Showing posts with label sta-rite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sta-rite. Show all posts

1/26/15

What Are The Real Differences Between Sand, Cartridge and DE Pool Filters?

The pool construction is often described as the foundation of every pool, but as we all know a simple foundation is not enough to keep things functioning. This is where the pool equipment comes into play. As we are all aware the water in the pool must circulate through the filtration system in order to remove any traces of impurities (dirt, bodily fluids etc.). During a normal operation of the filter system, the water from the pool flows through one or more floor drains located on the bottom of the pool and through one or more skimmers that draw water from the surface of the pool. In this way the water is kept constantly clean. Pool filters are responsible for the mechanical removal of impurities from the water in the pool and they are an essential part of each pool. Without pool filters it is almost impossible to keep the water in a good condition for more than two weeks. With the advance of technology several different types of pool filters are now available on the market and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Most of the pool filters are sand filters. These filters have a large tank which is usually filled with quartz sand that can attract dirt in the best way because of its specific texture. Pool filters are mostly made of materials such fiberglass, reinforced polyester etc. During the process of filtration, the dirty water from the pool comes in through the inlet pipe filter, through which the dirty water flows evenly over the entire surface of the filter. While gravity pulls the water down through the sand to the bottom of the filter, sand collects tiny particles of dirt and attracts litter. The filtered water flows out through the outlet of the pipeline which is located at the bottom of the tank. After a while, the accumulated dirt and residues of impurities in the sand slow down the water flow. The pressure of the filter gives us a clear signal that there is an internal blockage in the filter caused by the dirt and that it is time to clean the filter. In order to do that, a person who takes care of the pool should set the 6-way valve on the filter from filter mode to flush mode.

Instead of sand filter, some pool system use cartridge filters. In such filters dirty water is contained in a cartridge that is made from corrugated paper or polyester fabric. In order to clean this system, simply remove the cartridge and rinse it with a regular water hose.  Cartridges usually last for more than 5 months.

According to many experts the so-called DE pool filters are the most efficient filters today. They use a pressure gauge to signify a need for back-washing. With the help of a DE powder the pool is thoroughly cleaned and even microscopic particles are eliminated from the water.


Which of these types of pool filters is best for your depends on your requirements. If you are looking for a lasting solution you can choose the sand filter. If you want to save some money then you should take cartridge filter into consideration. Finally, if you are looking for the safest and most efficient filter you should purchase Diatomaceous Earth (DE) pool filter.  

1/22/15

The Homeowners Guide to Buying A Pool Heater

A pool heater is an absolutely crucial requirement if you plan on enjoying your pool for the longest possible amount of time through a season. Pool heaters do cost a little more energy each year but being able to enjoy your pool for just a few extra weeks or potentially even a month later into the season makes it well worth it. It's also extremely nice to have more temperature control for the cleanliness of your pool and for making it a hospitable environment when the weather doesn't cooperate. Here the top tips for buying a pool heater the first time.

1.       Pick the type that best suits you: there are several different options available when you purchase your first pool heater. You can consider the use of a solar pool heater for example, an electric heat pump, and gas pool heaters. Ultimately the choice is up to you but each one has its own distinct advantages.

2.       Ask around and see with the neighbors are using: quite often the type of pool heater has a lot to do with the climate that you are living in. Solar heaters might not work as well in certain conditions and you may want to opt for something closer to a gas heater especially if you want to enjoy a greater level of temperature control.


3.       Consider the cost savings: Solar heating is the cheapest being it runs of when the sun is out and heating the water in the panels, electric heaters can get quite expensive because they draw power from your home. When the price of gas goes up, the cost of a gas heater can raise. Ultimately, these are all options you need to weigh before you select the right heater for your pool.

4.       Consider the cost savings: if you have a large pool of a solar array might be substantially more expensive because of the area that the heater will have to cover. Ultimately some forms of heaters might be less expensive to heat larger areas whereas other types of heaters might make more sense for smaller pools and climates.



When in doubt it's much easier to consult a professional at your local pool supply store. You may also want to speak directly to the company that installed your pool to see if they have any recommendations for heating their models. 

3/7/08

What Size Pool Pump Do I Need?

Determining the proper size pump you need requires a little research . Luckily, you came to the right place.

1. Determine the number of gallons of water in your pool. One way to do this is by multiplying length times width, times average depth, times 7.4.

2. How many hours per day do you intend to run your pump? You should run your pool long enough to turn over all the water through your system at least once per day. Most people will run their pool between 8 & 10 hours per day.

3. Next, check the size of your pool plumbing. Maximum flow rate through 1 ½ “ piping is 44 gallons per minute. Maximum flow rate through 2” plumbing is 73 gallons per minute.

Now that you have this information you can determine the time your need to run your pool in order to circulate all the water correctly. Your can divide the number of gallons by the number of hours you intend to run your pool. Divide that number by 60 (the number of minutes in an hour) and you will know the flow rate you need.

Pool Size - number of gallons of water in the pool
Turnover Time - time to move entire capacity of pool through filter
Flow Rate - desired flow rate in gallons per minute

35,000 divided by 8 hours divided by 60 equals 73 GPM
35,000 divided by 10 hours divided by 60 equals 58 GPM
24,000 divided by 8 hours divided by 60 equals 50 GPM
24,000 divided by 10 hours divided by 60 equals 40 GPM
18,000 divided by 8 hours divided by 60 equals 38 GPM
18,000 divided by 10 hours divided by 60 equals 30 GPM

If you have a 25,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 8 hours, then you will need a pump with a flow rate of 52 gallons per minute.

If you have a 35,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 10 hours, you will need a pump with a flow rate of 56 gallons per minute.

Example: 18,000 gallon pool with a run time of 8 hours needs a minimum flow rate of 38GPM.
A Hayward super pump 3/4hp has an average flow rate of 47gpm so this would work well on this pool.

8,000 – 18,000 gallon pools the following pumps are recommended:
Hayward Super Pump 3/4 HP
Hayward Max-Flo 3/4 HP
Pentair Super Flo 3/4 HP
Sta-Rite Dyna-Glas 3/4 Hp

18,000 – 30,000 Pools the following pumps are recommended:
Hayward Super II 1 Hp
Hayward Super Pump 1 HP
Pentair Pinnacle 1 HP
Pentair WhisperFlo 1 HP
Sta-Rite Duraglas 1HP

30,000 – 40,000 gallon pools the following pumps are recommended:
Hayward MaxFlo 1.5 HP
Hayward Super II 1.5 HP
Pentair WhisperFlo 1.5 HP
Sta-Rite Duraglas 1.5 HP

For larger pools please contact one of our representatives. The Pool RX will continue to update this post, as we receive new information from vendors and other industry professionals. Our goal is to keep our valued customers informed so they can make the best decision. Check back next week when we will cover what swimming pool filter system you might need.