The pump is basically the main part of the circulation system in a swimming pool. It performs the function of pulling water out of the area of the pool that flows through a skimmer and the main drain. It then pushes this water through a filter whereby it returns to the swimming pool through what is known as the main-returns.
The pool pump is comprised of 3 components that include the following.
The Motor
Is an electric device that utilizes either 110 or 220 volts and turns at about 3,450 rpm. This motor is air-cooled and due to the fact that it is not sealed completely from the surrounding environment caution is needed to ensure excess water does not get into the motor at the point of the cooling-vents that are typically positioned on the under part of this housing.
The Impeller
The impeller connects to the motor and performs the function of pulling the water through the lint and hair trap positioned at the end part of the pump and then it pushes the water out of the a pipe that flows to the area of the filter. Impellers contain very small openings and are the part of the pump that is prone to becoming blocked or clogged up with debris. Usual signs that the impeller is damaged or clogged will become noticeable when the pressure reading on the gauge positioned on top of a filter has a lower reading than the suggested levels or the water that flows back into the pool has decreased. To find out whether the impeller is blocked, the assembly can be separated and checked visually. For a how-to-guide visit my pool guide.
The Hair And Lint Trap
This trap is positioned at the end part of the pump and prevents any debris from flowing into the impeller. Inside this trap there is a type of basket for catching hair, lint and small pieces of debris hat have managed to pass through. The basket should be examined and emptied every few days. If this basket becomes clogged up, water flow into the pump becomes restricted. This can result in the pump pumping air as opposed to water. This particular situation is called loss of prime and this causes the motor to begin turning much faster that will eventually result in a burn out.
The hair and lint trap is in place to protect the impeller from becoming clogged. If the basket is clogged or not present the impeller becomes susceptible to blockages which means it will no longer be able to pump the large amount of water back into pool.
Variable Speed Pumps
To lower energy bills you need to be able to reduce the speed of the pump. You don’t need it running at full speed all the time. You can even program the pump to reduce speed at certain times of the day. This can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Pool pumps of old only were single speed. This was a costly device but now that has all changed thanks to variable speed pumps. Although unsuspecting members of the public still buy single and 2 speed pumps as they are cheaper upfront. They are a false economy though as they will eat up a lot more energy costs.
