1. What is Pump Flow Rate?

Pump Flow Rate is the volume of water that a pool pump can move per hour, measured in gallons per hour (GPH). It determines how quickly the pool water circulates through the filtration system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pump flow rate formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Pool Volume} \) — Total water volume in the pool (gallons)
• \( \text{Turnover Time} \) — Desired time to circulate entire pool volume (hours)
• \( \text{Pump Flow Rate} \) — Required pump capacity (gallons per hour)

Explanation: This calculation ensures your pump can circulate the entire pool volume within your desired timeframe for proper filtration and chemical distribution.

3. Importance of Proper Pump Sizing

Details: Correct pump sizing is essential for efficient pool operation. An undersized pump won't properly filter the water, while an oversized pump wastes energy and can cause excessive wear on the system.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pool volume in gallons and desired turnover time in hours. Typical turnover times range from 6-12 hours for residential pools. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the ideal turnover time for a pool?
A: Most residential pools require 8-12 hour turnover times. Commercial pools may need faster turnover (4-6 hours).

Q2: How do I calculate my pool volume?
A: For rectangular pools: Length × Width × Average Depth × 7.5. For circular pools: π × Radius² × Average Depth × 7.5.

Q3: Should I consider pipe size when selecting a pump?
A: Yes, pipe diameter affects flow resistance. Larger pipes allow higher flow rates with less pump pressure required.

Q4: What's the difference between GPH and GPM?
A: GPH is gallons per hour, GPM is gallons per minute. To convert: GPH ÷ 60 = GPM.

Q5: Can I use this for hot tub or spa pumps?
A: Yes, but spas typically require faster turnover times (30 minutes to 2 hours) due to smaller volumes and higher bather loads.