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.)

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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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(601 to 630 of 630)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/31/2011 

If your leak is at the hose connections, try wraping 3 layers of plumber's tape around the threads before attaching the hose. If your leak is where your pump sections come together, you may have to replace one or more gaskets. See our How To Pump Guides for more information.
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 Posted: 7/29/2011 

since i bought this pool last month i am havingf trouble with the pump leaking i scrued off and on and still leaks why does this need a new washer maybe
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/26/2011 

According to one heater manufacturer, a heater generally requires a flow of 20-25 gpm (1200-1500 gph)to operate. If your pump is generating less than 1200 gph you may need a larger pump. Check with your heater manufacturer.
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 Posted: 7/25/2011 

I have a above ground intex pool 15' x 4'.just bought aa hayward propane heater and want too know if I need a bigger pump and filter?800 number was no help. Anyyone know what I need to do :(pool cold we want to swim
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/25/2011 

RE the 15'x30' pool: You do not have to change your pump if you want to change the type of filter you are using unless you select a smaller flow capacity filter. Then you may have to buy a smaller pump so that you don't damage your smaller filter. As far as suggested alternatives - based on the size of your pool, I'm assuming that you have a 1 HP pump. We would recommend a 1HP Hayward Power Flo Matrix Pump with a XStream CC1000 Cartridge Filter or a Perflex EC50C DE Filter.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/25/2011 

On the Intex 108R system: Your 21' pool has about 10,000 gallons of water. These systems have a reported flow rate of about 1,500 gph so your water will turn over in 7 hours. Most pool designs target turnover rates of 8 hours, so your pump/filter system is adequate for your size pool.
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 Posted: 7/20/2011 

I have a 15 x 30 Oval pool. I would prefer to get away from the sand filter. My Hayward pump is still ok I guess a bit noisy as I believe the bushings/bearings are on their way out. Do you have to swap the pump when changing to a different filter? if so what would be reccomended for this style/size pool in both the catridge and D.E. pump and filters?
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 Posted: 7/19/2011 

I have a 21 foot round pool with just a pump/filter model 108R which is 1.5a and is a salt water pool system. Is the pump/filter efficent and is that all i need? Do you also know how long it take to clear the water? Thanks
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/18/2011 

A 1HP 18" filter is a better match for you 18' pool. We don't recommend 1 1/2 HP for anything below a 27' pool. But I don't think that's your cloudy water problem. See our Pool Chemical Guide in the How To Guides Section - look for "How to Clear Cloudy Water"
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 Posted: 7/17/2011 

I have a 18 ft above ground pool with a 22 inch sand filter and a 1 1/2 hp pump. It has 150 lbs of sand. Since I've purchased this combo 3 years ago I've had problems with the pool water getting cloudy. Before buying this combo I never had a cloudy pool. I used a smaller filter and 1 hp pump. The water comes out of the filter very strong. Any help please.
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 Posted: 6/21/2011 

Hi I have a 20/48 size above ground pool am looking for a pool cleaner plus can I get another pump system or do you have a combo package My water pressure isn't real strong old house Help Thanks Beverly
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 Posted: 6/13/2011 

I'm replacing a 2hp Doughboy PowerPak II pump. My pool is a 30' above ground, 48" walls (equates to about 18,000 gallons, I believe). One thing to consider is that my pump is located about 6 feet from the bottom corner of the pool, and the hose runs slightly uphill into the pool. Also, I will be connecting it to the Doughboy filter...not sure of exact size, but it's pretty darn big! 2hp motors seem hard to come by. Would the Hayward 1.5 hp Matrix work, or should I look at the Waterway 2hp Hi Flo maybe? I could certainly get another Doughboy; just trying to save a few bucks by ordering online vs. local dealer. Thanks!
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/23/2011 

Typically above ground pool units are sold with both the filter and the pump together. The filter is based off the GPM rating on the pump. If you are replacing one or the other you will need to know the GPM rating of the other (pool pump or filter). Size wise, follow our guide to get accurate size of pool pump filter http://www.inyopools.com/guide_pump_filter.aspx.

Typical sizing is 1 HP pump/filter for above ground pools 24'round and smaller (18' x 33' oval). Anything bigger we typically recommend a 1.5 HP skid pack.

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 Posted: 5/21/2011 

I need to replace a jacuzzi cartridge filter for my 16x24 rectangular Gibralter pool. What hp do I need? I was looking at the haywood because Jacuzzi no longer makes the filter. thanks
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Anonymous  Posted: 5/12/2011 

We have a 24ft. X 12ft pool what size pump and filter would you recommend,
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 Posted: 5/12/2011 

i have a 24ft above pool.my sand filter froze and broke. i bought a hayward c900 cartridge filter. is it too small
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Anonymous  Posted: 5/9/2011 

the pool is 14 X 22 and 52 inches tall. She has a sand filter and is wondering if she can us it. the sand filter is off like a 21 ft pool would it be ok to use on her pool?
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 Posted: 5/9/2011 

My mother has a pool that holds 9000 gallons of water and is wanting to use a sand filter would that be to big for the pool?
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 Posted: 5/8/2011 

I have a typical 18ft above ground pool with a Hayward xstream cartridge filter. Currently the 1.5hp hayward pump that the pool store sold me last year seems to be way to much, can I use a 3/4 hp or would a 1hp be more effective?
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 Posted: 5/6/2011 

I am considering a 33'x54" round pool. Is it unorthodox to design in a Cartridge or D.E. filter downstream of a 22" sand filter
 Reply

 Posted: 5/5/2011 

i have a 24' by 48" above ground pool with a sand filter. My 1.5 horse motor died. What pump would you suggest I replace it with? A 1 HP?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/4/2011 

Mary,
Your 2 HP pump was definitely overkill for your size pool even with solar panels. A 1.5 HP pump will be fine for your pool system.

 Reply

 Posted: 5/2/2011 

Hello,
I have a 24 ft round 52inch wall. Our 2 HP Hayward pump went dead last season. I am shopping for a new one. Reading up, I am thinking our pump was too much. The jet was so strong it spun our solar cover in circles. I understand I can go for a 1.5 HP. But my concern is we have the solar heating panels. Will this make a difference??? Will we see a difference???

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 Posted: 4/22/2011 

Hello, I have an 18' X 54" round pool. What I NEED and can’t find anywhere on the planet it seems. is the Corner Covers where the post of the pool meet, I think there called ledge covers or top covers, mine are kind of like half/rubber and plastic and shot. Due to age and sun damage I need to replace all 12 but can’t find these things anywhere. Any help would be great!!!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/18/2011 

A 2 HP (depending on the GPM) is almost definitely an overkill. You can use it, but you are just throwing money out the door with your energy bill. We recommend around a 1 HP (again depending on your GPM) for a 15' round pool. Not sure why you would want to turn your pool water over so fast with a 2 HP.
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 Posted: 4/18/2011 

Can I run a 2 HP pump with a DE filter on a 15 foot round Intex above ground pool?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/11/2011 

The size of your filter will depend on the size of your pool pump. However a typical package for a 30' swimming pool consists of a 1.5 HP pump along with 21" Sand Filter. It is very important to make sure your GPM rating of your filter can handle the gpm output of your pool pump
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 3/9/2011 

what sand filter size for a 30ft pool
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/15/2010 

Typically we would recommend a 1 1/2 HP above ground pool pump for a 27' round above ground pool. However it will be based on your current filter size and GPM rating for that filter. If you purchase a pump with too high of a GPM rating you have a chance to damage your pool filter.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/3/2010 

We have a 27ft. round pool what size pump would you recommend, we also have a hayward de filter for our pool thanks
 Reply