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 won’t do the job. Pool pumps must cycle all the pool’s 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.
Is A Sand Filter Better Than A Cartridge Filter For Above Ground Pool
Cartridge Filters are a great choice for Above Ground Pools A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount. Backwashing a sand filter will lower the water level of your pool and you will lose some of your chemicals along with it.
Find The Right Pool Pump
Now that you are done with the calculations, it is time to start looking for the right pool pump to optimize your above ground pool. Refer to the technical specifications from the manufacturer to find one that matches your needs.
Based on the computation above, check the table below for a quick summary of the right pool pump sizes based on the most common pool sizes.
| Pool Size |
| 30 GPM |
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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
- For each 2.5-inch intake line, the maximum flow rate is 120 GPM
- For each 3-inch intake line, the maximum flow rate is 160 GPM
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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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 |
How Often Should You Backwash A Sand Filter
As a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filters pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI over the starting level or clean pressure.
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New Standards For Saving Energy
Starting July 19, 2021, all swimming pool pumps will be required to meet new energy efficiency standards set by the federal Department of Energy . These new regulations will determine the Weighted Energy Factor of a pool pump, which measures in gallons per watt per hour similar to how you measure a cars efficiency with MPG a higher WEF means a more efficient pool pump. This replaces the current measurement standard of motor horsepower which measures RPM.
The good news Jandy variable-speed pumps already meet the standards. So, if youre looking to purchase a new pump for your swimming pool now, you dont have to wait. Your pool professional will be able to assist you in prescribing the best pool pump for your specific pool.
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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Which Is Better Sand Filter Or Cartridge Filter For Pools
Although they both have some advantages, a cartridge filter would be your best choice for your pools filtration system. A sand filter will only filter down to 20 microns while a cartridge filter will filter down to 10 microns, half the amount. The maintenance of a cartridge filter is much easier than a sand filter.
What Size Pump Do I Need
Ideally, you want a pool pump that can cycle all of the water in your pool through the filtration system once every 12 hours. To figure this out, you need to know how many gallons of water are in your pool.
This is pretty easy to do with some simple math using the following formulas:
- Rectangular Pools: Length x Width x Depth x 7.5 = gallons
- Round Pools: Diameter x Diameter x Depth x 5.9 = gallons
- Oval Pools: Width x Length x Depth x 6.7 = gallons
So, when considering some of the more popular sizes of above ground pools, a 24-foot round pool has roughly 13,593 gallons of water and a 15 x 30-foot oval pool has about 10,000 gallons. This means for a 24-foot round pool, you need a pump that circulates 27,186 gallons per day. For a 15 x 30-foot oval pool, the pump has to circulate 20,000 gallons a day.
Now, heres where it gets a little tricky. Some above ground pool pumps are specified in gallons per minute and not gallons per hour. So, youre not quite done with your calculation. To convert to gallons per minute, you have to divide the gallons per day by 24 hours and then by 60 minutes. In our examples, the 24-foot round pool, you need 27,186 gallons cycled per day. This is about 1,132 gallons per hour or 18.8 per minute.
The 15 x 30-foot oval pool is a little easier to figure out. You need a pump that circulated 20,000 gallons a day, or 833.3 gallons per hour, or about 14 gallons per minute.
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Bringing It All Together
The best pool pump for you then, is that particular pump that can deliver the flow rate to match your pool filters design flow rate while overcoming the resistance in your system.
That may be the exact same pump that you are replacing. Unless you had real performance problems with your pool pump, the best pump for you may be the same make, model and horsepower pump.
Bigger is not Better! If two pump curves come close, choose the smaller pump. When it comes to pool pumps people tend to think bigger is always better. Indeed, this is not true with pool pumps. A larger pump will cost more money to operate and if too large it will start to cavitate, making lots of noise, and overworks the motor. Pool pumps that are too large also compromise filtration and can even damage a filter that is too small.
The same pool pump will also match up to the plumbing pipes, but a different pump will have a slightly different height and depth where the pipes connect.
Another option with less math involved, is to buy a variable speed pool pump. You can set multiple speeds to match your existing equipment, and at the same time cut your electrical usage in half. Prices on VS Pool Pumps have come down to the $750 range.
our Techs for help in selecting your next pool pump, or send an in with all the pertinent information about your pool and pool equipment and our guys will give you some options for the best pool pumpfor you and your pool.
What Size Pool Heater Do I Need Guide On How To Size A Pool Heater
Calculate your pool sq. footage first.
What Size Pool Heater Do I Need?If you own a pool then its important that you purchase the right size because lets be honest, pool heaters are not cheap and choosing the wrong size will definitely ruin your day. As with most things, education is the key and knowing all the facts will ensure you make the right decision when it comes to choose your pool heater.
Now, lets have a look at what factors you need to consider when it comes to swimming pool sizes.
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Rules For Sizing Your Heat Pump Pool Heater
- Size at 4 BTUs per gallon or 1 BTU per litre of water. To heat in normal summer conditions when ambient air temperature average 70°F in a 24 hour period.
- Size at 5 BTUs per gallon or 1.3 to 1.5 BTUs per litre of water. To heat in normal spring and fall conditions when ambient air temperature average 60°F in a 24 hour period.
- Size at 6 BTUs per gallon or 1.5 BTUs per litre of water. To heat in normal spring and fall conditions when ambient air temperature average less then 60°F in a 24 hour period.
We recommend the use of a pool cover during chilly periods.
Can An Above Ground Pool Pump Be Too Big
Sizing your above ground pool pump is crucial to the overall performance of your swimming pool. An undersized pump lacks the power needed to circulate your water properly to prevent algal blooms. Adversely, a pump that is too large will completely bypass your filter altogether. This, too, creates a dirty pool.
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Three Types Of Pool Pumps
Specialty Pool Pumps
Transform your backyard into an oasis with pumps that power water features and waterfalls.
Variable Speed Pool Pumps
If you use your pool year-round, if electricity is expensive where you live, or if you have a large pool, attached spa or decorative water featuresa variable-speed pump may be your best bet for cost-saving operation.
Single & Two-Speed Pool Pumps
Single-speed pumps run at one consistent speed while two-speed pumps can be set to full or half-speed for more cost-effective operation. If youll only use your pool a few months, a single or two speed pump may be the perfect pump for your pool.
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.
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Find The Right Size Filter
Now that you have found the appropriate pump size for your pool, you will need to find the correct pool filter size to match. See below:
500 W goes with 20 filter
750 W can go with 24 filter
750 and 1100 W can go with 25 and 28 filter
1100 and 1500 W can go with 28 filter
1500 and 2000 W can go with 33 filter
Source: Fiberglass Media Filter Resources> Manual
Find out more about the detailed calculations here or get in contact with one of our specialists if you need further assistance in your search for the right pool pump for your swimming pool.
Energy Saving Pool Pumps
Pumps can be one of the most expensive appliances to run in your house, that’s why it’s important to select the right pump for your usage.
Depending on your pool and your pool usage, an ENERGY STAR certified pool pump can keep the green in your pocket and out of your pool.
70%
Pool pumps that earn the ENERGY STAR mark are independently certified to use up to 70% less energy than standard pool pumps, meaning you can save energy, save money and save the environment.
$1,100
All Jandy variable-speed pool pumps are ENERGY STAR certified, saving homeowners more than $1,100 per year* over energy consuming single-speed pumps.
Estimate how much youll save with our energy efficient pool pumps, visit our Pool Pump Savings Calculator.
Find out if you can get government rebates and tax incentives for the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR certified pool pump.
*Based on a VS PlusHP 2.7HP pump on a 28,000 gallon pool with 2 turnovers per day at an average power cost of 0.185/kWh when tested in accordance with the applicable requirements of 10 CFR 429.
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How Much Pump Do I Need
If your pool volume is 15,000 gallons, then one turnover would be equal to 15,000 gallons. This turnover is required every 12 hours, or twice a day. Pumps, on the other hand, use a slightly different description of “gallons per minute” or GPM. Think of this a little like the miles per gallon quoted as gas mileage on your car. Our goal is to meet or exceed our minimum required turnover and to use the least amount of energy doing it.
Here is the problem: most pools are designed to sell, not to operate. It has become very popular to “sell on horsepower” or how powerful a swimming pool water pump is, not how efficiently it operates. Many pool builders routinely sell against their competition by quoting a “bigger” pump as a “free upgrade.” As a result, the vast majority of pools have pumps that are severely oversized. Water pumps of 1, 1.5, and 2 horsepower are very common — and for the average size pool, very oversized.
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.
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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.
