Posts Tagged ‘Pool’

Most likely, you decided to own a swimming pool for a number of reasons, including recreation, fitness and entertainment.  Therapeutic reasons may have also played a part in your decision.  However, if your pool is not heated you may find that the water is often not warm enough for you to be able to enjoy using your pool comfortably.  This will likely be particularly true at the beginning and the end of the normal swimming season.  By heating your swimming pool, however, you can significantly extend the swimming season, allowing you and your family to get far more use and enjoyment out of your pool.

One of the best and most efficient ways to heat swimming pools is with heat pump pool heaters.  While they require electricity to operate, swimming pool heat pumps are actually a type of solar heater.  These heaters work by capturing heat from the air, upgrading it and transferring it to the pool water.  More specifically, heat pumps for swimming pools draw air in from the atmosphere with a fan, which then directs the air over an evaporator coil.

This coil contains liquid refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the air and transforms into a gas.  The warm gas then moves into a compressor which increases the heat before sending the gas through a condenser.  Once inside the condenser, the heat from the hot gas gets transferred to the cool pool water which circulates through the heating unit.  As this occurs, the water temperature rises and the heated water passes back into the swimming pool.  The hot gas is then transformed back into a liquid and returned to the evaporator coil, completing the cycle and allowing it to start anew.

Since heat pump pool heaters capture heat from the air rather than relying on direct rays from the sun to create heat, they are able to operate and heat pools even when the sun is not shining.  In fact, swimming pool heat pumps will operate as long as the outside temperature is above 45°F.  This is a great benefit, especially for people who want to be able to swim and enjoy their pool even during cloudy and slightly cooler weather.  This characteristic of heat pumps for swimming pools will also allow you to start heating your pool before the warmest days of summer arrive, providing you with more days of swimming fun each year.

At the same time, heat pumps for pools also offer excellent efficiency and long-term affordability.  As long as the outdoor air temperature stays above 45°F, heat pump pool heaters can easily maintain a pool temperature between 80 and 90°F and do so far more efficiently than even the most efficient gas pool heaters.  Heat pumps for swimming pools will usually have a higher system unit cost than gas heaters, with heat pump units costing in the range of $1600 to $4600 and gas units costing in the range of $875 to $5,500.  However, in the long run, heat pump pool heaters often turn out to be a better investment.

There are two main reasons why this is true.  To begin with, despite the higher initial cost, swimming pool heat pumps have a far lower annual operating cost than gas heaters.  This is because heat pumps use electricity to operate and do so very efficiently.  In fact, it's typical to receive approximately $1 worth of heat for every 20 cents of electric input.  As compared to the efficiency and operating costs of gas pool heaters, this is very attractive.  Furthermore, heat pumps for pools will generally last much longer than gas heaters.  While gas heaters usually last for at least five years, heat pump pool heaters have an average lifespan of at least five to 10 years.

The size of heat pump that you will require will depend on the size of your pool.  However, heat pumps for swimming pools will usually have an installation cost of approximately $350 to $950 which is similar to the installation cost for gas heaters.  While handy pool owners may be able to install the unit on their own, it's highly recommended to have all electrical hook-up work performed by a professional in order to ensure safety and proper, efficient operation of the heating unit.

All in all, swimming pool heat pumps provide an excellent option for keeping pool water comfortably warm and extending the swimming season.  By operating even during cloudy weather and by offering efficient, affordable operation, heat pump pool heaters provide pool owners with many great benefits.  Perhaps best of all, using a heat pump to keep your pool warm will allow you to get more days of enjoyment out of your pool so you can make the very most of your investment.

Michael Peterson is an experienced specialist in pool supplies and products. He describes all advantages of using heat pump heaters to extend swimming season. This guide helps pool owners understand how energy efficient swimming pool heat pump heaters could help them save money on energy bills.

 

Nobody wants to spend more time cleaning their pool than they do swimming in their pool. At the same time, however, keeping your pool clean for your swimmers is extremely important. Fortunately, with the help of automatic swimming pool cleaners, you can keep your pool clean with very minimal time and effort on your part. Of course, considering the multitude of different models of automatic pool cleaners available on the market, it may not always be easy to decide which cleaner will be best for you and your in-ground swimming pool. However, by taking a few factors into consideration and by educating yourself about different features and options, you can feel confident that you'll end up making the right choice and the right purchase.

To begin with, it's a good idea to think about what type of debris you will be primarily trying to remove from your in-ground swimming pool. For example, if your pool collects a lot of leaves and not much in the way of dirt, you might be better off with a different automatic cleaner than someone who has a pool that collects lots of dirt but not many leaves. This is because certain models of in-ground pool cleaners are better at cleaning up different types of debris.

Automatic pool cleaners for in-ground pools are typically divided into three general categories -- suction side cleaners, pressure side cleaners and robotic cleaners. The different types of cleaners vary in price and have different pros and cons. Once you know your budget and the type of cleaning your in-ground swimming pool primarily requires, it's time to start considering the benefits and drawbacks of each category.

Automatic suction pool cleaners attach to your existing pool suction system, which is the part of the pool plumbing which sucks water out of the swimming pool to be filtered. These in-ground pool cleaners attach to the skimmer or a separate vacuum port and move automatically around the pool when your pool pump is turned on. Suction swimming pool cleaners are particularly great at picking up dirt and they also tend to be the most affordable type of automatic pool cleaner for in-ground pools. Also, these cleaners do not require a booster pump to operate and are easy to install and to maintain. The main drawback involved in using suction pool cleaners is that they’re operated by your pool pump and the dirt and debris they suck up goes to your pool filter.

Pressure side pool cleaners operate differently from suction pool cleaners as they typically require an additional booster pump or work off the pressure side of your pool's circulation system. Pressure side in-ground automatic pool cleaners are excellent for pools that collect leaves and other large debris and will provide outstanding cleaning power. These cleaners also help to circulate pool water and will collect dirt and debris in their own internal debris bag, which will prevent your filter from becoming compromised. However, if you are considering the purchase of a pressure side pool cleaner, keep in mind that these cleaners are typically more expensive than suction pool cleaners and are not as easy to install, especially if you do not already have a booster pump hooked up.

Robotic pool cleaners make up the third category of swimming pool cleaners. Robotic cleaners are self-contained units that operate off of electricity. This type of automatic in-ground pool cleaner uses a transformer to convert electricity from your house into a safe current. The electricity is then used to power the unit's drive motor, which powers the cleaner's movement and pump motor which sucks debris into the cleaner's internal filter. Robotic swimming pool cleaners are perhaps the easiest to install and use as they just have to be plugged in and thrown in the pool. They also do a great job of cleaning and come with an easy-to-remove internal bag that stores the collected debris.

However, just as with all other in-ground automatic pool cleaners, robotic cleaners have certain drawbacks that need to be considered. Perhaps most notably, robotic cleaners are the most expensive type of in-ground pool cleaners. If you're on a tight budget, these cleaners may not be a realistic option. However, if you have more money to spend, robotic swimming pool cleaners will provide you with excellent cleaning power as well as outstanding convenience.

Basically, the major factors to consider before purchasing any of the above types of automatic pool cleaners include expense, performance and maintenance. Once you have taken all these considerations into account and have become aware of all the pros and cons associated with the various categories of in-ground automatic pool cleaners, it will be much easier to choose the right unit for your pool and your cleaning needs.

Brenda Masten is an experienced pool owner. She provides information about automatic pool cleaners for in-ground swimming pools. This helpful buyer?s guide describes different pool cleaner types and explains what features could be important for pool maintenance.

We are looking to buy a used gas pool heater, but want to use propane. I have read that you can easily buy a part and to convert it, but I don't know if this is for ALL heaters. Its a 250,000 btu Hayward heater. Any help would be great.

my pool heater work go on.i checked all wiring (none broken) i have reset the 60amp circut breaker still did not go on . I have power into the box where the breaker is,power is going into the breaker,what else?/ help

In ground pool cleaners are automated vacuum cleaners that clean debris, dirt and other sediment from in ground pools.

Background

Swimming pool vacuum cleaners were invented in South Africa by Ferdinand Chauvier. In 1974, Chauvier designed and built the Kreepy Krauly, the first ever automated pool cleaner. Now in ground pool cleaners are made by many different manufacturers and are used all around the world for swimming pool maintenance. In fact, since these automated cleaners make pool maintenance so much faster, easier and more convenient, their popularity is continuously on the rise.

The purpose of both in ground and above ground pool cleaners is to effectively and conveniently remove dirt and debris from swimming pools. While some in ground and above ground pool cleaners are only designed to clean pool bottoms, others will also clean walls and steps. Additionally, there are different varieties of in ground pool cleaners available for different types of pools. For example, some in ground pool cleaners are specifically designed to clean concrete pools while others are designed to clean tile, vinyl and fiberglass swimming pools.

By removing sediment and debris from swimming pools, pool cleaners promote pool health and safety. Certain vacuum models even have the capacity to remove bacteria and other small contaminants from pool water. It's also possible to find in ground pool vacuums that are powerful enough to remove large debris such as pebbles, leaves and twigs. By moving around the pool independently, automated in ground pool cleaners save significant time and effort for anyone involved in residential or commercial pool maintenance.

Types

In ground pool cleaners are available in many different models and varieties, but they all fall into three main categories -- suction side pool cleaners, pressure side pool cleaners and robotic pool cleaners.

Suction Side Pool Cleaners

Suction side pool cleaners for in ground swimming pools are powered by the pool's skimmer and filtration system. A hose attaches the vacuum unit to a suction port, either a skimmer or a special vacuum port. As the filtration pump runs, water is pumped out of the pool, creating suction on the bottom of the pool cleaner. This is what allows debris to be sucked inside the cleaner and it's also what powers the unit's locomotion. Once the debris has been sucked into the pool cleaner, it then moves through the hose and suction port and into the skimmer or the pump's strainer where it's filtered out of the water. Since suction side pool cleaners are powered by the pool's existing filtration system and don't require any additional plumbing for installation, they are a relatively cheap option for pool maintenance. Moreover, these cleaners are particularly ideal for swimming pools that are mainly affected by dirt and smaller debris.

Pressure Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure side pool cleaners are, as their name suggests, powered by water pressure. The pump that creates the water pressure can either be a special booster pump or the pool's regular circulation pump. As pressurized water is forced through the unit, the necessary suction is created and the vacuum moves around the swimming pool. As a pressure side pool cleaner sweeps the floor and walls of a pool, it draws dirt and debris into an attached, reusable filter bag while also helping to distribute clean, filtered water throughout the pool. One of the greatest advantages of pressure side pool cleaners for in ground swimming pools is the fact that they don't exert any extra pressure on the pool's filtration system. These cleaners also don't trap debris in the pool's filter so the filter doesn't need to be cleaned as often. Also, since pressure side pool cleaners won't clog up the pool's filter, they are ideal for pools that tend to get filled with larger debris such as twigs and leaves.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners are self-contained vacuum units that are powered by low-voltage electricity from a small transformer. These electrical pool cleaners don't require any installation and simply need to be plugged in to operate. Robotic pool cleaners have built-in, reusable filters which are easy to clean. Furthermore, since these pool cleaners operate independently from the pool's filtration system, they don't place any stress or resistance on the system, thereby increasing the system's life. While robotic pool cleaners tend to be more expensive than suction side or pressure side pool cleaners, they clean very effectively and often have a computer chip that allows them to diagnose internal problems and to become familiar with the shape of the pool.

Availability

In ground pool cleaners are available in many different models and brand names. Some of the leading manufacturers of pool cleaners include Zodiac, Polaris, and Hayward Pool Products. Other popular brand names include Aqua Products, Pentair Pool Products and Kreepy Krauly. All of these brands are widely available from a number of pool product distributors including Intheswim.com.

James Claypool is experienced specialist in pool products including in-ground pool cleaners. He describes different types and brands of in-ground pool cleaners to help you select right equipment for your in-ground swimming pool.
http://www.intheswim.com

Heart of circulation

The heart of your pool is the circulation (of the pool) and the innovative Pentair Pool Pumps are made with efficient hydraulic engineering technique. In order to circulate water with optimum efficiency, the Pentair Pool Pumps have been designed. It can be easily maintained and one of the most competitive products which are bought by customers and has a high demand. The pump has variable speed/drive pumps and has facilities for aboveground and in ground circulation/filtration. It may be used for utility, drainage, service, and spa and bath pumps. It may be used for your pool, pool/spa combination and has unique water feature, and pressure-side automatic cleaner. They have qualified rigorous tests for certification.

In ground pools

Pentair pool pumps have 1- and 2-speed circulation/filtration pumps for in ground pools. They are engineered and manufactured to the point of perfection and has the highest standards of accuracy and quality for safe, reliable, and long-term operation. The latest technology is incorporated and you can talk to your pool professional in order to make use of the in ground pump in your pool. Another great advantage of the Pentair pool pump is the consumption of the electricity. It is almost same as the other electrical appliances at home. The variable speed pumps can consume up to 30% less electricity. Aboveground pool pumps have best performance, exceptional operating efficiency, and long-standing consistency as the in ground pool owners. In any case you have to consult your pool professional who will recommend the right pool pump for you. Some pumps are ideal for certain pools while others befit a different set of pools. Pentair spa and bath pumps are engineered and prepared with the highest level of precision and the performance of these pumps are also worth mention. It makes every customer satisfied and is ideal for the larger pools. For use in spa this is widely used. For the precision of design and utility, Pentair Pool Pumps are bought by most people. There are certain specialty pumps of Pentair Pool Pumps which are also engineered to perfection and require the specific requirement of the pressure side cleaners, spas and water features. The side cleaners help in cleaning the dirt that accumulates at the sides of the pool. It is supplied along wit the pool kit. Pentair Pool Pumps also offer some overhaul kits, seal/gasket kits, and hair and lint strainer packages which completes the kit of pump systems.

Poolproducts4less.com is a bargain-hunters paradise offering you a complete selection of pentair swimming pool pumps and accessories.

Hayward pool filters come in three basic styles, with those being diatomatious earth, sand and of course cartridge. Cartridge pool filters have been around for decades but in recent years they have been surging in popularity for a number of reasons that may surprise you.

A Basic Concept

The concept of a cartridge filter is quite simple. The swimming pool water enters the system, is directed to the actual filter chamber where it subsequently passes through a plastic filter unit.

The Function of the Filter Unit

First, the larger particles in the water are trapped in the filter unit, which then begins to clog the passageways. As these passageways become tighter by being clogged by these larger particles, they then function to trap the smaller particles that are suspended in the water.

New Advancements in Cartridge Style Hayward Pool Filters

Hayward pool filters are some of the most advanced cartridge type pool filters that are currently available on the market. The development of newer plastics and the refinement of the manufacturing process has led to the emergence of a new family of more durable and effective filters.

Removing Suspended Particles as Small as 10 -15 Microns

Cartridge style Hayward pool filters are have set the  new standard for the entire pool industry. They not only are capable of removing suspended particulate matter as small as ranging between 10 – 15 microns in diameter but they also offer a number of newly developed convenience features that make maintaining your pools filter system a breeze.

Your Pools Unique Water Maintenance Particulars

However,  it is imperative to bear in mind that each pool will have its own maintenance particulars that will enter into the final decision making process of determining just what type of pool filter will suit it best. So learn about all three type of Hayward pool filters before rendering your final decision.

Written by Jakob Albertstein. Let's talk more about Hayward Pool Filters and Pool Filters at my website.

By heating your swimming pool, you can extend your swimming season and enjoy more hours of fun and exercise in your private aquatic oasis. These days, there are a variety of different pool heating options available that are more effective and efficient than ever before. Two of the most common types of pool heating options available today are pool heaters and pool heat pumps. While both of these options have the same function, they go about heating swimming pools in different ways. Pool heaters and pool heat pumps also come with different features and different pros and cons. As a result, the type of heating system that is best for you will depend on a variety of factors.

Pool heaters are the type of heating system found in most privately owned swimming pools. These heaters have been around for many years and are typically powered by natural gas or propane fuel. As such, these gas heaters require either a hook-up to a natural gas line or a storage tank for storing propane gas. In order to heat pool water, gas pool heaters burn the fuel in a combustion chamber and the heat is then transmitted into the pool water, raising its temperature.

Swimming pool heat pumps, on the other hand, heat water in a different way. The actual pump unit is electrically powered and extracts heat from the air, which has been warmed by the sun, and upgrades it with a compressor before transferring it into the pool water. Pool heat pumps will function even when the sun isn't actually shining as long as the temperature of the surrounding air is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pool heaters provide the fastest method of heating swimming pools and are generally best for heating pools for short periods of time. For example, if you only use your pool on weekends or often find yourself needing to heat your pool quickly before guests or visitors arrive, a gas pool heater will provide you with the fast and effective performance that you need. Gas pool heaters are also a great option for pool owners who like to swim regardless of the state of the weather, as they can easily and effectively maintain any water temperature.

As for pool heat pumps, this type of heating system is also effective regardless of the weather. However, as already mentioned, this only remains true as long as the air temperature is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps can easily maintain water temperatures in the range of 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and are ideal for homeowners who would like to make use of hot air energy but are unable to make use of solar heaters due to the structure of their roof or other factors. Pool heat pumps are the preferred heating option among athletic trainers and those who use pools for therapy.

Aside from how they work and their performance, pool heat pumps and pool heaters also differ in terms of cost. One of the downsides of gas heaters is the fact that they are expensive to operate. This is partly due to the cost of fuel and partly as a result of the relatively low efficiency of these heaters, which is typically in the range of 60 to 80 per cent. The average swimming pool heated with a propane heater will typically cost somewhere between $1000 and $1500 to heat each year while natural gas heaters cost approximately half as much to operate.

Heat pumps, however, are exceptionally efficient and have a very low cost of operation. Since these heating systems require so little electricity to work, their efficiency generally falls somewhere in the range of 300 to 600 per cent. As a result, a typical swimming pool will generally only cost $250 to $500 to heat each year. While pool heat pumps come with a higher purchase price than gas pool heaters, they quickly pay for themselves due to their impressively low cost of operation.

Other factors to consider when choosing between gas pool heaters or pool heat pumps are longevity and maintenance requirements. Gas heaters typically last for five years or more and warranties on parts will generally be in the range of one to five years. Due to the high temperatures inside the gas heating unit, these heaters require regular maintenance. Also, repairs for such heaters can be quite costly. Pool heat pumps also require periodic maintenance as they consist of many electrical parts and moving components. Heat pumps will generally lasts for at least five to 10 years and warranties typically fall in the range of one to 10 years.

As both types of heating systems come with their own benefits and drawbacks, the option that will be best for you will be a personal decision that depends on all of the above factors. No matter which type of system you ultimately choose, however, a high quality heating unit will always provide you with effective swimming pool heating and an extended swimming season.

Linda Gordon is swimming pool owner with more than 12 years experience of pool maintenance. She describes how to use swimming pool heaters and pool heat pumps to extend swimming season and keep water warm.

Homemade Solar Pool Heaters

If you are interested in learning exactly how to generate power and reduce your bill then this is the perfect resource for you! With the ever increasing costs of living, there is no better time than right now to stop throwing money out the window and start generating our own electricity.

"But I thought solar power was expensive and complicated?"

When I first became interested in solar energy (many years ago), I thought I would never be able to afford the solar panels. I was astounded when I was given a quote of $28,000 for a simple installation. This prompted me to do some research into how the solar panels are created.

I discovered solar power can be very affordable for the average person and it's not complicated at all!

What if I told you that you can build your own solar panel or windmill for $200 or less!? It's true! After extensive testing I have now made these plans available to everybody worldwide!

I have a great passion for the environment and I want as many people as possible to start generating their own electricity. My goal is to get your home running on free, renewable energy - Starting today...

After 15 years of industry experience I thought it was time to share the secrets of solar power. The biggest secret; It's easy to make quality solar panels for a fraction of retail price! While I do have a lot of experience I realize that most people don't know the first thing about making solar panels.

For access to building diagrams and detailed building instructions. Find out more about Homemade Solar Pool Heaters