As swimming pools become increasingly popular garden features, it is essential for their owners to choose the right pump to service the pool. Selecting the right pump can save on maintenance and energy costs. Before deciding to purchase a pump, always try to compare several brands in terms of design, energy consumption, and pumping power. It's not just about choosing the brand, but also the specific model suitable for the size of your pool.
Pumps have been a part of everyday life for several thousand years. The first modern filtration systems for pools used gravity to filter water through a filter. This method was extremely inefficient, and over the last 40 years, these pumps have been replaced by modern pressure filtration systems. Development in the field of pumping technology continues, and designers are creating more efficient and quieter pumps for commercial pools.
Choosing a pump may initially seem like a very complex matter. It not only requires considerable knowledge of the industry but also knowledge of the various types and kinds of pumps. To select the optimal pump, it is necessary to carefully consider all options. The most typical mistake when choosing a pump is that people overestimate its capacity—the pump is too large. The following lines can help with a better understanding and advice on selection.
Swimming pool pumps often run longer than necessary. Water circulation in the pool mixes chemicals and removes sludge. However, when water is in circulation during the application of chemicals, the chemicals remain mixed, and continuous circulation is not necessary. Even for removing small debris, it is not necessary for the water to circulate constantly; a large amount of debris in the pool can also be removed with a skimmer or a water vacuum. Continuous circulation does not guarantee a reduction in algae growth; a better alternative is the use of chemicals and cleaning the pool walls.
Reduce filtration time to 6 hours a day. If you find the water not entirely clean, increase the filtration time in half-hour increments until the situation improves. In the aforementioned study, users who reduced filtration to 3 hours a day were still satisfied with the water quality in the pool, with an average pumping savings of 60%.
It is also possible to install a timer to control pumping. If small debris is a problem, it is advisable to have the timer activate several times in small intervals throughout the day. This option is preferable to letting the pump run continuously for, say, 3 hours, as for the remaining 21 hours, your pool would collect debris. Several shorter cycles will keep it clean throughout the day.
Keep the intake grates as clean as possible. Clogged drains force the pump to work harder, consuming more energy. Regularly backwash your filter to save energy when using the pool pump.
When choosing a pump for your pool, consider the size of the pump; the smaller the pump, the more you save on energy. On the other hand, the pump must be powerful enough to clean the entire volume of water. Generally, it is not necessary to oversize the pool pump. By following the rules mentioned below, some users have achieved energy savings of up to 75%. Aspects to consider when operating a pool pump are as follows:
*The above data is presented based on research from the Energy Savings Center, Florida Atlantic University. They may vary depending on the location / energy price. By rationalizing pump parameters, you can generally save between 40-75%.
The larger the pump, the higher your maintenance costs will be. Therefore, it is optimal to have the pump as small as possible for the given pool size. Studies show that pumps with a power of 0.75 horsepower (=560 W) are generally sufficient. Smaller pumps can also be used if you reduce the hydraulic resistance in the pool's circulation system, which requires the following:
Installation of a larger filter (specifically, a filter designed for at least 50% greater flow than your pool)
Increasing the diameter or length of the pipes, another option is to reinstall pipes with 90-degree angles, 45-degree angles, or flexible ones. By reducing hydraulic resistance, you can reduce energy consumption for pumping by up to 40%.
Some basic calculations to help select the optimal pool pump.
First, calculate the pool's capacity using the formulas below.
The optimal pump performance given in m3 along with the data on the pressure losses at which this performance is achieved is very important because there is no standard way of stating pump performances, and irregular comparisons often occur. For optimal functioning, it is necessary to properly lead the piping, bends, etc. See the chapter on savings when using a pump.