Constituents of a swimming pool are highly interdependent. Without proper operation of each element, water comfort and quality degrade and damage may occur to other parts. The fundamentals of pool design are consistent whether implemented to in-ground or scattered pools. The system is designed to maintain a large volume of water correctly filtered, circulated, heated and treated with disinfecting chemicals. The two main components in any pool program would be the pump and the filter.
Pool Circulation
A pool pump circulates water in the pool through the filter and back to the pool. The pool pump is generally located next to the filter at a concrete pit or recess under the water level of the pool so water flows by gravity into the inlet of the pump. Water entering the pump input first passes through a strainer basket at the pump casing to remove debris. Leaving the pump, the water circulates through the filter and the heater, even if one is installed. Water is reintroduced into the pool via return jets embedded in the walls of the pool. In a frequently utilized pool, the pump may run continuously to offer consistent filtration and circulation. To conserve power, many residential pool pumps have been connected to timers so the circulation is restricted simply to hours of this day when the pool is very likely to be utilized.
Priming The Pump And Filter
Sometimes a pool pump may discard its prime and air may enter the machine, interrupting circulation of water. The most common cause is evaporation, causing the pool water level to drop below the intakes in the skimmers. Priming a pool filter and pump is a standard process in pool systems. Adding water restores the pool’s proper water level. You may remove the cover of the pump casing to fill the pump chamber and intake line with water. When you replace the open and cover the air-bleed valve in addition to the pool filter. The intake and release valves should be available and you can turn on the pump. When water is found going through the obvious sight window at the top of the pump chamber, circulation is restored. Wait until water starts to spurt out of this air-bleed valve on the filter, then close the valve.
Kinds Of Pool Filters
Pool filters vary according to the media utilized to filter the water. The easiest variety is a typical replaceable filter cartridge at a canister installed at the discharge line following the pump. These are generally utilized in smaller volume, above-ground pools and need no maintenance apart from scheduled filter changes. Sand filters utilized in larger in-ground pools use a bed of industrial-grade silica to filter the water as it percolates under pump pressure during the sand. Another number utilizes diatomaceous earth as the filter media, a porous powder that provides very nice filtering properties. Both sand and DE filters need periodic backwashing to wash the filter.
Pool Filter Settings
Pool filter multiport valves have generic settings that are pertinent to all major brands of sand and DE filters. The “Filter” setting circulates water through the sand or DE media, then out the filter via the return port into the pool. The “Backwash” setting redirects the stream of water backwards through the filter media to flush contaminants out as part of scheduled maintenance or when the filter pressure indicates it is becoming obstructed. During backwash, dirty water exits the filter via the waste vent and is discharged into the sewer drain. The “Waste” valve place bypasses the filter. Water in the pump enters via the pump port and leaves straight through the waste vent into the sewer. This setting can be used to vacuum the pool or to decrease the water level. “Recirculate” also bypasses the filter however sends the circulating water back to the pool rather than down the drain, a helpful setting when performing certain chemical therapies that would soften the filter media. “Closed” shuts off all water entering the pool.