Is 1.5 HP pool pump enough?
Conclusion. So to answer the question, yes, you can replace your 1hp pool pump with a 1.5hp pool pump, but only if your situation calls for it. If you've determined that your current pump is too small for your pool, then we'll suggest replacing it with a larger ECO pump like the Water TechniX Pump Alpha ECO.
120 GPM â Spa Operation
A 1.5 HP pump would give you a flow rate of approximately 90 gallons per minute which would circulate this pool just fine . . .
Main circulation pumps for a residential, in-ground swimming pool would typically be in the . 75 HP to 3 HP. Most people think âThe Bigger the Better!â But this is far from the truth.
The most common reason for low or no flow is that the baskets are full of debris. By checking and emptying both the skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) will free up the water flow, allowing the system to fully 'prime' and function at full capacity.
A pool pump that is larger than needed has a more powerful motor and circulates water at a higher flow rate. This uses significantly more energy to pump the same amount of water and puts additional stress on your pipes and filter, meaning you'll need to replace them sooner.
1.5 hp horizontal centrifugal pump has maximum flow 4.9m3/h (21.6 gpm), maximum head 29m (95ft) and same diameter of inlet and outlet 25mm (1 inch).
1.5 Hp Single Phase V4 submersible pump, Capacity: 15 To 50 M.
Calculating Pool Pump Energy Use: Each horsepower uses 746 watts. For a 1.5 hp pool pump, multiply 746 watts by 1.5 hp, for a total of 1,119 watts. Most utilities charge from 10¢ to 15¢ per kilowatt-hour, and to know kilowatt-hours, multiply watts X hours and divide by 1,000.
Not running the pump 24/7 is also a sanitary issue, and is the primary cause of a murky pool. The moment you turn off your water pump, debris, algae and bacteria start to build up, which can eventually lead to cloudy or green water. Your pool is meant to be a sanctuary, a place of relaxation and enjoyment.
What you're looking for is a pump that will be able to pump all the water in your pool through the filter in no more than 8-10 hours. This typically looks likes 40 GPM (gallons per minute) for smaller pools and 80 GPM for larger pools.
Is more HP better for pool pump?
The higher the horsepower, the greater volume of water pumped. Additionally, the faster it'll filter through your pool water. This may be America, but even so: bigger doesn't always mean better. The fact is that a typical residential pool can be circulated effectively with just 1 HP.
If you are building a new pool, you have the option to go with pretty much whatever horsepower pump you want as long as it meets the minimum requirements of your pool and is properly sized for the filter and plumbing.

When the pressure is lower than normal, this usually indicates a flow problem, and usually something is blocking or restricting water flow into the pool pump. It's never a problem after the pool pump, because after the impeller, the pool water is under pressure, and obstructions result in higher than normal pressure.
Pool Gallonage | Pump Size | Recommended Filter Size |
---|---|---|
15,000 | 1.0 hp | Cartridge - 100-200 Sq. Ft. Sand - 3.0 Sq. Ft DE - 36 Sq Ft |
20,000 | 1.5 hp | Cartridge - 300-400 Sq. Ft. Sand - 3.9 Sq. Ft DE - 48 Sq Ft |
25,000 | 1.5 hp | |
30,000 | 2.0 hp | Cartridge - 400-500 Sq. Ft. Sand - 4.9 Sq. Ft DE - 60 Sq Ft |
On the other side of the coin, if the pump is too small, then your pool will become more prone to algae infestation as your pool water won't be totally circulated and filtered.
So, on low speed the 1 HP moves 43 GPM and the 1.5 HP moves 45.5 GPM. To save money you want to hopefully run it on low speed (much less electrical current is used on low speed and it's more quiet). For me, with my Hayward EC40 filter, low speed with the 1 HP works great because the filter is designed for 40 GPM.
For example, let's say we have a 15,000-gallon pool. If we're wanting a pump that can provide an 8-10 hour turnover, we'd need something rated for a minimum of 1,500-1,875 GPH or 25-31 GPM.
So for a 15,000-gallon pool, I suggest a 300 sq ft filter, for a 20,000-gallon pool a 400 sq ft filter and for a 30,000-gallon pool a 500 sq ft filter. You can use a smaller filter if you choose, just note that you will be cleaning it often and the water flow may not be as efficient as going with a larger filter.
The 1.5 HP 220V Electric Water Pressure Pump adds 70 psi of boost pressure at 5 gpm, 63 psi at 10 gpm, and 54 at 15 gpm flow rate. Max pump casing pressure not to exceed 116 psi.
Flow rates: These 1.5 HP Water pumps' flow rates are 1830 - 425 lph.
How much does it cost to run a 1.5 HP pump?
$1.36 per day x 365 days = $496 per year to Operate a 1-½ HP Variable Speed Pump.
Variable speed pool pumps should run longer, based upon the operating speed. Most pool owners run their variable speed pump for 12 hours per day (3-4 hours on high speed for the pool cleaning system and 8-9 hours on low speed for filtration).
It's not uncommon for a 1.5 horsepower pump to use 1500 â 2000 watts.
The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.
Should I run my pump while it's raining? Zagers says yes! We recommend that our customers run their pumps rain or shine UNLESS you have an electrical storm. In that case, lightning could strike an outside circuit, which could damage your pump and other equipment.
One of the most significant consumers of energy in homes with swimming pools are pool pumps, which keep pools clean by circulating water through filters. Pool pumps can consume 3,000 to over 5,000 kWh per year.
It is safe to swim while the pool pump is running and, in fact, having the filter working while swimming is actually the best option. If you don't then any bugs or debris on the surface of the pool will not be removed by the skimmers and you will be swimming with them.
Example: If you have a 20,000 gallon pool and a desired turnover rate of 5 hours, your desired flow rate would be: (20,000/5) = 4,000 gallons per hour/60 = 66.66 GPM, or approximately 67 GPM.
So, for a 30,000-gallon pool that runs continuously (24-hours), the formula is: 30,000 x 2 á 24 á 60 = 41.6 or rounded up it's a 42 GPM minimum flow rate.
Inground Pumps Can Handle Air as Opposed to Above-Ground
Self-priming pumps make it easy to use manual hand pool floor cleaners because they can carry air. Above-ground pumps can't handle air. Above-ground pumps must be below the water table for the pool water to flow freely through the pump.
Should I run my pool pump on high or low speed?
How are the two speeds used? The low-speed setting is used to meet the general, day-to-day swimming needs to circulate and chlorinate. High-speed settings are used when heating the water, cleaning the pool, water features, or when you have a large bather load.
For pool owners, the normal range is around 10 PSI; check your owner's manual for more information. Once you know what's normal for your filter, get in the habit of checking the pressure gauge once a week as part of your pool maintenance routine.
The pressure level will only go up if the water is having too much trouble going through the filter media. The two situations where water will have trouble going through the media is if the pump is too strong, it's pushing more water than what the filter is allowing, so we'll see a pressure build up.
Swimming pools up to 24 ft. around, a 1 horsepower pool pump is needed. Swimming pools over 24 ft. around, a 1.5 horsepower pool pump is needed.
Your 25,000-gallon pool needs a pump with an output of 52 gallons per minute to circulate the water once every eight hours.
- If you have a sand filter and are vacuuming to waste, set filter to âwasteâ option. ...
- Otherwise, leave setting on âfilterâ and turn pump on to begin vacuuming. ...
- Vacuum your pool just as you would vacuum your living room, picking up debris or algae as you go.
Pressure gauges can fail for several reasons. If the gauge remains at zero when the pump is on, the problem could be simple to fix. The air bleeder assembly under the gauge, which measures the pressure, could simply be clogged. Unscrew the gauge, clean it out, and replace it.
Clean your Filter.
The most common cause of high pressure in a pool is a dirty filter. Take cartridges as an example, as the material sives dirt from your pool water, the cartridge fabric more and more clogged. The clogging means the water has fewer and smaller perforations in the filter media to squeeze through.
Your pool pump should be replaced anywhere between 8 to 15 years depending on the quality, and a full replacement may cost over $800. Your pool pump is the âheartâ of your swimming pool as it circulates water throughout, bringing water through the filtration and heating systems.
Yes, you want to run your pool pump for at least eight hours every day to complete at least one turnover cycle. But that doesn't mean it has to be eight hours straight. Again, refer to those non-peak utility hours.
Are pool pumps supposed to run all day?
A Rule of Thumb
Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.
Example: If you have a 20,000 gallon pool and a desired turnover rate of 5 hours, your desired flow rate would be: (20,000/5) = 4,000 gallons per hour/60 = 66.66 GPM, or approximately 67 GPM.
1.5 Hp Single Phase V4 submersible pump, Capacity: 15 To 50 M.
Some commercial properties require 24-hour a day pump circulation, but as a homeowner, this is not advisable. If you are lucky enough to own an Energy Efficient, Variable Speed swimming pool pump (VSP) then , yes, technically you could run your pump for 24 hours a day.
The industry standard for turnover rate (how long it takes to circulate the entire volume of the pool) is 2-3 times per day. Your average 1hp pool pump pumps around 80gpm. Means it will take a 1hp pump an average of 8 hours to turn over a 12,000-gallon pool 3 times a day.
Your 25,000-gallon pool needs a pump with an output of 52 gallons per minute to circulate the water once every eight hours.
Here is an example to help you understand: For a 15,000 gallon pool, the pump is able to push 40 gallons per minute of water through the filter. That equates to 2,400 gallons per hour. At this rate it will take your pump 6.5 hours to filter the whole 15,000 gallons.
If you have a 35,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 10 hours, you will need a pump with a flow rate of 56 gallons per minute.
The higher the horsepower, the greater volume of water pumped. Additionally, the faster it'll filter through your pool water. This may be America, but even so: bigger doesn't always mean better. The fact is that a typical residential pool can be circulated effectively with just 1 HP.
So, for a 30,000-gallon pool that runs continuously (24-hours), the formula is: 30,000 x 2 á 24 á 60 = 41.6 or rounded up it's a 42 GPM minimum flow rate.