Pumps, Filters, Heaters and Cleaners 

Pump

The pump is the "heart" of the recirculation system for the pool. Today’s pool owners can select from state-of-the art technology and superior design to enable them to enjoy their backyard oasis with automated freedom, reduced energy consumption and quiet operation. A variety of high quality, easy to use automated control systems are also available with push-button operation and clear, intuitive instructions and displays. 

Some things to consider with respect to the pump recirculation system: 

a. Is the quality of construction of the pump the most suitable for the application?

b. Is the flow rate of the pump ideally suited for the application?

c. Is the motor of standard efficiency or high efficiency?

d. What is the warranty on the pump?

e. Does it have features, which make it easy to service?  

Filter

The filter, when correctly chosen and sized to suit the specific requirements of the pool, can significantly add to the enjoyment of the pool by helping to keep the water sparkling clean with very little care.   The most common types of filters are:  

a. Hi-Rate Sand

This type of filter utilizes a fine bed of silica sand through which the pool water flows.   The dirt particles are trapped in the upper layer of the sand, and from time to time, when the loading of the dirt reaches a certain point, it is necessary to flush the sand clean by "backwashing" the filter.  

b. Diatomaceous Earth

This type of filter contains a series of grids covered with a durable fabric.   The fabric covered grids are "pre-coated" with a fine powder (diatomaceous earth) and as the water flows through, the dirt particles collect on the powder covered grids.   When the dirt loading reaches a certain point, the filter must be "backwashed", then re-coated with the powder.  

c. Modular Media

This filter contains either a single "cartridge" or a series of cartridges made of filter fabric.   The pool water is forced through the cartridge and the dirt particles become trapped on the surface of the fabric.   When the dirt loading becomes excessive the cartridge must be removed and cleaned.   No backwashing is required.  

It is very important to be aware that certain communities have restrictions on the types of filters that can be used.   Your builder will be aware of the codes and should be able to offer advice on the most appropriate choice for your pool.  

Heater

In most areas a pool heater extend the swimming season and overall comfort of your pool.   There are many types of heaters to choose from, such as natural gas, liquid propane gas, oil fired, electric, solar powered, and heat pumps.   Each type of heater has its own efficiency rating and the relative costs of the various energy sources have a large role to play in determining the type of heater most suitable.    

To complement the heater and to reduce the heat loss from the pool, a pool cover should also be considered.   There are many types of covers, each with their own features including efficiency, durability, and safety.    

Cleaners

An automatic pool cleaning device can add to the enjoyment and convenience of your pool.   There are a large variety of mechanical random action cleaners available.   These cleaners need to be installed into the pool for cleaning but must be removed from the pool for swimming.   Recent advances in the design of these cleaners make them quite effective.  

The most desirable cleaning system is the exclusive Master Pools "In-Floor" Cleaning System that progressively sweeps the floor and wall intermittently with high velocity jets of water.   Such a system does not require installation and removal for swimming because the cleaning components are built in with the pool structure and do not interfere with swimming.   The operation of the system requires only the pool be turned on.   Such a system is truly superior to others as it efficiently distributes the chemicals (and heated water) while cleaning.