft round pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/13/2019 

Because you have an above ground pool, this guide would be more helpful: How To Select Above Ground Pool PumpsFor a 24 ft round pool, a 1 or 1.5 horsepower pump would be sufficient.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 7/28/2019 

Pool is 50.000 gallons. Has a Pentair 60 filter. In a pool house. No need for quiet. Need a new pump. Also have a heater, propane. Short run to deep end.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/30/2019 

Your post is missing information we mention in the guide required to determine the right pump, but generally the IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump - 011018  would work for a residential installation.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/15/2019 

I want to buy a pump to use as a waste out pump to clean dead algae from the bottom of my gunite pool rather than using my filtration system. I want to use a above ground pool pump that I can plug in. Is 1 HP enough?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/15/2019 

I would just buy a sump pump, since that's what it is meant to do instead of trying to repurpose a pool pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/12/2019 

I just have a 20 x 48 round above ground pool please what size pump
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/16/2019 

For a pool that size, you would need at least a 1 horsepower pump. This guide goes into more details about sizing speciically for above ground pools: How To Size an Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter System
 Reply

 Posted: 7/4/2019 

Trying to decide between PureLine 1.65 or 2.7 hp variable speed pumps. 25000 gal, rectangular, waterfall, spa on separate 2hp pentair pump, pentair filter 520 gpm. Equipment 60-65 feet from drain. Going to add UV sanitizer. Appreciate the help.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/9/2019 

I would go with the 2.7 HP variable speed to have the extra filtering rate just in case.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/27/2019 

Hi , what pump would you recommend for my rectangle 23 x 13 with a 4 ft depth pool please? Many thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/3/2019 

I would need more of the criteria we mention in the article to make an adequate guess.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/15/2019 

I have a 12,000 gallon kidney shaped in ground. I calculated GPM as 25. I don’t know the head rate. I want to update my pump which is currently a Sta-Rite Model MPRA6D-146L with a 3/4 HP SQ1072 Motor (which stopped working). The filter is Sta-Rite Model T-240BP-1. What pump would be a good replacement for energy efficiency and power? Should I stay with 3/4 HP? Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/20/2019 

You can stay with the 3/4 HP or you can upgrade to a variable speed which will provide maximal utility savings. The PureLine Prime Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.65 HP can be throttled to match your desired flow rate for any need.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/5/2019 

I have an above ground pool that is 53”x30’ what size filter and pump would you recommend?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2019 

Great question; the answer can be found here: How To Size an Above Ground Pool Pump and Filter System
 Reply