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.
Hi!!! I read everything and I’m still so undecided. I have no idea what I’m doing. Everytime I check with the Clorox pool stick nothing is right. It’s a Coleman that looks like brown wicker 18’48” and has the 4 see through windows around the pool. The filter hose that sucks water in, I can’t feel it pull the water in but I can see the hose jumping and pushing water to filter. However, the 2 hoses pushing it back into the pool I see water moving the hoses but when I put my hand in water next to them there is no pressure what so ever going Into pool. It’s like nothing is coming out. The water is almost clear, but not crystal clear. I feel like I need to switch to a salt water pump or a bigger pump. It’s holds around 7,600 gallons as chart says above. If I go by the Clorox pool guide it tells me to buy 6 different things. It’s crazy. I shock it once a week and I have a floater that has 1 3” chlorine tablet and 1 3” arm and hammer clear balance tablet. I am a mom of three and I need help!!!!!! I live in Alabama so lots of rain, but I haven’t had any green in pool. On the pump it says….. filter pump model #90401E 110-120~60Hz, 1.8A 0.14 HP. Brand name is AOWCLEAR…. please help me!!!!!
you Have to shock the pool after ever rain. And try to back wash.
I have the same pool and just wanted to give you a heads up. The 2 smaller hoses are for intake into the pump and the larger hose is your out take back into the pool
I have a Coleman 18 round pool 48 inches deep and I wanted to buy the
Intex Krystal Clear Sand filter Pump for Above Ground Pools, 14″, 110-120V with Gfci. …..will it be okay with that
Hi Matthew,
I am having problems keeping my pool water clean and our pool is a low traffic (only a few adults using it) pool. I am concerned that my pump is not moving enough water through my filter system and may want to upsize.
I have a 24′ x 12′ x 52″ Intex Ultra Rectangular above ground pool with a 12″ Sand Filter and Saltwater System. Having read some of your recommendations for larger pools like mine, I see that you suggest pumps that are 1 to 1.5 hp but the specs on the pump that I have say it is only a .30 hp. The largest 16″ pump and filter system that I found (also from Intex) is only .75 hp.
Is there a pump and sand system that I can get that has the higher horsepower, is comparable with my Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System?
I have a BestWay 20’ x 40” pool, and I’ve heard the pump that comes with the pool isn’t the best to use unless we want to pay a ton on chemicals. What would be the best pump to use?
20’ by 48” my bad
We have 28 ft round , 54 deep above ground. Have been using pentair cartridge filter, has worked great. Pump has been getting super loud and the filter has seen better days. Looking to go to sand filter and new pump. Thoughts
For a pool that size, i suggest a 1.5 HP pump with a 19″ tan sand filter. The best one we offer is this combo pack: 19″ Above Ground Pool Sand Filter System w/ 1.5 H.P Pump – PL1512
I need a sand pump for my pool what horse power and gpm should I need?
It’s 24′ wide x 52″ deep.
A pool that size would need at least a 1 HP, but a 1.5 HP would be preferred.
Help! We have a 16×32, 54″ pool and we are replacing the pump that died on us. I am so confused about the size. Can you tell me what you think would work best for my size pool? This stuff is so complicated.
Liz
Have an 18 round doughboy,I see a sand filter and pump that says good for up to 10,000 gallons, 2450GPH, but is only .35hp according to chart that’s no where near big enough, but the listing about the filter and pumps says it is. Clarification please.
We have a 54 inch tall x 27 foot round above ground pool. We need a pump and filter unit. We use bromine and we don’t want a sand filter. I have been told we need a dual speed pump. What do we need to buy?
For a pool that size, I would use the Waterway ClearWater II 200 Sq. Ft Cartridge Filter & 2 HP / 2 Speed Pump – 52251976S. With this unit, you would get the power of the 2 HP, whenever necessary, but you will mostly run it on low speed.
I have a pool that’s 18 ft. x 48 in. and it holds 6,092 gallons of water it’s a Coleman pool and it came with a pump the info for it is 110-120 v flow rate is 1500 gallons and the system flow rate is 1050 gallons is this a good pump for the pool? I bought it used and they said it needed a bigger pump but I don’t want to spend the extra money unless it’s what it needs
I have the same pool. Had to get a 1 hp to keep it clean. the pump that came with it did not keep my pool clean. Worked me to death the first summer. I paid around 250 for my pump. Worth every penny.
Which pump did you get if you don’t mind me asking?
Which one did you buy
I’d love to know what pump you ended up buying for your Coleman 18ftx48 in pool as well. I’m thinking this pump it came with does not keep it clean ar all. Thanks in advanced!
Hi,
I have a 33 ft, 52″ pool with 27,800 gal of water that has set for over a year. Filter is 60 gpm Sand Dollar, pump is stolen. The 1.5 hp pumps I’m seeing are higher gpm than my filter if reading correctly.
The Pentair pump and filter combo units pair the Sand Dollar SD60 with their 1.5 and 2 horsepower pumps. There shouldn’t be an issue installing a standard 1.5 horsepower a/g pump like the Waterway Hi-Flo II Pool Pump – 1.5 HP, 115V, 1-Speed.
Hi, I have a semi in ground concrete pool (2ft in ground and 2ft above ground). The measures are 13 ft long, 8 ft width and 4ft depth. I calculate 3120 gallons. The same thing applies? What type of pump capacity should I use?
A 3/4 hp should work fine for your pool size.
Thanks. And sorry to bother you again, with that pump what kind of filter do you recommend me?
That all depends on the type of filter. This how-to guide shows the range of filters that would work for pools close to your size: How to Size an Above Ground Pool Filter
i have a 35000 gal pool with approx 150 feet of head with 3 ,1.5 suction lines which is about 10 feet vertical head ..what size pump would I need?
There is very little possibility that you have 150 feet of head with only 3, 1.5-inch suction lines. I would re-do those calculations. Plus that is an inground pool, not an above ground pool.
It also sounds like you have an existing setup. I would use the existing pump as a marker of what style and horsepower of unit to use. Doing it this way will alleviate the need for feet of head calculations.
Have a 22×52 above ground pool what size pump with sand pump
We have an 18×33 48” high oval pool. Current filter is Hayward ProSeries S180T. 150 lbs sand. The pump just went out (was original from when house was purchased). It was a Sta-rite ABG4E-2A4. 1 HP.
I run the pump a lot. 10-12 hours per day. Am thinking I’d like to stay with Hayward so pump and filter are on same manufacturer and easier to keep up with any parts.
Is there any problems with bumping up to a 1.5 Hp and is there any other brands I should consider and what would the reasons be? Am currently considering Hayward power-flo LX….
Any advice would be great! Thank you 😊
I can’t keep the algea (green) hues out of my pool unless the Chlorine is to high to swim. I change my filter weekly because they will not last more than that. I think we have a pump too small but my husband thinks it wouldn’t help. 18×48 above ground pool
If your pump can’t turnover the water enough to properly distribute the chlorine then that is a reasonable explanation for your algae issues. For a pool that size, a 1 HP pump would be necessary. What do you currently have?
The pump that come with the above ground coleman pool are not big enough to keep it clean. The first summer my water never cleared up. The next summer we bought a sand pump 1 hp and it worked perfectly and my pool was easy to keep clean. I used I bag of shock per week and was good to go.
Matthew,
I have a Coleman 26 x 52 which holds 15000 gallons of water. The pump that came with it can not keep up. Cleaning the pool is a chore! What size pump should we get? We are thinking the sand pump.
Thank you. Vanessa
18×9 54 inches deep want to add a salt to chlorine converter to my sand filter pump. What size should I get? I don’t see it on the chart
A Pureline 3/4 HP Pure Pro XL would work fine for a pool that size.
I have a 14’ square pool and just purchased a 1200/gym will this work for me?
1200/gpm sorry
Lol 1200/gph
Preferably, this a question you want to ask before you buy the pump system. But yes, the 1,200 GPH system would work.
Matthew,
I have a Coleman 26 x 52 which holds 15000 gallons of water. The pump that came with it can not keep up. Cleaning the pool is a chore! What size pump should we get? We are thinking the sand pump.
Thank you. Vanessa
It seems like you skipped the entire guide to ask this question; but to answer it anyway, 1.5 HP.
I just bought the Coleman above ground pool that is 22×52 and the pump that came with it seems ok, but not great enough for the size pool. I just don’t feel that it circulates the water well enough. What size pump should I upgrade to? Any recommendations on brand ? Please help! I live in Alabama and the past few weeks we have had a lot of rain and I’m having to shock the pool more often and I think that because the pump isn’t big enough is part of the problem.
I have a 15’x48″ round above ground pool and I found a good deal on a Intex 2100 GPH Above Ground Pool Sand Filter Pump with Automatic Timer | 26645EG. Would that be a good filter or should I step up to the 3000 GPH?
I have a D fliter for my pool it’s 14” 33
But domestic seem to be moving h the water. So what size is the next size up.
I have a 27 ft round pool what size motor can i use a 2 hp
Or should i just use a 11/2 hp
What did you end up getting?
I just bought a pump that is for a pool up to 7000 gallons but my pool is 7646 gallons with it work or should I just send the pump back please help I need to know asap
I don’t think the extra 600 or so gallons will affect the filtration and chlorination rate that much. But to play on the safe side, I would try to get a big system.
I have an Intex 12×30 above ground pool, what size pump do I need?
You’re pool holds less than 15,300 gallons. So by their calculations above, a 1hp should work. But it’s the GPM that really matter, and that’s a little more complicated. I have a 1hp motor that came on my 24’/52” round pool and it can’t keep up with the algae here in wet lower Alabama.
Hi, Wes just curious on which pump worked out for your 24” pool
Hey Anonymous—GET GLASSES