Basic Pool Cleaning, Maintenance & Equipment Terminology for Brevard County Pools
This page is for our current and future Brevard County pool cleaning customers to refer to when
discussing their swimming pool issues, concerns or operations. Its just the basic components of most pools covering equipment names, their function
and tips on keeping them in working order.
  
Basic Features of Swimming Pools
Most swimming pools are designed
to be a closed system with equipment that provides circulation, filtering
and cleaning. The average size of a residential pool is around 12 thousand
gallons, with a range between 7 to 30 thousand gallons of water.
The Skimmer
Leaves, grass and other
airborne particles collect on the pool's surface, where the water tends
to be the dirtiest. The skimmer is setup to remove this debris by means
of circulated water passing through a skimmer basket, which collect the
large pieces of floating items. This basket requires emptying usually on
a weekly basis, but may be need in unusually windy days, especially if
your pool is not screened in. We will set and monitor the flow rate, so
as to effect optimal collection.
The Main Drain
Typically found in the deepest
section of the pool, at the bottom. Water is drawn in through this drain
and is controlled by the pool pump. Normally the flow through the main
drain is 1/4 to 1/8 open.
The Vacuum Port
Somewhere on the side wall
of the swimming pool is a suction port. The port is used for the automatic
cleaning system and is attached here.
Pool Returns
These should be located
on the side wall of the pool and should all be oriented to face the same
direction in order to circulate the pool water in the same direction. The
pool returns are setup to return the filtered water to the body of the
pool.
Basic
Pool Equipment for Residential Swimming Pools
Pool Pumps
The pump provides the circulation
of the water in the pool. Pool pumps range in horse power anywhere
from 3/4HP to 2HP. They are controlled by an automatic timer (typically
set to run 8 hours per day). The part of the pump that you need to be concerned
with is the pump basket. The function of the pump basket is to collect
any debris that was not picked up by the skimmer basket. The pump basket
should be clean regularly to ensure that you are getting the optimal flow
through.
Pool Timers
The pool timer is important
the scheduling of the activation of the pump, setting the time and duration
of the pump. Most residential pools pumps should run about eight hours
during the warmest time of day. Most timers are similar and will be easy
to use.
Pool Filters
Pool filters are typically
divided into three different types or methods. Which ever type your pool
uses the function is the same, keep the water clean.
-
Sand: The easiest to clean,
however, the least efficient. Typically, we clean sand filters every 3
weeks or when the pressure rises (as seen on pressure gauge).
-
Cartridge Filter: The most common
filter. They range in size from 50 square feet up to 150 square feet. Depending
on the pool and size of the filter, the element should be cleaned about
once per month.
-
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.): The
most efficient. They come in various sizes, the larger sizes require less
change out.
Intake Control Valves
Ball valves and/or 3-way
valves are located before the intake of the pump, This allows for adjustment
of the water intake from the skimmer, main drain, vacuum ports and spa. |
