Check out our complete guide to buying the best pool heater. 
But that care still requires a foundational knowledge of all the parts of your pool. Once you know what each part of the pool does, its location will make sense. Pool heaters are available for both above ground and inground pools and include solar, electric heat pump, and gas. These are added to the pool water on a regular basis and keep the water clean and safe for swimming. What we rarely think of is how all the different parts of a pool work together to provide us with such a luxury.
Sometimes called eyeballs, they shoot this new water at a strong pressure to help it mix with existing sanitizers in the water, making for a clean and balanced pool. Something went wrong. In the next section, we'll look at the different types of pools. This is done by adding a slow-releasing chlorine tablet(s) to the basket. The skimmer basket catches this debris so that it wont clog up the filter that is further down the line. You want to create a circular motion while helping to kick debris off the bottom with the jets angling down. Since then, his mission is to make pool and hot tub care easy for everyone. All of those other parts of a pool dont matter if youre not enjoying your pool. Youll just fill it up with whatever type of sanitizer the feeder is made to usechlorine, bromine, or a mineral cartridgehook it up, and then not have to worry about adding sanitizer for a while. There are usually 2 or 3 of them in an inground pool, while above ground pools only use 1. The return jets are movable to control the circulation of the water. On its way to the pump, some pools will pass the water through a pre-filter basket, sometimes called a pool pump strainer or pump pot basket. The return jets are the small holes on the pool walls that inject the pool with freshly filtered water. The key to bringing your pool back to life is choosing the right pool paint. Want to make your pool care even easier, and your pool even more enjoyable? Its no different when you own a pool. Pools vary in size, shape, and type, so theres no one anatomy thats going to fit every single inground pool in existence. 17 September 2002. There are two types of outlets in almost every pool. Pool looking faded and stained? There are three types of pool pumps: single speed, two-speed, and variable speed. If the suction lines are above ground, the leak is easier to find and therefore fix. If repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be quite costly.
The pressure side does just that: It pushes or pressures the clean water that has gone through the filtration system back into the pool.
However, when choosing what type of inground pool is right for you, there are three main types: Fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl liner. This handy little piece of equipment makes sanitizing your pool super easy. While you might think of a pool pump as only pushing, or pumping water, thats only half of what it does. Learn the right ways for both. Some pools also include heaters in the mix, in order to keep the water at a certain temperature. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. The salt can cause corrosion and damage to surrounding equipment over time. This allows for better circulation as water is pulled from the top by the skimmers, and from the bottom by the main drain.
All of these questions will help you better understand your pool and how to care for it, all vital information when youre making a big investment. They use a combination of filtration and chemical treatment to continually clean a large volume of water. Gas heaters require natural gas or propane to heat metal coils the water passes over on its way back to the pool, and heat pumps operate by pulling in heat from the air and sending it into the pool water. Passing the water through a filter will keep the sanitizing chemicals present while removing small debris, particle-level impurities, and bacteria in the water. West Chicago, IL 60185. If youre having trouble with your jets, read my return jets troubleshooting guide. Skimmers, main drains, suction lines, pump, filter, return lines, return jets what else is there? While extra equipment can be added to this basic setup, these parts make up essential inground pool anatomy. These parts of the pool serve double duty. Are they necessary? It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care! As its fully automated, this feeder is a set-it-and-forget-it feature that is highly appealing to some. Tom Harris Important: Newer inground pools usually have two main drains. Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool. A typical swimming pool needs seven major components: The basic idea is to pump water in a continual cycle, from the pool through the filtering and chemical treatment systems and back to the pool again. The various parts of a pool work fluidly to provide people with a safe and clean swimming experience. This generator replaces the chemical feeder option for saltwater pools. How do you maintain your pool? I cover those signals in my article on how to decide whether to replace your pool pump motor or the whole pump. But on a hot summer day, a swimming pool can seem like the greatest invention known to man. Inside the skimmer is a basket which is used to trap large objects that might be floating in the water, such as leaves and bugs. Its name says it all. You can add a couple of bonus pieces of equipment to the lineup. A pool is a large investment but will bring you years of joy should you decide to take the plunge. The skimmer, found on the pools side, pulls water from the pools surface into the filtration system. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. The suction lines are either a flexible or rigid set of PVC pipes that run from the skimmer to the pump system. Usually located in the floor of the pools deep end, the main drains name may be a little misleading.
Serving two entirely separate but equally important purposes, the pool pump and pool filter make up the filtration system. Do you know how to drain a pool? Rain can put gallons of untreated water in your pool, weakening sanitizer and filtration. The suction lines run to the pump, and the pool pump works much like our hearts. Again, the name gives it away. The filtration system is the lifeblood of how the pool operates. There are several types of pumps on the market, and which one you choose is a personal preference; however, you will need to determine the flow rate and head to find the right size pump: These factors will also play into how often to run your pool pump each day. And each year, he continues to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. While sanitizers like chlorine kill viruses and bacteria, thats only half the job of cleaning the water. Thankfully, though, a pool doesnt have nearly as many moving parts as a car, so you can take care of it yourself a lot more easily. And it provides major energy savings with low NOx emissions to meet air quality standards. No, its not one of the essential parts of a swimming pool. Return lines carry the water from the circulation system to the return jets. A chemical feeder is not necessary to run your pool but automatically feeds the right amount of chlorine and chemicals into the pool, creating less work for you. The suction side of your pool has the job of drawing water up out of your pool to the pump. This device automatically feeds the pool with chlorine, bromine, or minerals, replacing the need to use a floating dispenser, or placing tablets in the skimmer basket for sanitizing purposes. Learning how to patch a pool liner could save you thousands of dollars and prevent extensive damage. How much time and money will it take to maintain your pool? There are three kinds of heaters to choose from: solar, gas, or heat pumps (electric). What kind of material is your pool? Surprise tests aside, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your pool is to learn about all the essential parts of a swimming pool.
It is the part that begins the circulation process. And they work more efficiently with a solar pool cover. The first thing its responsible for is creating the suction that pulls the pool water into the main drains and skimmers. Main drains can be found in the deep end of the pool and they work alongside the skimmers to pull water in. Shoot me a message, Id be happy to help. Pointing them down helps with better chemical and temperature distribution as well as overall filtration.
Pool water enters the skimmer and begins its journey through the pools filtration system. What sort of chemical feeder do you have? If youve ever reused bath water or dishwater, you know how quickly it can be polluted, and how unbelievably gross it is to reuse that water. This is a safety measure to reduce the suction force in case somethingor someoneblocks one of the drains. In this way, the pumping system keeps the water in the pool relatively free of dirt, debris and bacteria.
Other than that, water still goes from the pool, through the skimmer, through the pump, through the filter, and through the return jet back into the pool. This heater is super reliable and long-lasting. Bonus: Because their filtration systems are above ground, they are easier to repair or replace if needed. The first is the skimmer, and the second is the main drain.
Without sanitizers such as chlorine, or bromine, your pool will quickly become a biohazard, and would most likely be declared a toxic waste site after a few short months. Depending on the type of pool you own, the suction lines can be found above ground or underground. The larger the pool, the more horsepower the pump will need to move the higher volume of water. The parts that, if your pool didnt have them, would leave the water dirty, contaminated, and quickly looking like a lagoon? The impeller is powered by a motor, so pool pumps are identified by horsepower. Variable speed pumps are the preferred pumps today as they give you more control over water circulation, consume less energy, and save you money on your monthly bills.
This is the side of the pool that takes or sucks in water and introduces it to the filtration system, beginning the circulation process. Water should flow through them in this order: If you place the chemical feeder before the heater, the chemical-laden water can damage the heater over time. A. Skimmer B. Similar to the suction lines, these lines are made of PVC piping which stop at the return jets. Its function is to further filter out any large debris that may have been missed by the skimmer basket or entered via the main drains. These are buckets (usually 2, although above ground pools have only 1) that are built into the wall of the pool and are positioned at the waterline. There are quite a few pros that come with getting a fiberglass pool setup: While usually more expensive, a concrete pool can be worth it for some owners: Much like fiberglass, vinyl liners tend to be more affordable and more common for a lot of pool owners: Above ground pools may not have the lifespan that inground pools have, but they still have their benefits. Buying and putting in a pool is a considerable investment. Using a solar pool cover will also help as it keeps heat from escaping through the surface of the pool.
This helps to not only direct water into the skimmers, but any debris that may be floating on the waters surface, where it can be caught in the skimmer basket. The cupro nickel heat exchanger protects against corrosion caused by unbalanced water chemistry.
He also holds multiple patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years.
It pumps the water through the necessary steps to keep the water clean, usable, and warm. You might wonder why the filter is needed if sanitizing chemicals are always present in the water. For one, they do not cost as much, and they are easy and faster to construct. Without any one of them, you wont have any pool circulation, which means youll have a really dirty pool. Above ground is simple. The filter traps small particles of dirt and bacteria; once its clean, the water filters back to the pool. With its dial control valve, you can easily adjust the chlorine level depending on your pool's size. This is the last piece of equipment in your filtration line. Compare quotes for free from fully vetted pool professionals. Once the water is sucked in by the skimmers and main drains, it goes into the suction lines. Therefore you want to know as much as you can about your pool equipment and setup before you buy it.
If you just need to replace the motor, head over to my guide on how to replace your pool pump motor. Not to mention, youll ace the next quiz. The main drains are also used when draining the pool, but their main job is as a circulation starting point. But draining an inground pool incorrectly could destroy it. Aside from all the extra equipment and accessories you can buy, every pool has the same seven main parts: Some of them are situated on the suction side of the pool, while the others are on the pressure side. If you dont have a salt pool, neither a feeder or generator needs to be added to the system as long as sanitizer is being added to the water in a traditional manner. Conceptually, swimming pools are pretty simple -- they're just big basins of water. We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. Quick! While theres common parts to all pools (such skimmers, drains, PVC piping), theres enough interchangeable and customizable options when it comes to pumps and filters that can be tailored to any type of pool and any budget. PVC plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. Below, I break each area down for you in detail. The order of equipment is as follows: Important: If you use both a pool heater and a chemical feeder, make sure you place them in the correct order when connecting them to your filtration system. A few different pool covers include standard winter cover, security cover, automatic pool cover, and solar pool cover. Also called a salt cell, it uses the same automated concept as a chemical feeder, but it steadily converts salt in the water to chlorine, keeping the pool sanitized. Above ground or inground pools need the right balance of chemicals, but that can take time and energy on your part. This makes them a lot easier to repair or replace when necessary. A new pump can run over $800. No, but they can improve your enjoyment of your new pool. The pump then pushes the water into the filter.
If well-designed, most people can appreciate how eye-pleasing a pool looks. Please check your entries and try again. It is your pools first line of defense when it comes to cleanliness as it helps rid the collection of leaves, insects, and pollen. Plus, they come with these kinds of pros: Other optional pieces of equipment you can invest in to go along with your pool. Put the studying aside for a little while. For one thing, above ground pools usually only have one skimmer, and one return jet. ), and cartridge. Both sides are crucial in keeping your pool clean, free of algae and bacteria, and safe for you to use. "How Swimming Pools Work" Chlorine only does half the job when it comes to cleaning your pool. Once the filtered water has passed through the return lines, it arrives at the return jets, where it reenters the pool.
replace your pool pump motor or the whole pump, How to Test Your Pool Water Without a Kit, PVC plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements, Durable and therefore suitable for resale, Because it is poured on-site, it is a slower installation, Concrete is porous; therefore, it requires more maintenance, Vinyl liners require replacing and can be costly, Wall, generally one piece and made of galvanized steel, Some above ground pools have service panels where the skimmer and return fitting are, The frame in an above ground pool secures the wall and provides much of the strength of the pool, Top rails form the top ledge of the swimming pool, The top rack or stabilizer is above the top of the wall but below the top rail, Base track helps form the bottom rim of the pool structure, Some above ground pools have boots, which are fitted at the bottom of the uprights and are for aesthetic purposes, The vinyl liner covers the inside surface of the swimming pool and may wear or tear overtime needed to be patched or replaced, The addition of salt requires less chlorine, keeping cost and chemicals down, Swimmers like the softness saltwater give their skin. As the skimmer is a high flow area of the pool, the water will move over the basket and dissolve the tablet in an effective manner. Itll help you with your daily maintenance, and will come in handy for occasional troubleshooting. While it can be used to drain the pool, its seldom used that way. But they all work on the same principle. From drains to skimmers, pumps and filters, these pool parts all perform a specific function to help keep your pool in tip top shape. Thankfully, todays pools include stricter safety precautions for main drains, but caution should always be taken, and owners should keep the main drain clear of debris for this reason. These dual suction drains enhance circulation, pulling in water from the depths of the pool while the skimmers pull in from the top. The pool pump contains an impeller, which spins fast enough to create a vacuum, which pulls the water into the filtration system. This automatic chlorinator is perfect for the pool owner who hates fussing with chlorine tablets. Some pools will include various water features that require water be separately directed to them. The pump flows the water through the pool system and is vital to how it works. Built into the side of the pool, these are plastic buckets that house skimmer baskets. Automatic pool cleaners are part of that defense system as well. Plus, it's easy enough that almost anyone can do it. What kind of filtration system does it have? Pool heaters are available for both inground and above ground pools, and you have a wide variety of heating methods to choose from: natural gas, propane, electric, and even solar. It may be time for a new paint job! Can you name the seven essential parts of a pool? How To Prevent & Destroy Algae In Your Swimming Pool, Considering Pool Scuppers? After the water goes through the filter (and any optional devices), the return lines send it back to the pool. The seven major components of a pool include: Some parts are on the pool systems suction side, while the others are on the pressure side. No matter what choice in the type of pool you make or decide to upgrade your new pool with optional equipment, make sure to do your research before buying. Every pool, whether it be an inground or above ground pool, has the same primary components. A chemical feeder is an optional feature but comes after the heater in the chain of events. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. Questions? The water then goes from the return lines to the return jets, where the water goes back into the pool. The pump size you need will depend on the size of your pool. Adding a pool heater is an optional feature, but one that many pool owners gravitate to, especially if they live in a cooler climate. And pumps need to be replaced every eight to 15 years, look for common signs along the way though that you may need to replace it. The pool filter does the rest. Pool water doesnt just fall into the skimmers. Suction lines can leak, causing problems with the system. This is done by its impeller which is powered by a motor ranging from to 3 horsepower. They usually range from to 3 horsepower. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. In addition to being portals through which water goes back into the pool, return jets also push the water around the pool. If they are below ground, the leak can be harder to find and more costly to repair. As the water passes through the pump, the force being exerted on it changes from pulling to pushing. In the past, when the main drain was covered, one problem was the suction became so strong that some swimmers, including children, got stuck in the suction, causing them to drown. Thats a silly question. Pump K. Check valve. Unfortunately, chlorine, bromine, or biguanide chemicals wont get rid of everything in the water, which is where filters come in. If you are in the market for a swimming pool or already own one, it is essential to understand the parts of what youre purchasing and how they work. Well, if you cant, thats OK. We didnt warn you thered be a pop quiz today. Solar panels are the most convoluted heater, and they require large solar panels to harness sunlight, be hooked up to your water system, and inject the water with heat. The impeller spins rapidly and creates a vacuum to pull the pool water into the filtration system. Depending on your pool size, you may need a very large pump size, as large bodies of water require more horsepower to move. They have a suction side, a filtration system, and a pressure side, including all of the parts listed above. Additionally, skimmer baskets can also be used to distribute chlorine throughout the pool. The filter does the rest, removing fine debris, tiny particles, and in some cases, even bacteria that may have made it past the sanitizer. What it does do is make your pool more comfortable, and possibly even lengthen your pool season. It carries the water through the filter, heater, and chlorinator to stay clean, be heated, and get the right mix of chemicals. After going through the pool pump, the water is then sent through a filter. It doesnt contribute to circulation or filtration. These pipes, usually made of PVC, carry the pool water from the skimmer to the pump. The circulation process is exactly the same as the one for inground pools, but the setup is slightly different. Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, but nearly all of them, from the backyard personal pool to the water park wave pool, work in the same basic way. You will need to empty the skimmer basket periodically to keep it from clogging and keep your filtration system working well. There are usually two to three return lines depending on the size of the pool. Swimming pools come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Tip: To get that circulation in the pool, and if you have two or more return jets, angle some of them down towards the floor and in one direction, either left or right. The circulation process starts at the pools skimmers. You need to know how to drain water from your pool after rain. It does what the name says; it keeps your pool at a comfortable temperature so you can enjoy it longer. Thats why its important to know what parts make up your pool so you can adequately care for it and keep it working the best it can over its lifetime and yours. Got a little extra cash to spend? There are 3 types of pool filters that can purify the water: cartridge filter, sand filter, or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter. It would be difficult to fully maintain your pool if youre unfamiliar with its anatomy. This free printable cheat sheet helps keep your inground, above ground, or Intex pool clean and clear without messing with confusing water chemistry. However, they work similarly to inground pools with one exception; they typically only have one skimmer and one return jet. Which pump you choose will determine the cost of the pump. Take a refreshing dip, relax while you float on your back, and then have a good game of Marco Polo. The main drain is located at the bottom of the pool and pulls debris that has fallen to the base. If youre not a fan of cold pool water, or you just want to swim later into the year, consider heating up your pool. This side of the pool pushes water from the filtration system back into the pool, completing the circulation process. Return lines C. Main drain D. Skimmer E. Check valve F. Sanitizer G. Filter H. Heater I. Jandy valves J. There are three different types of filters: For more, head over to my guide on the best pool filters. Normally, it performs the same function as the skimmers. In this article, we'll find out how pools are built, and we'll take a look at the plumbing system that keeps the water clean and chemically balanced. You can always get back to building your pool knowledge tomorrow. poolonomics.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. These lines are PVC pipes that move the water from the skimmers and drains to the pump. Also, the suction and return lines are much shorter, and dont go underground the way they do on an inground pool. The first thing you need to understand about a pool is that once its filled with water, barring any cataclysmic events, that water will remain in the pool for potentially 3 to 5 years. Therefore, a pools main goal is to constantly circulate sanitizing chemicals throughout the pool, as well as any other chemicals needed to keep the water chemistry balanced. complete guide to buying the best pool heater, Hayward Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Heater (Natural Gas), Hayward Automatic Pool Chlorinator (Inline), How to Choose The Right Pool Paint For Your Inground Pool, How to Drain Water from Your Pool after Rain. Its the most essential part of allYOU! If youre not sure of the best way to care for your pool filter, youll find that info and a lot more in our Pool Care Handbook and Video Course. The debris goes through a flapping door called a weir and goes into the skimmer basket that traps the items. Think of it this wayif you were going to maintain your own car rather than take it to a mechanic, its imperative to know how the engine works, what all the parts are, how they work together, and what to look for when something goes wrong. (Pros, Cons, Ideas & Cost), How to Lower Chlorine In Your Pool (6 Methods), Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Vinyl Liner Pools (9-Point Comparison), Aquaphobia: 10 Steps to Overcome The Fear of Water. Pool filters are available in three varieties: sand, diatomaceous earth (D.E. Older inground pools may not have two main drains, making pool safety practices even more important. And as it turns out, there really is a lot of cool technology at work in your average pool -- much more than you might expect. Inground pools come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, so no one description will fit them all; however, they all work very similarly. 2 drains are standard on new pools, splitting the suction force as a safety precaution in case one of them gets blocked. Enter sanitizing chemicals. It does this by using a 3-part automated pool circulation and filtration system consisting of various pool equipment: Lets go over each of the parts in more detail, following the flow of water from both an inground or above ground swimming pool. The opposite of the suction lines, but also made of PVC, they carry pool water from the filter to the return jets.
Although the name may make you think that saltwater pools have a lot of salt, they only have a miniscule amount of salt compared to a natural body of saltwater. The generator continuously runs, making for a higher electrical bill. They each have their pros and cons, but all are effective and easy to maintain. Single speed pumps work at 1 speed, 2-speed pumps have dual speeds (high and low), and variable pumps can be set at various speeds. The baskets are there to catch larger debris such as leaves, twigs, bugs, and anything else thats too large to go through your filter.
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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: An apartment complex pool, mid-construction: It looks like a big hole in the ground, but it's really much more. Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. The pump suctions water through the drain and dirt or small matter, however, if the drain holes are covered, it cannot do its job correctly, and pressure can build up in the pump, causing problems. Things like deck jets, bubblers, waterfalls, and grottos all need to have dedicated return lines, and in many cases will need a dedicated pump as well to power them. The anatomy of your swimming pool can be complex, so heres what you need to know.