Answer
Mar 04, 2026 - 10:30 AM
This is a very common question. With a standard variable speed pump, the amount of flow (gallons per minute, or GPM) you get at any particular RPM will be unique to your pool.
You can refer to the pump's performance curve chart, cross referencing the Total Dynamic Head (vertical axis) with the curve, to see what flow rate might be achieved (measured by the horizontal axis). You can estimate your pool's Total Dynamic Head using online calculators (or for starters you can at least us a rough approximation of 40-60ft TDH for many simple in ground pools).
Or, a more simple and more accurate approach is to use a flow meter in the plumbing. Popular models include the Flow-Vis and Rola-Chem flow meters. This is a relatively inexpensive add on that can usually be added to the pool system fairly easily.
For pool owners that are considering a new variable speed pump, models with "Target Flow Control" allow you to set GPM targets instead of RPM targets.
You can refer to the pump's performance curve chart, cross referencing the Total Dynamic Head (vertical axis) with the curve, to see what flow rate might be achieved (measured by the horizontal axis). You can estimate your pool's Total Dynamic Head using online calculators (or for starters you can at least us a rough approximation of 40-60ft TDH for many simple in ground pools).
Or, a more simple and more accurate approach is to use a flow meter in the plumbing. Popular models include the Flow-Vis and Rola-Chem flow meters. This is a relatively inexpensive add on that can usually be added to the pool system fairly easily.
For pool owners that are considering a new variable speed pump, models with "Target Flow Control" allow you to set GPM targets instead of RPM targets.
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