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.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/27/2018
Hello Ken - if you cannot find any identification numbers on the outside of the pump, I suggest looking on the pump's impeller. The impeller will at least identify the pump's horsepower, as well as narrow the field of suspects for identifying your pump. With that information in hand, we can suggest a group of similar pumps that can deliver similar flow rates.Reply
Jeff Posted: 10/23/2018
Hi. I have a 10' x 22' pool with a constant depth of 60". One end of the pool on the 10' side has a negative/infinity edge. Can you recommend correct HP pump that should be used? Thanks!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 10/23/2018
Hello Jeff - We'd recommend the PureLine Prime model PL2605. The PL2605 is a 1.65HP variable speed pump.Reply
InyoPools Posted: 10/3/2018
Hello Bill - Solar panels will add to your total feet of head but it wouldn't triple. We'd recommend going with a variable speed pump. A variable speed pump will allow you to have a margin of error because you can dial in the correct speed to operate the solar panels.Reply
Bill Posted: 10/3/2018
How does a roof top solar heater affect the pool pump size? I am assuming that it will triple my head size.Reply
Matthew Posted: 10/2/2018
Hello Patricia - as we mentioned in Step 7 & 8, a major component into figuring out flow rate for a system is the feet of head. The skimmers you brought up are a part of the equation but does not provide enough information for an educated guess. If you cannot provide the feet of head, it would be helpful to have the model number of the pump housing to at least get a benchmark of what your system needs.Reply
Patricia Posted: 10/1/2018
Greetings, I am looking at your Pureline 1.65 hp variable speed pump for a replacement of my Century 1.5 hp pump. My freeform pool is about 31,000 gal with an estimated 65 gpm filter rate (by your dyi calculations). I have 2" pipes and a large Triton -140 sand filter with a flow rate of 106 gpm. I have three skimmers and a polaris vac powered by a booster pump. Will this replacement pump be adequate for my specs? Thanks in advance.Reply
InyoPools Posted: 9/12/2018
Hello Bud - We can't say for sure but I doubt the higher HP caused it to burn up after 3 years. Motors, today, often last 3-5 years. For your pool, we'd recommend something like the PureLine Prime PL2605. This is a 1.65HP variable speed pump. It is the most energy-efficient option. You would run the pump on a lower speed to circulate the water and only use the higher speeds to vacuum or backwash, if necessary.Reply
Bud Posted: 9/8/2018
Hello guys, I have a 33,000 gal inground pool with 1 1/2" piping. I had someone replace my motor 3 years ago and he went from from a 1hp motor to a 1.5hp. He didn't replace the pump just the motor. Now my pump seems to have died. My question is did the higher motor burn out my pump? The pump is 25 years old. When buying a new pump what hp should I get?Reply
Matthew Posted: 8/20/2018
Hello Chris - The Pentair SuperFlo 342001 would be perfect for your situation. The Pentair Clean & Clear 150 sq ft can handle flow rates up to 150 GPM; so it can handle anything that VS pump can throw at it.Reply
Chris Jones Posted: 8/18/2018
I need to replace my in ground pool pump. I currently have a 3/4 HP superflo for a 14000 gallon pool. The filter is a Pentair Cartridge (Model 160355: 150 sq ft?). Both are close to the pool. I would like to go with a VS pump and am considering the Pentair Superflo 342001 1.5 HP model. Would this be the right size for my pool. I don't have any features attached or a heater.Reply
Matthew Posted: 8/16/2018
Hello Mem - the great thing about a variable speed is that is can be throttled for any type and size of an application. My main concern about whether the pump is overkill or not is dependent on whether you have 1.5" or 2" PVC pipe. With 2" pipe the IntelliFlo VS will do great, and you can use its full capacity. But if your system has 1.5" piping you would be unable to use the higher speeds of the Intelliflo as they could cause cavitation. For 1.5" PVC I suggest using the Pureline Prime 1.65 VS.Reply
Keith Posted: 7/27/2018
@Tom: Actually, Tom, I think the opposite is true. The greater the flow rate, the lower the outgoing water temperature and the greater the heat exchanger to water temperature differential. The greater this differential, the greater the heat flow into the water. The lower outgoing water temperature is compensated by the higher flow. At higher flow rates, more heat is transferred to the water and less is lost to the surrounding sir.Reply
Zan Posted: 7/24/2018
I have a Hayward Superpump 1Hp motor which is making a loud humming noise and not pumping so I assume is it burned out. I installed it 3 years ago to replace the previous Hayward Superpump which lasted 5-6 years. My pool is about 30-35,000 gallons. I’d 1 hp too pump is outside and gets rained and snowed on. Could that be the problem it isn’t lasting or is it undersized?Reply
Tom Posted: 6/15/2018
Hi Guys found your site thru a friend it is very informative. I would like to add a comment about pump sizing when you have a pool heater either gas or electric heat pump.i live in Florida where most have pool heaters for winter time use and spa heating.the big problem I am seeing is the flow in the systems far exceeds the design flow of the installed pool heater. This results in poor heat transfer equating to far longer run times. This is a big inefficiency that goggles up gas and electric and eats at your walletReply
Inyopools Posted: 6/7/2018
Hello Malinda - Lowering your pump HP is one option. Another option is to add a regulator to the cleaner hose. The regulator can be set to open up a little and take some suction away from the cleaner.Reply
Malinda Posted: 6/5/2018
18 x 48 above ground coleman pool. The 1 hp is too strong for my pool cleaner. Should I with .75 hp pump ?Reply
mem Posted: 5/18/2018
I have a 15K gallon includes a SPA and a small slide that has water running on it. My 1.5 hp pump broke, and now I'm quoted to get the Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower. Do you think this is a little bit overkill for 3hp? thanksReply
Inyopools Posted: 5/8/2018
Hello Hydrox - We'd recommend the Pureline Prime model PL2605. This is a 1.65 total HP variable speed pool pump with 2" ports. The variable speed pumps are the most energy-efficient option.Reply
Hydrox Posted: 5/4/2018
Looking to replace both Filter & Pump. Pool is around 25k Gal. Vinyl pool. Filter is Hayward 244T which handles 62GPM. Pump is very old Pentair housing but looks like the motor is an old 1.5hp Century? Maybe was replaced at some point? Think my filter is too small. 2 skimmers, 1 main, All 1-1/2" piping. Guessing 50'ish ft head? If I move up to the 270T Filter which rates for 72GPM or the 310 which rates at 100GPM. What would be a good pump?Reply
INYOPools Posted: 4/25/2018
Though, 1.5 HP does seem undersized for that pool size I do not believe that is the cause of the issue. Repeated pump failures is likely an environment issue. For example is the pump in an open area with no cover from the sun, or is it in a splash zone for sprinklers or rain runoff? These can cause wear and tear on the motor, shortening its lifespan. If your pool is saltwater, then it may be the water is compromising the OEM shaft seals. If you have saltwater, I would suggest upgrading to the saltwater shaft seal to ensure a longer life.Reply
Ryan Posted: 4/24/2018
I had a pool installed in 2011. It's 44x22. I have replaced my pool pump 3 times in 7 years. It's a 1 1/2 HP Hayward and it's bad again. I was told by installing contractor that my pool held around 50k gallons. What is going on here?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 4/23/2018
Hello Mike - The 1.5 EE Superflo would be sufficient for your pool size and TDH. 2HP would be overkill unless you need additional flow for an attached spa.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 4/23/2018
The lines on the return side will need to be added to calculate the friction loss.Reply
mike Posted: 4/23/2018
superflo 1.5hp standard gave out. considering replacing with 2hp ee superflo. 25,000 gal. sand dollar 80 filter. with what I can only roughly estimate according to your instructions and some guessing about 50' +/- of head. plumbed with 1-1/2" piping. thoughts? or is 1.5hp enough to effectively clean at 52gpm? pressure at filter @20psi with current setup?Reply
Pete Posted: 4/21/2018
When figuring feet of head do I include lines to jets?Reply
Derek Dewitt Posted: 3/28/2018
My wife and I recently got a pool installed, so thanks for the help selecting a pump for it. I like your point about how you can find the number of gallons in an oval pool using the Longest diameter x Shortest diameter x Average depth formula. I'll be sure to measure this out so I can find a pump that supports that many gallons of water.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 3/26/2018
Since we do not know your feet of head, it's hard to say for sure what you'll need. With that being said, you could go with a variable speed pump. Variable speed pumps are the most energy-efficient option. You can use a higher speed when necessary (vacuuming, backwashing, etc). Then it could be run at a low speed for regular circulation. For your pool, something like the Pureline Prime model PL2605 should be sufficient. This is a 1.65 total HP variable speed pump.Reply
william miller Posted: 3/24/2018
I have a 15000 gal pool with a solar system. what size pump would you recommend?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 3/21/2018
Hello Larry - We'll need to know the feet of head in order to recommend a pump. If you are unsure, check out our blog titled "How Do I Calculate Feet of Head for My Pool?" https://www.inyopools.com/Blog/how-do-i-calculate-feet-of-head-for-my-pool/Reply
LARRY Posted: 3/12/2018
I have a 16x32 4ft shallow 4ft deep 4ft rectangular. What size sand filter and pump by hayward do i need. 1 skimmer. 1 bottom drain. I cleaner outlet 2 regular outlets and 2 controlable outlets in 4x8 stepsReply
Inyopools Posted: 3/7/2018
Cliff - Thank you for the clarification. We would recommend a 1 HP AG pump an matching filter for your AG 24' AG pool. Typical sets are:19" Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System W/ 1 H.P Pump and Hayward Pump & Filter S180T Filter w/ 1 HP Matrix Pump. Note, these systems cannot be used with soft sided pools.Reply
Cliff Posted: 3/6/2018
The pool is an above ground circular pool that is 24’ x 4’ deep (13,500 gallons). Which sand filter/pump would you recommend.Reply
Cliff Posted: 3/4/2018
What sand pump/filter would you recommend for a 24’ x 48’ (13,500 gallons) pool?Reply
Inyopools Posted: 2/10/2018
Randy - We haven't got a good handle on calculating feet of head yet. It's not a simple process even if you could see all the underground piping. Many experts suggest estimating it for 40' for small to medium size pools and 50' for larger ones.Reply
Randy Posted: 2/9/2018
All my pipes are underground, how on earth is anyone able to figure head pressure when you can't see any fittings/pipe ?? I need to replace my pump and it has never had the oomph it should have.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 1/29/2018
Suzy - Your proposed pool and spa would hold approx 13,000 to 14,000 gallons. For that size pool, I would suggest either a Hayward Super Pump 1.5 HP SINGLE Speed W/ S310T2 30" SAND Filter & Valve or a Hayward Super Pump 1.5 HP SINGLE Speed W/ C17502 175 Sq. Ft. CARTRIDGE Filter depending on which filter system you prefer. For the heat pump, I would recommend buying the largest you can afford. A couple of good mid-range heat pumps are Raypak Standard 119K BTU Digital Heat Pump and Hayward Heat Pro Heat Pump 110,000 BTU. For sanitation, I would recommend going with a salt chlorine system like Pool Salt System 40,000 Gallons. It's always better to go with a larger than needed system on these. The cell lasts longer.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 1/29/2018
Efficiency - You do not say how the 1.5 HP pump is used, but most systems with your size pool and limited water features get by with just one pump. If you are using a 2.6 HP single speed pump now, you can keep the wet end of the pump and just replace its motor with a 2.7 HP variable speed motor.Reply
Suzy Posted: 1/28/2018
Intend to install a 12m x 3m x 1.3 lap pool plus a 2.5m x 2.5m spa. Can you advise on what equipment we will need. we need to heat both the pool and spa using a heat pump. Would appreciate your help.Reply
Efficiency Posted: 1/26/2018
I have a ~12,000-14,000 gallon pool. I calculate ~40 ft of head (give or take 5 ft). I have a 60 sq ft DE filter, 2.6 hp single speed motor and what appears to be 1.5 hp pump and single speed based on serial number on the strainer based. I am not sure if the impeller has been switched out since the motor is higher hp. Everything works fine but I want to reduce my elec cost since it consumer ~500 kwh each month. The local pool company says replace the whole unit and get a variable speed pump to match the motor. The cost is nearly $1500 for a 2.5 hp motor. The pump casing etc 2009 but seems to be in good shape. What do you recommend that I do to get the best bang for the buck. Could I get away with just replacing it with a 2.7 hp variable speed motor and leave the pump alone. Most of the time the pump will be running to clean the filter and occasionally I may run the waterfall.Reply