How to Operate a Pool Pump & Filter

Components of a swimming pool are highly interdependent. Without proper operation of each element, water quality and comfort degrade and damage may occur to other components. The basics of pool design are consistent whether applied to in-ground or above-ground pools. The system is engineered to keep a large volume of water properly filtered, circulated, heated and treated with disinfecting chemicals. The two most critical elements in any pool system are the pump and the filter.

Pool Circulation

A pool pump circulates water from the pool through the filter and back to the pool. The pool pump is generally located next to the filter in a concrete pit or recess below the water level of the pool so water flows by gravity to the inlet of the pump. Water entering the pump input first passes through a strainer basket in the pump housing to remove debris. Leaving the pump, the water circulates through the filter and then the heater, if one is installed. Water is reintroduced to the pool through return jets embedded in the walls of the pool. In a regularly utilized pool, the pump may run continuously to provide consistent filtration and circulation. To conserve electricity, many residential pool pumps are connected to timers so the circulation is limited only to hours of the day when the pool is likely to be used.

Priming The Pump And Filter

Occasionally a pool pump may lose its prime and air may enter the system, interrupting circulation of water. The most common cause is evaporation, causing the pool water level to drop below the intakes in the skimmers. Priming a pool pump and filter is a standard procedure in pool systems. Adding water restores the pool's proper water level. You can remove the cover of the pump housing to fill the pump chamber and intake line with water. Once you replace the cover and open the air-bleed valve on top of the pool filter. The intake and discharge valves should be open and you can turn on the pump. When water is seen moving through the clear sight window in the top of the pump chamber, circulation is restored. Wait until water begins to spurt out of the air-bleed valve on the filter, then close the valve.

Types Of Pool Filters

Pool filters vary according to the media utilized to filter the water. The simplest variety is a common replaceable filter cartridge in a canister installed in the discharge line after the pump. These are typically used in smaller volume, above-ground pools and require no maintenance other than scheduled filter changes. Sand filters used in larger in-ground pools use a bed of industrial-grade silica to filter the water as it percolates under pump pressure through the sand. Another variety utilizes diatomaceous earth as the filter media, a porous powder that provides very fine filtering properties. Both sand and DE filters require periodic backwashing to clean the filter.

Pool Filter Settings

Pool filter multiport valves have generic settings that apply to all major brands of sand and DE filters. The [Filter" setting circulates water through the sand or DE media, then out the filter through the return port to the pool. The [Backwash" setting redirects the flow of water backwards through the filter media to flush out contaminants as part of scheduled maintenance or when the filter pressure indicates it is becoming obstructed. During backwash, dirty water exits the filter through the waste port and is discharged into the sewer drain. The [Waste" valve position bypasses the filter. Water from the pump enters through the pump port and exits directly through the waste port into the sewer. This setting is used to vacuum the pool or to lower the water level. [Recirculate" also bypasses the filter but sends the circulating water back to the pool instead of down the drain, a useful setting when performing certain chemical treatments that would contaminate the filter media. [Closed" shuts off all water entering the pool.