Do I Need a Bigger Pool Pump? Signs, Sizing Tips & Best Pentair Options

Choosing the right pool pump size is critical for maintaining clean, healthy water and efficient circulation. If your pump is too small, it may struggle to move water through your filter, heater, or salt system — leading to poor water quality and possible equipment damage.

Here are the most common signs that your current pump might be undersized, plus guidance on what to do next.

Signs You May Need a Bigger Pool Pump

1. Your water isn’t circulating properly

• Debris lingering on the water’s surface
• Uneven skimming
• Cold spots in a heated pool

You may not be moving enough gallons per minute (GPM) to support proper turnover.

2. Your pool water stays cloudy or green

If your chemicals are balanced but the water still looks off, poor circulation could be the issue. A weak pump might not be turning over the water often enough to support filtration.

3. Your equipment isn't functioning efficiently

• Filters clog quickly or struggle to maintain pressure
• Salt chlorine generators show flow errors
• Heaters fail to fire due to insufficient flow

These are all signs your pump isn’t supplying enough volume.

4. You’ve upgraded or added new features

If you’ve recently added:

• A waterfall, deck jets, or other water features
• A solar or traditional heater
• A spa spillover or second skimmer

…your system may now require more flow than your old pump can deliver.

How to Choose the Right Size Pump

Step 1: Calculate your pool’s volume

This helps determine your required turnover rate. Most residential pools should turn over their entire volume in 8 hours.

Use this formula:
Pool Volume ÷ 8 = Gallons per hour (GPH)
GPH ÷ 60 = Required flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)

Step 2: Measure your system’s total dynamic head (TDH)

TDH is the resistance your pump must overcome, factoring in pipe length, fittings, and elevation. Most standard residential systems fall between 40–60 feet of TDH.

Step 3: Use a pump performance chart

Look for a Pentair pump that matches your flow rate and TDH requirements.
Browse Pentair Variable-Speed Pumps here ›

What Are the Best Pump Options If I Need a Bigger One?

If you need more flow, a variable-speed pump is often the best solution. Models like the Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF adapt to your system’s needs and can deliver high flow when needed — while saving energy the rest of the time.

Other top picks:

• Pentair SuperFlo VS – Great for medium-sized pools or basic upgrades
• Pentair WhisperFlo VST – Ideal for larger pools or systems with features

It Might Be A Good Time to Upgrade

If your current pump isn’t keeping up, upgrading to a properly sized — and energy-efficient — model will improve water quality, equipment performance, and operating costs.

Need help sizing the right pump?
Visit any of our locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Las Vegas — or shop online now to compare top-rated pool pump models. Our team always is here to help you find the best fit for your pool system.