Pool Pump Turnover Calculator
Check how long your pump takes to cycle the whole pool, or find the flow rate you need for a target turnover. Enter the gallons and either the pump flow or the turnover you want.
How to calculate pool turnover
- Enter your pool volume in gallons.
- To check a pump, enter its flow rate in gallons per minute.
- Or to size a pump, enter the turnover time you want in hours.
- Read the turnover time, turns per day or the required flow rate.
Examples
20,000 gallon pool, 8 hour target
20,000 gallons, target turnover 8 hours
Need about 41.67 gallons per minute of flow
Frequently asked questions
What is pool turnover?
Turnover is the time it takes the pump to move a volume of water equal to the whole pool through the filter once. It is a key measure of circulation.
How do I calculate turnover time?
Divide the pool gallons by the pump flow in gallons per hour. Since pumps are rated per minute, the tool multiplies the gpm by 60 for you.
What turnover time should I aim for?
Many pools target one turnover every 8 hours, or about three per day. Heavily used pools may aim for faster turnover.
What flow rate does my pump need?
Divide the gallons by the target turnover time in minutes. For a 20,000 gallon pool and an 8 hour goal that is about 41.67 gallons per minute.
Does running the pump longer replace a faster pump?
Longer run time adds turnovers per day, while a faster pump shortens each turnover. Both improve circulation; balance them against energy use.
Related tools
Pool Volume Calculator
Calculate your swimming pool water volume in gallons and liters. Works for rectangular, circular and oval pools with shallow and deep end depths.
Pool Chlorine Calculator
Calculate how much chlorine to add to your pool to raise free chlorine by a target ppm. Enter gallons, the ppm rise and product strength for the dose.
Pool Heater Calculator
Calculate the energy and time to heat your pool. Enter gallons, the temperature rise, heater output and efficiency to get BTU, kWh and heating hours.
Appliance Energy Calculator
Find what an appliance costs to run from its wattage. Enter watts, hours per day and your rate to see kWh and cost per day, month and year.
Aquarium Volume Calculator
Calculate your fish tank volume in gallons and liters from inside dimensions in inches. Set a fill level to estimate the actual water it holds.
Baseboard Calculator
Estimate linear feet and pieces of baseboard or trim for a room. Enter length and width, subtract doorways, set piece length and add waste.