Swimming Pool Filter Pumps

Filter pumps are probably the single most important component in the efficient running of your swimming pool.  They are a big factor in making sure that the water is properly filtered and that you aren’t left dealing with a less than desirable pond water effect.  The filter pump will take on the job of ensuring that any debris in the water is filtered out as well as providing a continuous even distribution of chemicals by pumping water through the filter and heater if you have one.  It works closely with the filter to ensure your pool water is left clean, safe and inviting. 

There are many fine examples of filter pumps on the market today but your choice really comes down to what type of pool you have once again.  Most pumps used today are what are known as self-priming centrifugal pumps which have a vacuum chamber or pump housing.  This housing must be continuously filled with water in order for a vacuum to form and for the pump to draw the water from your pool.  When your pump is on, this housing must stay continuously filled with water to ensure the effective running of your filter pump.   Located in the pumps centre is a brass or plastic impeller which is spun from a power driven electric motor.  When this motor rotates, the impeller drives water from various drains, through the filter and back out to the water inlets.  When the impeller is spinning, the tips of the impeller are hydraulically sealed inside of the pump diffuser and it is this that allows self priming to occur.  The impeller acts in such a way as to convert the velocity of the water into water pressure.  A self priming water filter will work only if a diffuser is present as the diffuser works to remove any air from the system.

To ensure the effective running of your self -priming filter pump it is important that air cannot seep in in any way and that the surrounding area is kept clean and free of debris.  It is also very important that any rain or flood water is kept well away from your filter pump as this can in turn destroy the pumps’ motor from running efficiently.   

Standalone pumps, more commonly known as sump pumps are now a common item found in many households today.  They were originally designed to pump ground water out of basements where water had accumulated, therefore preventing flooding.  Sump pumps nowadays come in a variety of designs and sizes and now include a long list of uses, one of which being to empty and refill swimming pools.  Amongst its uses are operation in decorative fountains, ponds and waterfalls, emptying tanks and reservoirs and removing water from garages, basements and roofs.  Sump pumps can also be used on swimming pool covers when water starts to accumulate.  The pump will remove the water from on top of the cover and dump it back into the pool which will prevent damage.

Sump pumps can be used manually where the pump has to be physically turned on by the owner.  This design of sump pump is more beneficial if you do not experience a lot of flooding and if you are going to be present the entire time.  If however you would prefer to leave the sump pump to do its job and get along with any other duties you may have, or you experience a lot more flood in your basement or garage, an automatic sump pump would work best for your needs.  These automatic sump pumps have what’s known as a floatation device which turns itself on when it senses the presence of water.  It will then turn itself off automatically once it has completed its job and will sit there until it is needed again.  Using an automatic sump pump is not only safer but much easier to operate and you needn’t be present at the time of operation. 

When it comes to draining some types of swimming pool a submersible sump pump is required.  Most people will not come across the need to drain their pool as it is safer and easier to get in the professionals to do the hard work for you but if the need arises then it is useful to know that it is one of these sump pumps which will do most of the work.  In general, if you maintain your swimming pool, keeping the water clean and safe to swim in then draining your pool will be a rarity occurring every few years.  You do not want your sump pump to be draining your pool at a rate faster than 12 gallons per minute as it is possible your drainage system will not be able to keep up.  It is important that if you are not totally confident in emptying your own pool then it is best to call in help as problems can occur especially with in-ground pools once the water has been removed and the pressure difference changes, cracking can occur in your pools structure. 

Now there may be a few people reading this article thinking, but what happens if I have a salt water pool?  Well that doesn’t matter as all of that comes into consideration when choosing a filter pump suitable for your swimming pool.  One other aspect you have to take into consideration when choosing the right filter pump for your swimming pool is whether you have a salt or a fresh water pool.  In some cases it will be adequate enough to use a filter pump which would normally be made for fresh water pools but problems can arise in doing so.  If you have, or are planning on purchasing a stainless steel pump for your pool then the salt can act against the stainless steel and calcium build-ups are another possibility if chemical levels are not checked on a regular basis.  Salt water pumps work in the same way as a normal pump but with one difference.  Salt water pumps have a salt cell attached to the system which uses electricity to produce chlorination.  It is this process that will keep your pool clean and looking at its best.  When choosing a salt water filter pump for your swimming pool it is very important to look into the pump you are interested in in greater detail and to contact the manufacturer to confirm your choice of pump for the pool in interest as not all pumps are suitable for salt water. 

The most important thing that must always be kept in mind when deciding on the right pump for your pool is that matching the pool pump with the pools needs will maximise efficiency and keep running costs to a minimum.  You must always go into purchasing a filter pump for your pool with the pools size in mind as more often than not, people purchase pumps which are not capable of operating for the size of pool they have.   It is no secret to pool owners that operative costs for a swimming pool are not the cheapest bill they will be receiving every month but you can keep these costs to a minimum.  The pumps capacity must match the volume of your pool in order to witness the most efficiency.  Some owners are often advised to purchase pumps with a higher capacity to their pools’ volume or pumps with a higher horsepower but this will only raise operating costs with no added benefit to your pool.  If your filter is receiving water at a faster rate than it can deal with, not only will you be spending more money every month when the electricity bill comes in but you could prematurely destroy your filter or stop it working altogether.  The horsepower of your pump will be marked on the pumps’ motor if you are not that familiar with this term, and it is the horsepower of your pump which must be matched with the rate of flow of your filter pump and the type of filter pump you have purchased.  In general, pumps with a smaller horsepower will draw less energy but if you can match your pools needs very closely with a pump it is possible to obtain a slightly larger pump with a higher horsepower that works more efficiently with your pool and increase the flow rate.  Most people are familiar with single-speed pumps but looking into a variable speed-pump can offer many advantages.  Single-speed pumps can only operate at maximum horsepower, whereas pool pumps with variable speeds can be adjusted to meet the pools needs. 

 Choosing the right filter pump for your swimming pool is not a task which should be taken on too lightly or overlooked.  It is important not only for your swimming pool and filter that the filter pump runs efficiently but it is also for the owner’s benefit that the pump will not be consuming energy excessively.  It is advised that you call in an expert who will be able to take all factors into consideration when choosing the right filter pump for you and your pool.  When everything is running smoothly and efficiently, not only can you enjoy your pool but you will be able to enjoy it guilt-free without the worry of a very steep electricity bill.

Please use our Contact page to request more information on the range of pumps we shock, arrange an appointment for a swimming pool engineer to check over your pump, or even ask a question?

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