Pool Filtration Pump

by Philip
(Snohomish, WA USA)

How many gallons per hour should a pool filtration system pump for an above ground 18 foot Round 48 inch deep pool?


Hi Philip. An 18 foot pool could be adequately filtered with a 1/2 HP or a 1 1/2 HP or anything in between. The most important factor becomes how long do you run the filter? Smaller pumps need more filtration time while larger ones can turn the water over quicker and require less running.

Two speed pumps along the lines of 3/4 to 1 1/2 or 1/2 to 1 are excellent systems. Filtration at the lower rate, for more hours, is preferred but the high speed is better for running cleaners and vacuuming.

Running a low speed pump for 24/7 is a very acceptable way of keeping a pool clean. Two more important things to note with regards to above ground pool filter systems are, the hotter the temperature is the more hours a day the filter should run. If you ever have water clarity problems, run the filter non-stop until the water clears.

Below are links to more reading about above ground pool filter systems.

Pool Filter Systems

Above Ground Pool Filters