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

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Comments

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(241 to 280 of 630)

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/20/2016 

Lisashopsit - For your size pool I would recommend a good quality name brand pump and filter set like the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System with a 1/2 HP pump. A good 1/2 HP pump would be adequate for a 12' pool. Also, a good matching filter is as important as the pump for optimum performance.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/19/2016 

I have a Heritage 12' x 42" Sea View Club Steel Wall Above Ground Swimming Pool. The pump that came with it is useless. We installed a .33 HP pump and sand filter. It doesn't seem to be enough HP either. The installer is suggesting a 1 hp or a 1 & 1/2 hp. I think that may be too much power. What HP do you suggest?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/17/2016 

Pinkplumppeach - If you want a good pump and filter set that will last more than one or two seasons and will keep your pool clear, you will have to invest in a brand name system. For your size pool, I would recommend the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/16/2016 

We have a 18x48 intex pool and the pump that came with it is worthless. I would like to have a complete clear and crystal clean pool, what do you recommend.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/11/2016 

MarieP - For your size pool, I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System. With the larger pump, you will probably need to upgrade your filter system also to match the pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/5/2016 

Hi, I have a coleman steel wall pool 15ft x 36inch. I will like to get a bogger pump to filter more water for the one that came os real small and barely filters any water. What do you recommend?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/3/2016 

tori1216 - You will need a larger pump/filter for your new pool. If you want a set that will last longer than one or two systems, I would get a better brand like the Hayward Pump & Filter S166T Filter W/ 1 HP Matrix Pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/29/2016 

Hi - we just purchased an Intex 52" deep X 22' round above ground pool. We had a 15' round (48 inch deep) Intex before - and had the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 3000 GPH System Flow Rate hooked up to it..... should we get a different Sand/Filter/Pump for this new pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/10/2016 

midge - An 18'x33' AG oval pool holds between 15,000 and 16,000 gallons of water . For that size pool, we recommend a 1 1/2 HP pump and matching filter like the Hayward S180T Filter w/ 1.5 HP Matrix Pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/7/2016 

I have a 18x33 and my pool keeps on turning green. My sand filter pump size was a 22 is this big enough?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/23/2016 

Bestway 14X48 - For a cartridge Pump/filter, I'd recommend a Hayward 25 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter System w/ 40 GPM Pump.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/22/2016 

Hi thanks for the recommendation of the Hayward VL Sand Pump/Filter System. DO you have a recommendation for a Cartridge Pump/Filter?

We have a Bestway 14X48 above ground pool.

Thanks again.

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/22/2016 

Bestway 14 x 48 - For your size pool and best price and performance, I would recommend the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/21/2016 

Tracy - For your size pool, I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System. With the larger pump, you will probably need to upgrade your filter system also to match the pump.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/21/2016 

Hi again

It's me again Bestway 14X48 Round pool. The water has cleared up after we shocked it a few times, however, we have also determined that we will need a bigger pump, what do you recommend.

Thank you so much.

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/21/2016 

pneiding - Try shocking your pool to a chlorine level of 10-15ppm. Clean or backwash your filter a couple of times a day for the next couple of days. If that doesn't work, check your phosphate level. If high, add phosphate remover.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/19/2016 

Hi I have a 12 ft above ground steel pro pool the pump that is with it does not seem to clean the water very good can anyone recommend a good pump. Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/19/2016 

BestWay 14x48 - Try shocking your pool to a chlorine level of 10-15ppm. Clean or backwash your filter a couple of times a day for the next couple of days. If that doesn't work, check your phosphate level. If high, add phosphate remover. If this doesn't work, you may need a better pump/filter set.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/18/2016 

I have a 14' round pool. The vacuum that came with it seems to work fine, but there is nothing to sweep up. The water is aqua color and very cloudy. I've tried super shock, baking soda, algae eater... Nothing is helping. Any Suggestions?
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/16/2016 

Hi, we have a BestWay Round 14X48 pool, the filter and pump just don't seem work properly, as the water looks cloudy, which is not due to chlorine levels or PH levels. What do you recommend?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/15/2016 

Intex oval pool - I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems for your size pool. Also, a Kreepy Krauly Lil Shark A/G Cleaner would be a good automated suction cleaner for your pool or Triangular Vacuum Head for a manual system. This vacuum head will adapt to the pole you use to brush the walls, but you will need to buy a suction hose.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/13/2016 

Hi there. We have an Intex Oval 18x10x42 above ground pool. The pump system that came with it seems inadequate. Do you have a recommendation for a better pump? Also, any recommendations for something to clear debris from the bottom of the pool? Thank you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/8/2016 

Lyn - For your size pool, we would recommend a Hayward Xstream Filter 100 Sq Ft w/ 1 HP Pump. The set may cost more than the original pool, but it will be much more reliable than any pump/filter systems that are offered as original equipment with these type pools.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/6/2016 

We bought a Pro Series 26x52 foot round pool. Our cartridges were constantly filthy within a week, and the pump stopped working 1 month after we set up the pool. We'd like to stick with cartridge pumps if possible. Any suggestions for a new pump/filter combo with better results? Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/1/2016 

gabriela - For your size pool, I would suggest the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems for price and quality.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/1/2016 

Anton - The smallest cartridge / pump set we sell is Hayward's 25 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter System w/ 40 GPM Pump which is probably too large for your size pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/31/2016 

I have a summer escapes 12 feet swimming pool. I replaced the original pump on June 2016 with another one of the same kind and is not working anymore. What do you suggest?
 Reply

 Posted: 7/30/2016 

Hello,
I have an Intex above ground metal frame pool that measures 3m x 2m x 75cm. I'm currently using an Intex 530gph cartridge filter that just can't handle the volume of water. Any suggestions for an upgrade model?
Thanks!!

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/23/2016 

Tim - I would recommend a Pureline 1 HP Above Ground Pool Pump for your pool. They are equivalent to Hayward motors and are currently on sale. Note, if you're are running your power in on a 100' extension cord, make sure it's wire size is at least 8 gauge. Otherwise, you will get a voltage drop across the extension cord which will degrade your motor.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/20/2016 

I have a Coleman 18'x4' deep pool. Want a 1 hp pump. Pump runs on an extension cord approximately 100 foot long from power source. Which would you recommend?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/20/2016 

Fern - For your size pool, I would suggest the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems for price and quality.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/19/2016 

I have a 14x42 round pool and need to replace the pump/filter
What do you recommend??

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/15/2016 

heaven - Unfortunately, we do not sell Intex pools. You would have to talk to the companies that sell Intex to see what packages they can provide.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/13/2016 

I want to buy an intex 26 x 52 pool but its cartridge filter. Can i change this to sand filter and which one do I buy for this? Can this even be changed to a sand filter?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/11/2016 

Connie - If you are going to change your pool pump, you will probably have to change the filter too. The Intex filter is undersized and will be too small for a larger motor. For your size pool, I would recommend either the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems or the Hayward 25 Sq Ft Cartridge Filter System w/ 40 GPM Pump. These sets are our most economical options and are far more durable than the original Intex set. The Aqua Critter is a good choice for cleaning your pool floor.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/9/2016 

I have a 18'48 intex pool. I am having trouble with my vac working but the skimmer is working great. Was told I needed to get a pump that has more rpm? Was considering getting a Aqua Critter to run. What is your recommendation on this? Which size pump would you use in this situation if I do need to change. Price does come into play also.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/6/2016 

18'x48" pool - I would recommend something like the Jacuzzi Laser 16" Sand Filter W/ 1 HP Pump for your size pool. The set is currently on sale.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/3/2016 

can I buy a bigger pump than the one that came with the Intex 18x48" above ground pool and just exchange them? If so, what is recommended?
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 7/3/2016 

I have the Intex 18'x48" pool. the pump seems to run constantly, but the water isn't circulating like it did when we first set the pool up in May. we've changed filters often, but doesn't seem to help. wondering if we need a new pump, what kind to buy, wanting to go with a bigger one, as the cartridges don't seem big enough to handle it. help!!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/1/2016 

Tfaulkrn – I’d recommend something with a 1 1/2HP pump like the Hayward S210T Filter w/ 1.5 HP Matrix Pump or the Jacuzzi Laser 19" Sand Filter W/ 1.5 HP Pump (currently on sale).
 Reply