Selecting a pool pump based on its technical capabilities rather than cost is the right way to find the suitable one. The technical capabilities of the pump such as its flow rate, horsepower, and size are key factors in determining how well it will work in your pool. The cost of the pump should not be the main factor in deciding which one to choose, as it may not be able to handle the demands of your pool.
What is a pool pump used for?
The pool pump is often called the heart of the pool, and it is true. The pool pump is responsible for moving the water from the pool to the filter, where impurities are removed.
This closed-circuit circulation ensures that no water is wasted and keeps the pool clean and safe for swimming.
- In the pool, water is pumped out by skimmers and bottom drain.
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The pump then circulates the water, pushing it through the filter that removes dirt and debris from the water,
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The pool water is then passed through a possible disinfection or heating system before leaving the plant.
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Finally, it goes back to the pool through the return inlets.
If the pool pump is not powerful enough, the water will not be able to circulate quickly enough, leaving the pool with cloudy, unclean water.As such, choosing the right pump is of utmost importance.
What is the filtering cycle of the pump?
The filtering cycle is the amount of time that it takes for the pump to circulate the entire volume of water in your pool through the filter. This cycle time varies depending on the size of the pump, the size of the filter, and the size of the pool. A private pool should have a filtering cycle of 4-6 hours.
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Factors for selecting the right pool pump
There are five key factors to consider when selecting your pool pump.
The pump flow rate
Pool pump flow rate is measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) or in gallons per minute (GPM). It is the amount of water that the pump can move in one hour or one minute. .The calculation of the flow rate of the ideal pool pump is very simple; You take the total volume of the pool, in gallons or in m³, and divide it by the amount of time it takes to filter all the water in the pool. As a rule of thumb, the larger the pool, the higher the flow rate of the pump should be.
An example is a 40 m³ pool that we want to filter completely in 4 hours: the pump must be able to deliver a minimum of 10 m³/h in order to achieve the desired result. For reasons of pressure loss, the flow rate of the pump may be lower than the desired 10 m3/h:
- When the pump is far away from the pool,
- in the case of a pump placed above the level of the water,
- there may be many elbows in the hydraulic circuit which slow down the speed of the water in the pipes.
If the flow rate is too low, the water will not be filtered properly and can result in poor water clarity and quality. On the other hand, if the flow rate is too high, it will consume more energy than necessary and cost more money in the long run.
Pool pump loudness
Even a low hum can disrupt the otherwise tranquil atmosphere around a pool, making it difficult to relax. To ensure a truly peaceful experience, manufacturers are investing in research to create more quiet and efficient pumps.
The sound level is measured in decibels. A pump with a decibel rating of 50 or less is considered quiet, while a rating of 75 or higher is considered loud. Therefore, selecting a pump with a decibel rating of 50 or less will ensure its operation is not disruptive.
Electric consumption
Pool pumps’ consumption in kW-h is directly related to their power. For optimal pool performance, you need to pick a pump with the right power. for instance, a pump for a 40 m³ pool should be rated at approximately 0.75 kW.
However, the performance of pumps varies from one brand to another;For example, a 0.75-kW pump from one brand may have a better performance than a 1.0-kW pump from another brand.Therefore, you can get a less powerful, less energy-consuming model for the same flow rate.
The use of the pool
Considering factors such as the duration and frequency of use can help ensure that the appropriate pump is selected for maximum pool efficiency. For an above-ground pool installed only two months a year, a basic model may be sufficient. Invest in a quality model for a pool used more frequently or year-round is especially prudent.
What to look for when choosing an overflow pump
When selecting a pump for an infinity pool or deck level pool, additional factors must be considered in addition to those discussed above.
The overflow length
The power of the pump is determined by the flow rate, which is determined by the size of the weir. A larger weir requires a more powerful pump in order to generate the necessary flow rate for optimal pool performance. For an infinity pool on or two sides, the uniformity of the water level over the entire weir is crucial. This can be achieved by selecting a high-powered pool pump , together with a perfectly straight overflow edge.
The overflow type
A pump installed in the plant room of a zero-edge pool must have enough power to move enough water through the pipes to create the desired effect when water is released from the four sides of the pool. By installing a booster pump, the filter pump is not over-sized and more efficient, as it is only used to filter the water.
The desired effect of the overflow system
There are some owners of overflow pools who are looking for a strong visual and sound effect; This requires a more powerful pump to push the water quickly and create a more dramatic effect. On the other hand, those who prefer a more natural, aesthetically pleasing effect should look for a pump that produces a gentle, consistent water flow. Thus, the pump should be selected based on the desired purpose, whether it is to create a dramatic or a calm effect.
The variable speed pumps
They are more energy efficient and can be set to run at different speeds to circulate the pool water, depending on the pool’s needs. They can be programmed to run at a lower speed when the pool is not in use, which reduces the amount of electricity required to keep the pool clean.
Good to know : a variator box can be used to adjust the speed of a single speed pump, allowing for more precise control of the amount of water circulated.
How to design a pool hydraulic system ?
Choosing the right pump is critical, but it’s just the start – the filtration system is a complex, interlinked system and each element must be properly selected for optimal performance. For instance, the filter must be sized correctly so that the pump can move enough water through it to keep the system running efficiently.
Water can slow down dramatically when it is forced to change direction, reducing the efficiency of the piping circuit. All bends and turns should be carefully placed and engineered to ensure that the water is not impeded in its course.
To ensure optimal performance of the pump, it is imperative that the number and position of skimmers, inlets and drains are accurately determined. Nothing should be left to chance.
Our experienced team can design a system that optimizes water flow, pressure and filtration, ensuring efficient and effective pool maintenance. We can also suggest the best types of pumps and other components for your needs.
