Pool equipment, explained by the people who set it
Beside every pool sits a pump, a filter and a set of valves. Camp Pool Builders wants owners to know what each part does and what to look at, because proper knowledge and maintenance prolong the beauty of a custom pool and spa. These notes come from the operation guides Camp gives its own clients.
Questions about your own equipment? Call (843) 683-2862 and ask for Kevin.
Every part, what it does, what to watch
Where the water travels
Follow the water from the surface, through the pump and filter, and back into the pool.
- Skimmer
- What it doesDraws water from the surface and removes floating debris, using the suction the filter pump provides.
- What you watchA Premier pool has a separate main drain and skimmer valve, so the 3-way valve at the equipment sets how much flow goes through the skimmer.
- Main drain
- What it doesDraws water from the deepest part of the pool for fuller circulation. Large grates keep big objects out of the pump and strainer.
- What you watchClose the main drain valve while a suction cleaner is in the pool.
- Circulation pump and motor
- What it doesThe motor pulls water through the skimmer and main drain pipes, then forces it through the filter and back into the pool. Our operation notes name the Jandy Stealth pump.
- What you watchKeep the hair and lint pot, the basket, clear of debris. Left unchecked, a pump can burn up and circulation can be seriously compromised. When you service it: pump off, lid off, empty the basket, clean and lube the O-ring with a water-repellent lubricant, lid back on hand tight (never over-tighten), pump on, then release air at the filter until water streams steadily.
- Filter
- What it doesRemoves dust, sand, grass and leaves by passing the water through a filtering material that lets water through and keeps the debris. Our operation notes name the Jandy cartridge filter.
- What you watchBefore releasing any clamp, open the air relief valve. Rinse the cartridge with a garden hose set to the highest velocity, or soak it in a TSP cleaner solution. If the pleats are calcified, use 1 part muriatic acid to 4 parts water, then rinse completely. An extra set of cartridges comes in handy.
- Pressure gauge
- What it doesSits on top of the filter and gives you the pressure inside it.
- What you watchNote the reading when the filter is clean. When it rises 8 to 10 PSI above that, clean or backwash the filter.
- Return openings
- What it doesWater returns in the pool walls spread clean, filtered water around the pool.
- What you watchAim the adjustable fittings upward and clockwise so surface water keeps moving toward the skimmer. The stream should break the surface about 6 to 8 feet from the opening.
Keeping the pool clean
Two systems that move debris toward the skimmer and drain.
- Pool sweep
- What it doesAn automatic cleaner that agitates or vacuums debris from the pool interior. Premier pools come with a Jandy Ray-Vac Pool Sweep. It works from the pressure side: water returning from the pump through the sweep line moves it around the pool.
- What you watchIt runs on the flow coming back from the pump, so a healthy pump and a clean filter keep it moving.
- In-floor cleaning system
- What it doesOptional pop-up heads send high-pressure water through small openings to keep debris in suspension until the main drain or skimmer takes it. Installed correctly, it also cleans benches, steps and spas, and it moves water from the bottom up for better chemical distribution and even temperature.
- What you watchIt is an option, so it is decided at the design stage, not added later without a conversation.
Valves and fill
The parts that decide where the water goes and how much of it there is.
- Ball, 2-way and 3-way valves
- What it doesControl the amount or direction of water going through a plumbing line.
- What you watchBall valves turn left to increase flow and right to decrease it. 2-way and 3-way valves have arrows showing the direction of flow.
- Jandy Never-Lube 3-way valve
- What it doesConnects one inlet line and two discharge lines, so you can steer water between two plumbing lines, for example a spillway, a cleaning system or a spa. Never-Lube valves are CPVC and never need lubrication.
- What you watchLoosen the lock knob and lift the handle slightly while turning. The OFF area on the handle sits over the discharge pipe you want closed. Finger-tighten the lock knob when you have the setting.
- Automatic water leveler
- What it doesA fresh water fill line set at start-up to hold the water level you want.
- What you watchLeave the valve for the leveler, at the hose bib, open so it has a constant source of fresh water.
- Vacuum breaker
- What it doesOn a fresh water fill line it prevents back siphoning from the pool water or the fresh water supply, with a spring-loaded check valve and a spring-loaded air vent.
- What you watchNo maintenance is needed, and in most cases no adjustment either.
Spa
One part worth knowing if your pool has a spa.
- Therapy jets
- What it doesDraw air in with the water through the wall fitting, creating the bubbling action that eases sore muscles.
- What you watchA small pebble in the air line can lodge in the orifice and cut the flow. Using a 12-inch socket wrench with an extension, turn the orifice a half turn counterclockwise, clear the debris, and let the pump run a while to flush the line.
Five small habits that protect the equipment
Pulled straight from the pages above. Slide sideways.
Basket
Keep the pump basket clear. A clogged basket can burn up a pump.
Gauge
Note the reading on a clean filter. Clean or backwash at 8 to 10 PSI above it.
Fill valve
Leave the leveler valve at the hose bib open so the pool can top itself up.
Main drain
Close the main drain valve whenever a suction cleaner is in the pool.
Spare cartridges
Keep an extra set of cartridges on hand for cleaning day.
When the equipment stops behaving
If the water is slow, the pump is loud or something leaks, we troubleshoot first and then advise you on the best solution. Read how pool repair works, or send Kevin a message about the pool you have.