Choosing The Right Pool Pump Motors
Summertime heat can become unbearable. One of the most popular summer pastimes to beat that heat is swimming. Ten years ago choices were to find a friend who had an in ground pool, swim at the local community pool, or wade it out in a children’s kiddie pool. The invention of above ground pools has become extremely popular. People can assemble a pool right in their own back yard and enjoy endless hours of family time while cooling off. When the season is over simply dismantle the pool for next year. No matter if you have an above ground pool or an in ground pool, maintaining that pool can be costly if you do not have the correct equipment. One of the most vital parts of the pool is the pump.
Pool pumps help maintain the quality of the water by pulling the water into the filter system, in which the water is skimmed for dirt and debris. If the pool has a heater, this is the point that the water is also heated. Not all pumps are the same, and choosing the correct one for the size and type of pool you have is crucial. The main component of the pump is the motor. Pool pump motors come in different varieties and are calculated on their voltage. It is important to have the correct horsepower to compliment the pump.
Above ground pools and smaller in ground pools under 10,000 gallons are recommended to use Low Head pumps. Some popular and reliable Low Head Pumps are Maxim, Dynamo, and Power flow. Above ground pool pump motors come either in a 115 volt, which depending on the motor type can yield you from ½ horse power to 1 ½ horse power. It is extremely important that you know how your outlet is wired that you intend to use for the motor because you can blow a motor if you attempt to use the 115 with a 230 and motors are not inexpensive.
In ground pools from 10,000 to 20,000 gallons typically use a Medium Head pump. SuperPump and Cygnet are popular brands for Medium-Head pumps. Pools more than 20,000 gallons use High-Head pumps, and pool/spa combinations use Ultra High Head pumps like North Star and Whisperflow. In ground pools also need larger pool pump motors to keep up with the demand of water flow. In ground pools typically use the 230 volt motors but the pool/spa combinations use the 230/460 volt that can generate up to 3 horse power. Pool/spa combinations are generally referred to as the 3-phase system for both the pump and the motor.
Pool pump motors are produced in different styles as well. The Key Shaft motor is not threaded and starts relatively inexpensive starting around $175 with very simple voltage and horsepower. It also has some more powerful motors for the 3-phase system starting in the low $320. The Treaded Shaft motors are also in the same price range and produce the same amount of power as the Key Shaft. It also offers two types of motors for the 3-phase system. Neither is said to be better or worse than the other, it just depends on the compatibility of the current pump and motor that you have.
A pool is a big investment and commitment. If the you take the time to research the products and maintain the pool, then it is a good investment that will yield fun times with friends and family.
