Pool Turnover Rate Calculator
Determine how long it takes for your pump to cycle the entire volume of your pool water.
What is Pool Turnover Rate?
The pool turnover rate is the amount of time it takes for your filtration system to circulate a volume of water equal to the total capacity of your swimming pool. For example, if you have a 20,000-gallon pool, one "turnover" is completed once 20,000 gallons have passed through the filter.
Why is Turnover Rate Important?
Effective water circulation is the backbone of pool maintenance. Proper turnover ensures that:
- Sanitization: Chemicals like chlorine are distributed evenly throughout the water.
- Filtration: Debris, algae spores, and contaminants are physically removed by the filter.
- Water Clarity: Stagnant water quickly becomes cloudy and susceptible to algae blooms.
How to Calculate Pool Turnover Rate
The formula for turnover rate is based on your pool's total volume and the flow rate of your pump system. The standard calculation is:
Turnover Time (Hours) = (Pool Volume in Gallons ÷ Flow Rate in GPM) ÷ 60
Example Calculation
If you have a 15,000-gallon pool and your pump's flow rate (usually found on the pump's flow meter or performance curve) is 50 Gallons Per Minute (GPM):
- 15,000 / 50 = 300 minutes
- 300 / 60 = 5 hours
In this scenario, your pool completes one full turnover every 5 hours.
Recommended Turnover Standards
While requirements vary by local health codes, the generally accepted industry standards are:
- Residential Pools: At least one turnover every 8 hours (3 times per 24-hour period).
- Commercial Pools: Often require a turnover every 6 hours or less depending on bather load.
- Spas and Hot Tubs: Require a much faster turnover, often every 30 minutes, due to high temperature and organic load.
Note: Factors like pipe diameter, filter cleanliness (head pressure), and distance from the pump can significantly impact your actual flow rate compared to the pump's theoretical maximum.