how to size a pool filter and pump system

Author: PoolKing - Pool Sand Filter Manufacturers

How to Size a Pool Filter and Pump System

Having a pool is the ultimate luxury for those who love to swim and bask in the sun. However, as a pool owner, it is crucial to ensure that the pool is clean and hygienic for swimmers. Pool filters and pumps play a crucial role in keeping the pool water clean, and choosing the right size for your pool is key to ensuring optimal performance. In this article, we will be discussing how to size a pool filter and pump system.

Why is Sizing a Pool Filter and Pump System Important?

Having the correct-sized pool filter and pump system is essential for your pool’s hygiene, maintenance, and performance. If you have a small pump, then it will not be able to keep the water circulating efficiently. On the other hand, if you have an oversized pump, then it could create high-pressure and cause the pool’s filter to work harder. Sizing a pool filter and pump system ensures the optimal performance of your pool’s equipment and provides better water flow and pressure balance.

Determining the Pool Size

The first step in sizing a pool filter and pump system is determining the pool size. The pool size is calculated by measuring the length, width, and depth of the pool. The pool’s volume is then calculated by multiplying these dimensions. A pool that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 5 feet deep, for example, would have a volume of 1,000 cubic feet (20 x 10 x 5). It is important to note that pool size usually refers to the pool’s volume, not its surface area.

Calculating the Pump Size

After determining the pool size, the next step is to calculate the pump size. The pump size is determined by the pool’s turnover rate, which refers to the amount of water that the pump and filter move through the pool in an hour. The turnover rate is usually measured in gallons per hour (GPH).

To calculate the turnover rate, you need to first determine the pool’s total volume (which we already calculated). Then, you need to decide how many times you want the pool’s entire volume to be recirculated each day. For residential pools, the turnover rate is usually between 6 to 8 hours per day. To calculate this, you need to divide the pool’s total volume by the number of hours you want the recirculation of the pool’s water.

For example, if your pool’s volume is 1,000 cubic feet and you want the pool’s volume to recirculate every 6 hours, you need a pump that can circulate 166 GPH. (1,000 cubic feet / 6 hours = 166 GPH)

Selecting the Right Pool Filter

Once you have calculated the pump size, you need to select the right pool filter. The pool filter is responsible for removing debris, dirt, and other impurities from the pool water. The most common types of pool filters are sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.

Sand filters are the most popular type of pool filter and are the most economical. However, they require more maintenance than cartridge and DE filters. Cartridge filters are easier to maintain but are more expensive. DE filters produce the cleanest water but are the most expensive and require the most maintenance.

Choosing the right size for the pool filter depends on the pump size. Pool filters are designed to work with certain pump flow rates, and selecting the right size filter ensures that water flows properly through the filter. The size of a filter is usually measured in square feet, and a general rule of thumb is that the pool filter area should be at least 1 square foot of filter area per 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Maintaining the Pool Filter and Pump System

Proper maintenance of the pool filter and pump system is vital for the efficiency and longevity of the equipment. Regularly cleaning the pool filter cartridge or backwashing a sand filter ensures that the pool water is clean and hygienic. The pump basket should also be cleaned regularly to remove debris and prevent clogs.

In conclusion, sizing a pool filter and pump system ensures the optimal performance of your pool’s equipment, provides better water flow and pressure balance, and improves the pool’s hygiene and maintenance. By following these simple steps, you can select the right-sized pump and filter for your pool and ensure that it remains clean and enjoyable for years to come.