A pump is an integral part of your pool’s filtration system. Pool pumps come in varying size and HP capacities. The biggest pump isn’t always the best, and the smallest may be just the right fit for your pool’s size. So, how do you go about choosing the ideal pump size for your pool in Phoenix, AZ?
Two Important Factors to Consider
Many people usually go for the biggest pump. They reason that it will handle any pool size, regardless of how big or small, saving themselves the trouble of doing some math. However, the biggest pump is not always the best as mentioned – you need an appropriately-sized pump for your exact pool size.
There are two important factors to consider:
1. Filter Size
The pool’s size should be proportionate to the filter’s flow rate. On the one hand, a bigger pump than the filter’s flow rate will strain the filter and motor, reducing their durability. On the other hand, a smaller pump than the filter’s flow rate will be slow, and it may take longer than usual to filter all of the water. However, you can efficiently use a smaller pump with a slightly larger filter.
As such, use a pump with a 2-inch outlet if the filter has a 2-inch outlet. However, you can use a pump with a 1.5-inch outlet for a filter with a 2-inch outlet, but you cannot use a pump with a 2-inch outlet with a filter with a 1.5-inch outlet.
2. Pool Size
The pool pump should also be powerful enough to handle as much water as is in the pool. Consequently, it is advisable to count the pump’s capacity based on the number of gallons it can pump per minute (GPM) instead of the number of horsepowers (HP).
Ideally, your chosen pool pump should filter all the water in eight to ten hours. This should be the determining factor when doing the math. Following is a step-by-step guide on how to go about it:
- Determine the Pool’s Volume
You first need to find out how much water the pool holds. You can find this information in the house’s building records. You can also use a range of tools to measure the pool’s volume. You can also do some quick math using the following formula: Length X Width X Average Depth X 7.5.
- Determine the Ideal GPM
The ideal pump should filter the pool water within eight to ten hours. The math is simple in this case: simply divide the number of gallons in the pool by eight. For example, a pool with 24,000 gallons of water requires a pump capable of pumping 3,000 gallons of water per hour. However, pool pumps are rated in gallons per minute. As such, divide 3,000 by 60 minutes, and you will find that you need a pump with a capacity of 50GPM.
Making Your Pool Pump More Efficient
A pool pump’s efficiency depends on several factors. These factors include the pump’s make and model, and modern models are generally more efficient than older ones. On that note, it is also advisable to buy a pump with a two-speed motor as it packs more power and offers varying GPM capacities.
Increasing the PVC pipe’s size by even half an inch will also increase the pump’s GPM. It is also advisable to include an automated pump timer to monitor the pump and control it remotely.
McCallum’s Pool Service Can Help
Choosing the ideal pump size for your swimming pool should be easy after reading this guide. However, you can skip the math and get recommendations from the best pool service provider in Phoenix, AZ: McCallum’s Pool Service & Repair. Get in touch today for a free estimate.