The pool pump is a key component of your pool’s filtration system and is at the heart of the pool system. So, what does a pool pump do? The pump pulls water from the pool through the skimmer and main drain and returns it to the pool after pushing it through the filter. Without the pump, water won’t flow through your filtration system to be cleaned properly. The typical pool pump contains three main components: the motor, the lint trap and the impeller.
What Does a Pool Pump Do
Regardless of the kind of pool you have, a pool pump is essential. The motor is electric and is configured to use either 110 or 220 volts. It is air cooled, which means it’s not perfectly sealed from the environment. As such, you should exercise caution to prevent excess water from entering the motor through the cooling vents usually located on the underside of the housing. The impeller, on the other hand, is connected to the end of the shaft of the motor. The impeller is a fast-spinning blade that sucks water in and pushes it through the filter. It pulls water through the hair and lint trap and pushes it out of
the pump through a pipe that leads to the filter. The impeller has small openings which make it prone to clogging with debris.
If the pressure gauge at the top of the filter reads lower than recommended levels, and the water quantity flowing back to the pool is lower, it’s possible that the impeller is either damaged or clogged. You can check for clogging by separating the assembly at the impeller housing and checking the impeller visually. The hair and lint trap helps to prevent debris from entering the impeller assembly.
Be sure to check the basket inside the hair and lint trap and empty it at least twice per week. A clogged basket restricts the flow of water into the pump forcing it to pump air instead of water. This is what is commonly referred to as a “loss of prime”. Once this happens, the motor will run faster and eventually burn. Without the basket, the impeller could clog, which could either damage it or prevent it from pumping enough water.
Running the Pump
Operating your pool boils down to operating the pump. The cleaning and filtration systems cannot operate without the main pump. It’s crucial, therefore, to understand proper scheduling for the operation of the pump.
When to Run the Pump
There are two factors that determine when to run the pump: energy cost and chemical demand. The UV light from the sun reduces chlorine levels, which means your pool will need more chlorine during daylight. And since most chlorine addition methods require the pump to be operational, it’s advisable to run the pump during the day rather than at night. In some cases, higher costs of electricity during daylight hours may force you to determine the best schedule for your needs.
Bottom Line
What does a pool pump do? It is the heart of the pool’s circulation system. Without the pump, you’ll have a nasty pool full of stagnant water.
