Your pool’s pump and filtration system is essential to circulating and maintaining great water quality. One of the best investments you can make in your pool is purchasing good quality equipment, suited to the size and needs of your pool. Too small, or too large of a pump and filtration system will have an ongoing, negative impact that could cause you additional work and money in the long-run.
This is why it’s so important, when designing your pool, to also pay attention to the design of your pump and filtration system. While it may not be the most exciting aspect of your pool, a high quality, well-functioning pump and filtration system will make the entire experience of owning a pool a lot more fun and easy.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options for owning a pool, or your current pool’s pump and filtration system is due for an upgrade, here are a few key things you need to know to make an informed decision.
The Benefit of Variable Speed Pumps
One of the more recent advances in circulation system design is the availability to install variable speed pumps on residential pools. A variable speed pump enables you to program up to eight different speeds into your pump motor so that you can dial in exactly how hard you need your pump to work to get the job done. Factors like the size and location of your pool will have an impact on the speed at which your pump needs to run. The benefit of a variable speed pump is that this can be customized and adjusted to run exactly as needed while working as efficiently as possible to save energy. This feature alone can result in a savings of up to 90% (compared to a standard 1.5 HP pump) on pump operation costs.
Bigger is Not Always Better
You may have heard an antiquated sales pitch similar to “Well, if they are selling you a 1 Horsepower pump, we’ll include a 2 Horsepower pump!” In contrast, a good pool professional will instead encourage the use of the smallest pump possible to filter all of your pool water in a given amount of time. The reason is simple, the smaller the pump, the less electricity you have to use to run it. Bigger is not always better, and in this case it is simply not necessary! Be wary of any pool professional who tries to tell you otherwise. This will cost you more money both upfront and in the long-run.
The Key to Efficient Pool Filtration
The best option for your pool filtration is going to be a cartridge style filter as opposed to the old standard sand or D.E. filters. Using a cartridge filter eliminates the need to “backwash” your filter system where you lose pool water as well as pool chemicals. Typically, you only need to clean your cartridges once or twice a season and doing so is quick and easy. Simply remove the cartridges from the tank, thoroughly rinse them with a hose and place them back into the tank. Though the wet cartridges can be a little heavy and somewhat cumbersome, the time you save only washing them a few times a year combined with keeping your water and chemicals where they belong (in your pool, not in your yard) makes it well worth it.
How Technology Makes It Simple
Technology is making things easier and more automated than ever been before. The same is true for how technology is shaping the homeowner’s experience of owning a pool. New capabilities of pool automation are now on the market and are something you really want to think about incorporating into your pool’s pump and filtration system. It is so convenient to be able to control elements of your pool through your smartphone, especially if you’re away for an extended period of time traveling or on vacation.
The bottom line to getting the right pump and filtration system is to find expert advice you can trust. A good pool professional can advise you on every detail that will ultimately impact quality and longevity of your pool. A variable speed pump, sized appropriately for your pool will save you ongoing work and money. Additionally, you want to use a cartridge style filter, cleaning it twice per season. Finally, you want to consider incorporating certain pool technologies to help you save time and give you peace of mind.
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