Keeping the pool equipment in good condition is important for proper pool maintenance. You might have been using your pool pumps and filters for many years, but are not sure about how they work. Or, you might make mistakes during their cleaning process or neglect regular inspections. So, here we give the common steps in the pool circulation system, regardless of the model.

How Water Flows in the Pool Pump?

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It is common for people to get confused about their pool pumps and filters as their working process is similar. But knowing their differences can help you in the long run. The main parts of the pool pump are the strainer basket and its cover, the diffuser, the impeller, and the motor.

When the water enters the pool pump through the inlet port along with the dirt or debris. It first enters the strainer basket, then passes through the center of the diffuser. Once the strainer basket filters the bigger pieces of leaves or debris, it goes to the diffuser. The motor drives the impeller which generates pressure through centrifugal motion. Immediately, the diffuser directs the water to the impeller. The filtered water finally comes out through the outlet port and flows into the pool.

How the Diffuser and the Impeller Work

When the strainer collects the debris, the diffuser guides the water to the center of the impeller. The impeller has a number of blades that push the water towards the exit slots. This centrifugal force generates high pressure that spins the water and forces it to its edges.

Again, the diffuser collects this spun water from the edges of the impeller. Now, the water has gone through the filtering process. Next, it passes through the pressured chamber and returns to the pool.

The Four Important Seals

For the proper circulation of pool water in the pump, the four important seals have to stay intact. Those are the motor shaft seal and three gaskets- one each for the strainer pot, the housing, and the diffuser. These ensure that the water flows properly in two chambers. First, there is the inlet chamber, which has the strainer pot that pulls the water in. Secondly, you have the outlet chamber, which pushes the water out into the pool, after the impeller.

The strainer gasket seals the strainer pot cover, while the housing gasket seals the motor and pump assemblies. The motor shaft seal stops the water from leaving the pressure chamber. On the other hand, the diffuser gasket lies between the second chamber and the strainer pot. It allows the water from the impeller to go towards the exit port

Damages to the Pool Pump

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When one or more of the above components need repairs, the pool pump won’t work properly. This means that your pool will turn into an unhygienic mess and affect your health. If you see water dripping from below the motor, it could mean that the motor shaft seal is not intact.

If the strainer gasket gets damaged, air enters the pump and prevents priming. In case you have a poor housing gasket, the water shoots out of the pool pump, decreasing the pressure. In addition, if the diffuser gasket seal breaks, the pressurized water returns to the strainer pot. This makes the pool pump lose pressure. Hence, you need to get the damages in your pool pumps and filters fixed in time by a pool professional.

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