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Calcimator

Pool Pump Sizing Calculator

Size a pool pump based on turnover rate, pipe friction loss, and total dynamic head with energy cost estimates.

Inputs

gal
hrs
in
ft
ft

Results

Required Flow Rate

31.3 GPM

Recommended Pump HP

0.09 HP

≈ 7 LED bulbs

Pipe Friction Loss1.98 ft head
Total Dynamic Head6.98 ft
Annual Energy Cost$31.86
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter your pool volume in gallons — use the Pool Volume Calculator if needed.
  2. Set the desired turnover time in hours (8 hours is the standard for residential pools).
  3. Enter the main pipe diameter in inches and the total pipe run length in feet for friction loss calculation.
  4. Set the total head in feet — this is the sum of elevation change and equipment resistance (filter, heater).
  5. Review Required GPM and Pump HP to select the correct pump model for your system.
  6. Check Annual Energy Cost to compare single-speed vs. variable-speed pump savings over time.

How the result changes with Turnover Time

Turnover TimeRequired Flow RateRecommended Pump HP
4.852.1 GPM0.22 HP
6.836.8 GPM0.12 HP
9.227.2 GPM0.07 HP
1122.7 GPM0.06 HP

What each input means

Pool Volume
Total pool water volume in gallons.
Turnover Time
Desired turnover time — how many hours to circulate the entire pool volume (6-8 typical).
Pipe Diameter
Diameter of the plumbing pipe (1.5 or 2 inch typical for residential).
Static Head
Vertical height difference between pump and water return plus filter/equipment resistance.
Total Pipe Length
Total length of suction and return piping including equivalent lengths for fittings.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Pool Volume = 15000, Turnover Time = 8, Pipe Diameter = 2, Static Head = 5 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Required Flow Rate
    Required Flow Rate
    31.3 = 31.3
  3. Calculate Recommended Pump HP
    Recommended Pump HP
    0.09 = 0.09
  4. Calculate Pipe Friction Loss
    Pipe Friction Loss
    1.98 = 1.98
  5. Calculate Total Dynamic Head
    Total Dynamic Head
    6.98 = 6.98

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