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

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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 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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(241 to 280 of 603)

 Posted: 9/25/2016 

We just bought a house with a pool. The guy who was "maintaining" it for the prior owner did a crap job (IMO, long story).
Anyways... We are going to replace the pump and filter sometime soon, but not sure what to go to. Would love some input.

Pool is 12,000 gallons (has 1 wall skimmer & 2 floor drains, all in the deep end)
Pump is 3/4hp (looks old as the pump filter is inline separate from the pump)
Sand Filter is 200 lbs
Salt chlorinator cell (T-15)

What is the largest pump and filter we can go to? Which filter is more efficient and user friendly (was considering switching to a cartridge or DE)?
 Reply

 Posted: 9/22/2016 

I have a pool 20x30 3ft to 8ft
I have a Hayward setup 1hp motor
And a sand filter. 75gpm. Do I need a bigger setup for this size pool.
It's about 28000 g
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/7/2016 

Blues - I would recommend replacing your motor with a 1.65 HP variable speed motor. It cost a little more initially, but can pay more itself in reduced operational costs in just over a year. Here's the link to variable speed motors.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/5/2016 

I have a 13500 Gal pool. The main pump motor is currently a 1 HP Marathon with a SF=1.25 which has become very noisy (screech) and should be replaced. I added a passive solar heating system last spring, left all the other equipment unchanged. Should I consider upgrading the pump and motor to 1.5HP or larger to accommodate the new solar system? Is a larger HP pump for the passive solar system even necessary? System currently runs 8 hrs/day, approximately 5-6 hrs/ day with solar heat.

The filter is a Tagelus TA-50 (50GPM) sand filter. Head pressure per your video instructions yield 17ft. Other option would be to install a VS pump, but not sure if extra expense is worth it. Cheap option is to just replace the motor.

Your thoughts please.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/24/2016 

WTF - Those are typos. They should read GPM. Thanks for the catch.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/23/2016 

I understand GPM (reference Step 10), but what is GFM as referenced in Step 11?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/23/2016 

Slamingsam - I'm not sure why your 2 HP motor is not enough to power your cleaner. In fact, if your motor's Service Factor (SF) is 1.3 or 1.5, your pump is larger. Actual or total HP is the product of HP and SF. Try partially closing your main drain valve to divert more water flow to the suction port. Did you downsize the impeller (and maybe diffuser) when you changed the motor? If you are still considering a larger pump, I would recommend a 3 HP variable speed pump or motor. They cost a little more upfront but offer considerable savings in operational costs.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/22/2016 

I have a20x40 with 71/2 @ the deep end. just bought a 2hp Haywood motor. Had a Haywood"King Ray" that stopped working. Bought a "Extreme Power" it's like a Kreepy. The new 2hp. motor hardly moves the new "Extreme" cleaner. I did have a 3or 31/2 hp motor. The 2hp just doesn't cut it. Any ideas on what to do. Looking going to 3hp motor. I hate to lose the money spent on the 2hp motor
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/13/2016 

Hawt in Texas - For your size pool, I would recommend a larger pump. If you can cover the initial cost, I would get one of the larger 3 HP variable speed pumps then run it at what works best for your system. You will save a high percentage of your operating costs.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/12/2016 

Hi. My spa level dropped 6 inches although I did nothing. Upon further investigation, my pump motor was trying to turn-on for 10 seconds every 5 mins. I cut the power, and determined it is not the capacitor nor the booster capacitor. I'm afraid it is the pump. I have a 1.5 hp Whisperflo feeding into a cartridge only filter (System3, Modular Media, Model #S8M150) that has Maximum Flow Rate of 125 gallons per minute. The pool is 41,500 gallons with an attached spa of 4,500 gallon. No water features. 2 skimmers, 1 main drain. The average Feet of Head is 47. It has always been LOUD, but it worked. So, I never replaced it. Probably looking at 95 GPM. I just want to make sure the 1.5 hp will do the trick or if I should go with a stronger motor?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/10/2016 

theprofessor - I'd go with the next size up on your pump, the Hayward Power-Flo II 3/4 HP Single Speed Pump and match that with a Star Clear Plus 75 Sq Ft. Filter 1 1/2" Ports.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/10/2016 

hello! i have a 3K gallon in-ground swim-spa with 25 feet of suction head and 15 feet of line to rooftop solar (1.5in lines). we're using a 50sqft cartridge filter and a SCG. I have one skimmer only and would like to add a vac-sweep line (+25 more feet of head) when we replace the liner in a few months. I'm also in need of a new pump -- presently it's a self-priming 1/2HP pump (SP1750), but considering the added solar and to-be-added vac-line, we'll likely need an upgrade. could you suggest a range to investigate? A few models/combos? we might need to replace the cart-filter, too, because of flow-rates (OK if we do). variable speed might be nice, but they seem like they are a bit too large flow-wise for my application. The present combo seems to work, but seems a bit underpowered with the solar addition. thanks for any insight and suggestions you can lend.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/11/2016 

jellybean - Sand in pools usually comes through cracks in the piping inside your filter. You may have to remove the sand in your filter to check for cracks in the laterals, the hub that the laterals are attached to, and the vertical standpipe. Also, some standpipes have an O-ring at the top of the pipe. See the parts list for your filter. If applicable, check that O-ring for damage.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/9/2016 

I have a 12000 gallon pool... part in ground part above ground.. we have a 1.5hp pump and a 24" sand filter... should I have sand in my pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/1/2016 

Mark V - If you currently have a 1.5 HP pump, the Hayward EcoStar at 2.7 HP might be somewhat larger than you need. Unless you are planning to add addition features, you might consider something like the PureLine Prime Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.65 HP that will be out in July.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/1/2016 

Zalde - For a pool your size and expense, I would have a pool builder do a complete analysis of your pool requirements including the total length of piping, pipe sizing, number of elbows, water features, etc. There are many factors involved that we only estimate for the average pool system.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/29/2016 

Using your sizing guide, I determined my GPM = 57 and Avg Ft of Head = 45' and I have 1.5" lines. I have an old 1.5 hp Jacuzzi pump and would like to upgrade to a variable speed. Would the Haywood EcoStar work for me? If I read their charts right, I could run efficiently at 2400 rpm. Thanks!
 Reply

 Posted: 6/29/2016 

Guys, I really need your help. There's this special someone of mine, who asked for my help. This is the situation, they're planning to build an Olympic Pool ( Length 50m, Width 25m, Depth 2m, Volume= 2 500 000 Liters). How can we choose the correct pump for its filtration system? PLEASE HELP. THANKS
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/28/2016 

Quincyrocks - For your size pool and piping, I would recommend upgrading to a 1 HP pump. Look for a pump with a 1 HP total HP (THP) rating. See our guide on "How To Understand True Pump Horsepower - Up Rated vs Full Rated".
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/27/2016 

Waterboy - You should be alright with a 1 1/2 HP pump for your size pool and 1 1/2" pipes. 2 HP would be too large for your pipe system. If you go to a 1 1/2 HP pump, make sure you select a pump with 1 1/2 Total HP (THP). See our guide on "How To Understand True Pump Horsepower - Up Rated vs Full Rated". Also, make that your current filter can handle the increase in GPM generated by a 1 1/2 HP pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/27/2016 

I need to replace my pump which is currently a 3/4 HP Hayward super. I'm wondering if I should go up to a 1 HP, as I recently added a Hayward 350btu heater.
The pool is in ground, 10,000 gallons with a pro grid DE36 filter and the aforementioned heater. The skimmer is 36 ft from the pump and the drain is 53 ft. I had to install a bypass to run the pool without the heater when necessary, which made for some fancy piping. So there are about 8 90 degree turns between all the equipment, if that matters. Also, the lines to the pool are 1.5 inch but the piping between the equipment is 2 inch. Thanks.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/26/2016 

Hi
I have a 16' x 32' True L (L is an additional 8'w x 10'L x 3'd) in-ground pool w/no main drain. The deep end slopes down to 8'. I've been told that the pool capacity is 27,500 gal.

I moved the pump and filter ~75 ft from where it was originally located. I use 1.5" PVC schedule 40 pipe and kept the piping and filter/ pump ~2.5 ft below the water line. Everything is working fine however the two skimmers do not seem to be working very effectively (lot's of junk/ foam on the surface of the water). I had replaced the pump last year with a 1HP Hayward Super Pump however, I'm wondering if I need to go to a larger pump. I've calculated the average total head to be ~55' (110' ft/2). I think this correct...the second skimmer attaches to the first one and then one line runs back to the pump/ filter.

If I go w/a 1.5HP motor, will that fix my problem? I've noticed that the limit on 1.5" PVC is about 60 PSI? If I need to go to a 2HP pump, it looks like I'll need to change the pipe to 2"??
Thanks,
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/22/2016 

TBtooks - Yes, you can use a 1.5 HP pump for your pool. I would hedge a little and buy an uprated 1.5 HP pump rather than a full rated pump. The actual or Total HP (THP) will be closer to 1.5 HP than the full rated pump which can be 2 HP or greater. THP = the listed HP times the motor Service Factor (SF) listed on the motor label. See our guide on "How To Understand True Pump Horsepower - Up Rated vs Full Rated".
 Reply

 Posted: 6/21/2016 

Hello, We are trying to figure out if we can use a 1.5 horse power pump on our pool. The cooper pipe that connects to the pump is 1.5. Is this large enough to use a 1.5 HP pump? Right now we have a 1 HP pump but our pool is large and it doesn't seem to circulate the water very well. Any information you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/20/2016 

DurValFarm - The C5030 is definitely overkill for your system. But you can never have a filter too large. It will last longer and not require as frequent cleaning. Does your system still have good flow? If not, your problem may be somewhere else in the system like a clogged pump impeller. See our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System".
 Reply

 Posted: 6/18/2016 

We have a MaxFlo 1 hp pump and just got a Hayward C5030 cartridge filter installed. Our pressure is now virtually non-existent. Could the filter be too large for the pump or needs of the pool? Our pool is IG 15,000 gal.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/14/2016 

pump stopped - See our guide on "How To Troubleshoot a Pool Pump Motor - Motor Overheated" for possible causes of a motor failing.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2016 

Sam - The PHPM is the newer version of the PHPU. I don't believe it is a drop-in. Some plumbing adjustments may be required. If your pump wet end is still good, you might consider just replacing the pump motor. See our guide on "How To Replace the Motor on Your Pool Pump".
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/12/2016 

wahoo - Yes, we generally recommend a 1 HP above ground pump for an 18 ft round AG pool.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/11/2016 

i have a 25000 gal pool the hayward pump just stopped working. had it replaced two years a go.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/11/2016 

I have a Jandy PHPU 1.5 pump that needs replacing. I don't see that model in your catalog. Can you recommend one like it? Thanks.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/10/2016 

We have an 18ft round above ground pool with a 1.5 hp (70gpm) Hayward pump that came with the house we just purchased. The pump is loud and we are guessing it's not suppose to be. we are considering replacing the pump. My question is if it would be OK to replace with the 1 HP version of the pump. The pump sits about 10 feet from the skimmer below the water level.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/10/2016 

adpinc - Your filter size is more than adequate for your 1.5 HP pump. Most pumps operate with some bubble in the top of the strainer basket. As long as you aren't seeing bubbles continuously coming out of the return ports, you should be alright there. If you haven't changed your sand in 5 years, you might change it now. Lastly, tap your gauge slightly to see if it adjusts. Sometimes they go bad.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/8/2016 

Hi - I think my pool pump is oversized. My filter pressure after backwash is about 20psi. My head run is about 35' average. There are a lot of bubbles in the basket of my Hayward 1.5hp Super pump, but there doesn't appear to be a leak anywhere on the suction side. I can't seem to figure it out. My filter is pretty large, it is a sand filter with 3.14sq ft of area, and can handle 20gpm/ft^2 or around 60gpm. Is my pressure ok in the filter?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/7/2016 

Elevated equipment - I'm not sure on the impact, but it sounds like you are adding 8 feet of head onto your calculations. I would get a full rated motor to be on the high side of the listed HP. Or you might consider buying a VS pump.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/6/2016 

My pool equipment is 8 ft higher in elevation than my skimmer and main drain. How does that factor into the equation to determine filter pump size and pipe diameter?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2016 

Jbizzle - If you are looking to save on operational costs, I would recommend getting a 1.5 VS pump like this PureLine 1.5 H.P Variable Speed Pool Pump. It is currently on sale and can save you up to 80% on operational costs. For more information on VS pumps see our guide on "How to Save Money Using a Variable Speed Motor".
 Reply

 Posted: 6/5/2016 

Correction 1.5 HP Pentair Challenger
 Reply

 Posted: 6/5/2016 

I have about a 14k gallon in-ground pool with 1 skimmer about 8 ft from the pump. A Pentair FNSP 48 DE filter, 3 return lines all feeding from 1 pipe that runs down the side of the pool. Pipe length about 35 feet. The current pump looks to be a Pentair 1.5 HP Dynamo. I'm looking to replace it due to the 150 dollar a month cost to run it for 12 hours a day. Any suggestions? The only thing that runs on it is a Zodiac G3 suction side cleaner. Any help appreciated.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/5/2016 

Chris - If you are replacing your pump, you would want to get a VS pump that has the same upper HP so that you can drive your spa and water accessories at full power.
 Reply