How to Select the Right Pool Pump for Your Pool Size

Choosing the right pool pump isn’t just about keeping your pool clean – it’s about finding the right balance between performance, energy efficiency and long-term savings. If you’re a pool owner in Western Australia, selecting the correct size and type of pump for your pool can save you money and headaches.

The role of your pool pump

Your pool pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation system. It pushes water through the filter, heater and chlorinator, keeping everything in balance. Get it wrong, and you could end up with murky water, high power bills, or costly repairs.

Know your pool size first

Before anything else, calculate your pool’s volume. This will help you determine the flow rate required – that is, how many litres your pump needs to move per minute or hour.

To calculate:

• Measure your pool’s length x width x average depth (in metres).
• Multiply the total by 1,000 to get litres.
• Divide the total litres by 360 to get litres per minute (LPM).

Example: A 6m x 3m pool with a 1.5m average depth = 27,000 litres. Divide by 360, and you’ll need a pump that delivers at least 75 LPM.

Choose a pump that matches your flow rate

Pool pumps come in a range of sizes. Oversized pumps waste electricity. Undersized pumps can strain your system and reduce water quality.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Small pools (under 30,000L): 0.5 HP to 0.75 HP pump.
• Medium pools (30,000L to 60,000L): 0.75 HP to 1 HP pump.
• Large pools (60,000L+): 1.5 HP pump or variable speed pump.

Consider energy saving pool pumps

Traditional single-speed pumps run at full power all the time, which is costly. Energy saving pool pumps, like variable speed models, allow you to adjust flow rate to suit your pool’s needs.

Benefits include:

• Lower electricity bills.
• Quieter operation.
• Longer lifespan.
• Often eligible for energy rebates.

Match the pump to your pool system

If your pool has features like solar heating, waterfalls or in-floor cleaning, you may need a more powerful or programmable pump. Speak with a pool equipment expert to assess your full system requirements.

Don’t forget about installation space and plumbing

Make sure your chosen pump will physically fit in your setup. Check for:

• Pipe size and connection types.
• Clearance around the pump for airflow.
• Proximity to power supply.

When in doubt, get expert advice

Even if you’ve done the maths and read all the specs, it can still be tricky to choose the right pump. A quick consultation can help avoid costly mistakes, especially when you’re considering future upgrades or new pool features.

Choosing the right pump isn’t just about specs. At Best Price Pool Equipment, we offer personalised advice based on years of experience in the industry. Whether you’re replacing an old unit or installing a new pool, we help WA pool owners get it right the first time. Get in touch to get started