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.
I Have The Volume Now What How Do I Determine Which Pump Is For Me
Now that you have the volume, its just a matter of selecting the right pump with the right flow rate. The best way to explain that would be to do an example. Lets use the first pool that we calculated the volume for.
Pool Volume = 65,947.5
Now, as a rule of thumb, we would want all of the pool water to be circulated within 6-8 hours, so lets use 6 hours as a baseline.
Divide the pool volume by the number of hours that you would want the pump to be running, so that would be 65,947.5 divided by 6.
This would give you 10,991 which means your pump should be able to turn around this much water in 6 hours. Since most pumps here in Australia are rated for Liters per minute, lets divide that number by 60 to get how much water needs to be pumped per minute. So we have 10,991 divided by 60, which is 183.
To circulate all of the water in 6 hours, we would need to have a pump thats rated at least 183 liters per minute. The closest pump we can get to hitting that mark is the Water TechniX Pump Alpha 1.0hp. This pump can churn out 210 liters every minute. Remember, when choosing a pump, choose one thats closest the required number of liters per minute, rounding up. This would give your pump enough extra power to compensate for dirt, filters, piping and other factors that will ultimately affect the flow rate of your pump.
Other Things To Consider
Aside from the volume of your pool water, there will be other concerns to worry about like heavy usage, environmental factors like leaves that may contaminate your pool, and other small things that may contribute to your pool water needing to get circulated more often. This is why we always recommend the Water TechniX Pump Dual ECO Variable speed pool pumps. ECO pumps allow you to let the pump speed to energy saver to keep your pool clean during minimal use, and set it to full/regular mode in times when your pool water needs more circulation. A win-win situation. Not only will you get your pool water circulated at all times, but youre saving money on electricity costs as well.
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Beginners Guide To Swimming Pool Filters
Spring rains have subsided, lawns and gardens have been the primary focus of attention. The garage is even getting somewhat organized, and as the days start to finally promise some consecutive sunshine you turn to the last but not least most important thing in the yard thats often the final spring project for many homeowners: the swimming pool!
Some folks are lucky. The pump primes right up, water circulates, there are no leaks, and they are off to good start. For others, a common fate is shared as they open to a non-working pump, cracked or damaged filters, or just now remember the previous seasons struggle with a filter system that was just not doing the job anymore.
If you are still struggling to clear the pool water, heres information that can be useful to you, our Beginners Guide to Pool Filters.
Decide Between Sand Cartridge And De Filters
Each type of filter has its own pros and cons, and the size you choose will depend entirely on which type of filter media you go with. Sand filters, for example, are much preferred for in-ground pools than they are for above-ground ones. You should never buy a small sand filter because it simply wont get the job done. DE filters can offer the highest level of filtration, so always choose at least one size larger than recommended for your pool. Cartridge filters will need to be changed much less frequently when you size up, too. Pool filter size D is a good choice for most above-ground smaller cartridge filters.
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Calculating Pool Pump Size
While outside of this simple yet extremely import we get asked a lot about what HP a pump should be. That being said, it’s important to know that pool pumps should really be rated by the gallons per minute of water flow instead of the motor’s HP.
What you’re looking for is a pump that will be able to pump all the water in your pool through the filter in no more than 8-10 hours. This typically looks likes 40 GPM for smaller pools and 80 GPM for larger pools. However, you can determine the more precise needs of your individual pool by following these steps:
Keep in mind that the desired time frame of turnover is between 8-10 hours, so you get a range by substituting the 8 hours used above, for 10 hours instead. This would allow a range of acceptable pumps instead of assuming only one options.
Divide The Pools Surface Area By 3
The pools surface area divided by three gives you the minimal BTU size recommended for that particular surface area. Continuing the example above with the 15 x 30 pool, after dividing by 3, you get 150. Therefore, the minimum size heater that is recommended for a 15 x 30 pool is 150,000 BTUs.
This is simply the recommended minimum size. I always go higher. Especially when it comes to gas heaters, you always want to oversize the unit. The job of a pool heater is to replenish the heat loss at the surface of your pool. Most heat loss happens overnight. Without a solar cover, there is no way to make up for the loss. Thats when having a higher BTU size comes in handy.
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What Size Pump Should I Get For My Pool
If you’re looking to build a new pool or simply looking to replace a pool pump you may find yourself asking, “Is a larger horsepower pool pump always better?”
PRO TIP: No matter which type of pump you choose, youll want to make sure you properly select the correct pump and filter combination. The pump needs to be sized appropriately compared to the filters flow rate. Choosing a pump with a higher flow rate than the filter will put strain on both the pump and filter, reducing life and efficiency of each. This means that you would not want to choose a pump designed to be used with 2″ plumbing piece, and then use a filter designed to be used with 1 1/2″ plumbing piece. Proper pairing of these two units is essential for a pleasant pool experience.
For example:
If choosing a pump with a 1-1/2 inlet/outlet, you should choose a filter with a 1-1/2 inlet/outlet as well. However, a pump with a 1-1/2 inlet/outlet can work with a filter with a 2 inlet/outlet if needed to.
X You would not want to attempt to use a pump with 2 inlet/outlet with a filter that has a 1-1/2 inlet/outlet as they would not be sized correctly or efficient when used together.
You can also learn more about Single Speed and Variable Speed Pumps Here!
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.
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Limit The Filter Rate And Adjust The Filter Area
Filter rates on pools are regulated in many locations. The National Sanitation Foundation sets maximum filter rates to ensure effective filtration because the faster the water passes through the medium, the less effectively it is cleaned.
Filter rate ceilings are imposed most often for commercial facilities. If this is the case where you live, you may have to compensate by selecting a model with a larger filter area. By doing so, you can achieve the same flow rate without exceeding the maximum filter rate.
When Choosing A Pool Pump Knowing A Little About The Right Size Pump For Your Pool Can Save You A Lot Of Time And Money Check Out This Step
A pool pump is a crucial component to your filtration system. A common misconception when it comes to the horsepower on a pool pump is that the higher the horsepower, the better it is. This is definitely not the case. Having a properly sized pump helps avoid excess wear on your other pool equipment and also saves on electricity usage.
There are a few things to consider and evaluate before purchasing a pool pump. Keep in mind, every pool is different, so the proper research and calculation will lead you in the right path. Read along and well cover everything you need to know before you make the plunge and purchase the right pool pump.
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Determine The Volume Of Your Pool
Many filters are sold based on the overall volume of the swimming pool. Measuring the volume of your pool can be much more challenging than finding the area, so its a good idea to look for any paperwork you have that might give you this information. If you cant find the volume but do know the brand name and model of your pool, you can usually look up its volume online. However, to calculate it yourself, you can use this formula: V = L x W x Average Depth x 7.5 for a rectangular pool. For a round pool, change 7.5 to 5.9.
Buy The Pump Separately From The Filter If Youre Going Bigger
Many times, you can do a lot of damage if your pump has too much power for your pool. However, you might want the filter section that comes with these larger and more powerful pumps. Its a good idea to make these purchases separately and then connect them with hoses or PVC pipes to give yourself the best of both worlds.
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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.
How To Select The Correct Filter Size For Your Swimming Pool
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Choosing the correct filter for your pool is not always easy. However, before purchasing your filter, it is best to know every detail about your pool so you can buy the best filter possible. Then, you can go out and get a filter so youll have perfectly clean pool water to jump into.
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Backwash Or Bump Cleaning
Like sand filters, a pressure gauge on the tank will let you know when its time to clean your D.E. filter. Typically, D.E. filters are backwashed just like sand filters. Some brands feature a bump handle, which lets you knock the used D.E. off the grids or fingers to clean.
Whether you backwash or bump the filter, youll need to add more D.E. powder after every cleaning. It can be difficult to determine exactly how much to add, so its especially important to disassemble and clean the filter by hand at least once a year.
What Is The Best Pool Filtration System
The Best Pool Filter
- Best overall: Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump.
- Best cartridge pool filter: Intex 28635EG Krystal.
- Best pool sand filter: SUNCOO Pro 2450GPH Sand Filter Pump.
- Best D.E pool filter: Hayward Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Filter.
- Best inground pool filter system: Hayward S270T Pro Series 27
Is sand filter better than cartridge?
Cartridge Filters can screen out twice as much dirt and debris as a Sand Filter. Its larger filtration area allows the water to progress through the cartridge and remove smaller particles. Maintenance is much easier because there is no need for a back-washing step.
what is the best above ground pool filter system?
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How To Guide To Identifying Your Filter Cartridge
Do you know the Make & Model Number/Code of the actual filter? It is usally on the filter housing itself.
- Examples of Makes: Sta-Rite, Pentair, Hayward, Jacuzzi . . .
- Examples of Models: Crystal Flow, Sherlock, Clearwater, Proclean, Posi-Flow, Star Clear, Swim Clear, Tri-Clops
- Examples of Models Numbers: C-250, 70TX, TC300, 100, 75
If so, do a search for it for as many of those Make, Model and/or Numbers you can find on the filter housing in the search box above.
Another way is to look for a alpha numeric model number in raised characters on the top and/or bottom of the cartridge itself. Unicels usaully looks something like C-####, Filter cartridges start with FC-####, and Pleatco cartridges NN###. If you find that model code, search for that in the box in the upper right hand corner.
If both of these can find your cartridge, and your are pressed for time, give us a call, we’ll be glad to help.
To identify your Filter Cartridge you need to do the following:
If you know the Make , with the above information, you might be able to find the cartridge from the list of Cartridges by Manufacturers
Common EndCaps for tops/bottoms of Cartridges
| Open Top/Bottom |
How To Select The Best Pool Filter
Pool filters are as important to your pool as your kidneys are to your own body. We know that sounds kind of gross, but its true. Though chlorine and other sanitizers work to kill bacteria and other contaminants, the filter is what actually removes them from the water. Without it, your pool water would grow cloudy and fill with debris. Not exactly fun for swimming.
So how do you choose the best one? Its not about which one is the least expensive, though cost is certainly a factor. You want a filter that will trap contaminants, be easy to clean and maintain, and last more than just a few seasons. In order to make the best selection for your pool, first get a handle on your options.
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Choose The Largest Filter
For the least maintenance, choose the largest filter that your pool and pump can accommodate. A larger filter will clean the pool water better, clog less often, and require less work on your part.
Need Help Choosing a Pool Pump and Filter?
If you need help selecting the best pool pump and filter system for your swimming pool, call Emerald Pools and Spas. Our professionals will help you select all the equipment you need for your swimming pool. In addition, we also offer repair services, pool remodeling, custom pool construction, equipment installation, and everything you need to operate your pool. Contact Emerald Pools and Spas today to find the best pump and filter system for you and more of our services!
