Swimming Pool Pumps

An efficient swimming pool pump is essential for sustaining proper circulation in the pool, and supports other equipment used for your pool, including the filter, heater, automatic chlorinator or cleaner.

The best swimming pool pumps for your pool depends on the kind of swimming pool you have and the kind of swimming pool equipment you wish the pump to support. It is important to use the proper sized pump for your pool so that the water in your pool circulates properly and is properly sanitized. When choosing a pump, you need to consider the flow rate and turnover, pool capacity and the amount of resistance needed to support the filter and other systems that rely on the pump. Pumps that are designed for in-ground pools will not work well for above-ground pools because these pumps use the force of gravity to direct the water to the pump. Pumps for in-ground pools create their own suction to keep the water moving. A basic pump will support a filter and will last many years with proper maintenance. You will need a more powerful pump to support additional equipment.

Self-priming pumps are able to automatically generate water flow to prime the pump for operation. They are suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pools, and usually have a strainer or trap to keep hair, leaves, lint and other items out of the pump and that serve as reservoirs for water that primes the pump.

Flooded suction pumps are designed for use below the pool’s water level and are thus suitable for above-ground pools. Similar in appearance to the self-priming pumps, they do not have the strainer or reservoir necessary for self-priming.

Booster pumps are used in tandem with self-priming pumps to help to provide more pressure or water flow. They cannot be used without a primary pump to provide water, since they are not self-priming.

Variable speed pumps that run at different speeds are also available. [NEED MORE INFO]. Pump maintenance generally involves cleaning the strainer basket. The basket must be cleared of debris regularly, depending on where the pool is located or bather load. Cracked or broken baskets should be replaced immediately to keep the pump working properly. If hair or other debris gets through the strainer basket, you may need to clean the impeller periodically so that it does not interfere with the water flow or prevent the pump from starting.

As swimming pool pumps are major investments, you need to ensure that you get the appropriate pump for your swimming pool and the equipment that will be paired with it.

Swimming Pool Filters

There are different kinds of swimming pool filter for your pool, and the ideal one depends on your preference, the pool’s location, and the type of pool that you have. Some filters are more suitable for pools that are located in open areas that get a lot of dust and dirt or where there is a lot of leaves and debris.

There are three basic choices for filters: cartridge, sand and semiautomatics earth filter systems. Every type of pool filter has its unique benefits and drawbacks.

Sand filters are very popular because they are durable, easy to use and inexpensive. Water from the pool is pulled in through the top of the filter and pushed through a bed of sand within the filter. The sand filters out the contaminants and clean water is pushed back into the pool through the bottom of the filter. Water flow decreases as the filter continues to remove debris from the water and the sand becomes plugged with debris. The filter can be easily cleaned by “back washing” or reversing the water flow through the pump via a backwash valve. The sand can be replaced if the filter becomes too dirty. One of the drawbacks to sand filters is that some particles might not be filtered and will remain in the swimming pool water. These filters are capable of filtering down to 20-25 microns. Sand filters require weekly back washing for optimal efficiency. Back washing is not permitted in some locales, and are the least energy efficient type of filter.

Cartridge filters are smaller, more affordable and more energy efficient than sand filters. Water is filtered through the paper-like surface of the filter which traps dirt and debris from the pool and filtered water is returned to the pool. Cartridge filters run at a lower pressure and require less water for operation than sand filters, so less pressure is required from the pump. Cleaning the filter generally requires spraying with a hose, and no back washing is needed. Cartridge filters are capable of filtering particles down to 5 microns.

D.E. filters or semiautomatics earth filters use mined fossilized exoskeletons of tiny diatoms to coat the grids in the filter and filter out debris and other impurities from the water. The grids inside the D.E. filter tank with are coated with D.E. Powder that acts like sand to filter small particles from the water. DE filters can filter particles that are as small as 3 microns. Similar to sand filters, when the pressure in the filter rises, it becomes less efficient and requires back washing and replacing of the D.E. powder through a slurry into the skimmer. These filters can make the water clearer, but they are more expensive and need more upkeep than sand or cartridge filters, because the D.E. powder must be replaced every time the filter is back washed. These filters also run at a higher pressure than cartridge filters. D.E. filters must be cleaned thoroughly at least once a year.

How To Choose Swimming Pool Cleaners ?

If you have a pool at home, chances are you’ll spend many hours having fun around and in the pool. Although your pool can provide hours of entertainment, you will find that having an efficient swimming pool cleaners will allow you even more time to enjoy your pool and less time and effort for cleaning and maintenance. Pool cleaners complement the work of swimming pool chemicals for keeping your pool clean by removing debris from the walls and floor of the pool. There are different cleaners for different types of pools. Swimming pool cleaners come in manual or automatic styles, and we can help you to find the right one to suit your pool and your budget. Manual Pool Cleaners look like a vacuum and pick up debris from the pool surfaces as you run the cleaner over them. They allow you to control what your cleaner picks up. Manual pool cleaners are relatively inexpensive and suitable for smaller in-ground pools or above-ground pools.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Automatic pool cleaners remain in the pool to remove dirt, leaves and other sediment without your having to be there to do the cleaning.

Suction-Side Cleaners have very few moving parts and are great for small to medium sized pools. These cleaners use suction generated from the pool pump to clean the pool’s surfaces, and connect to a skimmer or side port with a suction line in the pool’s plumbing system. The filter must be kept clean because the amount of suction depends on the pressure from the filter. These cleaners are very effective for picking up sand and fine dirt particles.

Pressure Pool Cleaners are propelled around the pool by water pressure from a pool pump or a dedicated booster pump that forces pressure through a line into the pool to the cleaner. Unlike suction cleaners, dirt and debris collected from the pool pass directly into an easily removable filter bag and do not wind up in the filter or the pump basket. Pressure pool cleaners can efficiently pick up large debris, circulate fine debris via sweeper hoses, and filter and deliver filtered water into the pool.

Robotic Pool Cleaners are self-contained and do not attach to a pool pump or filter. They have their own filtration system and collect debris in an internal bag that is easily removed. Robotic pool cleaners are usually placed in the pool as needed to remove dirt and other debris from the walls and floor of the pool without the need for adjustments. They are removed from the pool when not in use.

We offer swimming pool cleaners from Aqua Products, Hayward, Barracuda, Pentair, Polaris, Kreepy Krauly, Zodiac and others.

Swimming Pool Chemicals

Swimming pool chemicals help to keep the pool sanitary and sparkling. A chemically well-balanced pool is safe and clean for swimmers and can save time and money for pool owners. Optimal pH for your pool should be between 7.2 – 7.6. Adding the right chemicals at the right time is the key to Chlorine is available in bottles, 3-inch and 1-inch tablets, sticks and granular form. Chlorine is used to kill bacteria, algae and microorganisms and to stabilize the water in the pool. The stick and tablet forms are held together with fillers and binders and tend to dissolve more slowly than granular chlorine. Some granular types need to be pre-dissolved in water before being added to the swimming pool and must be added regularly. Other types, such as Sodium Dichloro or Lithium Hypochlorite do not need to be pre-dissolved.Cyanuric Acid is used in dichlor/trichlor tablets to keep them stable in sunlight. Cyanuric acid is available in powder and liquid form. It is important to test the pH of the wter to maintain adequate levels of cyanuric acid in relation to chlorine so that the chlorine performs its sanitizing functions optimally. Ideally, levels should be around 40 ppm.

Use the correct way of Swimming Pool Chemicals and maintaining their correct level is important to both the upkeep of your swimming pool and your ability to safely enjoy it.