Behind the sparkling blue water of your pool is an array of parts and equipment working together. From the skimmer to the returns and everything else in between, ensuring your pool water is clean and safe to swim in. Below we’ll explore the essential pool parts and equipment that keep your pool working in perfect harmony.
Pool Parts and Equipment
Skimmer
The skimmer is the main component of your pool that draws water from the pool to your pool’s equipment. It consists of a body, a mouth, a basket, a lid, and one or two holes at the bottom. Water from the pool enters the mouth of the skimmer, then goes into the body, where any leaves and debris are collected in the basket. The water then leaves through a hole in the bottom and heads towards your pump.
Main Drain
Some pools also have one or multiple main drains, which sit at the bottom of the pool. The main drain draws water from the bottom of the pool to the pool equipment. The main drain consists of a straining cover, a pot, and an exit port that leads to either the skimmer or the pool equipment. Main drains are a very nice feature to have, as they allow for better water circulation.
Pump
The pump is what allows the water to continuously circulate in your pool. The main parts of the pump include an electric motor, an impeller, the body, the basket, and the inlet and outlet ports. The pump sucks water from the skimmer and main drain, water then passes through the basket to remove any debris before the water goes through the pump and is pushed through your pool equipment and back into the pool.
Filter
Your pool filter cleans and removes any dirt, dead algae, and other small particles from your pool water. There are three filter types: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE). These filters work similarly, as they each strain the water through their own material, which catches any debris. The filter is a very important piece of equipment in keeping your pool clean.
Heater
A pool heater allows you to warm your pool’s water temperature. A heater is an extremely nice piece of equipment as it allows you to have your pool water at a comfortable temperature in cooler climates. The most common heaters use natural gas or propane. These heaters work by having the water go through copper pipes which are then heated by a flame.
Salt Cell
Salt cells or salt generators are devices that produce chlorine and continuously add it to your pool water. The salt cell works by breaking apart the salt molecule (NaCl) through electrolysis in order to make chlorine. A salt system has a control board, a cell/generator, and a flow sensor. For the salt system to work properly, your pool water needs a salt level of 2700-3400 ppm.
Chlorinator
A chlorinator dispenses dissolved chlorine into your pool water automatically. Chlorinators work by holding and dissolving chlorine pucks, and then adding it to the pool water. There are two types of chlorinators, in-line and off-line. The in-line chlorinator attaches directly to your plumbing and the off-line uses a small tube that connects between your pump and filter, to the chlorinator, and then to the return line.
Return Jets
The return jets are a type of fitting that is found on the walls of the pool and are used to shoot and direct the water back into the pool. The returns are a PVC fitting that clamps on the steel wall for a vinyl pool or are embedded in concrete for concrete pools. The fittings are threaded so an “eyeball” can be screwed into the return to increase the pressure of the water stream and direct the water where you want it to go.
PVC Pipe
PVC pipes transport the water from the pool to the equipment and back. These pipes can be either flexible or rigid; flexible pipes are commonly used underground, while rigid pipes are utilized for connections coming in and out of the ground and between all the equipment.
Fittings
Fittings are the pieces that connect the PVC pipes to your pool equipment and various other parts. These fittings are either glue-in, threaded, barbed, or a combination of those. Some common fitting types include elbows, couplers, tees, unions, and valves.
Understanding the key parts of a pool, including the various fixtures, filtration, sanitation, and heating systems, is essential for knowing how your pool works. In conclusion, by knowing about how these components work together, you can ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable swimming experience.
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