pools

Circulation Systems

All modern pools come complete with a circulation system for keeping the pool water clean. The cycle is: pool -> pump -> filter -> pool.

As mentioned above, the most common piping layouts used to achieve this are the established "Freeboard" pool with the water level approximately 50 mm to 100 mm (2” to 4”) below the top of the pool wall and the “deck level” arrangement where the water flows over the wall into a peripheral channel at the same level as the pool surround.

The plumbing for the two systems is essentially the same with water being drawn from a main drain at the deepest part of the pool and from either a surface skimmer (for freeboard pools) or a balance tank (for deck level and horizon pools). A third suction point for a vacuum cleaner is also included on all our pools. There are thus three suction lines leading to the pump and can be controlled individually by an isolation valve.

Operating Procedure

Under normal conditions the valves from the skimmer (or balance tank if the pool is deck level of horizon) should be fully open, the main drain should be partially open and the vacuum line closed. This ensures that the water is drawn from the deepest part of the pool as well as from the surface thereby optimising circulation.

The pool circulation system should always be in operation when the pool is being used. When not in use it is normally sufficient to switch the pump on for four to six hours a day to keep the water clean. During the cold months when the pool is not in use for long periods, the operating time can be reduced. The exact pumping time is determined by the individual pool conditions.

ON DECKLEVEL AND HORIZON POOLS THE ISOLATING VALVE TO THE BALANCE TANK SHOULD BE CLOSED WHEN THE PUMP IS SWITCHED OFF.

Skimmers

Skimmers are installed on "Freeboard" pools to remove floating debris from the water surface. The effectiveness of the skimmer can be increased by slowly closing the isolating valve from the main drain while the skimmer valve is left open. The skimmer basket should be checked and cleaned every week as part of the routine maintenance of the pool. Always make sure that the floating weir (if fitted) is working properly as this has a direct effect on skimmer efficiency. If the water level in the pool is below the skimmer mouth then the skimmer valve should be closed completely to avoid the risk of the pump sucking air into the system.

Vacuum

Pool vacuum cleaners are very effective in removing dust and debris that can accumulate on the floor of the pool. The cleaner operates by sucking water through the vacuum head via a flexible floating hose to the vacuum line and thence to the pump and the filter. The floating hose should be filled with water and connected to the vacuum point in the pool wall. The vacuum valve in the plant room (which is normally closed) should then be opened and the sump and skimmer/balance tank  valves closed. The vacuum head should be moved slowly across the pool floor to avoid stirring up the dirt that has settled to the bottom of the pool. When vacuuming is complete make sure that the valves in the plant room are returned to the normal operating position.

NB: DO NOT USE THE VACUUM TO REMOVE LEAVES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE POOL AS THEY MAY BLOCK THE VACUUM LINE. LEAVES SHOULD BE REMOVED WITH THE LEAF RAKE PROVIDED.

Pumps

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A typical pump for a domestic pool consists of an electric motor turning an impeller inside the pump housing. A pre-filter or line strainer is usually incorporated into the pump body. This has a small plastic strainer for collecting leaves, lint, hair etc. and prevents such deleterious material from being sucked into the pump itself. The basket can be removed for periodic cleaning by undoing the clear plastic cover on the line strainer. To clean the line strainer proceed as follows:

  1. Stop the pump and isolate the suction pipes by closing the main drain, skimmer (or balance tank) and vacuum valves.
  2. Turn the MPV filter valve lever to "CLOSED"
  3. Open the cover, lift out the basket, clean and replace it. Carefully check the seating for the lid when it is replaced, as it must be secured tightly to eliminate air leaks.

Pumps are rated according to the power (HP or KW) of their motors; the more powerful the motor the larger the volume of water pumped in a given time. Domestic pool pumps typically vary from 0.75 HP (0.55 KW) to 1.5 HP (1.1 KW). The pump motor has a thermostat built into the motor windings, which automatically protects it from overheating. The motor itself is a brush less design and as such it does not need routine maintenance. As for the filter, the size required for a particular pool will depend on the volume of the pool and the pump must be capable of cycling the water through the filter within the desired eight hour cycle time.

Cleaning Equipment

Not all the dirt or leaves that fall into a pool will be removed by the filter system and a variety of brushes and cleaners are available to help with maintenance.

All our new pools are provided with:

  • A pool broom for brushing the floor of the pool. This can be used to move any dirt on the floor towards the sump so that it is then removed from the water by the filter.
  • A scrubbing brush for helping to dislodge any algae that may have become attached to the walls or floor.
  • A leaf skimmer or leaf rake for removing any leaves that are floating on the surface of the water or which have sunk to the floor of the pool.
  • A vacuum cleaner to keep the pool floor clean. The vacuum head is connected by a flexible floating hose either to the skimmer or to a special vacuum point in the pool wall.

Automatic cleaners are also now available. These do essentially the same job as a vacuum cleaner but without the manual input! The most popular model on sale is the "Baracuda". It operates in a similar manner to a vacuum cleaner, the only difference being that the "Baracuda" moves around the pool in a random pattern.