Where is the pump on a pool?
Pool pumps circulate water from the pool through the filter and back to the pool to remove debris and contaminants. The pool pump setup is usually located next to the filter in a concrete pit or recess below the water level of the pool so water flows by gravity into the pump.
What does a pool pump consist of?
It pulls water from the pool through the skimmer and main drain, pushes it through the filter, and returns it to the pool through the main returns. The pump itself consists of three components: The motor, impeller, and hair and lint trap. The motor is electric and uses either 110 or 220 volts and turns at 3,450 rpm.
How do pool pumps work?
0:061:52How to use your pool pump - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf however you want to drive out the sand that has accumulated around the bottom drain. Turn theMoreIf however you want to drive out the sand that has accumulated around the bottom drain. Turn the valve until the arrow is pointing towards the skimmer in this position the check valve closes.
How do you turn on a pool water pump?
Steps to Prime Your Pool PumpTurn off the pump. ... Switch to recirculate. ... Release air. ... Clean out the pump basket. ... Fill the pump basket. ... Once the pump basket is filled and tightened, make sure the air release valve is open and turn the power to the pump on.Check the water flow to your pump.More items...
Do you run pool pump while swimming?
However, there is no set rule, and running it during the day is fine, also. Getting your water cleaned is more important than when it actually happens. Therefore, you can choose a time that's best for you. Many people choose to run their pool pump during the day, while it's in use.
How much do pool pumps cost?
New Pool Pump Cost The average pool pump costs about $690 but prices depend on the model you choose. Single-speed and low-head pumps cost the least, ranging from $300 to $600. Variable speed and high-head submersible models are on the pricier end between $800 and $1,200.
Does pool pump use a lot of electricity?
Pool pumps can consume 3,000 to over 5,000 kWh per year. In addition, pumps may also circulate water through heaters, cleaners (also known as sweeps), water features, or fountains.
How many hours a day should a pool pump run?
approximately 8 hours aEvery pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't 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.
How long can I go without running my pool pump?
This is the how many minutes your pump has to filter to get full turnover. For most pools, it's going to be about eight hours.
How do I get water out of my pool without a pump?
4:298:14How to DRAIN an ABOVE GROUND POOL (Even Without A Pump!)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe garden hose siphon method if you're only partially draining your pool or you don't want to use aMoreThe garden hose siphon method if you're only partially draining your pool or you don't want to use a pump you can use a garden hose to siphon out your pool.
What happens if you run a pool pump without water?
Swimming pool pumps should never operate without water. They will overheat and cause excess damage. Running a pump without water can also warp the lid, basket and the adjacent plumbing. If the pump continues to run without water, there is a high possibility of causing damage to the plate, seal and bearings.
What should my pool pump be set on?
The lever should be on the 'Filter' setting most of the time. This is the setting that provides normal pool filtration by pushing the water through the filter media (sand, glass beads or D.E) that then traps any dirt and debris before the water is returned to the pool.
How do I know if my pool pump is bad?
Signs You Need Pool Pump ReplacementRumbling Sounds. An excessively-vibrating pump motor can create these rumbling sounds. ... Grinding or Screeching Sounds. ... Blowing Bubbles and Spitting Water. ... Old Age. ... Get a New Pool Pump Now to Keep Enjoying Safe Water.
Does a pool pump clean the pool?
The pool pump is the heart of your pool's circulatory system. It pulls water from the pool and pushes it to other equipment to be heated, treated, and filtered, returning cleaner, healthier, and warmer pool water.
How does a pool pump and filter work?
A spinning impeller inside the pump pulls the water in from the pool. This water hits the first part of the pump, the strainer pot, which catches any major debris. After the water goes through the strainer pot, the impeller pushes it on to the filter.
How many filters Does a pool have?
There are basically 3 types of pool filters: Sand Filter, Cartridge Filter and Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE Filters for short). Each of these have their pros and cons.
What is the wet end of a pool pump?
Pool motors bolt onto the pump seal plate or volute, also called the “Wet End” of the pump, via four bolts. The motor, or the back half of a pool pump is not often called the “Dry End” of a pool pump, but could be termed as such, as the shaft seal serves to prevent leakage along the shaft, keeping the motor dry.
How do Pool Pump Motors Work?
In most cases, pool motors are started with the assistance of a capacitor, until the rotor (or armature) reaches sufficient speed to continue spinning the rotor itself, by the use of magnets. Oppositely charged magnets on the rotor and on the stator, attract and repel each other, which keeps the rotor spinning, at an amazingly fast speed of 3450 RPM! The rotor is balanced inside the stator, with the use of sealed bearings on each end of the shaft, pressed into each end bracket. In the case of a pool pump, one end of the shaft is connected to a curved vane impeller, housed inside of a volute, to create suction, lift and pressure.
What is a PSC motor?
The PSC motor uses a top mounted run capacitor for run operations, but is permanently wired to the power source.
What is the basket that catches leaves and other large debris that might clog up a pump?
Just before it flows into the pump, the water passes through a metal strainer basket that catches leaves and other large debris that might clog up the pump.
What is the heart of a pool system?
The heart of the pool system is the water pump. In a typical pump system, an electric motor spins an impeller inside the pump housing. The impeller drives the water from the various drains through the filter and back out to the water inlets. Advertisement.
What is the heart of a pool?
But this is the stuff that really makes the pool work. The heart of the pool system is the water pump. In a typical pump system, an electric motor spins an impeller ...
What is the pump in a pool?
THE PUMP. The pump is essentially the heart of the swimming pool's circulation system. It pulls water from the pool through the skimmer and main drain, pushes it through the filter, and returns it to the pool through the main returns.
How long should a pool pump run?
This requires that the water be filtered more thoroughly to remove the excess debris. A "rule of thumb" exists which can be used to determine the length of each pumping cycle. For every 10° F of outside air temperature, run the pump 112 hour. For example, if the average maximum air temperature for a month was 100° F, then the pump should be operating for at least 5 hours per day for that month. Since the temperature cannot be accurately predicted each month, this rule should be followed conservatively. It is recommended that the pump run 12 hours per day/during the hottest summer months, and 4-5 hours per day during the winter months, and to varying degrees during the spring and fall. The daily cycle can be divided up into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, since this is the minimum time it takes for all of the water in the pool to pass through the filter at least once, and it is also the recommended time between the addition of chemicals and the next water test/or pool use.
What is the impeller on a water pump?
Connected to the end of the shaft of the motor is the impeller. As it turns, it pulls water in through the hair and lint trap at the end of the pump and pushes it out the top of the pump through a pipe leading to the filter. The impeller contains small openings and is very susceptible to becoming clogged with debris.
What happens if the impeller basket is not present?
If this basket were not present, the impeller could become clogged, which would prevent it from pumping large quantities of water, or it could become damaged.
How to determine the time of day to run a pool pump?
There are two factors which determine the time of day when the pump should be operating: chemical demand and energy cost . Since ultraviolet light from the Still removes chlorine from the water, it is apparent that the highest chlorine demand would be during the daytime. Since most methods of chlorine addition require the pump to be operating to furnish the pool with the proper amount of chlorine, this would lead to the conclusion that it is better to run the pump during the day, rather than at night. However, due to the higher cost of electrical power during the daylight hours, these two factors must be weighed in order to determine the schedule, which best meets, the needs of each pool, and its owner. The ideal case would be to run the pump from sunrise to sunset, and this schedule would be best for those situations where the cost of electricity does not vary throughout the day. In other cases, however, it may be necessary to run the pump during the night to avoid high utility costs. It should be noted that the amount of chlorine that is added to the pool must be enough so that the chlorine level remains at or above 3.0 ppm for the majority of the daylight hours, especially in the afternoon.
Can a pool pump run without a pump?
A. RUNNING THE PUMP. The entire operation of the swimming pool is dictated by the operation of the pump. The cleaning system cannot , in general , operate without the main pump, and the pool water cannot be filtered without the main pump operating. It is crucial, therefore, to be aware with the proper schedule for the operation of the main pump.
Can you run a pool pump at night?
In other cases, however, it may be necessary to run the pump during the night to avoid high utility costs. It should be noted that the amount of chlorine that is added to the pool must be enough so that the chlorine level remains at or above 3.0 ppm for the majority of the daylight hours, especially in the afternoon.
Is it ok to leave my pool pump running 24-hours a day?
This is one of the oldest debates among swimming pool professionals such as myself. I am a big fan of running a swimming pool pump 24-hours a day during the swim season.
How often do I need to clean out the basket that’s in my pool pump’s strainer housing?
When answering the question of how often should you clean out your pool pump’s strainer basket, I will start by telling you why this is so important. It’s because if that strainer basket gets too full, it will cut down the flow through the pump and negatively impact the circulation in the pool.
Do I need to use a special pump with my saltwater pool?
If you own a saltwater pool, it’s good that you are concerned with how this will impact your pool filtration equipment including your pump. That’s because salt can be corrosive but then again if you do not have a saltwater pool, you are probably using even more corrosive chlorine as a sanitizer.
How do variable speed pumps work?
Variable speed pool pumps have taken pool equipment technology to a whole new level.
How long does a pool pump last?
With regular use, most pool pumps last 8 to 12 years before needing replacement. That said, there are a few factors that affect how long a pump lasts.
How long does a pump motor last?
Most pool pump motors last at least 6-8 years, often longer. But that’s if you’re referring to magnetic drive pool motor s, which are used in newer variable speed pumps.
Closing Thoughts
After reading this post, it should be easier to decide whether or not it’s time to replace your pump. The tell-tale signs that a pump needs replacement are exactly what you would expect: l oud noises, age, and malfunction. But sometimes, a pump just needs a little bit of troubleshooting to fix minor problems.
