The Skimmer And Main Drain
These features are probably already familiar to you, but just to recap.
A skimmer is the rectangular opening at the top of the pool wall, right below the coping.
A main drain is the big ol’ drain at the bottom of the pool.
Side note: You may not have a main drainthey’re becoming less common in residential pools, in favor of only skimmers. This is because for smaller pools, main drains aren’t always necessary.
Water flows through the skimmer and the main drain towards the pump and filter to be cleaned.
In The Swim Knowledge Pool: In
Filters for In-Ground Pools
In-ground pool filters are essential pool equipment to remove contaminants and particles on a daily basis to keep your pool clean and crystal clear. A good pool filter makes a pool easier to maintain, and also helps ensure a healthy swimming environment by removing potentially harmful pathogens. In The Swim offers a full line of in-ground pool filters from Jandy, Pentair. The most popular filters for in-ground pools are found here, at affordable and attractive pricing.
IN-GROUND POOL FILTER TYPES:
Diatomaceous Earth filters are the best possible filtration method, removing particles of 2-4 microns in size. Filter powder is added through the skimmer to coat the DE filter grids, which is backwashed out and replaced every 3-6 weeks. In-ground pool DE filters include the Pentair FNS Plus DE filters. In-ground DE filters provide such effective filtration, you may be able to run the pump less and use fewer chemicals.
Cartridge filters use a pleated polyester cartridge that traps particles of 10-20 microns in size. Cartridge pool filters have a simple design with very few parts, and also have the lowest resistance or back-pressure of all filter types. In-ground pool cartridge filters include the Jandy CV filter and the Pentair Clean & Clear. In-ground cartridge filters are available in large sizes that can go an entire season between cleanings!
Filter Type Sand Cartridge Or De
Second, find out which filter type youd prefer. There are three main types for above ground pools: sand, cartridge and D.E. filter systems. Each has their own benefits and filter to different microns.
DE removes particles down to three microns, all the time. A micron is very small a millionth of a meter. Cartridge filters work down to 40 microns only when they are working correctly. Sand filters work around 100 microns right after they are backwashed, and get down to about 75 microns when they are dirty. Shocking, which is a chemical oxidation done to pools weekly to monthly, burns off organics up to two microns.
So over time, pool water will build up anything above two microns, and below 3, 40, or 75 microns, depending on your filter. Then what happens? If you have a sand or cartridge filter, some day, perhaps in a few years, theres enough of this material in the water to give it a light haze or cloud. Then you drain the pool, borrow a DE filter for a few days, or start using a clarifier or filter aid on a regular basis. So why doesnt everyone just use a DE filter? Because they are more expensive and a lot more work BUT give you the cleanest, clearest water.
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Filters And Pumps For Above Ground Pools
We offer pumps and filters either separately or packaged in a complete filtration system. The complete filtration systems are the best value and quality because they feature matched products directly from the manufacturer. They are guaranteed to work together very efficiently. However, if you need to replace your pool’s existing pump or filter we do have replacement pumps and filters available for purchase.
Sand filter systems are included with new above ground pool kits. The sand filter is the best choice for most pools but you can exchange the sand filter for a Cartridge filter system or for a DE filter system by contacting our sales team.
Complete SystemsA complete system is the best value if you need to replace your pool’s existing pump and filter or if you are building a new above ground pool and need a complete package.
Replacement PumpsReplacement pumps are available from name manufacturers such as Hayward, Pentair, and Waterway. We have many different models available to fit any new or existing application.
Replacement FiltersWe offer replacement filters and multiport valves for several popular models. These are great if you have an existing pool pump or if you only need to purchase a filter.
Next Day Delivery Details
Dohenys is pleased to offer free next day delivery at no additional charge to most of the US for all Doheny’s brand chemicals and many of our most popular swimming pool supplies. Next Day Delivery Service does not mean Next Day Air, but simply that your qualifying products will be shipped from the warehouse closest to you resulting in delivery the next day.
Some details regarding this service:Other than for Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, not all products are stocked at all locations and therefore not available for next day delivery. Only those items with a Next Day Delivery designation on the product page can be expected to arrive the next day and orders must be placed by 4 PM local time .
If you reside in the next day delivery area served by our Pleasant Prairie facility, order in-stock products and place your order by 4 PM CT you should receive your order the next day . This applies to products even if they do not have a Next Day Delivery designation.
Because next day delivery is not guaranteed for standard service and residential deliveries are made only Monday through Saturday though Saturday delivery is not guaranteed, there is a chance that our product will not arrive the next day. While we try our best, unexpected demand can cause products to occasionally be out of stock or create a warehouse backlog that also can prevent shipment the day of the order.
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What Is A Pool Pump Consist And What Does It Do
What and how does a pool pump work for a pool?
An electric motor and a wet end assembly make up a pool pump. The motor makes an impeller spin inside an airtight housing, creating suction to draw water from the pool, pump it through a filter, and return the clean water to the pool.
To stay clean and clear, pool water must be circulated daily. Without a pool pump to circulate the water and a filter to eliminate toxins, a swimming pool will soon get stagnant and dirty.
First, a hose called the influent line sucks water from the pool. The water from the influent line enters the pump, where it passes through a straining bucket before reaching the impeller.
As it spins, the impeller, a spinning turbine mounted to the electric motor shaft, produces centrifugal energy. Water forces itself out of the effluent hose or tubing, which leads to the filter by centrifugal force.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Best Pool Pump And Filter System
When it comes time to buy a pool pump and filter system, there are many things you need to take into account.
The type of pool, the size of the pool, and the amount of traffic your pool receives – all of these factors that will determine which pump and filter system are best for you. In this blog post, we will discuss 3 things you should consider before making your purchase!
1. Type of pool
The first thing you need to consider is the type of pool you have. There are above-ground pools and inground pools, and each type requires a different type of pump and filter system.
Above-ground pools typically use a cartridge filter system, while inground pools usually use a sand or DE filter system.
2. The size
The second thing to consider is the size of your pool. The larger the pool, the more power you will need from your pump and filter system.
If you have a small above-ground pool, you can get away with a less powerful pump and filter system. However, if you have a large inground pool, you will need a much more powerful system to keep the water clean and clear.
3. The amount
The third factor to consider is the amount of traffic your pool receives. If you have a lot of people using your pool on a daily basis, you will need a stronger pump and filter system to keep the water clean. However, if your pool is only used occasionally, you can get by with a weaker system.
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Want To Learn More About Pools
I mean, you’re basically a pool pro now. But it never hurts to expand your repertoire!
Our blog articles and our YouTube channel videos answer every question you may have about pools, throughout both the buying process and lifetime ownership. Check them out, and then impress your friends and family with your pool knowledge!
Based near Richmond, VA, River Pools specializes in manufacturing and installing fiberglass pools because we’re firm believers in their long-term qualitythey’re beautiful and durable, require little maintenance, and have a quick installation time to boot.
Our pools are also available nationwide through our River Certified Dealers, who install them using the above-and-beyond standards of The River Pools Way.
We’re excited to help you any way we can!
The Salt Chlorine Generator
Heads-up: If you have a traditional chlorine system in your pool, you don’t have to worry about this section. You don’t have a salt chlorine generator, so skip on ahead to return jets. Or read this section anyway. Whatever floats your goat.
For a saltwater pool, instead of adding chlorine to the pool water, you add salt, and the generator converts it to chlorine.
The salt chlorine generator has multiple parts:
- The control board
The cell is what’s connected to the plumbing pipes. The control panel is usually a little farther away.
After being filtered, your pool water flows through the cell. Inside, a series of metallic grids with a low-voltage current create a reaction that converts the salt down to little bubbles of pure chlorine. This pure chlorine reacts with the water to form hypochlorous acid, which is what cleans your pool.
Cool, right?
Return jets… well, they return the filtered water to the pool.
Spa jets are a variant of this.
I’m trying to think of a way to make it more complicated, but it’s not.
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Pumps And Filters For In
Filters and pumps are absolutely essential to proper in-ground swimming pool maintenance. Without such equipment, dirt, debris and other contaminants can accumulate in the water, creating an unpleasant and unhealthy swimming environment. On the other hand, with the help of filters and pumps for in-ground swimming pools, pool owners can enjoy clean, well-circulated water. Of course, in order to get the most out of your pool equipment and to ensure that it functions properly, it’s important to purchase filters and pumps that will be a good match for your pool and your maintenance routine. The following information is designed to help pool owners become informed about the various options available when it comes to choosing filters and pumps for in-ground pools.
Consider The Following When Choosing The Best Pool Pump
When looking for a new above- or below-ground pool pump, various criteria must be considered, including the pools size, material, horsepower, and filter compatibility.
Pool Dimensions
Pool owners must determine the minimum flow rate of a pump in order to acquire the appropriate size pump for the pool volume. The flow rate is expressed in metric gallons per minute and indicates how frequently the pump can filter the full contents of the pool each day. This figure is referred to as the turnover rate. The pump should be powerful enough to turn the pool over at least once a day, preferably twice.
You can either use an online pool pump calculator or perform the calculations manually. Divide the pool capacity by 24, which will give you the number of gallons per hour that a pump would need to circulate for a single days circulation.
Horsepower and Voltage
The majority of manufacturers do not advertise their pumps capacity in gallons per minute because the flow rate is determined by elements other than the pump, such as the size of the piping, the plumbing fittings, the pool filter, and even the elevation of the pump in respect to the pool. All of these factors can cause resistance, reducing the pumps flow rate this is most commonly referred to as head resistance.
Hardwired vs. Plug-In
Noise Level
Compatibility of Filters
Efficient Energy Use
Maintenance
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So When Do You Run Your Pool Pump
Now that you understand your pools turnover rate and have ensured that your pump is up to speed , its time to begin planning when to run your pump. Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But heres the thing: you dont have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.
Did You Know?
You can save money on your electric bill by running your pool pump during non-peak hours when electricity costs the least. Contact your electric company and find out which hours are billed at peak rates and which are billed at non-peak rates, and then plan to run your pump during those hours.
Another time to think about running your pump is when you add chemicals. For instance, when you shock your pool, you should do it at night so the sun wont burn off the chemicals. And that means you will run your pool pump at night after shocking it so it can distribute the chemicals in your pool.
Even when you add routine chemicals to your pool, its smart to run the pump immediately afterward to properly disperse them.
What Size Pump Do I Need For Pool
People tend to buy a larger pump than is needed because they believe that bigger power is better. However, this increases the maintenance expenses, but your filter can end up being overworked.
As a general rule, a pool pump should filter all of the water once every day. Therefore, your pump should be the right size for the amount of water in your pool.
What size pump do you need for what size pool?
You’ll want to check closely what gallons per hour that your pump promises to move for this. One general rule of thumb is to times the number the pump claims to pump by eight and see if the result is comparable to your pool’s overall gallons.
Still, have concerns about how many gallons of water your pool holds? It’s basic math that anybody can do, and if math is not your forte, a calculator will help.
First thing is first, measure the length, width, and depth of your pool. Then multiply those three figures . Now, to convert and calculate your pool’s volume to gallons, simply multiply that figure by 7.5, and voila! If you are a boffin with formulas, here is one to dive into:
Pool Length in Feet x Pool Width in Feet x Pool Depth in Feet x 7.5 = Total Volume of Your Pool in Gallons
Above-Ground Pool Pumps
The above-ground pump is usually made of strengthened fiberglass and lighter plastics. As a general rule, above-ground pools with less than 15,300 gallons need a 1 Horse Power pump. For bigger pools, you will need at least a 1.5 Horse Power pump.
Inground Pool Pumps
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Cleaner Type Suction Side Pressure Side Or Robotic
Third, know what type of cleaner youll be using. Suction side, pressure side, and robotic cleaners effectively clean an above ground pool but are powered differently.
Suction Side Cleaners Suction side cleaners are affordable and most commonly used. Attaching to the suction side of the plumbing system, the pool pump powers the cleaner, drawing in dirt and debris. Large debris or high volumes of debris, such as leaves, can clog the filtration system.
Pressure Side Cleaners Pressure side cleaners conveniently capture their own debris and also help to circulate water and pool chemicals. This is convenient because uncirculated water in dead zones will encourage the growth of algae. Pressure side cleaners attach to the return port, and a vacuum is created to pick up dirt and debris.
Robotic Cleaners Robotic cleaners run independent of your pools pump and filter, collecting debris in a self-contained fine mesh bag. They are the most efficient out of all pool cleaners because they do not clean the same area twice.
Finding the correct sizes that work well together will greatly affect the way your pool will perform. Above ground pool pumps range from 1/2-1½ HP and a pump with too much horsepower will create excess water movement.
Things to Remember:
Choosing a higher horsepower will increase water flow movement and water turnover.
When using a sand filter, anything above 1.5HP will create excessive water movement and push sand into your pool.
Calculate Your Pools Turnover Rate
The first step in figuring out how long to run a pool pump for your pool is to . In other words, how much water your pool holds in gallons. You may already know because its listed on your paperwork, but if you dont, you will determine it by the shape of your pool.
Here are the formulas to calculate your pools volume:
For a rectangular pool: Length X Width X Average Depth X 7.5 = Total Pool Gallons
For a round pool: Diameter X Diameter X Average Depth X 5.9 = Total Pool Gallons
For an oval pool: Length X Width X Average Depth X 6.7 = Total Pool Gallons
After you know how many gallons of water your pool holds, its time to calculate the turnover rate, which is the number of hours it takes for all the water in the pool to go through the filter.
To calculate the rate, use this formula:
Pool volume
8 = Gallons per hour that needs to be pumped.
Your pool pump may go by gallons per minute instead of GPH. To arrive at this figure, use this formula:
GPH ÷ 60 = GPM
Now that you understand your turnover rate, its important to ensure that your pool pumps rate matches the speed. If it pumps a little faster, thats okay, but you should never use a pump that pumps below the appropriate speed for your pool.
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