Pumps are central to all man-made swimming holes. They ensure the water in your pool circulates keeping your baths healthy for dipping and relaxing.
Without a swimming pool pump, a bath can get stuffy and lose the freshness we all enjoy every time we dive in. Though pool pumps are built differently, all of them use the same mechanism to circulate the water in a bath.
Still, when shopping for one, it’s crucial to understand that some pumps are built for specific pool types, i.e., onground/inground, etc.
That being said, let’s learn more about pumps and how to pick the right one for your swimming pool.
What is a Swimming Pool Pump & What Does it Do?
It is a pump built to trigger the circulation of the waters in a pool. In essence, it causes the force that carries water from the baths to various sections e.g., the filter, heating zone, and chemical unit, before returning back to the pool.
During this circulation, the water is:
- Filtered of any debris at the filter
- Warmed at the heating unit, and
- Treated at the chemical unit or chlorinator
After all three processes, the water is channeled back into the pool and the cycle goes on and on.
Hot to Pick the Right Swimming Pool Pump for Your Baths
The type of pump you install can make or break your maintenance experience because it has an effect on:
- Time: It affects how long you spend circulating the waters in your pool (or monitoring the process).
- Cost: Factors like pump speed determine how much power a pump consumes.
For instance, using a slow pump lengthens the cleaning process making it tedious and tiresome. Plus, running your pump over a long period means you use up and spend more on power than you would on a high-speed pump.
So what factors should a pool owner consider when buying a pump for their swimming hole?
1. Pool Size/ The Volume of Water it Holds
Large pools carry more water; this also means they consume more pumping time and power. It’s important to calculate how many gallons your pool can hold. That way, you can work out the flow rate per minute for your desired pump and make an informed decision.
Remember, most pumps have a GPM (gallons per minute) label. The higher the GPM, the faster the pump and the shorter the time it takes to circulate the water in an entire pool.
2. Pump Speed
Speed is a crucial consideration when shopping for a swimming pool pump. Often, they feature different options, i.e., low, medium, high, which are useful in controlling the pumping based on the swimming pool’s status.
These controls are also useful in saving on power consumption. For pump speed, remember the following:
- A high-speed pool pump finishes circulation in a shorter period consuming less power.
- A slow pool pump takes a longer period using up more power.
- Pumps come in single-speed, dual-speed, and customizable options.
If you value your time and money more than anything, consider a high-speed pump. Or you can go for one with customizable speed levels to set your pump to desired levels based on your needs.
3. Inground or Above-ground Pool?
Often, the type of pool is a bone of contention when choosing a pump. This is because it determines the filter placement, which is different in inground and above-ground pools.
That being said:
- Those with a filter intake protruding above the surface should go for a top-mount pump.
- If the filter intake is leveled with your pool, install a side-mount swimming pool pump.
In other words, DE and cartridge filters require side pumps, while sand types go well with top-mounted pumps.
4. Horsepower
Your pump’s horsepower must accommodate the swimming pool’s filtering mechanism. The appropriate horsepower completes the circulation in a reasonable time and guarantees quality work. In essence, your pump should be just powerful enough to perform its job and not have too much horsepower, as this can be counterproductive.
A pump that’s too powerful can ruin the heater, water pipes, filters, etc., and cause unanticipated expenses, i.e., on repair and replacement costs.
The Bottom Line on Choosing a Swimming Pool Pump
Pool type, horsepower, pool size, and speed are the primary considerations when shopping for a pump to install in your bath.
Other factors like the brand or maker also matter. Be sure to go through customer reviews before purchasing a pump.
Also, work out your swimming pool’s GPM (or gallons per minute) upfront to increase the likelihood of picking an appropriate pump. Lastly, remember to go easy on the horsepower–using an overpowered pumping machine can damage your pool’s water system.
