Determine The Minimum Flow Rate
This factor calculates the minimum flow rate that must be maintained in order to circulate all the water in the pool through the filter within a certain number of hours, otherwise known as the “turnover time”.
A good turnover time for a home pool is usually 8-10 hours. A heavily used pool will need to have a shorter turnover rate. Once you know the desired turnover rate, you can determine your desired flow rate.
Use the following equation to determine the desired flow rate:
- Pool Size – number of gallons of water in the pool.
- Turnover Time – time to move entire capacity of pool through filter.
- Flow Rate – desired flow rate in gallons per minute.
| Pool Size |
|---|
| 30 GPM |
The following chart is another way to help calculate the desired flow rate.
If you have a 25,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 8 hours, then you will need a pump with a flow rate of 52 gallons per minute/
If you have a 35,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 10 hours, you will need a pump with a flow rate of 56 gallons per minute.
For this situation, we will use a 24,000 gallon pool with a turnover time of 8 hours, giving us a MINIMUM FLOW RATE of 50 gallons/minute.
How To Know How Many Hours To Run A Pool Filter
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As pool owners know, all of its systems need maintaining so that the water stays crystal clear and refreshing. Water clarity is a combination of maintaining the chemical balance of your pool and proper filtration. Make sure youre running your filter properly by running it longer when its hot out, and during the day. You can also determine how long you should run the filter in your pool specifically, based on its volume and the speed of its filter.
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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Inground Pools For Under $50000
If you increase your budget to $50,000, you’ll have many more options.
There are vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, and concrete pools available within this price limit. However, the current pool-buying climate will probably restrict you to smaller pools with minimal customization. This may change in the future, and we’ll update this article to reflect any changes to pool price ranges, but right now, most pool buyers are spending more than $50,000 for turnkey installation packages, even with just a few must-have options and accessories.
Want to know the difference between fiberglass, vinyl liner, and concrete pools? Check out our complete guide to these three popular pool types.
You can also try our new interactive Pool Type Selector tool to figure out what type of pool you really want in your backyard. Check it out below:
Concrete and fiberglass pool packages tend to start in the $45,000 to $50,000 range. This will typically include the bare necessities, but it probably won’t come with fencing, landscaping, spas, and/or other optional high-end features.
Pentair 160301 Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Pool Filter
Designed with the maximum filter surface area to clean your water more quickly and efficiently than other filters, the Pentair Clean & Clear Plus has an effective filter area of 420 square feet. Internal and manual air relief make maintaining good water pressure easy. It filters 150 GPM inside a sturdy, injection-molded tank.
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Hayward W3sp2310x15 Pool Pump
The primary reason why we included the Hayward W3SP2310X15 pool pump is that it does not require any complex assembly process. You only need to plug the pump directly into the power source, and then it will start functioning. When it comes to the price tag, it is a bit expensive, and that is what you need to know if you are dealing with Hayward.
The equipment has a heavy-duty construction with airflow ventilation that operates quietly thus, it does produce any annoying sound that could disturb you and others around you. It has a powerful 1.5 HP motor that lets the motor function with power. Thus, it makes sure that the pools can be swiped out within a short period.
This Hayward MaxFlo XL single-speed pool pump can provide advanced hydraulics as it maintains the economy and performance. It is designed for in-ground pools of various sizes and types and in-ground spas. Among the many pumps in the market, the MaxFlo XL is the most energy-efficient pump and has innovative hydraulics for increased energy efficiency and priming capability. You can also use it along with the original MaxFlo pump for seamless retrofit installations.
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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Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs
There are a few different fiberglass pool packages to choose from, with the most expensive being a turn-key fiberglass pool installation that costs $45,000 to $85,000. As you go lower in price, youll have to do more of the installation work involved yourself, but you can get a DIY or self-install package for as little as $12,000.
Fiberglass Pool Installation Cost
| The fiberglass pool shell and kit is shipped and delivered. | ||
| Assisted Pool Installation | $20,000 to $45,000 | Permits are taken care of, the hole is dug, the shell is installed, backfill is packed around it, and its filled with water. |
| Standard Pool Installation | As well as the steps above, you get decking, pool cleaning, and grading. | |
| Turn-Key Pool Installation | $45,000 to $85,000 | This includes a pool enclosure or fence and electrical work. |
You can choose the level of service you want and pay a higher pool installation cost at each level. Labor costs for fiberglass pool installation will account for about 25% of the price of your swimming pool project.
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!
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Pool Pump Motor Replacement Cost
New pump motors can cost from $100 to $500. Labor fees are usually lower, closer to $150 for pool pump motor replacement if everything else is in good shape. You would have to replace your motor if your pump is making noise, straining, or not able to keep up with your pools circulation, but it turns on and off, the inverter is in good shape, the filter is replaced regularly, and the housing is in good condition.
Keep in mind that if your pump is oversized for your pool, it can cause the motor to wear out faster and result in higher energy bills. If this is the case, simply replacing the motor isnt always the best choice. Speak to your pool service provider about the size and condition of your existing pump before you choose to replace the motor to make sure that this is the right course of action for you.
Cost Of Inground Saltwater Pools
The average cost of an inground saltwater pool is $35,000 for the pool and another $1,100 to $2,200 for the salt water generator, bringing the total cost to around $36,100 to $37,200. Saltwater pools do not need any chemicals added, are easier to maintain, and don’t have a chlorine smell.
For homeowners who would prefer not to use traditional chemicals in their pool, a saltwater swimming pool uses a system that converts the salt in the water to chlorine, but the levels are much lower than in a chlorine pool, so it is kinder to clothes and your skin.
Estimating Long-Term Salt Water Pool Costs
- Replacing the cell in the generator every 36 years at the cost of $800 .
- Adding salt to run your saltwater pool An average pool measuring 14 by 28 with a depth of 6.5 feet has a water volume of just under 20,000 gallons, and for that much water, you will need around 11 x 40-pound bags of salt, which should total just under $100.
Also Check: Pool Water Chemical Calculator
Inground Pool Cost Estimator
When estimating the cost to build an inground pool, the main factors are the size, materials, location, and any custom upgrades. On average, expect to spend $50 to $100 per square foot to build a standard 14 by 28 size pool, or $125 to $150 per square foot for larger pools that have 9 to 12 foot deep ends.
Inground Pool Costs By Size
Pool shoppers will always see a rather wide range of prices, particularly at the lower and upper ends of the pool-buying spectrum.
On one end, you’ve got DIYers who’d rather save money by using their existing skill sets to take on most of the project themselves.
On the other end, some folks simply must have the newest and the best stuff for their pool, no matter the cost — including all the best add-ons like those we mentioned earlier.
Of course, most pool buyers end up closer to the middle of the price range for a standard pool package with the essentials and a few key extras.
Standard vinyl liner pool packages typically include the dig, construction of pool walls and a floor, installing and connecting the pool pump and filter system, installation of the vinyl liner, and adding in other optional pool parts, like skimmers, ladders, and handrails.
Standard fiberglass pool packages typically include purchasing, delivering, and installing a fiberglass pool shell, installing and connecting pump and filter systems, any necessary gravel for backfill , however much water is needed to fill the pool, any necessary maintenance and cleaning equipment, the costs and labor involved in securing building permits, and the addition of some concrete around the pool.
Want to know how we price your pool project? Get in touch with us today and we’ll gladly walk through all the critical elements of a successful pool installation:
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How Can I Size My Swimming Pool Heat Pump
A common question that consumers ask us at AquaCal when shopping for swimming pool heat pumps is: How big does my heat pump need to be? You should have a trained swimming pool professional size your swimming pool heat pump, as its size will depend on many factors. There are, however, general formulas we provide to our customers to approximate heat pump size. We explain how to use these formulas in this article.
Heat pumps are sized according to required BTU per hour of the swimming pool. Consumer often make the mistake of purchasing under-sized units units with insufficient BTU output per hour. Under-sized units must run longer in order to heat swimming pools. These longer run times translate to decreased efficiency and higher operating costs. Use the following instructions to approximate the BTUs per hour your heat pump will require.
Calculating Run Time Per Day
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Determine The Maximum Flow Rate
The flow rate through any given pool system is limited by the size of the piping and the equipment. This determines the maximum flow rate through the system.
The first thing to check is the pool system plumbing. For instance, the maximum flow rate through a 1.5 inch PVC pipe is 44 Gallons per minute. Even if you have a pump that can move 100 gallons per minute, it will do very little good if the piping will only allow 44 gallons per minute through it. An oversized pump will actually strain against the piping and can be damaged in the process.
Check the PLUMBING FLOW RATE
As a general rule, the velocity of the water through the pipe should not exceed 7 feet per second. The chart below shows the maximum flow through different sizes of pipe.
Count the intake lines and you will see what the maximum flow into the pump will be.
For each 2.0 inch intake line, the maximum flow into the pump will be 73 gallons per minute .
For each 1.5 inch intake line, the maximum flow into the pump will be 42 gallons per minute .
Make sure the the lines going back to the pool will also support the same level of flow.
In the diagram to the right, the system is plumbed in 2.0 inch pipe. Since the system can be run in either spa or pool mode, you have to calculate the flow rate each way.
- Spa Mode – 73 GPM
- Pool Mode – 146 GPM
The maximum flow is the lower of the two, which would mean a MAXIMUM PLUMBING FLOW RATE of 73 gallons per minute .
Check the FILTER FLOW RATE
| 100 GPM | 125 GPM |
