| What is a swimming pool pump? It's the thing that | | | | have the pump underpowered because then it |
| makes the water move through the pool pipes | | | | won't circulate enough water to keep your pool |
| and circulates the water. | | | | clean. |
| Basically, a swimming pool pump circulates water | | | | Surprisingly, you don't want it overpowered either |
| through the pool. The water passes through a | | | | because then your pool might feel like a giant |
| little basket (to remove any debris) before it gets | | | | whirlpool. Don't worry, though, as your local pool |
| to the actual spinning pump part. The water is | | | | company should be able to calculate a pool pump |
| actually pumped by having this impeller spin at high | | | | that is right for their size. |
| speeds. Water is pumped out. Sounds easy right? | | | | What if your local pool company doesn't have |
| Maybe you could build one on your own? Hah, I | | | | anyone that can calculate the right size? No |
| wouldn't suggest it. This is an oversimplified | | | | worries, they'll probably just call up their supplier |
| explanation. | | | | and ask. The larger pool product distributors have |
| Keep in mind the difference between the pump | | | | people who figure things out like this all the time. |
| and the motor. The pump is the large, tough | | | | My only recommendation about buying a pool |
| plastic part that makes the water move, the | | | | pump is to ask for an energy efficient pump. |
| motor is what powers it. Motors can go bad and | | | | Your pump is going to be running most of the |
| there might be nothing at all wrong with the | | | | year, and it's going to last for several years, so |
| pump. I've seen a motor where someone had let | | | | the cost of energy is going to add up over time. |
| an anthill grow and grow and it was actually | | | | The energy efficient pumps cost a little more |
| starting to get into part of the motor (a powerful | | | | money initially, but the savings will add up over |
| electric device). Eventually it got hot enough and | | | | time, and you'll have a lower monthly energy bill. |
| the anthill got close enough and the motor was | | | | Also, some of the energy efficient pumps are |
| running (an electric device, remember) and the | | | | quieter than their less efficient counterparts. Do |
| motor caught on fire. | | | | yourself a favor and go for the efficient version. |
| The moral of the story is: keep debris away from | | | | If you're looking for a replacement for your |
| your motor. There's another story about a guy | | | | broken pump, I'd recommend you order a |
| who was spraying WD-40 on his motor as it was | | | | replacement online. Just make sure it's the same |
| running. Don't do that either. There are limits to | | | | one you already have. |
| what WD-40 can fix. | | | | This sums up the basics on pool pumps. Your local |
| What kind of pump do you need for your pool? | | | | pool builder will undoubtedly have his preferences |
| Well, you'll need a horsepower rating that is | | | | and likes on pool pumps, but now you should at |
| appropriate for your pool size. You don't want to | | | | least be able to talk intelligently with him. |