You might say to yourself… “I have had this pool since 1995 and I know everything about it, I Think?!”

We believe you can learn something new every day. A swimming pool and its equipment are much like a car, everything works together so the car can run. A pool operates the same way. As well, just like a car needs a tune-up, so does a pool (yearly equipment check).

Pool Equipment and Parts: The Basics

The Pump

A pump circulates the pool water through the filtration system where it will be cleaned and heated (if the pool is equipped with a heater). A pool pump is usually located on the intake side of the filter, which means that allows the pump to push pool water through the filter, heater, and other components.

There are a few options when choosing a pump: single speed, two speed and variable speed.

Single Speed Pump- Just as it sounds, this pump offers one speed to operate.

Two Speed- This pump operates at different speeds, usually low and high.

Variable Speed- This pump provides the highest energy savings by allowing the motor to automatically adjust to operate at lower, energy-efficient and cost-saving speeds, depending on the immediate needs of the filtration system.

 

The Filter

The filter (Sand, Cartridge or D.E.) traps debris, hair, dirt, sand and other fine particles that you can’t see. Pool water enters the filter, moves through the filter medium, and it comes out clean as it leaves the filter tank. Each filter works differently with different types of filter medium.

Three types of pool filters:

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) can trap the finest particles and provide the best filtration resulting in clear, glassy water. D.E. Filters need backwashing and require you to recharge the D.E. Filter with D.E. powder after backwashing.

High-rate sand filters are popular because they are easy to install and maintain, and don’t need frequent replacing. Sand filters require you to backwash as your pressure indicates that it is needed. The filter requires a sand change every 3-4 years.

Cartridge filters are a cost-effective and popular choice, cartridge filters require no backwashing. A cartridge filter does require cleaning the cartridge(s) as needed within the filter. You will need to buy the filter cleaning chemical and take the time to clean the filter correctly.

The Chlorinator

The job of the chlorinator is to add sanitizing agents to your water, killing bacteria. There are different options for chlorinators that either require you to replenish chlorine with chlorine tabs, sticks, or liquid chlorine. Another option is one that creates the chlorine through a natural process using salt (Salt Chlorinator).

The Heater

Pools can be heated by gas, electricity, or the sun in some areas. Gas Heaters and Electric Heat Pumps are the most common types of heaters, and each has its own advantages based on your specific needs. Your Pool pro (us) will help you determine the appropriate heater type and size for your pool. A heater can extend the swim season in Georgia into the late fall, sometimes winter depending on if we have a mild winter. A heater will also allow you to swim early in the morning or at night without the water being too cool.

The Skimmer

Another important part of the pool support system is the skimmer. The skimmer is built into the pool when you build your pool. The skimmer is designed with a basket to catch debris, preventing it from going into your skimmer line and causing a clog.

We suggest that you maintain your equipment and have a yearly checkup performed on your pool equipment once a year. Much like your car, if you take care of your pool, you will prevent costly repairs and damage.