Pumps Information Guide

This pump information guide will help you check some of the basic requirements your swimming pool requires, in running your system with most the optimal pool hydraulics turnover efficiency rates as possible.

The pool pump is the most important piece of equipment you have in your swimming pool. Besides determining the circulation rate, it keeps the water healthy and clean.

Furthermore, this device plays a key role in the longevity of other pieces of pool equipment. Therefore, you should consider different factors when buying the best pump for your pool. Read on to know the most important ones:

Pool Size and Volume

The pool size and volume are the two main aspects to consider when choosing the right pool pump. This device works based on the amount of water (in litres) in your pool.

Knowing your pool’s size and volume is necessary because you must calculate the pool’s flow rate per hour, which is expressed in litres per minute (lpm). Based on that information, you can pick a pump that is compatible with your pool size.

In order to calculate the flow rate, you also need the turnover time in minutes. This number is, essentially, how long it takes for the water volume to pass through the circulation system. There are two standards:

  • Four hours for indoor pools
  • Six hours for outdoor pools

After knowing the turnover time, divide the pool volume by this number in minutes.

The flow rate you require will depend on the characteristics of your pool.To preserve an adequate quality of water, the filtration cycle must be capable of processing and filtering all the water in the pool in under six hours, four being optimum.Example: for a rectangular pool 8m x 4m in size, with an average depth of 1.5 m, pool volume is 48m3; so you want a pump flow of at least (48 / 4 =) 12m3/h to enable complete recycling of the water within four hours.However, this is a minimum, and it's always better to oversize your pump capacity. Without launching into a crash course in hydraulics, let's just say that water circulation can encounter various forms of resistance; so a good rule of thumb is to oversize the rated flow of your pump by a factor of 1.2 to 1.5.

Various specific factors may warrant additional pump capacity:

  • Pool piping layout - the more bends there are, the more the flow of water is resisted;

  • Distance between the pool and machine room - the further it is, the more powerful the pump has to be;

  • Pump height in relation to the skimmers - just like increasing the distance, making the pump push uphill will require more power;

  • Filter volume and clogging - since passage through the filter produces resistance, which increases as it becomes clogged with debris.

 

In our case, for a pool basin with a machine room slightly above the level of the pool and 8m away horizontally, a pump with a minimum flow of 15m3/h will be ideal.

If you really want to get into the nuts and bolts, refer to the manufacturer's charts provided with the pump which give flow figures according to system pressure. This will allow you to make precise comparisons between different models of pump, but short of having a very sophisticated installation, the simple methods of calculation mentioned above will do just as well.

Pool Type and Design

Besides knowing the flow rate, it is also crucial to consider the pool type and design.

As mentioned, the turnover time varies if you have an indoor or outdoor pool. That measurement is essential to choose the right pump size.

The pool’s design can also influence the pump’s performance since it affects how the device circulates the water.

Pump Speed

There are different models and types of pool pumps, and they all run at different speeds. These are some of the options you can find:

  • Single-speed pool pumps
  • Dual-speed pool pumps
  • Variable-speed pool pumps

Single-speed pumps only have a one-speed setting – “high.” Since the speed cannot be increased or reduced, it’s impossible to adapt the device’s performance to the pool’s requirement, even if it needs slow pumping. Also, these models make your electricity bill higher.

Unlike single-speed models, a dual-speed pool pump has two speed settings – “low” and “high.” In other words, you can set it and save on energy when the pool is not in use.

Finally, there are variable-speed pumps, which have become very popular in recent years. These models are slightly more expensive than the other two but offer multiple benefits.

Overall, a variable-speed pump is more efficient and durable. Furthermore, these models are quieter and use permanent magnetic motors, which offer better performance.

Head Pressure Requirements

If you want to choose the right pool pump, it’s also important to consider the head pressure. This measurement indicates the total pressure that this device will work against while it pulls water. It’s part of the Total Dynamic Head, which is measured in metres.

There’s also a standard for the Total Dynamic Head, which is 15 metres THD for inground pools and 9 metres TDH for above-ground pools.

Just look at the label on your pump or, failing that, at the user manual!The flow rate given on the pump corresponds to a certain pressure in the circuit - and this is where you need to be careful.The flow rate we calculated above is for pressure between 0.8 and 1 bar. If the flow rate given by the manufacturer corresponds to a lower pressure value, actual flow will be lower at 0.8 bar (since the pump will effectively be pushing against more resistance). You'll therefore need a more powerful pump to achieve a sufficient rate of water circulation.Other indications to be taken into account are the pump's operating voltage and power rating.Operating voltage will be a standard mains value (i.e. 230V in the UK), but you still need to establish whether your pump runs on single-phase or three-phase electricity. The choice here will depend on your existing domestic electricity network. The power rating (P) gives you an idea of energy consumption.Flow and power are related; for a given flow rate, a more powerful pump will last longer before it shows signs of wear.

Plumbing Configuration and Pipe Size

People use the term “pool plumbing” to refer to all the pipes, fittings, and valves that make the entire system work and help the water circulate before and after it is filtered.

Did you know that the movement of water to and from your pool depends on the pipe size? Plumbing pieces play a key role in the pump’s performance. If you have a large and powerful device, you cannot use a small pipe, for example.

There’s a significant difference between the volume of water that the large pipes let flow compared to the smaller ones. Therefore, you must choose a pump compatible with your pool plumbing pieces or vice versa.

Ideally, you should choose a pump size smaller than the pipe’s flow rate.

Horsepower Requirements

Horsepower or “hp” is another type of measurement you must take into account to choose the right pool pump. Many people believe that they should choose the higher horsepower for better performance.

However, you should pick a pool pump that is powerful enough to clean your pool and keep the water circulating. That’s it.

While there are many fancy devices that promise to be very powerful, you shouldn’t pick one with the highest horsepower. First, check your filter requirements and the maximum flow rate.

Using a too-powerful pool pump that exceeds the flow rate can damage your equipment and cause expensive problems.

Electrical Requirements and Voltage

Choosing a suitable pump also involves considering electrical requirements, including voltage. Are you sure you can install these devices in your electrical system?

Most pool pumps run on these voltages: 240V or 415V. Some models run on both. These devices have also been designed to work if you hard wire them directly to power lines or inlines plugging to power.

Both types of connections are good, but you must be sure of the voltage you need to avoid issues and extend the pump’s longevity.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

As mentioned, the type of swimming pool pump you choose may have a direct effect on your energy consumption.

A variable-speed pump is more expensive but more energy-efficient. If you pick a device you can set to low, you’ll reduce your energy cost.

Noise Level

Unlike models with induction motors, a variable-speed pump doesn’t produce too much noise, so you can use it during off-peak hours (electricity is often cheaper during this time). Also, you won’t disturb your neighbours!

Durability and Reliability

Do you want to buy a device that will last years to save or maximise performance? Choosing the best pool pump is also essential. However, you shouldn’t pick the most expensive one and expect it to work forever.

A variable-speed pump usually lasts longer because its motor is top-quality and allows speed adjustments. However, the single-speed pump is the most popular and used option worldwide. Therefore, it has “tried and tested” technology that is also reliable.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

If you don’t want to spend hours and hours installing or maintaining your swimming pool pumps, you should also choose the right model.

Do you have an above-ground pool? Your pumps should be installed below the water level since they aren’t self-priming. However, inground pumps are usually more powerful and self-priming, so they can be installed above water level.

Compatibility with Filters and Other Pool Equipment

You should also make sure your pump is compatible with your pool filter.

Ideally, the pump’s flow rate must be greater than the filter’s minimum flow rate but less than the filter’s maximum flow rate.

Warranty and Customer Support

Buying the right pump goes beyond choosing the device with the best features. What if the swimming pool pump stops working just days after you bought it? That’s where the warranty comes in.

Make sure the device you choose comes with a manufacturer’s warranty and find out what types of repairs are covered.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

While there are exceptions, if you want to find the best pool pump, you should consider reputable brands.

Check out the seller’s reputation and previous customers’ reviews to find out what other users are saying about their pumps. These comments will give you a better idea of the device you’re purchasing.

Personal Preferences and Aesthetics

Don’t forget your preferences. Your pool is part of an important and beautiful area where you want to relax and spend time with your loved ones.

If you pick the right pump and consider the aesthetics, you’ll keep that valuable space beautiful. More importantly, you’ll love it!

Climate and Weather Conditions

Climatic conditions not only affect the device’s regular maintenance but also its operation and durability. Some pumps will perform better when hot temperatures hit, while others require special maintenance in cold environments.

Type of Pool Use

Based on the flow rate, you can determine if a pool pump is suitable for certain applications or uses. If you have a small pool, which is common in residential properties, the ideal flow rate is between 40 and 60 GPM.

However, the ideal flow rate for bigger pools, which are more common in commercial buildings or public spaces, is between 80 and 100 GPM.

Note: Remember that the flow rate depends on all the pieces of equipment and features in your pool, such as pump size, pool filters, heaters, water features, and more.