What size pump and filter should i get for my inground pool?

[bfcurtis23]

Hello all,

I've decided I need a new pump and filter (probably DE) and need some help on the size , kind, and brand and probably something I'm forgetting. I've done a little research but who knows if it was the right kind. This is the information I calculated from one website.

Oval shaped inground pool roughly 15' x 30' x 5.25' (average depth 7' + 3.5'/2) x 5.9 = 13,938 gallons, so 14,000 Gallons.

14,000 gallons/ 8 hours =1750 gallons per hour or 29 gallons per minute
14,000 gallons/ 10 hours = 1400 gallons per hour or 23 gallons per minute

I think those calculations are fairly accurate but I get confused with feet of head partially because I don't know exactly how my pool is plumbed besides from being 1 1/2" pipe. Attached is a sloppy drawing and a picture of the pool. In the picture of the pool if you can see there are 3 buckets placed on the right side which represent the jets and the pink jug is the skimmer.

Based on the information I have given, can you please direct me to how much feet of head I have, along with what size pump and filter I should get and any other information you can add would be great.

Thanks so much in advance!

Brian

 

[mas985]

You don't seem to have any water features or a spa so sizing is pretty easy. Just get the smallest pump you can. I have a 1/2 HP full rated pump on my pool and it is more than big enough for a 20 k pool so you really don't need much for just filtering. You really don't need to figure out head loss. In this case, it isn't important.

A couple of good low HP two speed pumps are:

Pentair SuperFlo 3/4 or 1 HP two speed
Hayward MaxFlo 1 HP two speed


As for filter size, with that size pool, here is what I would recommend:

DE 24-36 sq-ft
Sand 3-4 sq-ft
Cart 125-250 sq-ft

Larger is nearly always better when it comes to filters.

 

[bfcurtis23]

thank you mark for your prompt response. So the 3/4 hp that the previous owner had on is too much? What do you mean by full rated pumps? Should I consider a variable speed pump?

 

[mas985]

It depends on the pump because two pumps with the same label HP may not be the same "size". Pumps come in three ratings:

Full Rated: Service Factor > 1.3
Up/Max Rated: 1.0 < Service Factor < 1.3
SPL Rated: Service Factor < 1.0

This is why it can be misleading to just go by the label HP when sizing a pump. I have a chart that compares the flow rate of several pumps here:

http://www.troublefreepool.com/thre...you-lost-your-head?p=6230&viewfull=1#post6230

Also, the economic viability of a VS pump depends on two primary factors: $/kwh and location (lightning areas)

High electrical rates paired with a low probability of lightning strikes are the best locations for a VS pump. But for most pool owners, a two speed will usually have a lower lifetime cost.

 

[bfcurtis23]

Haha the ratings seem a bit confusing with full rated/service factor etc..Ill have to read your thread...Thanks again