Swimming pools are lovely, especially in hot weather, but maintaining them is challenging. One of the most critical aspects of pool maintenance is water circulation, where specialised electric pool pumps come to the rescue.
Pool pumps are designed with electrical safety in mind, with their mechanical parts constructed from durable plastic. In swimming pool circulation systems, they are similar to the heart of a living organism, circulating the water with disinfectants evenly through the pool systems, sanitising the pool and removing the debris through the filtration system.
These pumps are essential in keeping your pool clean and fresh and ensuring a comfortable water temperature, allowing you to enjoy swimming at all times.
Moreover, with the advancement of technology, modern pool pumps have become safer, more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than ever before. Pool pumps offer an eco-friendly solution to the energy-intensive process of swimming pool maintenance.
Table of Contents:
Role of pumps in swimming pool maintenance
A pump for a swimming pool is the cornerstone of any pool maintenance regime. It ensures the constant movement and filtration of water, ensuring your pool is not contaminated with bacteria and algae. The pump draws water, runs it through a filter to remove impurities, and feeds it back into the water enclosure. It cleans the surface from grease film, leaf litter and insects.
Pool pumps are necessary for disinfecting the entire pool volume. This includes the even distribution of chemicals throughout the swimming pool. Without a proper circulation system, these chemicals can settle in one place and become ineffective, resulting in unhealthy pool conditions for the swimmers. Unbalanced pump operation with chemical additive dispensers can even be hazardous to your health. Therefore, a quality pump is integral to keeping your pool clean and safe. In other words, without a properly working pump, the pool water will stagnate and gradually turn into an aquarium or a pond… If you want that, FORAS has submersible pond pumps to offer you.
In addition, pool pumps help maintain a comfortable pool water temperature. The pump circulates water through the heating system, ensuring that heat is evenly distributed throughout the pool.
Types of swimming pool pumps
There are three key types of pool pumps:
single-speed
two-speed
variable-speed pumps.
Single-speed pumps are the most common. They operate at a constant speed, providing reliable and simple operation. The main advantage is the simple design, easy connection to the power supply system and low price.
Two-speed pumps are a slightly more sophisticated option, providing greater flexibility in application. They have a low-speed setting for everyday filtration and a high-speed setting for intensive applications such as pool vacuuming or rapid water heating. While they solve many more tasks, their price is similar to the single-speed version.
Finally, variable speed pumps are the most modern and efficient solution. They allow you to adjust the pump speed to match your pool's needs, resulting in significant energy savings. These pumps use permanent magnet motors, like those found in electric cars, making them quieter and cooler than traditional ones. In addition, they can be integrated into modern automation systems, allowing the pump to be adjusted to run at different speeds, at other times of the day.
Regardless of the pump type, you should select the capacity depending on where you intend to use it. Here we go through examples of pumps across domestic, luxury, to municipal applications:
Pool Dimensions | Flow rate required | FORAS Pentax |
A home pool 144m3 Width = 6m Length = 12m Depth = 2m | 18 m3/h (every 8h) | |
A luxury pool 375m3 Width = 7.5m Length = 25m Depth = 2m | 47 m3/h (every 8h) | |
Four lane, Olympic length pool 1000m3 Width = 10m Length = 50m Depth = 2m | 166 m3/h (every 6h) |
Notable alternative premium manufacturers to Italian manufactured FORAS are Hayward (USA), and Pentair (USA).
Advantages of using electric swimming pool pumps
Electric pool water pumps are significantly more energy efficient, using less energy than their traditional counterparts, resulting in lower electric bills and a smaller carbon footprint. This is because the requirements for pool pump manufacturers are becoming stricter, and the Ministries of Energy in European countries generally set energy-saving standards.
Another advantage is their quiet operation. Electric pool pumps are known for their quiet operation, which means that the peaceful atmosphere at the pool is not disturbed. The sound pressure of a pool pump is commensurate with the operation of a low-noise home air fan. In addition, these pumps require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan due to their rugged and reliable construction.
Electric pool pumps are known for their quiet operation, which means that the peaceful atmosphere at the pool is not disturbed.
Finally, electric pumps provide superior performance. They offer a robust, constant water flow, ensuring efficient filtration and circulation. This results in cleaner and healthier pool water, improving your swimming experience.
Selecting a pool pump
When you are in the market for pool pumps, there are several factors to consider.
Select the pump flow rate based on the volume of your pool. To calculate the necessary flow rate, divide your pool's volume (in cubic meters) by the turnover rate (typically 8 h). Thus, for example, a 75 m3 pool would require a pump with a flow rate of approximately 10 m3/h.
Choose an energy-efficient model that will substantially save your electric bill over time. Also, check the noise level of the pump. If you value peace, choose a pump from a reputable European manufacturer with lab-tested quiet operation.
The durability of the pump is essential for long-term use. Look for a pump with solid construction and a reputation for durability. And while you don't think about future repairs and warranties at the purchase stage, you should pay attention to where and who will provide you with pump service and parts. After all, a pool pump is a significant investment, and you want it to last long. FORAS pumps come with a 3-year warranty, and we supply all the spare parts for up to 25 years after manufacturing the model.
Check safety and instructions. All FORAS pool pumps have plastic mechanical components without the risk of any metal coming in contact with water, leading to eclectic shock or injury. With Foras pumps, you can feel utterly safe swimming, even when the pump is on.
See also our professional pump selection guide, and avoid common pitfalls.
⚠️ Warning! Do not use a garden or other type of pump for your pool, as they do not guarantee your safety from electricity when used for a swimming pool!
Quality is cost-effective in the long run.
While the initial cost of a pool pump can be high, it is essential to consider long-term savings. Energy-efficient electric pumps, although more expensive initially, can save you a significant amount of money on your electric bill over your lifetime. Average estimates show that you can save up to 90% of your annual energy costs when using balanced variable-speed pumps compared to single-speed pumps.
Energy-efficient electric pumps, ..., can save you ... over your lifetime.
ⓘ Some pumps, like the Pool4-4-550 have a choice between the Noryl® impeller and the Bronze impeller. The bronze impeller is more expensive but lasts a lot longer.
Several affordable options on the market don't compromise on quality or performance. You can find a range of the cheapest pool pumps with great customer reviews and proven reliability. Remember, the most economical option is only sometimes the most affordable at first, but the one that offers the best value over time.
Installation and usage
Installing a pool pump is fairly simple, but following the manufacturer's instructions is important. The pump must be located near the pool filter system and connected to the pool water supply. Provide a stable, level surface for the pump, and always install the pool pump in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating. Generally, the pump selection requires coordination with other essential pool components: water treatment filters, heating system, pool lighting, chemical additive dispensers, automation system and water hoovers.
❗Remember, you still need a disinfection additive to your pool to keep it clean. Your pump will then circulate your disinfectant additive.
Once installed, using the swimming pool pump is simply setting the correct speed and switching it on. The Foras EASY series pumps have a wall-mounted control, allowing you to change the speed setting at any time. Having adjusted the settings, you can always leave these pumps on without remembering to switch them off and on manually.
Be sure to check the pump regularly for signs of wear or damage to pump components, and keep the wastebasket clean to ensure optimum water flow rate.
Pool pump motor
The pool motor is the most critical component of a pool pump. It powers the pump to circulate water through the pool filtration system. A well-maintained pool motor ensures efficient pump operation, saving energy and extending the pump's life.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your pool engine will help keep it running correctly. This includes cleaning, lubricating when necessary, and replacing worn parts. You can enjoy a more efficient and effective pool pump by keeping your pool motor in perfect condition.
Adding a filtration system
A well-maintained pool with a pump and adequately sized filter are less reliant on harsh chemicals for sanitation, as effective filtration can remove many impurities. This makes the pool safer for you, your family and the environment. So when choosing a pump, select the appropriate filtration system.
Conclusion
Electric pool pumps are the key to efficient and sustainable pool maintenance. They offer numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, quiet operation, and superior performance. By choosing the right pump for your pool and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier and more enjoyable swimming experience while contributing to the environment.
So, are you ready to make your pool maintenance more efficient and sustainable? Then it's time to buy a water pump today! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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