Which pump do I need?

If you're looking for a specific make just click any of the links down the left hand side of the page. if you're looking for a budget pump choose from Mega Pumps or the Hayward Powerline pumps range. In most cases the best option is replacing your existing pump with the same model, this is due to the layout of pipe connections and bolt fixing points which are usually exactly the same as your original pump, consequently this accommodates an easy swap over. The alternative is a different pump which will mean more work in connecting it up to the existing set up, this is not generally a massive job but will probably require the purchase of pipe work. It stands to reason that if your old pump was say a half Horse Power you should replace it with the same rating, however if you plan to add things like solar matting or solar pods and have these located on a garage roof or outbuilding then a more powerful swimming pool pump would be recommended, also some automatic swimming pool cleaners will not work on low power pumps.

Recognising problems with your pump.

Pumps can have problems at times; they can get clogged up, start leaking, take in damaging bits of debris. A classic sign that there's a problem with your swimming pool pump is that it starts making strange noises. Other examples are that it’s not pumping water as well as normal, water pressure is too high or low, or that the motor hums and won’t start. Common problems with swimming pool pumps can be fixed by a professional or sometimes by yourself even with only basic knowledge. However, a pump motor may have just come to the end of its life or have suffered irreparable damage due to any number reasons; including debris reaching the impeller blades or the pool pump having being exposed to a freeze. If looked after motors in swimming pools pumps can last for years. If you are unsure whether to replace the motor or the pump, then speak to a pool installation professional or give us a call. To keep your water clean your swimming pool pump should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible once found faulty. If it's old and starts playing up it can be a false economy to go down the road of a repair, a straight replacement is often the best solution.

How long should I run my pump?

It depends on a couple of factors, weather and usage. Most people should be running their swimming pool pumps between 6 and 12 hours a day during the summer months. If its hot swimming weather and the pool is being heavily used then this should be even longer. The bottom line is, you want to be swimming in crystal clear water, if you haven't got this then there's a problem with either your chemical balance, or your filtration, which may mean that your pump has not been on long enough. As you become more experienced looking after your swimming pool you'll know how long to let it run. Should I run my swimming pool pump during the winter? If its indoors and heated and being used, absolutely. If its outdoors and potentially exposed to freezing conditions then no. You should be winterizing your swimming pool and draining your filtration system so it doesn't freeze. Check the web or ring us for information on winterizing swimming pools, sounds complicated but its easy, basically you put your pool to bed for winter without emptying it and without having to run the filtration to keep it clean (involves winterizing chemical). I have or am thinking of having a salt chlorinated swimming pool. This is an option many people consider as an alternative to chlorine, having a "salt pool" means you will need a swimming pool pump that can handle salt water, if you check the tags below each pool pump you'll be able to see if its ok for a salt water pool. Things like heaters also need to be checked before adding to a salt chlorinated swimming pool, if in doubt about this just give us a call on 0151 334 0222.