SkimmersThe interface of the plastic skimmer to the concrete pool, plaster, tile and coping creates many opportunities for problems to occur. Common skimmer problems include: separation from the pool wall (beam), freeze damage, leaking or collapsed/ separated pipes (especially if flexible or black poly pipe was used).
Sand filtersThe sand in a sand filter (#20 silica sand; 45 - 55 mm) is specially graded to trap particles in the 20 - 100 micron range. As a sand filter collects dirt, its efficiency increases, trapping more dirt. When your pressure gauge shows a reading 8 - 10 lbs. over its clean, start-up reading, it is time to backwash the captured dirt out of the filter."They Say" that a sand bed should be replaced after seven years. Gradual loss of efficiency may be hard to notice. If your filter requires frequent backwashing, every week or two, the sand bed may be "mudballed", or it may be "channeled". It may also "calcify" with calcium deposits. Other water balance problems may also contribute to sand deterioration, but a properly sized filter could go over 10 years between sand changes.
Swimming Pool Filter pumpsThe heart of your circulation system, your pool pump, pulls water from one or more suction ports (i.e., skimmer & main drain), and then pushes it through the filter & heater (if you have one) and back to the pools' return ports. How do I know what pump is right for me?Contrary to the advice given when selecting a filter, a bigger pump is not always a good thing. Unless you have been advised by a pool professional, or someone in the know that your existing pump was undersized, it would be wise to keep the same horsepower as you have now. How do I know what Horsepower my pump motor is?The horsepower should be listed on the nameplate (left) of the pump motor (in very tiny letters - hp). If the motor nameplate is burnt or worn off, sometimes a part number of the impeller (right) can tell us which hp your pump motor is.If the existing pump has done you well, it is easiest to plumb and wire with the exact same pump. The heights and lengths are the same, which makes the job a bit simpler.
Pool Lights1968 was the year that the National Electrical Code (NEC) finally decided to include swimming pools in their standards and regulations (article 680). If your pool was built prior to 1968, there likely exists some sub-standard electrical design for your underwater lighting and filter pump. You may wish to update this at some point for safety reasons.
What's the difference between Millivolt Heaters and Electronic Heaters?Electronic Heaters have a pilot that lights only when needed. Similar to a modern gas stove, a small, electronic spark ignites the pilot when you turn the gas on. The pilot shuts itself off after the burners are lit. Millivolt Heaters have a Standing Pilot. This means that a pilot burns all the time, like older gas kitchen stoves. Having a Standing Pilot (Millivolt Heaters) obviously wastes a small amount of gas. It can also attract bugs, rodents and snakes seeking out the warmth it produces. Electronic heaters are micro-processor controlled. Circuit boards, similar to those found in modern PC's are used to control and analyze the heater functions. This also allows for LED indicators for temperature and troubleshooting.
Swimming Pool HeatersSwimming pool heaters can be the more complicated of pool equipment on you pool equipment pad. Making repairs to pool heaters should be performed by qualified personnel. Gas pool heaters using natural gas or LP (Propane) gas can be hazardous with combustion or exhaust of the pool heater. Hayward pool equipment has created the Pool heater FAQ below to help the pool owner with pool heater repairs and pool heater troubleshooting. Poolcenter.com has all of your swimming pool heater parts for your Anthony, Purex, Coates, Hayward, Comfortzone, Jandy, Pentair, Raypak, Teledyne Laars/ Jandy, or Sta-Rite heater.
Filter Trying to decide on which type of filter to buy?There are three main types of swimming pool filters, D.E. (which stands for Diatomaceous Earth) {first filter}, Sand {middle filter} and Cartridge {last filter}. Different regions of the country seem to have different preferences; personally my order would have D.E. first, then Sand, then cartridge filters. However, the suitability of a filter to a pool can have more to do with size, than with type. Always go at least one size larger than you think you need. Buy the largest filter you can afford, it's money well spent.
Deck EquipmentAlmost all pools have deck equipment. Diving boards, ladders, hand rails, sliding boards make your pool more enjoyable and safer. Let’s talk about some of the different types of deck equipment.Just about all pools have some type of pool ladder or pool steps. Almost all swimming pool ladders are removable. On an in-ground installation, there is usually a bolt or some type of anchor that can be tightened or loosened to install or remove a swimming pool ladder. Above ground pools have usually just an A-frame ladder that can be folded and stored. It is important that the ladders do not damage the pool walls or floor. Rubber pads and bumpers must be inspected every year and replaced when necessary. If a step or ladder tread is broken or cracked, replace it immediately. For the safety of your guests and family always make sure ladders are in good condition.
Controls and AutomationMany swimming pools have some type of automation, whether it is a timer, or a computerized, fully automated control that can allow you to call your swimming pool or spa from your cell phone or office phone. You can also tell it to turn up the heat, turn on the spa then turn on the driveway lights, dock lights, yard lights. All without you being home. You can set the swimming pool automation system to do a number of tasks itself. Want the Polaris or other cleaner to come on at 10:00 a.m. and turn off at 1:00 p.m. ? No problem. Do you want your swimming pool light on at 8:00 in the evening and turn off at midnight ?
Cleaning EquipmentAlong with the joy, excitement and long lost relatives that come with pool ownership there are also the maintenance challenges. There are many tools and items available to make your pool owning experience less troublesome. Even if you have an automatic cleaner, you will need the basic equipment. Telescopic pole, skim nets, pool brushes and a test kit are a must for any pool owner. The following is a glossary with descriptions of swimming pool and spa cleaning equipment.
