Small seasonal pool
Choose equipment that is easy to install, has compatible connections and readily available cartridges or other consumables. Check that equipment supplied in a kit is adequate for the actual pool volume.
Pool Explained
Choosing equipment
How to match your pool pump, filter and heater
Start with pool volume and required flow. Choose a pump and filter that work together in the pipework, then add heating and other equipment according to how you use the pool.
Main components
The essential pool equipment
Learn what to check when choosing a pump, filter, heater and cover.
1. Circulation
Pool pump
Start with pool volume and the required flow, then account for pipe length, valves, elevation and the filter.
Learn more 2. FiltrationPool filter
The pump moves water through the filter, which traps particles. The filter’s permitted flow must match the pump and installation.
Learn more 3. TemperaturePool heating
Choose heating for the water volume, swimming season, target temperature and expected daytime and overnight heat loss.
Learn more 4. Protection and conveniencePool covers
Solar, winter and safety covers serve different purposes. Choose according to whether you want less evaporation, less debris or a properly specified safety measure.
Learn more Everyday settingsHow long to run the pump
Estimate initial pump hours from volume and actual flow, then adjust for water temperature, bather numbers and filter condition.
Learn morePump and filter
Matching circulation and filtration
The guide explains water volume, required flow, pipework resistance and filter flow limits.
Choosing in the right order
Before buying equipment
Following this order reduces the risk of buying incompatible components or having to alter the installation later.
- 1Calculate the water volume. You need it to estimate circulation, filtration and heating requirements reliably.
- 2Establish the required flow and check the effects of pipes, valves, elevation and filtration.
- 3Match pump and filter flow limits, connections and maintenance needs. Motor power and housing size alone are not enough.
- 4Plan heating for the desired temperature, season length and whether you will regularly use a cover.
- 5Check space, electrical supply, drainage, noise, service access and consumable availability before buying.
Different pools, different needs
What to check for your type of pool
Larger family pool
Check stable flow, ease of filter cleaning and running costs. The system needs to cope with warmer days, more swimmers and heavier dirt loads.
Permanent pool
Plan the equipment space, valves, bypasses, drainage and servicing access before installing the pipework. Alterations later can be expensive.
Common mistakes
Why equipment can underperform
More rated power cannot fix incompatible components, poorly installed plumbing or inadequate service access.
Mistake 1
buying a pump by motor power or the maximum flow printed on the box
Mistake 2
combining a pump and filter with incompatible flow ratings
Mistake 3
ignoring pipe diameter and length, valves and elevation
Mistake 4
planning heating without a cover or a heat-loss estimate
Mistake 5
installing equipment without enough room for cleaning and servicing
Mistake 6
buying a system without checking replacement parts and consumables
Practical tools
Useful calculations and comparisons
Calculate pool volume
Find the water volume needed to size circulation, filtration and other equipment.
Learn moreEstimate the required flow
Enter the water volume and the target turnover time.
Learn moreSet daily pump hours
Use actual flow to estimate how many hours the pump should run each day.
Learn moreCompare filters
Compare the practical differences between sand and cartridge filtration.
Learn moreFAQ
Pool equipment questions answered
Should I choose the pump or filter first?
Choose them together. The required flow provides the starting point; both components must then suit each other and the pipework.
Does a more powerful pump mean cleaner water?
Not necessarily. Excessive flow through an unsuitable filter can worsen filtration, increase electricity use and stress the installation.
When should I plan pool heating?
While designing the installation, even if the heater will be fitted later. You can then reserve space, connections, electrical capacity and a bypass.
What most affects equipment running costs?
Pool size, pump settings, system efficiency, water temperature and heat loss. Correctly sized equipment usually matters more than the highest advertised power.