July 26, 2009

In-Ground Pool Pumps - Things To Consider Before Buying

by: Linda Gordon

The importance of in-ground swimming pool pumps cannot be understated as they are essential for keeping pool water clean. Yet, with so many different brands and models of in-ground pool pumps available on the market today, knowing which one will work best for your pool is not always easy. However, simply by considering a few points before you set out to purchase a new pool pump, you will make the selection process far easier, as you will have a much clearer idea of which swimming pool pumps will provide you with the best results so you can enjoy crystal-clear, healthy pool water all season long.

In-ground swimming pool pumps are powered by electricity and play a vital role in keeping pool water clean and safe for swimming. They do this by circulating the pool water through the pool's filter where the water is cleansed of debris and potentially harmful contaminants. Then the pump propels the clean water back into the swimming pool. Without a pump to serve this purpose, your pool would quickly become dirty and cloudy as various pollutants and debris would accumulate in the water. This result would not only be unsightly, it could also be dangerous, as the pool water would likely become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Proper water circulation as provided by in-ground pool pumps is also beneficial in other respects as well. For instance, good water circulation in the pool allows for more even distribution of chemicals throughout the water. At the same time, by keeping the water moving, swimming pool pumps discourage insects such as mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the water, which can be a nuisance as well as a health risk. By providing so many important benefits, in-ground swimming pool pumps are absolutely essential for proper pool maintenance.

When you are ready to purchase a new pump for your in-ground swimming pool, you need to take the size of your pool and the capacity of the available pumps into account. Different swimming pool pumps are designed for pools of different volumes and will only provide peak performance if they are matched to pools of the proper size. Your pool pump should be able to pump the entire volume of your pool's water within eight hours. If it is not powerful enough to do so, the water will not be properly circulated or cleaned. The gallons of water pumped per minute, referred to as a pump's GPM, will help you determine whether or not a particular pump will be a good match for your pool.

Once you have narrowed down your options to swimming pool pumps of the right power and capability for your pool, it's time to consider quality and durability. Naturally, you will want to invest in a piece of equipment that not only offers peak performance, but that will also last for many years to come. One way to ensure that you receive good quality is to stick with trusted brand names that are solidly established in the pool supply industry. Hayward pool pumps, for example, have been available for many years and are known for their reliability, superior construction and top-notch performance. With Hayward pool pumps and other pumps from top brand names, you can feel confident that you are purchasing first-class equipment.

Another way to ensure that you will end up with a pump that will last for many years is to look at the specifics of each model's construction. In-ground pool pumps with corrosion-proof and weather-resistant housing will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions and will keep the pump's internal elements well protected. Again, Pentair and Hayward pool pumps as well as pumps from other top manufacturers are very likely to feature rugged design and other great features that will enhance their durability and extend their life span.

Last but not least, when you are checking out the many available models of in-ground pool pumps, you need to consider factors such as efficiency and the noise level associated with operation. Energy-efficient in-ground pool pumps naturally require less electricity to operate, providing greener and money-saving options. Also, pump models that minimize turbulence will also provide quieter operation so you can enjoy your swimming pool without the unnecessary intrusion of a noisy pump motor.

Although there are a multitude of different swimming pool pumps available for you to choose from, the process of purchasing a new pump doesn't need to be overwhelming or difficult. Selecting the right pump for your swimming pool is simply a matter of knowing your individual preferences as well as the requirements of your particular in-ground pool. When you keep all of the above factors and considerations in mind, you can feel confident that you will find and purchase a swimming pool pump that will provide you with excellent and reliable water circulation for many seasons to come.