How To Choose The Right Size Pool Pump
The pump must be the right size for your pool so that the filtering system operates efficiently. This guide will show you how to calculate the pool capacity, flow rate and turnover, maximum flow rate and resistance, which will give you the numbers needed to determine the proper size pump for your pool. Need supplies fast?
What Size Heater Do I Need For A 15 000 Gallon Pool
| Pool Size | |
|---|---|
| Up To 10,000 Gallons 12′ x 24′ | 50,000 BTU |
| Up To 15,000 Gallons 14′ x 28′ | 85,000 BTU |
| Up To 20,000 Gallons 16′ x 32′ | 85,000 BTU |
| Up To 25,000 Gallons 18′ x 36′ | 110,000 BTU |
Therefore, the minimum size heater that is recommended for a 15 x 30 pool is 150,000 BTUs. Keep in mind, this is simply the recommended minimum size. Meaning, I wouldn’t go lower but I might need to go a little higher. When it comes to gas heaters, you always want to oversize the unit.
Also, how much is a heater for above ground pool? Gas pool heaters for above ground swimming pools can sell for anywhere in the range of $800 to $1300, for heaters with energy output of 100-150K BTU. Gas pool heaters are the fastest way to heat a pool or spa.
Consequently, how do you size an electric pool heater?
How To Size Electric Heat Pumps
Can a pool heater be too big?
A pool heater can be undersized: if it cannot replace the heat lost through evaporative cooling, the pool’s temperature will fall below the ideal. However, there is no such thing as oversizing a pool heater. The larger the heater’s output, the faster it heats the water in the pool, and it will not begin short-cycling.
How to heat a swimming pool for free?
What If I Have A 15000
When choosing a pool pump, you have to select the most efficient one to save energy. Typically these work with a GPM unit, which means gallons per minute.
Since you have to save on energy, you cannot run it for 24 hours. On average, pool experts recommend running your pool pump for at least eight to twelve hours a day. So, if you have a smaller pool, you would look for one running at a rate of 40GPM. On the other hand, if you have a large-sized pool, you would look for a one running at a rate of 80 GPM. But if you desire to find the most accurate one for your pool, see the below steps.
The result is the number of gallons needed to get pumped for the whole pool to become clean in eight hours.
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Size And Selection Of Swimming Pool Pumps
Youve come to the mountain top, seeking wisdom and truth, or the answer to a question that has plagued humanity for all timeWhat is the best pool pump?
The first thing you need to know is that not all horsepowers are equal. Every pump has different flow characteristics, and the flow rate will vary by manufacturer and model.
But the question cannot be answered without some other key insights, namely your Pool Type, Turnover Rate, Filter Design Flow Rate and estimated Resistance, in Feet of Head.
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.
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How To Select The Best Pool Pump
Picture this: You wake up to a loud sound coming from your back yard. Its a piercing noise that hurts your ears, like nails on a chalkboard times ten. You run outside and find the noise is coming from your pool pump, and it stops when you turn the pump off. But that relief is only temporary because now you know youre going to be shopping for a new pump in the morning.
Whether this is familiar, or your pump just suddenly died, or you need a new pump for a new pool, you want to choose the best one for your pool and your budget. And remember, youre making a long-term investment in your pools health. The key is knowing what your pool needs, and what features to look for. And while youre at it, dont forget to brush up on some pool pump troubleshooting for those inevitable problems that will crop up.
Solar Pool Heater Sizing: Other Factors
Inground or Above Ground? Above ground oval pools, without a deep end, have as much surface area as an equally sized inground pool, but without a deep end, there is much less water to heat. However, above ground pools have more heat loss through the sides or walls of the pool, which is reduced on inground pools. So, it may equal out.
Windy or Calm? As with all of our pool heater types, we ask how much your pool receives. Pools in coastal or mountain areas, or other windy areas may think about adding an extra solar panel to compensate for the winds heat theft. Using a cover, or installing windblocks of fences or hedges can help reduce the problem.
Manual or Automatic? Solar pool heaters can be operated with a solar controller, which increases performance and efficiency. It does this by bypassing the solar panels when conditions are not optimum for heating during cloudy or rainy periods. Sensors monitor the temperature of the water and of the panels, and an automatic valve sends water to the solar panels when the sun is shining. A thermostat allows you to set a desired temperature for your pool.
Most above ground pools dont install a solar controller, although they could. I always recommend the solar controller to anyone with a larger solar system, because it really maximizes heat output and makes it automatic! Without a controller, many heat gains are offset by heat losses during cloudy, rainy, windy periods of the day.
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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.
Determine The Gallons Per Hour
Now that you know the volume of your above ground pool, the next value that you will need to determine is the gallons per hour or GPH. This dictates the volume of water that is pumped through the filter in an hour.
Going back to our example, if the volume is 24,000 gallons and you divide it by 8, then you will get 3,000.
However, most pumps will be labeled based on gallons per minute or GPM instead of GPH. If thats the case, then you have to divide the GPH by 60. In our example, it will be 3,000 divided by 60. From here, you will be able to determine that the appropriate water flow rate is 50 GPM.
Based on the calculations earlier, you are probably wondering why we used 8 in dividing the volume of the pool. This refers to the turnover time, which is described as the amount of time it takes to move a volume of water, equal to the size of your pool, through the filtration and sanitation process once. The range can also be ten hours, and if that is the case, then you have to divide 24,000 by 10 instead of 8.
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Why Is Pool Heat Pump Sizing Important
A heat pump works by drawing in warm air from the outside environment and injecting it into the pool water.
Measuring output in BTUs, it runs on electricity and therefore takes a longer time to heat your pool when compared to a gas heater.
Note: The British Thermal Unit is a unit of measurement that measures thermal energy. Electric heat pumps have BTU ratings in the range of 50,000 to 150,000. Calculating the amount of BTUs required will help you determine the size of the heater for your pool.Smaller inground pools and above ground pools can get away with using a 50,000 BTU heat pump, but if you have a large pool youll need something bigger. A small pump on a large pool means it will be very slow to heat and might not even reach the desired temperature youre aiming for.
Generally speaking, you should oversize the heat pump as much as possible. Youll never regret going too big, as doing so means warming the pool at a faster rate without running the heater as much.
With that being said, there are still some things you should consider when sourcing a heater for your pool, so lets talk about those.
How Do You Size An Above Ground Pool Filter
Step 1 Measure the Size of Your Pool
You then need to calculate the number of gallons of water in your pool. Do this by multiplying the total volume of your pool times 7.48, the amount of water in a cubic foot of space. For a 24-foot diameter pool with a center depth of 48 inches, the pool holds about 14,000 gallons.
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How Long Does It Take To Fill A 27 Ft Round Pool
The average pool can take 12-24 hours to fill and that is only if you have a few hoses chugging away. When your family is chomping at the bit to dive in, that may as well be an eternity. Forget this plan if you are using well water, you will burn up your pump or leave your home without water for days.
Time To Purchase An Above Ground Pool
Now that you know the answer to What size above ground pool pump do I need?, are you ready to buy a new above ground pool? If so, check out our selection for the best above ground pools on the market. Once the ground has been leveled and your above ground pool is installed and filled with water, be sure to check out our picks for accessories. Must-buy add-ons include the best above ground pool lights and solar-powered pool heaters to heat your above ground pool. Or if winter swimming doesnt appeal, learn how to winterize your above ground poolso its ready to go next spring!
| Above Ground Pool Pump |
|---|
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Hayward W3sp2303vsp Maxflo Pool Pump
One of the most energy efficient units available, this pump from Hayward is made for you if youre looking to reduce your energy costs. It includes a large strainer basket, making it easy to clean, and it can be installed on a variety of pools. You can install it on systems and set it in stand-alone mode or you can connect it to competitive control systems to really take control of your pools filtration systems.
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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Calculate Maximum Flow Rate
The size of your pools pipes determines the maximum flow rate.
Count the number of intake lines for your pool and refer to the common pipe sizes below:
- For each 1.5-inch intake line, the maximum flow rate is 42 GPM.
- For each 2-inch intake line, the maximum flow rate is 73 GPM.
Example: Two 1.5-inch intake lines = 84. The maximum flow rate is 84 GPM.
This number is important because your pool filter has a maximum flow rate, which is measured in GPM. The pool pump’s GPM rating should be below the pool filter’s maximum flow GPM rating.
If the pool’s turnover rate is higher than the filter’s maximum GPM, the filter is undersized and will not work properly. If the filter is undersized, it should be replaced, or the pump should be undersized to prevent damage to the filter.
Choose An Ideal Flow Rating For Your New Pump
After you have calculated the MINIMUM FLOW RATING required to meet the turnover requirements of the pool, and after you have calculated the MAXIMUM FLOW RATING based on the limitations of the filter and piping, you are ready to select the proper size pump.
Draw a simple chart like the one below. Mark the MINIMUM FLOW RATING and the MAXIMUM FLOW RATING. The space between the minimum and maximum flow rate is the ideal range.
If you have a pool with no attached spa, you can choose a pump on the lower side of the ideal range. It will be sufficient to properly filter the pool without wasting energy in the process. In that case, we would look for a pump in the 50 – 60 GPM range.
If you have a pool/spa combination, you need to consider the flow requirements of the spa jets. This will often push you towards a pump on the higher end of the acceptable scale. In that case, we would look for a pump in the 75 GPM range.
If you have a pool/spa combination, you might want to consider a 2 speed pump. It can run on low speed while it filters the pool, and then switch to high speed when using the spa.
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Size Your Pool Filter Accordingly
As our pool water makes it through the line to the pump, it is passed to another restricting element known as the pool filter. Every filter has a maximum flow rate as well, and if you go over that flow rate your water will not be filtered properly. We have included a chart so you can size your pool filter properly.
What Size Variable Pool Pump Does A 22000
Bigger is not better when it comes to pool pumps. An oversized pool pump can cause premature equipment failure, while an undersized one wont do the job. Pool pumps must cycle all the pools water in roughly eight hours. A variable pool pump provides homeowners with an efficient, energy-saving choice because it operates at different speeds, drawing less energy overall. When calculating minimum and maximum flow rates with feet of head for a 22,000-gallon pool, you need a variable speed pool pump rated between 1 and 1 1/2 horsepower with a 46 gallons-per-minute minimum flow rate.
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