Pumps are an essential component of any swimming pool, choosing one can prove to be difficult, and diving headfirst into pumps and their specifications can be confusing. We have written this guide to help you simplify the process and explain exactly what the pump will be doing, and how to work out which pump you need.
A swimming pool pump circulates the water throughout the pool’s network, it removes any suspended solids, purifying the water. The main components of a swimming pool pump are the housing, the motor, the impeller and the strainer. The housing will contain all the components for the pump, the motor is situated at the back, and is used to power the impeller; the impeller is the force behind the pump which pulls the water through, and the strainer is used to catch any debris from going through the pump.
Pool Size
The first thing to consider is the size of your pool, you will need to work out the volume of your pool in order to find the correct sized pump. Volume is calculated by multiplying the length, width and depth of your pool.
Flow Rate
This is the amount of liquid volume can pass through your pump, after working out the volume of your pool, this number will need to be multiplied by 2 and then divided by 1440 to get your LPM (litre per minute) calculation. This will be the flow rate you need in your pump.
Power
Your pump will either have a single or three phase motor. Single phase versions can be directly connected to the electrical supply system, but typically have a short life span. Three phase models are usually more compact, produce less vibrations and have a longer life span.
Heated Pools
If your pool is heated, your heat pump is seperate from your swimming pool pumps. Your swimming pool pump will filter the water first, it will then pass through your heat pump before returning to the pool.
Filter Size
Your pool’s filter size and your pump’s size should correlate, if they don’t then unnecessary strain can be added to the pump, shortening its life span, so it is important to ensure your filter’s flow rate matches your pump’s.
Calpeda
Calpeda have 2 ranges of Swimming Pool Pumps available, the MPC Series and the NMP Series.
The MPC Series are 2" pumps made from glass reinforced thermoplastic, with noryl impellers, they can handle flow rates up to 660 litres per minute.
The NMP Series are 2", 2 1/2" or 3" pumps available in either Cast Iron or Bronze, with the impellers matching the body material. Their flow rates go up to 1000 LPM.
Ebara
Ebara have the SWS / SWT range of Swimming Pool Pumps.
Their body, seal holder disc and diffuser are built in polypropylene reinforced with glass fibres and Noryl impeller. The flow rates range from 130 LPM up to 530 LPM.
Pentair Nochhi Swimmey
Plastica Argonaut have the original AV Series and the AG Series for smaller applications.
Both ranges have been designed and engineered in the same way, with glass filled polypropylene tanks and high grade stainless steel shafts. The AG Series has flow rates from 166 LPM up to 266 LPM and is only available in single phase, whereas the AV Series is able to go up to 516 LPM, and is available in both single and three phase.
Pentair Nochhi Swimmey
The Nocchi Swimmey range of pumps have been designed to achieve maximum operational reliability in filtering and recirculating water treated with chlorine.
They are built in ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) with glass-fibre reinforced lexan impellers. Their flow rates range from 100 LPM up to 500 LPM.
Choosing the right pump for your pool is important, but after you've selected your pump, it's important to think about your other requirements for the job. Below you'll find some items that may be considered essential, depending on your siutation. If you're ever unsure on your requirements, our team is available to help you.
Submersible Pumps
A submersible pump is essential if you ever need to drain your swimming pool. Looking at the pump's flow rate allows you to gauge how long it'll take to drain your pool, getting a pump with a float switch allows it to auto switch off when the water reaches a certain level.
Green Suction Hose
Green suction hose is a medium duty hose that can be used to connect your components. It's more rigid and heavier duty than blue lay flat, meaning it's more bulky but has a longer life span.
Blue Lay Flat Hose
A lighter and more compact hose, Blue Lay Flat is ideal for use on draining swimming pools and connecting certain components. It's easy to store after use, it's lightweight but has a shorter lifespan than heavier duty hoses.
Hose Accessories
You will need additional accessories to connect your hose up to your equipment, Jubilee Clips will help secure your hose onto your equipment, and Hose Barbs allow you to connect your hoses to certain pumps.
Get in touch
Our friendly team of experts are on hand to give you any advice you require for your job. If you require more information or help on choosing the right pump for your application, then fill in the contact form or call us on +44 1332 913500 to speak to a member of our team.
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