1. Step 1

   Divide the number of gallons of water your pool holds by 8. Then, divide the quotient by 60. This will determine the minimum flow rate you need use to ensure the water in your pool can make a complete circulation every 8 hours.

2. Step 2

   Determine the maximum flow rate your pool can handle by looking at its plumbing system. Most pools use 2-inch pipes, which can handle about 73 gallons per minute. A 1.5-inch pipe can handle less than 45 gallons per minute, while a 3-inch pipe can handle more than 150 gallons per minute. Use a slightly lower flow rate if your plumbing has a lot of intricate turns and connections that could be stressed by too much rushing water.

3. Step 3

   Select a pool pump with a flow rate between your minimum and maximum allowance.

4. Step 4

   Consult a professional for complicated systems that involve using a single pump for multiple pools, or multiple pumps for a single pool.

How Does a Pool Pump Work?

Importance of a Pool Pump

1. All swimming pools have a filtering system to keep the water clean and free of algae and bacteria. An integral part of your filtering system is the pool pump. Without a pump your filtering system will not work and your pool will get too dirty to use rather quickly. Most pool pumps are self priming which mean if the pump housing is not full of water when you turn the system on, it will fill it by it's self. This is a very helpful feature because priming a pump can be a difficult task. Pool pumps come in various horse power depending on the size of the pool and how many gallons of water it must pull through the filtering system each hour.

Parts of the Pump

2. The pump has a motor that turns at a high speed when the pump is on. At the other end of the pump there is an impeller that is driven by the pump motor. The pump housing, also known as the vacuum chamber, is filled with water. This creates a vacuum which allows the pump to pull the water out of the pool. Some pools have a diffuser in the pump itself and some have an external diffuser. The diffuser takes the air out of the pump, hoses or suction piping. If the air does not get out you can loose your prime. All self priming pumps have diffusers. Another part important to your pump is the pressure gauge. As the impeller creates the water pressure it is measured by the gauge. When the pressure gets too low you will know that the filter is dirty and needs to be cleaned or back washed.

How the Pump Works

3. Now that you know how the individual parts work it is easier to understand how the whole process works. When the pump is turned on and it is properly primed, the motor turns the impeller. This helps to pull the water into the vacuum chamber which is the pump housing. The water goes through a filtering system which could be sand, diatomaceous earth or a cartridge. The water is cleaned by the filtering system and pushed back into the pool. All the while the diffuser is helping to get rid of any air bubbles that have made their way into the pump. When the pressure gauge shows the low pressure you will need to back wash the system. This is done by switching valves to redirect the flow of the water and stopping water from going into the pool. The water is pulled from the pool, only this time it goes into the bottom of the filter, pushing the dirt up where it is drained out. This is done until the water comes out clean. Then the valves are put back to their original position and the pump starts pulling the water through the filtering system again

How to Hook Up Your Pool Filter & Pump

1. Step 1

   Place the pool pump and filter in a level area about 2 to 3 feet away from the pool skimmer. If needed, use paving stones and a leveling tool to ensure the area is level. Place the pump near the pool skimmer, which is on the side of the pool. Place the filter to the right side of the pool pump, near the return valve on the side of the pool.

2. Step 2

   Connect the outlet valve on the pool skimmer to the inlet valve on the pool pump, using a piece of pool hose. The valves are labeled, but you can refer to your owner's manual if needed. Secure both ends of the hose with hose clamps and tighten the hose clamp with a flat head screwdriver.

3. Step 3

   Connect the pool filter's outlet valve to the pool return jet valve, using another piece of pool hose. The pool's return jet valve is on the sidewall of the pool. Use two pool hose clamps to secure the hose and tighten.

4. Step 4

   Determine what type of pool pump connection you have. A lot of newer models have a connector on the pool pump that connects to the pool filter. If you have that type of connection, use a large wrench and tighten the connector to the filter. If you do not have a connector, use a small piece of pool hose and connect the pool pump outlet valve to the pool filter inlet valve. Secure the hose with two hose clamps. Your pool is now ready to be filled and the filtration system is now ready for use.