Pool Supplies

Top 5 Mistakes Pool Owners Make

When the weather heats up there is no better place to cool off and relax than your own swimming pool.  However owning a pool is a little bit like owning a boat.  They are a lot of fun to own, but they do require a little regular maintenance to keep running properly.

There are certain things every pool owner needs to do on a somewhat regular basis in order to keep your pool operating in tip-top condition.  And while you may be tempted to skip a maintenance issue every once in awhile – sooner or later you may find your pool isn’t working properly.  Or worse you may face a big repair bill to fix it!

Top 5 Most Common Mistakes Pool Owners Make:

Not running your pump long enough. The operation of your pump is critical to the operation of just about everything else related to your pool  Your filter, heater, automatic pool cleaner, and chlorinator will not work unless your pump is operating efficiently. A good pool pump has 2 speeds and we recommend that you run it 24 – 7. Not maintaining the proper water level in your pool. When the water level in your pool is at or near the bottom of your tile line in your pool, the pump begins to draw air (instead of water) into your circulating system. This causes your pump to lose its “prime.”  When the pump loses its prime, water is no longer moving through the circulating system and none of your equipment is working.

CAUTION: The water inside of your pump housing can reach over 200 degrees if your pump runs for an extended period of time without a “prime.” The heat and the steam created can melt piping, fittings, and your pump. If you open the pump strainer, SCALDING WATER CAN SPRAY OUT WITH DISASTEROUS RESULTS!!! Never open the strainer housing on your pump if you even think that this condition might exist. Turn the pump off and wait for the water to cool before opening the pump strainer housing.

Not adding pH adjustment chemicals to your pool water. Salt chlorination raises the pH of your water. If you don’t add enough muratic acid to your pool water on weekly basis, YOU WILL DEVELOP SCALE. Scale will appear as white streaks and encrustations on your pool plaster. This will be especially troublesome on colored plaster pools. Don’t regularly clean your equipment.  Your swimming pool is built with specially designed equipment such as the pump strainer basket, chlorinator cell and filter elements. And without regular maintenance these parts will malfunction and eventually need replacement. Furthermore these are considered normal maintenance procedures that you have to perform and are not part of your warranty.

For instance, if your pump basket is not cleaned regularly, and re-inserted properly, debris will clog the impeller and the pump will not perform properly.   Or if you neglect your chlorinator cell it can become encrusted with calcium and other minerals dissolved in your water, the chlorinator will not work.  And if your filter elements get dirty, it becomes harder for the water to pass through and will eventually shut your whole system down!

Not testing your water. This is one of the “golden rules” of pool ownership – you CANNOT determine the condition of your pool water simply by looking at it. Of course if your water is cloudy or green, it certainly needs attention.  But did you know that your water can be hazardous to your health, even if it “looks” good?

Weekly testing of your water, followed up by monthly testing by your local pool chemical store, is the only way to keep your water up. A little time and money spent on adjustment chemicals can save you lots of money in the long run.

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Please vote now and daily at www.gotxu.com This video describes proper setting of a pool pump timer. many people over run their pool pumps. Our pool pump cost an average of $.50/hr to operate. If we overan our pump by 2 hours every day we would spend and additional a month. Check out some of our other project videos and please vote for us inthe TXU Energy PSC2 contest at www.txu.com .
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Hayward Pool Filters And Pumps ? Pool Owner Guide

No swimming pool is complete without a filter and pump.  Filters and pumps are essential pool equipment because they work together to keep the water clean and clear.  While pumps circulate the pool water and drive it through the filtration system, the filter is responsible for removing debris and contaminants so that only clean water is returned to the pool.  Hayward pool filters and pumps are widely used amongst residential swimming pool owners to perform these important tasks because of their quality and reliability.  Hayward pool filters and pumps are available in many different models, providing a range of options for different swimming pools and pool owners.

Hayward pool pumps are designed to provide a high level of performance as well as efficient operation.  While providing excellent flow rates, these electric devices are also quiet and easy to maintain.  Hayward pool pumps are available for in-ground pools as well as above ground pools and there are a range of different models designed for pools of different sizes and volumes.  For example, Hayward pool pumps for above ground pools are often available in 1 horsepower (hp) models and 1 ½ hp models.  In-ground Hayward pool pumps are typically available in ¾ hp models up to 2 or 2 ½ hp models.

Hayward pool filters are also available for both above ground and in-ground swimming pools.  Hayward pool filters for above ground pools include the Hayward Easy Clear and Micro Star Clear filters as well as the Hayward X-Stream pool filter system.  Hayward pool filters for inground pools include the Hayward Star Clear Plus pool filter and the Hayward Pro-Grid Vertical Grid DE filter.  While Hayward pool filters can be divided according to the type of pool they are designed for, they can also be categorized with respect to the type of filtration material they contain.  In this manner, Hayward pool filters can be divided into three types of filters — cartridge filters, sand filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.

In order to remove debris from the pool water as it passes through the filtration system, Hayward cartridge pool filters use cartridge elements which are similar to the type of cartridges found beneath kitchen sinks.  These cartridge elements are typically made from reinforced polyester and are able to screen out contaminants and debris particles as small as 10 microns in size.  Hayward cartridge pool filters will generally only need to be cleaned once or twice each swimming season and this task can easily be achieved by washing the cartridge element with a garden hose.

Hayward sand pool filters are very popular with residential pool owners and have been widely used for many years.  These filters use sand as their filtration material and as water passes through the sand beds, impurities become trapped in the sand and are prevented from returning to the pool with the water.  Hayward sand pool filters require periodic backwashing to prevent clogging and to ensure continued effectiveness.  These Hayward pool filters are fairly inexpensive to operate and are able to screen out debris particles as small as 20 microns.

Hayward sand and cartridge filters are both very effective at removing debris from pool water.  However, Hayward diatomaceous earth filters provide even better filtration results.  Able to filter out debris particles as small as 2 to 5 microns, DE filters are becoming more and more popular with swimming pool owners.  These filtration systems use diatomaceous earth, a porous powder derived from the exoskeletons of fossilized diatoms, as their filtration media.  DE powder is full of microscopic nooks and crannies which trap contaminant particles such as dirt, silt and even microorganisms such as bacteria.  As with sand filters, DE filters require periodic backwashing to keep them clean and the DE powder is inexpensive to replace when replacement becomes necessary.

Although DE filters offer the highest level of filtration, all Hayward pool filters are very effective at removing debris particles from pool water so that you can enjoy a clean, clear swimming pool.  As a result, the type of filter that will work best for you and your pool will primarily depend upon your personal preferences.  When choosing a Hayward pump to go with your filter, ensure that the model you are considering is designed for a pool of the same type and size as your pool.  That way you will get the best performance out of your pump and your filtration system as a whole.  Also, by taking some time to familiarize yourself with the different options available, you will be able to make an informed decision about which Hayward pool filters and pumps will work best for you and your swimming pool so you can enjoy reliable, quality performance for years to come.

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The pool looks great but the pump just quit. What now?

When you think about all the tasks that a swimming pool pump has to carry out, it’s not surprising that quite often things go wrong. A pumps daily life is made up of forcing all the water in a pool through a series of pipes, through a debris skimmer, then through the restrictions of the filter system, and back into the pool. That’s a lot of energy required for jobs that are done mostly quietly and out of sight.

Because the pump does its job out of sight it’s often out of mind as well. So when a pump plays up, that little workhorse can be a huge annoyance. The main things that go wrong are it becomes noisy, leaks water, turns off after short use, doesn’t pump at all or sucks air but no water.

The causes may be noisy bearings due to wear or lack of lubrication, clogged flow pipes or filter, loose or broken fittings at pump connections or loose debris basket lid.

Simply loose connections or blockages are easily remedied, but noise or shut off may not be so simple. It may be time to get a replacement pump. Depending on the size of your pool, before you set off after a new pool pump, consider that most pools actually have a pump that’s oversize for the job required and so the energy or electricity bill is going to be oversize as well. If you have only a pool, consider getting a pump closer to the minimum size needed. However, if you have a pool and spa combination, you should get a pump closer to the high end of your range. Working out just what’s required is a bit technical but here is the way to determine exactly what your minimum needs will be if you are a little mathematically minded.

Look up the size of your pool in gallons. The formula for rectangular pools is length times width times average depth times 7.5. The formula for circular pools is the radius squared times the average depth times 5.9. The formula for oval pools is the long diameter times the short diameter times the average depth times 5.9.

You also need to know often you want your water is circulated. Most pools are completely filtered every eight to twelve hours. The more use your pool gets, the more often you’ll need to do a complete filtration. Because pool pumps are measured in gallons per minute, multiply the time by 60 to convert it to minutes. To determine the minimum flow rate you need for your pool, divide the volume by the turnover time. For example, a 27,000-gallon pool that turns over every 10 hours would need a unit capable of pumping 45 gallons per minute. So it’s not that hard and you’ll know whether you have a pump that’s too big or too small.

If it is time for a replacement pump, consider the Whisperflo pump from Pentair. Not only is it quiet but it is extremely efficient and economical. You can get more details of the Pentair Whisperflo pool pump at www.poolpumpsupplies.com. If your pool is an aboveground pool, then you probably do have a pump that is oversize in horse power and using too much energy. Another way to conserve power usage is to let the pump do most of its work overnight and turn down the amount of water circulated in winter months.

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Hayward Pool Filters And Pumps ? Quick Buyer’s Guide

Filters and pumps are the most essential equipment for any swimming pool.  In order to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming, impurities must be removed.  While some contaminants and debris are killed or removed from pools through the use of sanitizing chemicals and hand skimming, pump and filtration systems are still absolutely vital when it comes to keeping pool water clean.  While pool pumps circulate water throughout the pool to help distribute heat and chemicals, they also propel water through the filter.  The filter then removes impurities such as dirt particles from the water before it returns to the pool.

Since pumps and filters perform such important tasks, you should ensure that you purchase quality units that will provide you with first-class operation for years to come.  As a leading name in the pool equipment industry, Hayward offers a wide selection of pool pumps and filters.  Hayward pool filters and pumps include models for both above ground and in-ground swimming pools, and each unit has different features for pool owners to consider.

Hayward pool pumps have a reputation for providing peak performance as well as great durability, which is why they are widely used by residential pool owners.  Examples of Hayward pool pumps designed specifically for above ground swimming pools include PowerFlo Matrix and Economy Hayward pool pumps.  The PowerFlo Matrix features an advanced, heavy-duty motor as well as an automatic thermal overload protector, which prevents potential damage by shutting off the pump when the skimmer or plumbing becomes clogged.  In addition to their affordable price, Economy Hayward pool pumps are also popular with pool owners because of their efficiency and their quiet operation.

Hayward pool pumps are also available for in-ground swimming pools, with such models including the TriStar Pump and the Hayward Super Pump.  TriStar pool pumps provide remarkably efficient hydraulics as well as a dynamic design which delivers superior flow rates.  As for the Hayward super pump, this model comes with an extra-large debris basket as well as an easy-to-open strainer lid for hassle-free access.  Both of these in-ground models operate with very minimal noise, so they will keep your pool clean without disturbing the peace and quiet of your backyard.

Much the same as pool pumps, there are also Hayward pool filters for inground and above ground pools.  As with all brands of filters, Hayward pool filters for above  inground pools can be further divided into three different categories depending upon the type of filtration media they use.  These three categories consist of sand filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth or DE filters.  While choosing between Hayward pool filters for above ground pools and in-ground pools will depend on the type of pool you own, determining whether you should purchase a sand, cartridge or DE filter will depend more on your personal preferences.

Hayward sand pool filters consist of a tank filled with special pool-grade sand.  This sand is the filtration material and is responsible for removing impurities from the water as it passes through the filter unit.  As pool water is propelled through Hayward sand pool filters, dirt, bugs and other bits of debris become trapped between the sand particles and are thus screened out of the water.  Hayward sand pool filters are capable of filtering out impurities as small as 20 µ.  If you are interested in using Hayward sand pool filters, keep in mind that these filters must be backwashed occasionally in order to keep them functioning effectively.

Hayward cartridge pool filters use paper-like cartridges to screen debris particles out of pool water.  While not as widely used as Hayward sand pool filters, cartridge filters are still quite popular and offer a number of benefits.  To begin with, Hayward cartridge pool filters feature a larger filtration surface area and therefore become clogged less often.  As a result, Hayward cartridge pool filters only need to be cleaned once or twice per swimming season.  Cartridge filters are very easy to clean as they simply need to be washed down with a garden hose.  Another benefit of using Hayward cartridge pool filters is the fact that they can filter out debris as small as 10 µ.

Both sand and cartridge Hayward pool filters for above ground pools and in-ground pools will provide you with quality filtration that will help you to keep your pool water clean and clear.  However, for pool owners who are looking for the best filtration results currently available, DE filters are the way to go.  Diatomaceous earth is a porous power consisting of the crushed exoskeletons of tiny fossilized diatoms and is full of microscopic nooks and crevices which effectively trap debris.  Like sand filters, DE Hayward pool filters require backwashing to prevent them from becoming clogged but these filters provide superior filtration, screening out debris particles as small as 2 to 5 µ.

By considering the various characteristics of all of the above types of Hayward pool filters and pumps, you will be able to determine which equipment models will be best suited to your swimming pool and your pool maintenance routine.  No matter which Hayward pool filters and pumps you choose, however, you will be able to enjoy clean, clear water all season long.

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Informational video about swimming pool pumps such as the Hayward Super Pump Item 9391 that is offered through Doheny’s Water Warehouse Distributed by Tubemogul.
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Why Pool Pumps are Necessary

One of the items on the long list of items that you will have to give consideration to if you are having a pool installed is the pool pump. While on the surface it may seem a simple topic and an easy decision to make, the fact of the matter is that pool pumps have many variables to consider.

For instance, you don’t want a pool pump that is too powerful and at the same time you don’t want a pool pump that is too weak either. A pump that is overpowered will run up your utility bills and you will be hesitant to run it as often as you would like.

On the other hand, a pump that is too weak will have trouble keeping up with your filtration system and a solar powered pool heating system if you have one installed.

The fact is, that water is quite heavy and a swimming pool can contain a lot of water that has to be constantly moved. The last thing that you are going to want is an underpowered pump that has to be overworked to maintain the pool and ends up dieing a slow death while the pool water becomes more and more unsightly.

The best thing that you can do when you are going through the pool pump decision making process is to come to some solid decisions regarding items such as a solar heater, any water features and anything else that the pool pump is going to be supplying water for.

Then consult an expert that can give you some hard facts that you can base your final decision off of. Remember, that you want your pool pump to be a one shot deal that will give you years of reliable trouble free use, because the last thing that you are going to need in the middle of a hot summer is to have to replace your pool pump.

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