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.
Kazzy Posted: 6/29/2017
Hi INYO. We recently purchased a used Bestway AG 16ft round pool. We are having a lot of water issues due to metals in our well water. I'm starting to think the pump that came with the pool is too to properly filter and clean the entire pool (also have no backwashing feature) Is there a filter/pump system that you recommend for use with our size pool and would maybe work better than others with out hard metal filled well water?Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/29/2017
We have a 16x32 ft above ground pool, pump seems to small that came with it what size do we needReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/27/2017
Tracey - Your 26x52 pool holds about 16,000 gallons of water. For this size pool, I would recommend a Waterway Carefree 19" Sand Filter & 1.5 HP 1Spd Pump. It is both economical and reliable and is built by one of the leading pump/filter manufacturers.Reply
Tracey Posted: 6/27/2017
I have a Colman 26x52 pool. We currentlyuse the pump that came with pool. We really want to switch to sand pump. What do you recommend for a pump?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/27/2017
Anonymous (AG Pump) - If you are looking for a reliable pump, for your size pool, I'd recommend the Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System. You would have to buy it as a filter/pump set so the filter is large enough to handle the pump GPM.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/26/2017
Mvee - Your pool contains about 13,000 gallons of water. We would recommend buying a 1 HP pump for that size pool and the filter should be able to handle about 25% more GPM water flow than the pump generates. A 1 HP pump typically generates between 50 - 70 GPM so you would want a filter that is designed for up to 90 GPM.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/26/2017
I have a above ground pool and I need a pump. The filter hangs on the side of pool. It is a 16x48.Reply
Mvee Posted: 6/24/2017
My pump died and I have to buy a new pump. I have a sand filter. I have a 24 ft round above ground pool. What kind of pump do I buy? Does it have to cordinate with my sand filter? Can I use my old hose? I have a sunbrite sand filter.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/24/2017
kellyjgraham - I would recommend buying a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter System. If you are looking for a reliable pump, you will probably need a larger and more reliable filter that matches the water flow of the pump.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/23/2017
Sady - I would suggest buying a Hayward Above Ground VL Series Pump and Filter. If you are going to upgrade your pump, you will have to buy a filter that will match the GPM water flow of the pump.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/23/2017
Meat - Like you say, it would be much more than your need, but it would probably work. You'd just be turning your pool water over many more times a day than required. You could probably get away with just running the big pump 2-3 hours a day.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/23/2017
Rich - Unfortunately, we do not sell the bases with just the filter. You would have to buy the whole pump/filter set. Alternately, a separate base comes with the filter and the motor can be bolted down to the slab or left loose.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/22/2017
Anonymous (pump/filter set) - Your pool size is just under 9000 gallons. I would recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems for your size pool. It is a very reliable system good for up to 11,000 gallons.Reply
kellyjgraham Posted: 6/22/2017
I have a round 15 foot above ground pool (3/4ft of water) that came with my house 3 yrs ago, the last 2 motors have burnt out, one was new but it was made for an intex pool which mine is not, we have tried earth and sand filters, at different times, what is my best option that is not going to burn out after a couple months?! do i need to replace only the pump or the pump and filter?Reply
Sady Posted: 6/21/2017
We have a summer escapes above ground round pool, the kind with the metal frame, which measures 15 ft x 48 inches. We filled it and found out that the pump is no longer working. What do I need that I can possibly hook onto the old unit or something similar as the pool is older, so don't want to spend alot of money and have something else go out.Reply
Meat Posted: 6/21/2017
I have a small 10' round x 24" deep pool for my kids but the cheapplication cartridge filter semi very underpowered. I gave access to a 1 hp haywood pump and DE filter. I know it would be excessive for my size pool but other than energy consumption would there be any drawbacks to using this setup?Reply
Rich Posted: 6/21/2017
Got a 24' round pool x 48" deep. Have a Hayward 1hp pump, works great. Need new filter. All the filters I see now have a round bottom, I have one with a triangular bottom that fits into a base that accepts it. Do these new filters come with a base that I can reattach my old (2 years old) pump to? Suggeations please.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/20/2017
i just moved into a home and i have a 18 ft round, 54 inch deep above ground pool .. I want to change the pump and filter as they are very old. Recommendations ??Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/19/2017
Anonymous (Coleman pool) - Your pool contains about 13,000 gallons of water. I would recommend the Pureline 1 HP Above Ground Pool Pump - NE6170B as an economical option for a replacement pump for your size pool. Pureline is relatively new on the market but is equivalent those sold by Hayward and Pentair. You may also have to buy a new filter to match the GPM of your new pump.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/19/2017
Aperry94 - Your current pump/filter system has very low water flow -less than 9 GPH. These systems tend to be poorly designed and generally fail within the first year. I would recommend a Waterway TWM-30 System 16" Sand 1/2" HP, with Trap for your pool. It is a reliable system and will provide you with the water flow you need.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/19/2017
Jcalva - I would recommend a Waterway TWM-30 System 16" Sand 1/2" HP, with Trap for your size pool. Pools like your current system have pumps with 1/8 HP or less. They are very inefficient and tend to fail within the year.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/18/2017
We have a Coleman above ground pool that is 18x24 and our pump quit after a year. We are looking to replace and want the cheapest option but the best flow. Can you recommend anything?Reply
Aperry94 Posted: 6/17/2017
I just bought a 15'x33in pool and we have the standard pump that came with it (110-120 volt Filter Pump with 530 gallon (2,006 L) per hour flow rate) but it isn't doing anything any recommendation on what pump to get I don't know if we just need a more powerful one or what to do.Reply
Jcalva Posted: 6/17/2017
I hoping you can help me out. I have an above ground pool 18X9X4ft deep the sand filter that it came with never worked not sure of the horsepower of the pump that it came with,from the beginning it let sand trough and did not filter any particals. Every time I run the pump I end up with sand at the bottom of the pool. it holds 4800 gallons what would be the best filter pump combo you would recommend I replace it withReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/14/2017
Anonymous (filter/pump match) - Yes, Your existing 1 HP pump will work with your new 16" sand filter as long as it has an upgraded motor - SF = 1.0 or 1.1.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/13/2017
We are converting from a cartridge filter to sand. 16" hayward. Can we still stick with our 1 horse power pump?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/13/2017
Roger - I'd recommend a Hayward Sand Filter with Top Mount Valve 18" Tank for your size pool and pump.Reply
Roger Posted: 6/11/2017
I have a 22x52 above ground pool with 1.5 hp pump, what size sand filter do I needReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/11/2017
Iwannadecentpool - I'd recommend the Chlorease Ultra - Salt Chlorine Generator for A/G Pools for a reliable AG pool salt water system.Reply
Iwannadecentpool Posted: 6/8/2017
We want to upgrade from a 14ft 36in pool to a 16ft by 48in pool with a good (reliable) salt water system, what do you recommend?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/5/2017
BrittaS - A DE filter would be the best filtration system of the three choices: sand, cartridge, and DE. And we generally recommend a 1 1/2 HP above ground pump for your size pool. Here is a link to a good option for your requirements - Hayward EC50C Perflex Filter w/ 1 HP Matrix Pump.Reply
BrittaS Posted: 6/4/2017
Hi!We have an above ground 27' pool which is about 5ft deep.
We need to upgrade the cartridge filter and pump and are not sure with what to go. I'm not happy with the cartridge filter's cleaning results (after vacuuming you have the feeling that all is just washed back into the pool) and my husband hates the fiber glass housing.
What can you recommend for a pool that size? Would DE be a good option for us to get a cleaner pool?
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/30/2017
DiamondDa - I would recommend the 1 1/2 HP pump and your existing 19" sand filter should be large enough to accommodate the larger pump. If you just replace the motor, you may have to upgrade the pump's impeller and diffuser. You should also buy the appropriate GOKIT to replace the motor's shaft seal and gaskets.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/29/2017
Judybug - I have heard of some people putting a little DE powder in the cartridge filters. You could try it in your sand filter but the sand might not be able to hold the DE powder and it might wash into your pool.Reply
DiamondDa Posted: 5/28/2017
I have an 18x33 pool with a 19" sandfilter and 1hp pump. We have had it for roughly 5 years. The pump has finally died. I feel that the 1hp was just not enough and am considering the 1.5hp. Would that me too much?Reply
Judybug Posted: 5/27/2017
Can you add D.E. to sand for a sand filter? Mixing D.E. in with sand?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/20/2017
Meme - You cannot combine a salt chlorine generation (SCG) system and a filtration system into one system. They provide two separate functions. The SCG system breaks down the salt to produce chlorine. The filtration system uses a filter to clear impurities the pool water. You need both systems if you want a salt pool.Reply
Meme Posted: 5/19/2017
Where does a salt filtration system fall into play? I have been trying to figure out is a salt better than sand (less cleaning etc.)
Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/18/2017
Darrell - I would drop down to a 1 HP pump. Make sure it is an above ground pump. You don't have to replace the filter. Most dealers recommend having a larger than needed filter. Lasts longer and requires less frequent cleaning.Reply
Darrell Posted: 5/17/2017
I have a 18ft round above ground pool. Currently has a 1.5hp pump and cartridge filter. My pump is leaking and plan 2 replace. Should I stick with a 1.5 or can I go down to a 1h pump? Do I have to downsize the filter also?Reply