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  2. Pumps: Buyer's Guide & FAQ

PUMPS: BUYER’S GUIDE & FAQ

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How do I know how many gallons my pool is? [open]
Without knowing the number of gallons in your pool, the incorrect dosage of chemicals can be used (too much or too little) causing a chemical imbalance. So your first step will be to find the volume of your pool. Here’s a quick formula you can use:

Length x Width x Average Depth x Multiplier = Volume in Gallons
  • Multiplier for rectangular and square pools is 7.5
  • Multiplier for oval pools is 6.7
  • Multiplier for round pools is 5.9
Note: All measurements should be in feet, including the depth. For above ground pools, assume that the water depth is 6” less than the wall height, so if your pool is 48”, assume the depth is 3.5’, and for 52” pool, use 4’.

If math isn’t for you, take a look of the chart below featuring common pool sizes and how many gallons of water each size holds.




You’ll use that information to find the needed flow rate in GPM. Plug your pool’s volume into this formula:
  • Volume (in Gallons) / 8 (number of hours to filter your pool) / 60 (number of minutes in an hour)

For more help with calculating your pool size, visit our blog, How to Calculate the Number of Gallons in Your Pool.
Is a bigger pump better? [open]
Bigger is not always better. While a bigger pump may seem like the easiest and best option, that is not always the case. A large pump can cost you a lot of money due to its energy consumption, while also creating a strain on your filter system if it is not compatible. You'll want to carefully select the pump that most closely fits your pool’s and filter’s needs.

[Shop All Pumps]
What are some other things to consider? [open]
Consider if you want a top-mount or side-mount to house your pump. This dictates where the pump will connect to the filter. Where is the intake to your filter located and what type of filter do you have? Sand filters typically require a top-mount while cartridge and D.E. filters typically require a side-mount.

Also check the voltage that your pool will connect with. Most above ground pumps look for pumps that are 110 volts while inground systems vary more.

You don’t want to forget to match up the size of your pipes with the pump. This will all make for an easy installation, better efficiency for the pump and a smooth operating system. The size of your plumbing and how it’s set up will also have an impact on the flow rate. [Shop All Pumps]

PUMPS

A functional pump and filter system are key pieces of equipment for your pool. Your pool pump is what circulates chemicals and water around your pool, sanitizing the water and keeping it clean, safe and fun. This is what makes having the pump so important; an effective pump is able to circulate and turn over the water at the recommended rate of once every 8 to 10 hours.

Knowing why you need a pump is different from knowing what the right pump is. Aside from various brands and manufacturers, some of the most important things you need to look at are the flow rate, horsepower (HP) and speed options.
Deciding Horsepower [open]
To calculate how big and powerful a pump you need, you’ll need to know the size of your pool in gallons. This will allow you to determine how many gallons per minute (GPM) it will take for your pool to be entirely filtered within 8 to 10 hours. Since the flow rate goes hand in hand with the power of your pump, the pump that you purchase should be powerful enough to move all of the water throughout your pool in that time period. You’ll want to find a pump with a flow rate that matches this requirement.

The correct HP goes hand-in-hand with the flow rate. HP is what dictates the pump’s flow rate. You’ll want the HP to create the flow rate you need, which should be marked in each pump’s product listing. These are important steps to avoid cavitation. This is caused by an overly large pump which creates bubbles in the pool and causes them to pop, creating waves that could also damage the pump. [Shop All Pumps]
Picking from the Speed Options [open]
Deciding on a speed type will also determine what motor you choose. This refers to the different speeds that the motor spins the impeller at. A single speed pump only has 1 speed setting while a dual speed has 2. A variable speed motor has a magnet motor instead of an induction motor and offers more speed settings than a dual speed motor and are more costly.

While a single speed pump has the least efficient motor it is the most cost effective of the three; your budget and the size of your pool should help you determine what pump is best for you.

Florida, Arizona and California do not allow single speed pumps if it’s over 1 HP, so that’s another thing to consider. Make sure whatever pump you pick meets local and state standards for where you live. [Shop All Pumps]
Important Tips [open]
Be mindful of the size of your backyard while picking out a filter. You want to have enough space around the pool to fit whatever size filter you end up purchasing.

The most important factor is making sure that the pump you purchase works with your filter.

Make the right choice for you and your pool's filter! [Shop All Pumps]
More Questions?
At PoolSupplies.com, we offer a variety of pool pumps to fit most needs, but if you’re still unsure of what pump to get, visit our blog, Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pump for your Pool, or call our in-house pool experts at 1-800-356-3025. They’ll be happy to help you decide.

WE RECOMMEND PUMPS
FROM Rx CLEAR®

Rx Clear® prides itself on knowing how to keep pool water clear and clean. That starts with the pump and filter system. Rx Clear® pumps have:
  • Enough options to allow you to find the perfect pump for your pool
  • An extra-large hair and lint strainer to make maintenance easy
  • Been individually tested to ensure leak-free functionality

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