Swimming Pool Equipment Inspection Checklist
The standard equipment associated with properly circulating the water in a swimming pool are the pump and motor, filter, heater and surface skimmer. The water circulation system is a closed one. The pump is driven by the motor, and is normally located on the intake side of the filter. Basically, it draws water from the pool and forces it through the filter, where dirt particles are removed, then the water flows to the heater and back to the pool. The strainer basket on the water inlet side of the pump catches hair, lint and other debris in order to prevent the pump from getting clogged.
When it comes to filters, there are three basic types available for swimming pools: sand filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. Any of these three types will provide effective filtration, but with all three the filtering medium will require periodic cleaning.
The process used to clean DE sand filters is called backwashing, i.e. sending water backward through the filter, thus flushing the debris onto the lawn, into the street or to an approved sewer or drain line. Cartridge filters are not cleaned through the same process; the cartridge is simply removed from the casing and washed. Most filters also have a pressure gauge mounted on the top of the casing. The operating pressure is typically around 10 to 12 psi, however for some of the newer filters it may be between five and seven psi. As the filtering medium becomes dirty and clogged, more pressure is necessary for the water to flow. When the filter pressure increases approximately 10 psi above the normal operating range, it is time to clean the filter.
A swimming pool heater is not mandatory, but most homeowners choose to install one for comfort. Also, the heater can extend the swimming season. Most swimming pool heaters are gas-fired, but they can also be electric or, to a limited extent, pools can be heated with solar heating or a heat pump. In gas-fired heaters, the ignition system will be either a pilot light or electronic spark ignition. Either natural gas or propane gas can be used as fuel for firing the heater, but note that a heater that is designed for natural gas should not be used with propane gas and vice versa, otherwise it will not operate properly.
Swimming Pool Equipment Inspection – Proper Chemical Balance
Keeping the pool water in the proper chemical balance is essential not just for health reasons and maintaining the quality of the water, but adequate chemical treatment also extends the life of the pool heater. Water that is out of balance will result in a scale buildup within the heater, which can cause a blockage of water circulation.
Most swimming pool shells have at least one or two built-in surface skimmers, with skimmer baskets tied into the water’s circulation system. When the pump is operating, dirt, leaves, algae, oils from lotions, and other debris that float on the surface of the water are drawn into the skimmer by floating over the entrance weir. The baskets trap and collect the larger debris, while the oils and dirt particles circulate back to the filter where they are removed from the water.
Some swimming pools have skimmers that are also connected to a pipe below the water level, which prevents air from being sucked into the circulation system when the water level is down. The pump could be damaged if air is drawn into the circulation system when the pool water level is below the bottom of the weir. Pumps are not designed to run dry. Running a pump with air in the system or running it dry can result in overheating, and can seriously damage both the pump and the motor.
To make sure you can enjoy your pool for a long time and there are no health and safety risks, remember that regular maintenance means efficient pool equipment. In addition, scheduling a swimming pool inspection from time to time will ensure potential problems are eliminated, all safety equipment requirements are met and the chemical treatment is adequate. Plus, a repair and replacement service will cost far more than a professional swimming pool inspection.