How Big Pool Filter Do I Need

Determine The Gallons Of Water Per Minute

The next step in the process is to determine how many Gallons Per Minute the pump needs to pump to turn over the water in your pool at least once a day. To find this number, you need to first figure the Gallons Per Hour . To do that, follow this formula:

Pool Volume in Gallons ÷ 8 = GPH

Since most pool pumps come with a Gallons Per Minute rating, you now have to convert the GPH to GPM. Heres the formula you need to do that:

GPH ÷ 60 = GPM

What Size Heat Pump Do You Need

Heat pumps are extremely efficient pool heaters. The units themselves do not actually generate heat, but use electricity to distribute it ingeniously. A heat pump can extract heat from cooler air than the water it is going to warm up. This means the operating costs of a heat pump are significantly less than a gas heater. This also means that a heat pump needs to be chosen effectively for its size and energy output to match the pool that needs warming. In this article we will discuss some basic calculations you can do at home to determine what size heat pump is right for you.

Filter Sizing And Flow Rates

There are three common pool filter typessand, cartridge and Diatomaceous Earth . All three of these pool filter types will keep your pool and spa clean, but you should consider the needs of your specific application, your other equipment and plumbing size before making a selection.

When choosing a filter type and size, we recommend enlisting the help of a pool professional to ensure the proper products are selected for your pool. Our pool pros will take into consideration the weather conditions in your area, the types of debris that can land in your pool, and they will also evaluate your entire application how many gallons your pool has, your plumbing size and the needs of and types of other pool equipment you have.

Tip: An undersized pool filter will render it ineffective and lessen its life; the larger the filter, the longer the time between cleanings.

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Min And Max Flow Rate Range

Almost there! Now that we have the minimum and maximum flow rates for your pool setup, put them together to get to your flow rate range: one of the two main specs for determining the pool pump size you need.

So, lets say you have a 15,000 gallon inground pool. With two turnovers per day, your minimum flow rate comes to 20.8 GPM.

Lets also say that you have a 2.3 square foot sand filter and 1.5 plumbing . You have to take the lower of those two values to make sure you dont overwork any components of your pool, so your maximum flow rate comes to 43 GPM.

In this example, our flow rate range comes out to 20.8-43 GPM.

Lets figure out the last main spec you need for your pool pump: total dynamic head.

Find The Perfect Pump

Youve done the hard part, all the calculations to determine exactly what size pool pump will filter your pools water in a day. But before you run off to the store, lets talk about a couple of other considerations you should think about.

For example, you have three speed choices for your pump. They are:

• Single-speed pumps. When pool pumps were first invented, they were all single speed. Some states, like California and Arizona, dont allow them anymore because they use so much energy.
• Dual-speed pumps. These pumps have two speeds: low and high. The high-speed setting is equivalent to a single-speed pump, while the low speed is much less. Depending on the size of your pool, the low speed may not be enough to turn over the water in your pool within a day.
• Variable speed pumps. These pumps are more energy-efficient because they use a magnet motor as opposed to the induction motors the other two types use. Magnet motors produce less friction, which increases efficiency. Theyre also quieter than the other types. You will pay more for a variable speed pump, but save in the long run.

Did You Know?

You will hear about horsepower when you go to purchase a pump, but just because a pump has more horsepower, that doesnt mean its the right pump for your pool. You need to ensure that the pump will work well with your filter. If the pump is too strong, it can overwhelm the filter, making for an ineffective filtration system.

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Upfront Budget Vs Over Time

Another thing, you need to think about how much investment you have to spend upfront against time. While making your sizing, you also need to ensure you have the ideal space to install your sand filter. It can be quite frustrating to buy a model that doesnt fit in your preserved area. Still, on that, the installation base needs to be enough to support your pool sand filter.

GLOBO POOL OVERVIEW

All ready now! I hope youre prepared to head out there and buy a pool sand filter now. With all the information I have given you here, you should now be able to settle on an ideal sand filter for your above ground pool. You need a device that is enough to keep your pool clean and safe all the time. Even though it can cost you more upfront, its better you pick a larger, more powerful pool sand filter for a start. But with that no need to worry of replacement soon.

What Size Pool Filter Do I Need For My Pool

Filter SizeThe filtertheyourpool filtersthesizetheyourfilterpool

Herein, how do I know what size pool filter I need?

The equation used in calculating filter sizes is:

Beside above, is a bigger pool filter better? The high amount of pressure pushes debris back in your pool and can crack or damage your pool filter. A good rule to remember is bigger, in this case, is better. Although larger filters come with a bigger price tag, they provide better filtering and easier maintenance for pool owners.

Accordingly, what size pool filter do I need for a 20000 gallon pool?

Filter Sizing Chart #2

What size pump do I need for my above ground pool?

For round above ground pools up to 24 ft. use a 1 HP pump. For round above ground pools over 24 ft. use a 1.5 HP pump.

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Sizing The Pump For Your Swimming Pool

You might think bigger is better in terms of pump size, but a pump that is too big can cause serious problems.

The first step in sizing your pool is to know the volume of water in your pool, which is the average depth:

Calculation – Example

Measure the shallow end depth. – 4 feet

Measure the deep end depth. – 12 feet ;;;;;;;;;;

Add them together. – 16 feet

Divide by two. – 16 ÷ 2 = 8 feet

In the example above, the pool’s average depth is 8 feet.;

Now use the formulas below to determine the volume of water in your pool.

• Circular Pools: Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total pool capacity in gallons
• Oval Pools: Length x Width x Average Depth x 6.7 = Total pool capacity in gallons
• Rectangular Pools: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total pool capacity in gallons

Once you know the volume of water in your pool, youre ready to calculate the flow rate and turnover required to circulate the water in the number of hours you want.;

What About Your Pump Size

Now we have determined your pools required GPM and its Feet of Head. This helps to select the pools pump size. Many pump manufacturers provide a chart on their specs page showing the HP required for your particular GPM and Foot of Head requirement.

For example, lets say you are considering Hayward Super Pump. An abbreviated version of the Hayward Super Pump Performance Page is shown at the left. Based on the data above, we are looking for a pump which will handle 42 GPM with a 45 Feet of Head. According to the chart for 50 Feet of Head , we need a pump between 3/4 HP and 1 HP . Since we always go to the higher GPM, we would select the 1 HP pump.

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Sand Cartridge And Diatomaceous Earth Filter Systems

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There is a lot of confusion about various filters, many different opinions, and several important facts to consider. The first is that a pool can be properly maintained with any of the filter systems available: Sand, Cartridge, or Diatomaceous Earth . Here is a brief description of each type:

Green & Energy Efficient:

There are ways to get the;most;gallons per minute from your pool pump with the least horse power motor.;Increasing the PVC pipe size from 1-1/2″ to 2″ will increase any pumps GPM.;Other options;to make your pool pump more efficient are:

;For more on Pumps, like the difference between single, two or variable speeds, try this article!

Additional resources for your pool buying journey:;

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Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump

If you have an Intex pool, why not get a sand filter designed specifically for it? The Intex Krystal Clear has a 24-hour timer so you can automate filter cycles. The six-function valve easily switches between filter, backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, and close.

At the end of the season, its easy to quickly break down and store this filter through the winter. Plus, youll only have to replace the sand every five years or so.

Whats The Right Size Pool Filter

A good rule to remember is bigger, when it comes to Pool Filters, is better. Although larger filters are more expensive, they provide better filtering and easier maintenance for pool owners.

• Increased time between cleaning and backwashing
• Increased filtration of small particles
• Increased longevity of filter media

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Determine The Filter Flow Rate

Next, determine if the filter you want to use can handle the flow rate you require. The filter flow rate is defined as the amount of water filtered over a given period of time, expressed in gallons per minute.Filter flow rate formula: Filter area x filter rate = filter flow rate in gpm.

The filter area is the surface area of the filter medium. It is measured in square feet. The filter rate is the number of gallons of water that flows through one square foot of effective filter medium per minute during the operation of the circulation system.

Example: Say you have a filter area of 5 square feet and a filter rate of 12.5 gpm. To calculate the filter flow rate: 5 x 12.5 = 62.5 gpm. Thats awfully close to the desired flow rate of 62.3 in the example of Step 3.

Tip: If determining the filter flow rate seems a bit daunting, just get both figures the filter area and rate from the manufacturer. With their figures, youll be better able to select the correct filter to suit your needs.

What Does A Pool Filter’s Effective Filtration Area Mean

The spec sheets for a pool filter include the “filtration area” or “effective filtration area.”

Is this the amount of water it filters, or the pool space, or the size of the filter container, or what?

The filtration area is the surface area of the filter media itself.

Not the filter tankthis isn’t “how big is the filter machine next to your pool.” The filter media is, specifically, the part of the filter that filters.

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What Is A Micron

Micron is shorthand for micrometerone-millionth of a meter. Yes, that’s 1/1,000,000 meter. Or, if you prefer fewer zeros, it’s 1/1,000 millimeter.

And how small is that, exactly?;

• 1 millimeter: 1,000 microns
• The skinniest nib for artist-quality ink pens: 150 microns
• Human hair: 50100 microns
• Pollen: 30 microns

So, y’know, a micron is pretty small.

Selecting The Best Filter For Your Pool Is Found In The Equations

Upated for 2018. A good filtration system for a pool or spa depends on your ability to properly size and select the filter.

To accomplish that, you must calculate the vessels volume, capacity and flow rates, and some other key factors including the type of pump. After all, the filter fits into the equipment sequence after the pump, so regardless of whether youre replacing an old filter or installing a filter on a brand-new pool or spa, youll need to match the filter to the pump and the size of the vessel. Below is a step-by-step guide that explains how to correctly assess filtration needs.

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Can A Pool Pump Be Too Big

Too large of a pump can cause poor filter performance and even damage it, if the filter is not also oversized accordingly. Another possible consequence is pump cavitation in which bubbles form in the water inside the pump and then burst with great force, resulting in damage to the impeller and other internal parts.

What Happens If Your Pool Pump Is Too Big

Too large of a pump can cause poor filter performance and even damage it, if the filter is not also oversized accordingly. Another possible consequence is pump cavitation in which bubbles form in the water inside the pump and then burst with great force, resulting in damage to the impeller and other internal parts.

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How To Choose The Right Size Of Filter For Your Pool

Choosing the right size pool filter for your pool is not always a simple task, but it is crucial to ensuring that your pool stays safe, clean, and open. The first step when picking the right sized pool filter is picking the right size pool pump.

Choose the Right Size Pump

Many people err on the side of caution and purchase a pump that is far bigger than what they need. This can be a costly mistake. Larger pumps are more expensive, and may increase your energy bill compared to an appropriately sized pump. Worse, a pump that is too large can overpower your filter system. A pump that is too small may lack the power needed to effectively pump and filter your pool. This can lead to a buildup of bacteria and algae.

Choose the Right Size of filter

Even if you have the right sized pump, if you choose a filter that is too small, the pump will generate too much pressure, causing the filtering material to break down and rendering the filter ineffective. The pressure build-up caused by small filters causes pressure to build up in your pump, and in some cases this has resulted in explosions, or serious damage to your pump.

The correct sized filter and pump should be able to fully cycle all of your pool water in about eight hours. This simple guide will show you how to find the right sized pump and filter for your pool.

Step 1: How Much Water Does Your Pool Hold?

Step 2: Turn Cubic Feet into Gallons

Step 3: Gallons Per Minute

Step 4: Feet of Head

Step 5: Choose Your Pump

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Halogen lights used to be the most popular pool lights, but as times have evolved, so have available pool lights. Halogen lights can be installed in above ground and inground pools. Just like some of the other options discussed, they are affordable and can easily light up your entire pool .

The biggest drawback of halogen lights is their efficiency. They are not energy efficient and LED lights are said to use about 80% less energy than halogen lights. Additionally, you will have limited options when it comes to colors.

Another great addition is a new hot tub. See some of our favorite additions at Hot Tub and Spa Accessories.

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Why Do De Filters Have Small Filtration Areas

D.E. filters’ filtration areas are significantly smaller than cartridge filters’, although still bigger than sand filters’.

D.E. filters use 810 filter grids/fingers covered in D.E. powder . The fingers may look like hanging stalactites or overlapping curved shutters, depending on the model.;

Most D.E. filters have an effective filtration area of 20100 square feet.

Can A Pool Filter Be Too Big

Compared with a pools pump, the filter is a lot more accommodating and will tolerate sizing issues much better. There are some good reasons to install an appropriately sized filter but, generally speaking, any problems that can be caused by a large filter take a long time to develop and may be indistinguishable from regular wear and tear.

Even an overly small filter, which can result in burst pipes, is unlikely to cause significant problems until it has been installed for a number of years.

There may even be advantages to installing a larger filter:

• Less cleaning and maintenance because a larger filter traps more dirt and debris keeping the water cleaner in between backwashes and/or cartridge rinses.
• A larger filter means more containment space for dirt and debris to be stored in until it can be cleaned away. More filter media means optimal water pressure for longer.
• The faster and smoother a pools filter can draw dirt out of the water, the easier the pump can push water through it. This reduces back pressure and lessens the load on both components so that they last for longer.
• A bigger filter decreases the stress per square foot placed on its cartridge thereby helping it to last longer before it needs replacing. High flow rate, high debris load and constant cleaning is a recipe for a stressed-out filter.

The important thing is to try and match your pools pumping capacity. If your pools pump is capable of pulling 42 G/PM, install a filter rated for 42 G/PM or more.

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