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General
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Pool Maintenance & Water Issues
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Filtration
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Pool Chemicals
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Pool Equipment
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Spa Management
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Safety Tips
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How To's
What size pool pump is right for my pool?
What size pool pump is right for my pool?
Many end users, service technicians, pool shops and builders will replace a pool pump like for like. Just because a pump is existing on a swimming pool, doesn't mean it is the correct size. You should always take the time to have an assessment done when choosing a new or replacement pool pump.
The following chart will help take out the guess work in choosing the most appropriate Neptune Pool Pump for your pool.
Neptune Pool Pumps Sizing Guide
MODEL |
AVERAGE FLOW RATE |
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SAND FILTER SIZE |
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM CARTRIDGE FILTER SIZE |
SUCTION PIPE SIZE REQUIRED |
NPP550 |
190 LPM @ 7m head |
20 inch (Neptune SF500 & Eco-Neptune ECSF500) |
50 Square Feet (Neptune CF50) |
40 / 50 mm |
NPP750 |
285 LPM @ 7m head |
25 inch (Neptune SF650 & Eco-Neptune ECSF650) |
75 Square Feet (Neptune CF75) |
40 / 50mm |
NPP1100 |
360 LPM @ 7m head |
28 inch (Neptune SF700 & Eco-Neptune ECSF700) |
100 Square Feet (Neptune CF100) |
50mm |
NPP1500 |
390 LPM @ 7m head |
32 inch (Neptune SF800 & Eco-Neptune ECSF800) |
150 Square Feet (Neptune CF150 & CF200) |
50mm |
A pump's performance in regards to litres per minute will vary depending on the pump's:
- Horsepower
- Pipe size
- Distance from the pool
- Restrictions in the system that the pump must overcome (eg. filtration & sanitising equipment)
- Elevation (eg. below, equal to or above the pool's water level)
It is important to identify the required 'flow rates' that will enable the pool's pump, filtration and sanitisation system to work correctly. Failing to do this will result in premature wear of the pump's internals or poor water quality. It is also important to have the correct suction pipe size. Using the incorrect pipe size can result in restriction of flow which will cause cavitation, resulting in excess pump noise, also causing premature wear of the pump's internals and poor water quality.
The ideal pressure for the Neptune range of filters is between 60 - 80kpa. If the pressure gauge reads below 60kpa, then it is possible that the pump sizing is too small. If the pressure gauge reads above 80kpa, then it is possible that the pump size is too large. Please refer to the chart above. If selection has been done in accordance with this chart and the filter is reading low or high pressure, then it may be possible that there is an on-site issue causing a problem. If this is the case, troublshooting or repairs may be required to be carried out on-site by a qualified pool technician.
*This guide is provided for information purposes only, does not constitute and should not be used as an alternative to specific professional advice.
How can I tell if my salt water chlorinator is working properly?
How can I tell if my salt water chlorinator is working properly?
Your chlorinator is a miniature liquid chlorine manufacturing plant. Firstly we must understand the process of salt water chlorination.
- The action of brine (salty water) passing through the salt cell causes electrosis which in layman’s terms creates liquid chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite) that is then returned to the pool via the eyeball.
- The easiest way to ascertain if the chlorinator is working is to make sure the cell is clean by checking the needle or production lights.
- Ensure there is enough salt in the pool.
- On the chlorinator box there should be a light or dial that indicates it is working.
- Take your test kit and place your thumb over the test tube. Then place it right into the eyeball and take the water.
- Test the water that water has just left the chlorinator - it should have a very high chlorine reading. (Remember that if it is extremely high it may bleach the test tablet so you may have to dilute the water you are testing). If there is no chlorine reading, the chlorinator will not be working.
- If you have been dosing with chlorine you won’t know. So, wait until you have a nil reading of chlorine and then perform the test.
The second way of checking is to look at your cell housing (if it is visible, as not all are). The action of the brine passing over the cell creates gaseous activity. If the water is clear, it’s not creating chlorine. The water passing over the cell should be cloudy. There has got to be an action – assuming there is enough salt in the pool. Remember less salt = less chlorine. So, check your salt level first.
There are other methods of checking which are more involved; however, we believe these two tests will give you a fairly good indication. If you believe your chlorinator is not working after performing these tests, either contact the manufacturer for help, or, call your Pool Pro Professional.
This information is given without prejudice and has been supplied to Pool Pro in good faith. As Pool Pro Products are unable to make site visits and cannot ascertain the actual problem visually, or by making their own assessments, or by calling in a specialist in this field, Pool Pro Products takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.