Above Ground Pool Pumps
For many people one of the best parts about summer is getting to make use of their backyard swimming pool and enjoy all the health and recreation benefits it has to offer. An above ground swimming pool is quite a large investment for anyone to make but the returns are, in many peoples’ minds well worth the money spent and it is still a more affordable option than commissioning the construction of a full blown in ground swimming pool.
However big or small an above ground pool may be though its real “heart of operations” is its pump and filter system. However expensive the pool was to install and however aesthetically pleasing a pool is if its pump and filter system does not function properly chances are that all too quickly it will just become a nasty container for slimy, stagnant water that no one would ever want to set foot in, let alone swim in.
How Do Above Ground Pool Pumps Work?
The pump and filter system in an above ground pool are designed to work together. the process begins at the skimmer. The skimmer is a small opening in the pool wall itself. On the other side of the wall there is a basket that is designed to collect whatever dirt and debris the pump will pull in. A hose connects the skimmer to the pump and another from the pump discharge to the filter unit. The filter has sand to remove the dirt particles and
from here, the water is passed through another hose to the pool wall just
below the waterline.
For the above ground pool pumps and filter systems to work efficiently, it is imperative that the filter is elevated from the ground and is completely level. Pavers can be created to provide a solid base, so that the filter may sit on it easily. One should regularly check the skimmer as a clogged skimmer basket hampers the efficiency of the pump by restricting the water flow. One should also ensure that the pool water should not go below the skimmer as this could cause the filtration system to malfunction and burn the pump out.
What Kind of Above Ground Pool Pump Do You Need?
Buying an above ground pool pump can be difficult task, especially if you really don’t understand of the concept and working of these pumps. There are essentially three different types of above ground pool pumps; sand, diatomaceous and cartridge filter systems.
Each of these has its own advantages and drawbacks. While the sand filter system is known for its ease of use, reliability and low-maintenance, the
cartridge system filters out small particles in a much more efficient manner. The Diatomaceous filters on the other hand are the best filters but they may with time, suffer from loss of water flow and work less efficiently than they had in the past.
While choosing an above ground pool pump that is large enough to get the job done on a regular basis is also very important many pool owners accidentally choose a pump that is actually too big and they waste a lot of money running it in terms of energy consumption.
Actually calculating the pump size you need for your individual pool is actually a rather a complex procedure and there are more than a few factors that have to be taken into account. The size of the pool and the volume of water it holds are important but so is the filter capacity and the desired rate of water flow. For these reasons it is usually best to have a professional help you determine just what kind and size of above ground pool pump system you need.