Pool ABCs
IN YOUR EQUIPMENT ROOM
Water Velocity in Pipes
· The velocity of water within a pipe is subjected to physical resistance due to friction and turbulence. This can easily be demonstrated with a long garden hosepipe. Although the water may gush rapidly out of the tap or standpipe, by the time it comes out of the hose at the other end the velocity will have significantly slowed. The same occurs in swimming pool pipework, and all pipe installations must have the pipe sizes calculated in order for the water volume delivered through the pipe is not too high for the pipe diameter.
· On large commercial installations, the circulation pumps will frequently have much smaller pipe flange couplings than the pipe work connecting to them. On these installations, conical pipe adaptors are often fitted each side of the pump to allow a smooth transition from the very high velocity found within the pump to the relatively slow velocity required within the pipework.
IN YOUR EQUIPMENT ROOM
Pipe Classes
· The pipework used for swimming pools circulation systems is normally classified by its wall thickness and wall strength. The wall thickness varies according to the pipe diameter. It must be remembered that the controlled size is the external diameter, since this has to accurately fit inside a wide range of pipe connections. Most plastic pipework for swimming pool use is either PVC or ABS. The most common class used (particularly for domestic pools) is Class C.
· Class D pipe has a slightly thicker wall than Class C, and Class E is even thicker. Class T is the thickest walled pipe, and the wall is thick enough for threads to be cut directly into the plastic.
IN YOUR EQUIPMENT ROOM
Filtration
· There is a variety of filtration types used in pools, the most commonly used is the sand filters for their durability and ease of operation.
· When calculating the best fit filter for your pool, you should consider the filtration rate, the pool size and the turnover rate.
· Suitable backwashing and regular maintenance are essential for effective filtration and ensuring long life for your filter.