Understanding Pool Plumbing Supplies for Easy Repairs

Welcome to another post in the blog series on pool products and supplies! This week, you will dive into the main parts or plumbing supplies of a swimming pool that keeps everything running smoothly. Understanding these components is important for optimal pool maintenance. And, helps you make educated choices when it comes to purchasing replacement parts or pool plumbing supplies.

Let’s find out more about the important pool systems and what they do!

Pool Pump

Of course, the most crucial part of any pool system, the pool pump contributes to maintaining water circulation, which is essential for keeping your pool clean and clear. The pump features a powerful electric motor and a front housing with a strainer basket to collect substantial debris.

How It Works: The motor spins at a great speed (RPM’s), which turns the impeller to help draw water into the pump. That water flows into the pool’s filtration system before being sent back to the pool. Pool pumps usually use suction lines from the skimmer, main drain, and dedicated suction lines to draw water into the system.

Why It’s Important: If there is no pump, the water in your pool will get stagnant and dirty. Proper circulation makes sure that the chemicals in the pool are evenly distributed, and the water doesn’t get dirty.

Pool Filter

The pool filter is one of the most important pool plumbing supplies for maintaining a clean pool. It works in tandem with the pump to clear debris, particles, and contaminants from the water, not allowing their recirculation back into the pool.

Types of Pool Filters:

 Sand Filters: These are the most commonly used and easiest to maintain. They catch debris as small as 20 microns and can be back-washed weekly to remove dirt and debris. However, the sand requires replacement every 5 to 10 years to maintain optimal filtering.

Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters work more efficiently than sand filters, catching debris between 10-20 microns. However, they need to be disassembled and cleaned every few months by hosing them down. However, cartridge filters cannot be back-washed.

Why It’s Important: The filter helps to keep water clear by eliminating tiny particles and contaminants that the pump cannot handle. Not having a filter means your pool would quickly become cloudy and uninviting.

Skimmer

The skimmer is purpose-designed to be a "deck-side filter," drawing in larger debris for instance leaves, twigs, and insects from the pool's surface. It’s specifically located near the pool's edge and is important for maintaining the pool’s appearance.

How It Works: Water is drawn into the skimmer via a suction line, where debris gets trapped in the skimmer basket. The basket needs emptying weekly or as required to ensure that it keeps functioning properly.

Why It’s Important: The skimmer is meant to prevent the debris from sinking to the bottom of the pool which can make it harder to eliminate and can impact water clarity.

Summing Up

That wraps up another informative post on pool parts and plumbing supplies, each one is crucial for maintaining a clean, safe, and well-functioning pool.