How To Select Above Ground Pool Pumps

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The pool pump is the heart of your above ground pool; it ensures your water stays healthy by moving it through your filter and chlorinator. Having the wrong pump can mean your pool water will get cloudy, green, and nasty. In this guide, we'll walk you through on how to size your above ground pool pump.
 

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Step 1

Sizing above ground pool pumps is much simpler than their inground counterparts. Above ground pool pumps are generally below the waterline thereby gravity fed, with minimal plumbing between it and its suction ports. The simplicity the pool’s plumbing allows you to size the pump by pool size alone (most times.)

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Step 2

Round Pools: The chart shows the normal manufacturer pump sizing recommendations for pool sizes. The horsepower overlaps on the “tweener” sized pools 15’ is a small to medium, and 27’ is medium to large.

Ranges:
  • ¾ Horsepower: 8’ to 15’ Round
  • 1 Horsepower: 15’ to 24’ Round
  • 1-1/2 Horsepower: 24’ to 36’ Round

Step 3

Oval Pools: Similar to the round pools, the horsepower recommendations overlap for some models. If your pool falls in one of these overlap areas, then consider how much swimmer traffic you expect. Light to moderately used pools, choose the lower HP, for higher swimmer loads, choose the step up.

Ranges:
  • ¾ Horsepower: 12’ X 17’ to 12’ X 24’
  • 1 Horsepower: 12’ X 24’ to 15’ X 27’
  • 1-1/2 Horsepower: 15’ X 27’ to 18’ X 33’

Step 4

Reasons to step up horsepower: Longer than standard plumbing lines and/or pool accessories may require you to make the jump to the next highest horsepower to ensure proper flow rates. Common causes for larger pumps
  • Suction line from the skimmer to pump is longer than 15-feet
  • You’re planning to use a suction cleaner, e.g. the Hayward Navigator, The Pool Cleaner, and Kreepy Krauly
  • Adding solar panels, especially ones mounted on roofs or fences increase the strain on the pump, requiring extra HP oomph

Click Here to View our Above Ground Pool Pumps

Comments

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Anonymous  Posted: 5/28/2012 

i have a round 30 foot by 52 inch pool that i put on the side of a hill and put the upper side in the ground and the top side is where the pump needs to be can i use a inground pump as the pump is going to be above the pool it has a eco kleer 1.5 whitch is not self priming
 Reply

 Posted: 5/27/2012 

I have an 18ft above the ground swimming pool. What size pump and DE filter would I need? Thanks
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 Posted: 5/26/2012 

We have replaced the sand in our filter. Everytime we vacuum the pool it starts off great and by the time we get to the other side it is a disaster. It seems like the stuff we vacuum comes back into the pool, is it time for a new pump and filter.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/25/2012 

mjallen2 - We would recommend a 1 1/2 HP pump for your size pool. Your pool has approx 17,000 gallons of water. The cutoff for a 1 HP pump is generally around 13-14,000 gallons.
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 Posted: 5/24/2012 

I moved into a house with an 18 x 33 oval above ground pool that I believe is 42 deep. The pump (which I just replaced) is 1 hp but I am not getting a decent enough amount of suction to vacuum properly. Should I have a 1.5 hp pump for this size pool?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/11/2012 

Cleo - The SF on both dual speed pumps is 1.0 the same as your 1 1/2 HP single speed pump. So you should replace your current pump with the 1 1/2 HP dual speed pump, model # SP15932S.
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 Posted: 5/10/2012 

I have an above ground 24 x 52 inches...need to replace the pump..I want a dual speed matrix..my current pump is a matrix 1 1/2 hp.....SF 1.00
single speed....my filter is EC50 DE
wonderful pool clarity


what is the point of measuring hp if the service factor is less.... what is the service factor of a matrix dual speed 1 and 1/2 hp?

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/9/2012 

Mikeyfrac - If you are looking for the pump/filter set, I would go with something like Hayward's model # S180T92S. Ii has a Power Flo Matrix 1 HP pump and a Pro Series S180T Filter. If you don't have an external timer, you might consider model # S180T92SFT which is the same set with a built in timer.
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 Posted: 5/9/2012 

Thank you for the answer about the correct size pump. What size sand filter will I need?
Thanks again.

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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/9/2012 

Mikeyfrac - You have approx 10,000 or 11,000 gallons of water in your pool. You don't need to consider a 1.5 pump until you get up to 15,000 or 16,000 gallons. I would go with the 1 HP. It's all you need and it will save you money in operating expenses.
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 Posted: 5/9/2012 

I have a 25x15 foot pool that is 4ft deep. I am looking to buy a new sand filter and pump for it. What size filter do I need, and should I go with a 1.5hp pump? I know you suggest a 1hp pump, but would the 1.5 be better?
Thanks

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/8/2012 

davew - Your pool is about 20,000 gallons. For this size above ground we recommend a filter/pump set like Hayward's Power Flo Matrix 1.5 HP pump and a Pro Series S210T sand filter. This sets part number is S210T93S.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/7/2012 

Have an 18 x 36 oval above ground appox 4 ft deep. need a pump/sand filter replacement recommendation.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/4/2012 

PEP - Yes, if you buy the filter without the pump, it comes with it's own base - for the filter only.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/4/2012 

Thanks. The pump is a1.5 hp. I kind of gathered
The S180t would be the model. Does it come with a base?

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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/4/2012 

PEP - If your pump is 1 HP or 1 1/2 HP, we would recommend a sand filter like the Hayward Pro Series 18" Top Mount Tank, Part # S180T.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/4/2012 

We have a 28 ft above ground round and the pump works just fine.
The filter needs replacing. Its a 20 yr old Doughboy
What size /style do you suggest? In a sand filter style
Thanks

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/3/2012 

For your size pool (~18,000 gallons) we would recommend stepping down to a 1 1/2 HP pump. If you want to stay with a two speed, we recommend a Hayward Matrix 1 1/2 HP dual speed pump, PN SP15932S.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/2/2012 

I have a 18 x 33 above ground pull (52-inches deep), utilizing a cartridge filter. The original pump was a Hayward 2HP (or 2-1/6 HP) 2-speed unit. What is the recommended HP and specific model that might be recommended for this application? Thanks, in advance.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/30/2012 

Winston - for a basic 16'x30' pools (17,000 to 18,000 gallons) we usually recommend a 1.5 HP pump.
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 Posted: 4/30/2012 

I have a 16'x30' pool. Is 1HP or 1.5HP the correct pump size?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/22/2012 

Pete - You have to look at your motor's Service Factor (SF) stamped on the motor label to determine its actual HP.. A motor's actual or Total Horsepower (THP) is a product of HP and SF. If your old 1.5 HP motor has a SF of 1.0, it's actual THP is 1.5. Your proposed 1.0 HP motor has a SF of 1.5 so it also has a THP of 1.5. The motors are the same just labeled differently. Look at the motor's amps as a measure of energy usage. Your proposed motor will use 18.6/9.3 amps depending on if you are wired 115 or 230 V. If your old motor uses 18.6/9.3 amps, it is the same motor and is not more efficient. For better efficiency get an Energy Efficient motor like Hayward's SP2610X15 - 1.5 HP (1.0 SF). They are designed to save up to 25% in operational costs - uses 14.6/7.3 amps vs 18.6/9.3.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/21/2012 

I need to replace my pump. I have an inground pool 18x36 shallow end 3ft deep end 8.5ft. I have a 1.5 HP Hayward pump that is about 6 years old but I am being told that I can replace it with a 1 HP because it is more efficient model number C48L2N134C2.

Thoughts?

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/20/2012 

Shar - We recommend a 1 HP pump with a 16" filter for your 18' pool. See Hayward's pump-filter combination, S166T92S, for an example.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/19/2012 

I have a doughby 18 ft round pool. I am having to replace the and filter and pump after 20 years. What size of each do I need?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/3/2012 

Ed - Yes. The sand filter would be connected to the discharge side of the pump before the water returns to the pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/2/2012 

I have an 18' above ground pool made by polypools. The cartridge filtration is lacking and i would like to switch to a sand filter. Would i run the sand system through the skimmer pump?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/29/2012 

tammy - We sell three sizes of hose for this filter: 1.5 inch x 3 ft (NA266); 1.5 inch x 8 ft (32908) and 1.25 inch x 3 ft (NA262)
 Reply

 Posted: 3/28/2012 

i need to replace all the hose on a hayward S180T sand filter. Where can i get them and what size are they? I bought a used pool and need help please!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/26/2012 

Cathy - Sand would be the easiest. D.E. filters are the most efficient but most people are happy with the performance of the sand filters. The size of your filter depends on the size of your existing pump. If you have a 1 HP pump you need an 16” filter like Hayward’s Pro Series 16” Filter, Model S166T. For a 1 ½ HP pump you need an 18” filter like Hayward’s Pro Series 18” Filter, Model S180T. Most above ground pools are steel and cannot use a salt system for generating chlorine. The salt corrodes the steel.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/25/2012 

we purchased a used pool 24' round 52" high without filter. What is your recommendation sand vs DE. I want to make sure the water stays clear without much work and what are your thoughts on salt vs chlorine? I would like salt but I am told it would ruin the filter. Thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/16/2012 

Dave - We recommend a 1 HP pump with a 16" filter for round pools under 24'. A 1 1/2 HP is more than you need for an 18'round pool and it will cost you more to run. An 18" filter is all right. You won't have to clean it as often.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/16/2012 

I just purchased an 18' round 52" pool with an 18" filter and a 1.5hp matrix pump along with a chlorine generator. I now believe i should have been sold a 16" filter with a 1hp pump. Your thoughts please before i take installation?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/16/2012 

Ken - We recommend a 1 HP pump for round pools 24' and under. So yes you could easily downsize to a 1 HP pump or change out the motor.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/15/2012 

I have a 21'round, I bought the pool with a hayward swimpro, which came wth a 1 1/2 hp pump.. should I stay with that, or step down. I love the cartridge c1000 cartridge, i don't mind doing a hose down once in a while, it sure turns the water.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/6/2011 

Ward - Your pool converts to a 20' circular 3.1' deep pool. We recommend a 1 HP pump and 16" sand filter for pools under 24'. See our product number S166T92S for an example of this set.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/4/2011 

I have a 6.1 metre x 950mm circular pool the pump bearing burnt out and I had cartridge filter C75 on it. I would like to change to sand filter, what size sand filter and pump would be advisable litres are 27764381.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/22/2011 

We recommend a 1HP pump for all above ground pools 24' and under and 1 1/2HP for any above ground pool above 24'. A popular pump for above ground pools is Hayward's Power Flo Matrix. Popular filters that are matched with these pumps are Hayward's Pro Series sand filters - S166T for the 1HP pump and S180T or S210T for the 1.5HP pump. For cartridge filters, look at Hayward's XStream Filters - CC1000 for the 1HP pump and CC1500 for the 1.5HP Pump. For other options and suggestions for pool accessories see our page on "Above Ground Pool Supplies" under our Above Ground Pools category.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/20/2011 

I have a 30x48 above gound pool that we just bought. But I need to know what would be the appropriate pump, filter and what else to buy for this pool. Thank you for you input.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 8/18/2011 

I HAVE APOOL THATS 15 BY 48 ROUND THE PUMP IS SMALL DOES NOT FILTER GOOD, IT HOLDS 3,000 GALLONS OF WATER WANT ANOTHER PUMP
 Reply