A pool type pump is basically the heart of any swimming pool’s circulation system. It takes water from the swimming pool via the main drain and skimmer and then pushes that water through a pool filter before returning it back into the main area.
A pump has 3 major components. The components are a lint and hair trap, an impeller, and the motor.
Pump Motor
Pump motors for pools are electric and vary in size and voltage. The motor will either be 110 or 220 V.
Most pool motors are air cooled which means that they are not completely sealed from environmental damage. It is therefore important to prevent excessive water from coming into contact with the motor via the cooling vents which are typically located beneath the housing.
Pump Impeller
An impeller will be connected at the end of the shaft of a pool motor. As it rotates, it takes water in through the lint and hair trap which is located at the end of the pump. It then pushes this water through the top portion of the pump into a pipe that leads into a filter.
The impeller is very susceptible to clogging. You can tell when the impeller is damaged or clogged by reading the pressure level on the gauge that is located at the top of the filter. If damage or clogging is suspected, you must inspect the impeller visually.
Pump Hair & Lint Trap
A unique lint and hair trap is usually located at the end of the pool pump. This trap prevents harmful debris from entering into the impeller assembly.
There is a basket inside of the lint and hair trap. This basket needs to be emptied twice a week.
A clogged basket will restrict the pumping of water and instead will cause the pumping of air. This is called “loss of prime”. If the situation was allowed to continue the motor would speed up and eventually burn out.
Pump Operation
The pump dictates the entire operation of a swimming pool. The cleaning of your swimming pool will not operate properly without a proper pump.
Also, the water in the swimming pool will not be filtered properly without the pump operating. It is therefore essential to understand the importance of proper scheduling for pump operation.
There are two key factors when determining the time of day for pump operation. These are energy cost and chemical demand.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun are responsible for removing chlorine from the water. Therefore, the higher chlorine demand would be during daylight hours.
When adding chlorine, the pump needs to be running. It is, therefore, a better option to run a pool pump in the day as opposed to the night.
Another consideration is how long to run the pump? The two main factors that will help you make the right decision are filtration and chemical demand.
Normally, a pump for a swimming pool should be on for at least 4 – 6 hours each day during the winter months and 12 hours each day during the hottest summer months.