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Support Equipment
Understanding the proper use of your pool equipment will
go a long way toward eliminating most problems. The pool professionals
that install the equipment on your pool must select the correct size
equipment to match your pool and its operations. They will need to
consider the volume of your pool, the diameter of the plumbing, and
distance and position of equipment from the pool.
The Skimmer
Properly designed pools have one or more skimmers that
are usually built right into the edge of the pool.
Surface water is drawn into the skimmer along with any floating debris, such
as dirt,
leaves, suntan oil, etc. Skimmers help keep the water’s surface
clean and minimize the amount of debris that gets
into the circulation system. Check and clean your skimmer basket
every day for best results.
The Pump
At the heart of your pool’s support system is the pump. Its
job is to move the water through the filters, heater
and sanitizing system then back into your pool. Before
water flows into the pump,
it passes through a strainer basket to catch any
debris that has been missed by skimmer; be sure to clean
your strainer basket periodically.
Pumps vary in size from ½ to 2 Horsepower and can have 1
or 2 speeds. Your pump run time really depends on
many factors including the size of your pool, equipment
used, amount of activity, weather
and time of year. A pool’s pump should circulate all pool
water at least once a day.
A pump has a suction side and a discharge side. At the
suction side, the pump motor draws water out of the pool. The water
is then transferred to the discharge side of the pump, where it is
forced through the filter for cleaning (and perhaps a heater and an
automatic chemical feeder) and sent back into the pool. Drain plugs
allow you to drain water out of the pump, generally for winterizing.
A nameplate located on the pump housing provides all the pertinent
information about the pump.
The Heater
A heater on your pool can extend your swimming by months,
or even year-round in some areas of the country. Most people prefer
a pool water temperature of 78°F for swimming. Although the sun
can help the water reach that temperature, unless you
live in a very warm climate your pool water will not usually exceed
the average air
temperature. Therefore, a heater may be needed to maintain
a water temperature of 78°F in most climates. Gas, electric and solar
heaters are available in various sizes – some being more effective
and less costly than others. Check with the pool experts in your area
for help in deciding on the best heater for you.
The Chemical Feeder
Chemical feeders keep your pool water sanitized by
maintaining a consistent feed of chlorine or other
sanitizing agent into the pool to kill bacteria and
algae. Once the proper settings
are determined, a chemical feeder can automatically
dispense just the right amount of sanitizer to keep
your pool sparkling clean without
a lot of work. An inline feeder is plumbed into your
circulation system after all the other pool equipment
(pump, filter, heater).
An off-line feeder is freestanding and is connected
to the pool’s
circulation system with additional tubing. King Technology
has a complete line of feeders for all your pool needs – including
the revolutionary POOL FROG system.
Click here to see our entire product
line for pools.
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Types
of Swimming Pools |
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Filters |
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