To provide required flow rates of cooling or circulating water properly, approach flow conditions of vertical pump systems should be in compliance with state of the art acceptance criteria. The direct inflow should be vortex free, with low pre-rotation and symmetric velocity distribution. Physical model investigations are common practice and the best tool of prediction to evaluate, to optimize and to document flow conditions inside intake structures for vertical pumping systems. Optimization steps should be accomplished with respect to installation costs and complexity on site. The report shows evaluation of various approach flow conditions inside a compact waste water pumping station. The focus is on the occurrence of free surface vortices and the evaluation of air entrainment for various water level and flow rates. The presentation of the results includes the description of the investigated intake structure, occurring flow problems and final recommendations.