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Basic Pool Cleaning, Maintenance & Equipment Terminology for Brevard County Pools

This page is for our current and future Brevard County pool cleaning customers to refer to when discussing their swimming pool issues, concerns or operations. Its just the basic components of most pools covering equipment names, their function and tips on keeping them in working order.
                
 

Basic Features of Swimming Pools

Most swimming pools are designed to be a closed system with equipment that provides circulation, filtering and cleaning. The average size of a residential pool is around 12 thousand gallons, with a range between 7 to 30 thousand gallons of water.

The Skimmer
Leaves, grass and other airborne particles collect on the pool's surface, where the water tends to be the dirtiest. The skimmer is setup to remove this debris by means of circulated water passing through a skimmer basket, which collect the large pieces of floating items. This basket requires emptying usually on a weekly basis, but may be need in unusually windy days, especially if your pool is not screened in. We will set and monitor the flow rate, so as to effect optimal collection.

The Main Drain
Typically found in the deepest section of the pool, at the bottom. Water is drawn in through this drain and is controlled by the pool pump. Normally the flow through the main drain is 1/4 to 1/8 open.

The Vacuum Port
Somewhere on the side wall of the swimming pool is a suction port. The port is used for the automatic cleaning system and is attached here.

Pool Returns
These should be located on the side wall of the pool and should all be oriented to face the same direction in order to circulate the pool water in the same direction. The pool returns are setup to return the filtered water to the body of the pool.
 

Basic Pool Equipment for Residential Swimming Pools

Pool Pumps 
The pump provides the circulation of the water in the pool. Pool pumps range in horse power anywhere  from 3/4HP to 2HP. They are controlled by an automatic timer (typically set to run 8 hours per day). The part of the pump that you need to be concerned with is the pump basket. The function of the pump basket is to collect any debris that was not picked up by the skimmer basket. The pump basket should be clean regularly to ensure that you are getting the optimal flow through.

Pool Timers 
The pool timer is important the scheduling of the activation of the pump, setting the time and duration of the pump. Most residential pools pumps should run about eight hours during the warmest time of day. Most timers are similar and will be easy to use. 

Pool Filters
Pool filters are typically divided into three different types or methods. Which ever type your pool uses the function is the same, keep the water clean.

  1. Sand: The easiest to clean, however, the least efficient. Typically, we clean sand filters every 3 weeks or when the pressure rises (as seen on pressure gauge).
  2. Cartridge Filter: The most common filter. They range in size from 50 square feet up to 150 square feet. Depending on the pool and size of the filter, the element should be cleaned about once per month.
  3. Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.): The most efficient. They come in various sizes, the larger sizes require less change out.
Intake Control Valves
Ball valves and/or 3-way valves are located before the intake of the pump, This allows for adjustment of the water intake from the skimmer, main drain, vacuum ports and spa.

OHANA Pool Services
South Brevard Pool Cleaning

415 Carissa Drive
Satellite Beach, FL 32937

PHONE
(321) 961-1955