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Pool pumps and hydraulic efficiency By Veda Dante TOP: Saving money on electricity means more to spend on the family
RIGHT: Pentair Sta-Rite Enviromax 800
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wimming pool pumps have the reputation as one of the most powerhungry elements in a home. That is because of the amount of energy needed to run the pool’s hydraulic system, which is powered by the pump. The initial cost a pool pump is estimated at only 20 per cent of the lifetime cost of running the pump; the other 80 per cent relates to the energy costs over time. It is important therefore to minimise the amount of energy the pumps use by choosing the correct one for each situation, looking to new technology, and thinking carefully about the overall hydraulic system. As Waterco’s chief operating officer explains, the pump is the heart of a swimming pool’s filtration system. “Choosing the right pump for your pool will ensure you experience fewer problems and more efficient energy use and running costs, not to mention better pool water clarity,” says Bryan Goh. The job of your pump is to draw water through the filtration system so that the pool water is kept clean and is properly circulated. The pump is driven by an electric motor directly attached to the pump impeller. As the electric motor turns, it causes the impeller to turn, which then forces water to flow through the pump. The water flows into the hair/lint pot inlet and through the basket assembly. The flow then enters the centre of the pump housing, goes through the impeller, into the diffuser, and out the pump discharge port and onwards to the pool filter where it is filtered before being sanitised and/or heated and pumped back into the pool.
Pool configuration and plumbing
Some things to take into consideration when selecting the most appropriate pump in terms of performance and energy efficiency include: •P ool size – the volume of water in your pool will help determine flow rate and therefore the size of the pump required. • Pipe diameter – that will influence the overall hydraulic system, as will the number of 90-degree elbows in the pipework, and the length of the pipework. •P ower – prevent damaging equipment by ensuring the pump doesn’t exceed the maximum flow rate. •S peed – dual, multi and variable speed pumps can be sped up when more power is needed but can also run at a slower speed for filtering. •N oise – quieter models enable you to take advantage of off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. •E nergy Rating – more stars mean the pump offers greater efficiency and lower power bills. February/March 2022
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