A swimming pool pump is an important part of every pool owner’s toolbox and it is crucial that you choose the right one for your pool. Since pool pumps work on water, it is essential that you consider the size of your pool before buying one. Knowing how difficult it can be to find the right fit for your pool, we have decided to tell you about the many considerations that you need to make before buying a swimming pool pump- especially if you are on a tight budget.
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How Do I Choose The Right Size For My Pool?
Before you start shopping for a swimming pool pump, it is important to figure out how big your pool is. Not all pool pumps are made equal and some of them are specifically made for smaller pools. If you have a pool that is less than nine feet deep, there are several options for you to choose from because they are relatively affordable. If you have a pool that is at least ten feet deep, then you should consider buying a bigger pool pump because they are much more efficient at pumping water. In case you are wondering, the size of your pool directly correlates with the size of the suction area of the pool pump. The bigger your pool, the bigger the suction area of the pump will be. One last thing before we move on, make sure to buy a quality pump that is designed for use in a swimming pool. We have linked below to an article that lists several key points that you should keep in mind when shopping for a swimming pool pump. Now that you are aware of these factors, let’s continue reading about what else you should consider before buying one.
Features To Look Out For
There are several features that you should look out for when you are shopping for a swimming pool pump- more specifically, the kind that your local pool dealer or store salesperson will show you. One of the most important things that you need to consider is the power rating of the motor that the pump is equipped with. The power of the motor directly correlates to the speed at which the water will be pumped out of the pool. The more powerful the motor, the faster the flow of water will be. This is extremely important if you want your pool to be maintained at a certain level of quality. Another important factor to consider is the warranty. A good pool pump will come with a one-year parts and labor warranty from the date that you purchase it. In addition, make sure that the warranty is transferable. If you are the type of person who is constantly replacing things in and around your home, the last thing that you want to do is have your warranty voided because your personal equipment is not covered under the terms and conditions of the warranty. One last thing before we move on, make sure to buy a brand that you know and trust. Since most pool pumps are electrical in nature, it is crucial that you buy one from a reputable manufacturer that has been around for a long time and has a good reputation
Efficiency
The efficiency of a swimming pool pump is relative to how much power it uses to pump the same amount of water. A highly efficient pool pump uses less energy to pump the same amount of water. The lower the efficiency of the pump, the more power it will require to pump the same amount of water. This is why it is important that you consider the size of your pool before buying one because bigger pools require more efficient pumps than smaller ones. The efficiency of a particular pump will be listed in its specifications under its power rating- usually expressed in horsepower. For example, if you live in a relatively small town and your pool is less than one hundred feet long by fifty feet wide, you will most likely be able to find a five horsepower motor that will be just the right size for your pool. Let’s say that you live in a larger city and your pool is at least one hundred feet long by seventy feet wide. In this case, you will need to consider buying a seven horsepower pump to ensure that your pool is properly pumped. When it comes to buying a high efficiency pool pump, it is important to remember that bigger is not always better. Sometimes, a smaller pump can be more efficient than a bigger one. This will depend on how large your pool is- and the size of the area that you have for the water to flow through. If you are new to the game, start out simple and small and as you become more familiar with the process, upgrade to a bigger and more powerful pump. This will save you both time and money in the long run.
Durability
Just because your pool has been built doesn’t mean that it has to be constantly maintained. During the first month or so after you have installed it, you will need to empty and clean it at least once a week- especially if it is a large pool. This is required to ensure that algae does not grow at an excessive rate in the pool and cause an unpleasant odor as well as health concerns for you and your family. After a month or so, the frequency of the water changes can be reduced to once every ten days or once every fourteen days. This will depend on how large your pool is- the larger it is, the more frequent the water changes will need to be. In either case, regardless of how often you change the water, it is still important to clean it at least once a week to ensure that the water stays clean. One of the best things that you can do for the durability of your pool is to purchase a high quality filter that will keep the water clean as you change it. To further ensure the purity of your pool water, you should consider getting a water quality meter that can detect the presence of various chemicals and parameters in the water. This is especially important if you live in a foreign country because some swimming pools are known to be contaminated with chemicals from industrial sources along with naturally occurring mineral deposits that come from underground sources. Having a water quality meter is the best way to ensure that your pool stays clean no matter how many times you clean it- and it saves you the stress of constantly testing the water for signs of contamination. Many pools are tested at least once a month and depending on where you live, this could be once a week, once a day, or even multiple times a day. This is all a part of good hydration practice and the health of your pool. However, despite all these efforts, eventually, your pool will succumb to the elements and you will need to replace it.
Size
As we mentioned above, the size of your pool will determine the size of your pump. A good rule of thumb is to buy a pump that is equal to or larger than the size of your pool. If you fail to do so, you may find that the pump is either too big or too small for the occasion and this could result in damage to your pool or parts falling off of it. If you are in a rural area where space is at a premium, this may mean that you will need to find an adapter to connect your pool to the nearest watering source. In these instances, it is preferable to choose a smaller pump that is more portable. Once you have located a good quality pump that suits your needs, make sure to take time to read the instructions carefully so that you can get the most out of it. If you have a helper around the house, get them to help you install it too- this will make the process much smoother and less stressful. Remember to use the proper connectors to attach the various hoses and cables of the pump and to avoid any accidents, ensure that the area is well-lit.
Value
The cost of a pump is directly related to its power rating and size- the higher the power rating and size, the pricier it will be. There are several good quality pumps available at affordable prices, however, if your pool is at least ten feet deep, it is preferable to choose one that is more powerful because they are much more efficient than smaller ones when it comes to pumping water. When it comes to buying a high efficiency pool pump, it is important to keep your budget in mind and shop around for the best price possible. If you are looking for a quality and affordable alternative, consider the Metabo SP70 7-Kilon Gold Edition, which is a seven horsepower pump that is ideal for smaller pools and is also very affordable. With a value of under $500, it is an excellent choice for those who want to upgrade their pool but don’t have a lot of money to spend on one.
The Final Takeaway
After going through everything above, it is obvious that choosing the right size for your swimming pool is not an easy task. If possible, hire a professional at your local pool store to help you figure out which size will be suitable for your needs. Remember to buy a quality product that will last for many years and which will be easy to use. In most cases, the right choice will be evident to you once you read the instructions carefully and do some preliminary research online- this will save you both time and money in the long run.