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

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

WRITTEN BY: Inyo Pools

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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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Step by Step

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(161 to 200 of 603)

Inyopools Posted: 12/11/2017

Marc - Generally, with filters, bigger is better. People oversize their filters to avoid any chance of blowing out the filter and for lower maintenance. A larger filter can go longer between cleanings. However, the larger filter cartridges cost more. I would go with the 150 as a good compromise.
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Inyopools Posted: 12/11/2017

Dan - Generally. a pool function is different than that of a pool - maintenance, chlorine levels. I would tend to keep their operations separate with two pumps.
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Dan Posted: 12/8/2017

I'm planning to make a pool/pond. Each body of water is 24,000 gallons. Should I have 2 pumps?
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Marc Posted: 12/6/2017

I have a 10,000 gal in-ground pool that I need to buy a new filter. I want to switch from a DE to a cartridge filter. The pump is old but works good and is a 1 HP. My question is I was looking to get the Pentair clean and clear RP filter but should I get the 100 SQ ft, the 150 Sq Ft, or the 200 sq ft? I was told to always get the largest filter I can. Thanks
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Inyopools Posted: 11/13/2017

Anonymous (pump/filter size) - For you 27x6x6 (7,300 gallon) pool, I would suggest something like a Hayward Super Pump 3/4 HP Single Speed with a Hayward Sand Filter with Top Mount Valve 22 Inch Tank.
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Anonymous Posted: 11/7/2017

what sizes pump and sand filter I will need for a rectangular pool 27x6x6?
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Inyopools Posted: 10/22/2017

ANA - Your 19 x 45 x 6.5 contains over 40,000 gallons of water, so you will want to buy the larger 2.7 HP Variable like the Speed pump like the PureLine Prime 2.7 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump - PL2606.
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ANA Posted: 10/19/2017

I have a 19 x 45 roman pool with an average depth of 6.5 feet. I am looking to get a variable speed pump so I can keep it running 24 hours. What pool pump size would you recommend please?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 10/4/2017

Mr, Vinegar - We would recommend the larger PureLine Prime 2.7 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump.
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Mr. Vinegar Posted: 9/29/2017

Engineering Specs for our 25900 gallon Florida pool (two skimmers)specifies a 105GPM flow rate at a 50 TDM using a 2HP pump. Inspector says flow rates can be calculated three ways with the most stringent being the one used.In our case the most stringent calculation comes from multiplying the number of skimmers times 50GPM so according to him we need a 100GPM flow rate. We have been told that one can not get a 100GPM with a 2HP pump and that a variable speed pump is the answer. Can you suggest a variable speed pump to do this. Thanks
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 9/15/2017

Lu - Your pool would hold about 7200 gallons of water. For that size pool, we would recommend a cartridge pump/filter set like the "Hayward Super Pump 1 HP SINGLE Speed W/ C1200 120 Sq. Ft. Cartridge Filter' or a sand pump/filter set like the "Hayward Super Pump 1 HP Single Speed W/ S244T 24" Sand Filter & Valve".
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Lu Posted: 9/10/2017

Good day Guy's, I am about to have a 12 ft x 20 ft pool construct, with a debt of 2-6 ft. What size of pump and filter do I need.

Thanking you,

Regards
Lu
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/20/2017

Jynxy - The more I read on calculating head, the more I'm convinced that they are too many variables in the calculation to come up with anything more than a good guess on your system's head. Many experts say to use 40' to 50' as a good approximation and leave it at that. We are still looking into it, but don't have any better rationale than that at this time. That being said, for your size pool, I would recommend installing 2" pipes and buying the smaller Hayward Tristar VSP 1.85 HP pump. I would also recommend buying a larger filter in the range of 100 GPM to lessen the chance of blowing out the filter. Most pool designers recommend getting a filter that is 25% larger than your pump's capacity. This pump can operate at 80-100 GPM at full speed. You would probably be running it at lower speeds most of the time, so this would give you a good filter cushion. And, a sand filter is probably the easiest to clean/maintain until you have to change the sand every 5-7 years. The cartridge filter filters better than sand but you have to lift out and clean the cartridge every month or so which is a little more time-consuming.
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Jynxy Posted: 8/14/2017

My pool is 20' x 34' Mountain Pond (Shortest Width = 16') with 17,700 gallons of water and 518 sf area per my pool specs. Using the article instructions, I get 47 GPM for 8 hour cleaning. I am having trouble guesstimating feet of head as the pool installer does not tell you pipe measurements + # of connections! etched. My estimate is that pool equipment will be approx. 50ft. from the pool deep end. Can someone help me ballpark feet of head. I'm considering the Hayward Tristar VSP 1.85 HP or 2.67HP. I'm telling pool installer I want 2" pipe. I'm getting AquaCal SQ145 Heater. For filter, get one rated for 60GPM?? Still wondering if Sand or cartridge is best. Do not want to deal with complicated time consuming upkeep and needs to be cost effective. Any help is appreciated!! Thank you!
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 8/7/2017

Novalove1 - If you were happy with your old pump, I would replace it with the same Pentair SuperFlo 1 HP Single Speed Pump. If you are interested in saving 20% in operational costs, I would recommend the Energy Efficient (EE) model, Pentair SuperFlo 1 HP EE Single Speed Pump.
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Novalove1 Posted: 8/4/2017

I need to replace my pump. My pool is 24,000 gallons. I have no water features. The pump is about 15ft away from the water. It is 1 1/2" piping. I have an Hayward S200 high rate filter with a 55gpm flow rate. The pump I will be replacing is a 1hp Pentair super flo. It lasted for over 10 years. I fill run the pump from 8-10 hrs a day. What size pump would you recommend.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/21/2017

Gilbert - Can you give me more information on this pump?
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Gilbert Posted: 7/19/2017

How well is a waterway smh-115 pump work? what is the cost of this pump?
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Rams Posted: 7/18/2017

I plan to make an inground pool 50ft x 20ft with an average depth of 5ft. my current estimated head was 206ft? please help on what size of pool pump I would need and filters. thank very much
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/11/2017

alfredo - This Hayward DE 6020 filter is usually matched with a Hayward 2HP Super Pump.See Hayward Super Pump 2 HP SINGLE Speed W/ DE6020 60 Sq. Ft. DE Filter & 2" Valve.
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alfredo Posted: 7/10/2017

you now what size at poolpum i need for de 6020 hayward filter
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/5/2017

Danielle - Your 30'x15'x7'(average depth) pool contains about 24,000 gallons of water. I'd recommend a pump with a 1 1/2 motor like a PureLine Prime Pool Pump 1.5 HP. If this pump is larger than your old one, you may also have to upgrade your filter.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/4/2017

Willy - We would need more information on your waterfall. Please give us a call at 877-372-6038 and talk to one of our service reps.
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Danielle Posted: 7/3/2017

I'm trying to determine the size pool pump I should purchase to replace the existing pump (just burnt out today):

30'x15'x7'(average depth)

Any suggestions?

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willy Posted: 7/3/2017

I have a 4 foot waterfall which pump should I put in.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/8/2017

Kevin C - When you replaced your pump's motor, you may have inadvertently reduced the size of the motor. If it is smaller than your old motor and you did not replace the pump's impeller, you may be asking the smaller motor to do the work of your old motor and you would be overloading your new motor. On the other hand, if everything is running fine, pool motors do run hot and you may be ok.
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Kevin C. Posted: 6/6/2017

Need some technical assistance please. Recently had to replace the motor on my Hayward Super II above ground pool pump. The problem was when I went to replace the motor the part of the label with the horsepower rating was unreadable. I believe the motor was not the original Hayward motor that I installed around 1984 but was the second one I replaced probably around 15 years ago. I took a guess since I knew the motor was rated for.75 kilowatts. Also the model number was unreadable as well. I ordered a 1 h.p. motor and replaced it and the seal. The unit is running fine and the P.S.I is between 15 and 20 psi. My concern is this: I notice that the outer casing is extremely hot to the touch. I don't have a voltage meter to check the amperage but I am figuring it must be high. My pool is 23,000 gallons with 3 returns and 2 skimmers and a main drain. I keep the main drain closed otherwise the skimmers don't pull. I remember that the old motor was always hot to the touch as well. But it lasted approx. 15 years in that condition. My filter is rated at 75 gpm. Is this 1 h.p. too small for my pool ???
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/4/2017

Jim - Not sure how you calculated your numbers. As I said in this guide, we are reevaluating our head calculation process. Ours are currently too high. But most "experts" estimate feet of head for a typical pool your size to be 50 to 60 FOH. And we typically recommend a 1 1/2 HP pump for your size pool.
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Kevin Posted: 6/4/2017

I'm planning to replace my old "silver bullet" Sta-rite cartridge filter with a Pentair CCP420. My pool is approx 17,000 gallons running a 2" return and 2" from the bottom drain and 1 1/2" from the skimmer. What HP pump should I go with? Thanks.
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Maria Posted: 6/2/2017

I have a huge 80,000 gallon pool, no features. What pump and filter do you recommend?

Thank You
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Anonymous Posted: 6/2/2017

I have 3 above ground pools which circulated and filter back to an in ground pool. The total head is about 270 ft. as the pools are 10 ft to 14 ft higher than the in ground. Total gallons 3250 (they are reflection pools). With such a low volume but need for high pressure what kind of pump would you recommend?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/2/2017

lima - Two possible problems with a 2HP pump. First, it can easily generate water flow greater than the GPM that your current S220T is designed to handle (52 GPM). You would need an S244T or even an S270T. Second, assuming your piping system is 1 1/2", a 2 HP pump is too big for your piping. A 1 1/2 HP pump would be best for you pool size and configuration.
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Jim Posted: 6/2/2017

Ive done the calculations based off of your instructions and my total gallons are 21120 and after doing the dividing down my final number is 44 and I have approximatly 60 ft of head and if Im looking at the chart correctly would that be the 2610X15?

Thanks JIM
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lima Posted: 5/31/2017

Hi, can anyone help me? I need to know if it is compatible or is it recommended to use a 2 horsepower pump with a sand filter (s220t) for a 25,000 gallon pool? thank you.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/30/2017

Faziemarie - Your psi should be about 15 - 20 psi. 58 psi is way too high and dangerous - unless you have a bad pressure gauge. The pump is bigger than you need. 3/4 HP or 1 HP would be better for your ~7,000-gallon pool. I would guess that your filter is too small for your pump and the pump is trying to push more water through the filter than it is designed for. Also, your Harris pump/motor may be for an in-ground pool where you should be using an AG pump.
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Faziemarie Posted: 5/29/2017

I need some help I have a 17x52 round above ground pool I am using a hayward vari-flo sand filter and a 1.5 Harris motor the water pressure is running at 58 psi is that too high psi for this set up
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/25/2017

anwalden - If you have no water features and your pool piping is 1 1/2" in diameter, I would go with the 1.5 Hp VS pump. If your pool piping is larger than 1 1/2" and you have or might have several water features, I would buy the later 2.5 Hp VS pump.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/25/2017

abenicig - Would you consider just replacing the motor on your pump? If so, the replacement motor is 1 H.P 115V Thru Bolt Motor - BN25. You can replace the whole pump with a Pentair Dynamo Pump 1 HP w/ STD Cord.
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anwalden Posted: 5/24/2017

I have a hayward single speed pump of 1hp right now for a 23,000 pool. Looking to get a variable speed pump. I am trying to figure out if a need a 1.5 hp or a 2.5 hp. Any answers on this and why?
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abenicig Posted: 5/23/2017

Hi, We need to change the pump that was installed with our 16*32*4 ft. above ground pool. We currently have a Sta-rite JWPA5E7L-2A1 1hp 115volt horizontal discharge pump which is no longer made. Any advice on what to replace it with? Thank you!
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