They may not be really sexy, but the pool pump is one of the most important parts of your pool. Without it, your pool is simply not sustainable. While you might not think about how your pool pump is working, you will once it starts making horrifying screaming noises in the middle of the night. That’s when you know it’s time to go shopping for a new pump. Here are a few things you should know.
How a Pool Pump Works
The science behind a pool pump is relatively simple. A pump is composed of three parts: the housing, the impeller, and the motor. The motor spins the impeller, the impeller sucks the water in to push into the filter, and the housing holds the bucket where the junk is deposited. Simple and easy to understand, the pool pump has been effective for generations, and there’s no reason to change it now.
Single Speed Pumps
The most common type of pump, the single speed, spins the impeller at the speed allowed by the pump’s voltage. It works fine, however, due to environmental concerns over the constant and unnecessary use of energy, other types of pumps have since been developed which are far more efficient.
Dual Speed Pumps
Dual speed pumps come in two settings: low and high. The high speed is roughly the same as the speed that comes in a single speed pump. When you have a particularly tough clean to perform—for instance, after a storm or before a party—you can set the pump to high, and it will give you the power you need for a good, clean pool. For those times when you don’t need that kind of effort out of your pump, set it to low, and it will run at a lower speed, circulating less water, and saving energy in the process.
Variable Speed Pumps
The pump of choice among pool cleaners in Buford, GA, these are extremely popular right now. More expensive than regular pumps, variable speeds are far more sophisticated pieces of equipment. Armed with the same type of permanent magnet motors found in electric cars, these advanced pumps can be set at the flow rate that best suits your pool, giving them the most efficient of all motors. They run quietly, last for years, and only cost around $30 per month to run, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Determining the Pump for Your Filter
Which pump you need depends on three factors: the housing mount, the voltage, and the horsepower. First, you’ll need to determine if you require a top-mount or side-mount filter. If your filter’s intake is above the pump, you’ll want a top-mount. If it’s below the pump, then a side-mount will be necessary. Next, you’ll have to find out if your pump requires an outline, or whether it plugs directly into your home’s electricity. Also, what type of voltage will it require? 110 volts or 220 volts? Finally, you’ll need to determine the horsepower required to clean your pool. Talk with your home pool maintenance service in Buford, GA. Judging by the size of your pool, they can tell you the speed pump is going to need.
Getting the right kind of pump is crucial both for keeping your pool in good condition and giving you the peace of mind you need. Give the experts at Sunrise Pool Services for more information.