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. In a way, it’s similar to the likes of Goldilocks and The Three Bears. You don’t want a pump that is too big or too small, you want one that is JUST right.
How can you determine which size pump is right? Let’s explore.
What Size Pump Do I Need?
The General Sizing Rule
For the most part, above ground pools are similar in size and shape. Therefore, unlike most inground pools, there aren’t too many extra variables you need to consider when sizing your pool pump. The one thing you need to pay attention to, though, is the maximum gallons per minute (GPM) your pool filter can handle. Your pump’s GPM should never exceed your filter’s GPM. We will show you how to check that later in the blog.
To be honest, sizing the pump is actually pretty straightforward. There is a general rule we use that makes it very easy to pick.
For round above ground pools up to 24 ft. ( pools with less than 15,300 gallons) use a 1 HP pump.
For round above ground pools over 24 ft. (pools with more than 15.300 gallons) use a 1.5 HP pump.
Don’t Know How Many Gallons Are In Your Pool?
If you are unsure how many gallons your above ground pool has, review the charts below.
Is My Filter Too Small For My New Pump?
After selecting your pool pump, verify the GPMs of your pool filter. The GPM information is typically listed on the outside label on the filter housing. If unavailable or weathered, you 
can also locate this information in the user manual. If for whatever reason you cannot find your manual, we recommend doing a quick search in our manual database or a Google search. Once you find the manual, print and keep it. I guarantee that you will use it in the future. If it’s an antique of a filter, you may want to call the manufacturer.
Inside the manual, the filter specs typically include the flow rating, filtration area, port size, and turnover rates. The flow rating is essential because it dictates the maximum gallons per minute your filter can handle. In other words, do not go over this number. If your GPMs on the pump exceed the GPMs on your filter, sit back and analyze which one needs to be bigger, the pump, the filter, or both.
Look at the turnover rate listed on the filter. Your pool size should fit within those parameters. If they do not, you should consider purchasing a bigger filter. A properly sized filter is always larger than the gallon size of the pool. You want wriggle room in your filtration area because that way you aren’t backwashing or cleaning your cartridges every week. So, unlike your pool pump, we always recommend oversizing your filter.
Above Ground Pump Resources
Above Ground Pool Pump Buying Guide
Can I Install an Above Ground Pool Pump On an Inground Pool?
Are you still unsure which horsepower you should go with? Or, do you want to discuss replacing just your motor? Feel free to ask a question and join our discussion on our INYO POOLS FORUM.
I have 16ft round above ground pool. I currently have 680 gal filter pump on it, but it doesn’t seem to be working very well. Do I need a bigger pump? If so, what size do you recommend?
I’m not sure what you mean by a 680-gallon filter pump. Is that a model number?
if this is a new system then I suggest doing any troubleshooting mentioned in the owner’s manual. if that doesn’t fix any low flow issues, then you may need to upgrade to a larger pump-filter systemi suggest something like the Waterway TWM-30 System 16″ Sand 1/2″ HP, with Trap – 520-1601
Hello, I have an 18×33 Oval Pool 48 inch walls. We currently have a 1.5 hp pump that is very old. Should I go to a 2 hp pump instead? what size filter what I need? Also do you recommend sand or cartridge?
Did the 1.5 HP pump do the job? If so, keep the same HP. Unless you have a reason for changing the HP, there’s no need to do it.
What’s the size of your current filter? Use that as a baseline for future filter replacements. If you go with a bigger filter, you can go longer between cleaning.
The cartridge is more user-friendly but more expensive to operate of the filter’s lifespan due to the replacement cartridge. Sand is also somewhat easy to maintain, but backwashing wastes water.
Hello I’m new to pools and I bought a 24′ x 52″ Above ground what pump size and filter do I need to be able to run a pool cleaner sweeper
We suggest the below options for a a24-foot round above ground pool:
Pureline 19″ Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System w/ 1.5 H.P Pump – PL1512
Waterway ClearWater II 100 Sq. Ft Cartridge Filter & 1.5 HP Single Speed Pump – 52051476S
I have a 16x10x48 oval Coleman pool. What size sand filter and pump do I need.
What size are your plumbing lines? 1.5-inch or smaller?
I have a 18×48 above ground round what size pump would I need. Next year I am upgrading to a 20 by 52 round what size pump would I need that with a 1.5 be enough for both pools
I have a round 18’x48” above ground pool. What size pump should I use?
A 1 HP pump like the Waterway Hi-Flo 1 HP Above Ground Pool Pump With Cord – PD1100-6
I HAVE 4X18. What size pump
I have a 16′ by 30′ 48″ over pool I have no pump I have a Sand filter how big a pump do I need bryonsigns@yahoo.com
According to our other how-to guide that covers this very same topic, I suggest using The Pureline 1.5 HP Above Ground Pool Pump – PL1502
I have 14ft round pool my pump/filter is not keeping up. Would a 1 hp pump/filter work ok or would it be to strong?
A 1 HP pump/filter pack would be fine for a pool that size.
Question: I have a Hi-Flo 1.5 HP pump for my 33’ round, 52” wall above-ground pool. I am looking to replace it in the spring. Should I upgrade to a 2.0 HP? Thanks for your input. (Clevetroit-at-g-mail-dot-com)
If that HP is working fine for your particular set up, then I would keep it as is. I don’t like to change much on systems that are working well.
The gallon chart doesn’t seem to account for wall space used up by air in top or the floor underneath. For instance, I have a 52″ pool but it’s really only 44″ deep, so just around 15600 gallons, right?
You say the pool is 52″ high but you didn’t provide an overall size of your pool to try to compare calculations.
My pool is 15 FOOT X 42 INCHES does anyone know what type or what size or kind is pump I will need I need help ASAP having big issues with this pool
A pool that size can use a 3/4 or 1 horsepower pump, and a 16 inch sand filter like this Pentair Sand Dollar 1 HP W/ 16″ Tank Sand Filter System – PNSD0035DE1160.
I have Summer Waves 18 ft Dark Double Rattan Crystal Vue Elite Frame Pool, Round what size pump do I need?
We’d normally suggest the Pureline 0.75 HP Pure Pro XL Pump, Above Ground Pool, Single Speed, 115 Volt – PL1500 or the Pureline 1.0 HP Pure Pro XL Pump, Above Ground Pool, Single Speed, 115 Volt – PL1501.
Check your filter’s flow rate capacity, and make sure the pump you’re choosing does not exceed those specifications.
I have a 22 foot pool, about 11,500 gallons. But I bought a 1.5Hp pump/filter that I cant return.
There is a .4hp pump that comes with the pool. Can I use my bigger pump on this pool, or am I looking at damaging the pump?
You should be able to use the larger pump and filter system if you use the correct PVC. You will want to get heavy-duty flex PVC or hard pipe, as the hoses that came with that smaller pump will probably collapse under the higher pressure.
I have a 16’x32’x52″ intex pool, it has a 16″ sand filter holds 120# of sand. I need to replace the pump, What size pump will go with that sand filter ?
I have a coleman 18ft X 48inch what kind of sand pump filter should I get?
I suggest a smaller system like the SandPRO 50D
I have a 24ft x 48″ round above ground pool, I have a 3hp pool pump, no filter. Would like to use a sand filter. I believe the pool holds around 15k gallons of water. Is a 3hp pump too much and what kind of filter do I need to go with it?
I have never seen a 3 HP above ground pool pump, makers of those pumps can “overrate” their pumps to make it seem beefier. For a pool that size, you can use either a standard 1 or 1.5 horsepower pump. An 18-inch (or larger) sand filter would be ideal for a pool that size paired with those pump’s flowrates.
An example of a skidpack that would work for you: Waterway Carefree 19″ Sand Filter w/ Hi-Flo II 1.5 HP Pump – 52053376S
I have a 24, 500 gallon 16 x 34 rectangle below ground/ vinyl liner 8 foot depth pool and a Pentair 1.5 HP single speed pump. Is the pump sufficient or undersized?
I have a 14ft x 42 inch pool. Is a 1.5hp and 50 GPM filter. I think thats overkill but will it hurt the pool?
The pump/filter combo will not hurt the pool. It will allow you to turn over the water quicker, which means you don’t have to run the pump as long. It may save you some money in the longterm if you schedule the runtimes right.
Hi,
So i have a 15 round pool and i bought a hayward 1.5 pump hp is that okay i felt like i was struggling with my 1hp pump last year?
How many gpm does a 19 or 21in filter?
It can vary according to models, but they are usually in the range of 40-60 gallons per minute, respectively.
I have a colmen 22×52 pool. I have a 1.5hp pump what sand filter size would you recommend?
HI tracy,
I have the coleman pool 22x12x52′. I need to replace my pump and filter… would a 1.5HP pump work? what did you end up getting?
19-21 inch tank would suffice for a pool and pump of that size
Is there any difference in recommendations when I have an above ground pool (24’ round, 48” deep) but it’s nearly completely buried and all the plumbing from the filter to the pool is buried? We just bought this house and it came with a 3/4 HP and a 19” (?) sand filter.
If the pump and filter are installed above the waterline of the pool, you will need to make sure the pump can prime itself. I believe the Pentair Dynamo is an above ground pool pump that can draw water.
We have a 54 inch tall x 27 foot round above ground pool. We have a pump and sand filter unit.
I would like to change the top mount multivalve.
I may have to buy a new pump also. Any recommendations and info on what to purchase ?
I have a new 15ft round intex above ground Pool. Got a Hayward matrix 1hp pump and t180 sand filter. The pool is 1 1/4 “ out and in the sand filter is 1 1/2” and the pump looks like 2 1/4” wher should I step up the connect to the pump and back to the pool
I have a 12X22 foot oval pool and the pump it came with keeps overheating and shutting off. What size of pump should I buy?
I have a intex pool I purchased a sand filter 37gpm but it seems like my return is not giving me a good return doesn’t even reach to the middle of the pool it’s a 22×52 any suggestions.