How to Operate a Pool Pump and Filter

A swimming pool may seem simple, but keeping the water clear and clean requires many interdependent components to function properly. If one of these components fails, the water quality and your comfort can rapidly degrade, and the other components may even be damaged. Pumps and filters are two of the most critical parts of any pool, whether in the ground or above ground, to keep the water properly filtered, circulated, and treated.

A pool pump circulates pool water through the filter and back to the pool to remove debris and contaminants. The pool pump unit is usually located next to the filter in a concrete pit or recess below the water level of the pool, so the water flows by gravity into the pump. Water entering the pump input first passes through a screen basket in the pump housing to remove large debris. The water then circulates through the filter, then the heater (if a heater is installed).

Water returns to your pool through return jets embedded in the pool wall. If you are in the pool for an extended period of time, the pump may run continuously to provide steady filtration and circulation. To conserve electricity, many residential pool owners hook up their pumps to timers to limit circulation to times when the pool is used the most.

A water-filled system means that all components, including pumps, filters, and piping, are filled with enough water to function properly. From time to time, your pool pump unit may fail and air may enter the system, stopping water circulation. Priming the pump just means there is enough water in the pump to make it work again. There are a few things you can do occasionally as part of maintaining your swimming pool.

The most common reason a pump loses its prime is evaporation, where the pool water level drops below the skimmer's water intake. Adding water to the system will restore the pool to the proper level. You can also add water to the pump to make it run again.

Remove the pump casing cover and fill the pump chamber and inlet pipe with water. With the lid on, open the air release valve on top of the pool filter. The intake and exhaust valves should be open and you can turn on the pump. You'll know it's circulating properly again if you can see water flowing through the clear window at the top of the pump chamber. Wait until water starts to spray from the vent valve on the filter, then close the valve.

There are different types of pool filters that use different materials to filter water. The simplest variety is a plain replaceable filter element installed in the canister in the discharge line after the pump. These are usually used for smaller above-ground pools and require no maintenance other than regular filter changes.

Sand filters used in larger inground pools use a bed of industrial-grade silica to filter the water as the water percolates through the sand under pump pressure. Another uses diatomaceous earth as the filter medium. Porous powder provides very good filtration properties. Both sand and DE filters require periodic backwashing to clean the filter.

The pool filter multiport valve has universal settings for all major brands of sand and DE filters. The "Filter" setting circulates the water through the sand or DE media and out of the filter into the pool through the return port. This is the standard setting for normal pump and filter operation.

The "Backwash" setting redirects water to flow backward through the filter media to flush out contaminants. Use this setting as part of regular maintenance or when filter pressure indicates clogging. During backwashing, dirty water flows out of the filter through the waste port and into the sewer.

The "waste" valve position bypasses the filter. Water from the pump enters the pump port and exits directly to the sewer through the waste port. This setting is used for pumping pools or lowering water levels.

"Recirculation" also bypasses the filter but sends recycled water back to the pool instead of down the drain. This is a useful setting when performing certain chemical treatments that can contaminate the filter media. "OFF" shuts off all water entering the pool.

The above introduces the operation of swimming pool pumps and swimming pool filters. If you have any questions or want to buy swimming pool pumps or swimming pool accessories, please contact us.

MAYGO is a professional custom swimming pool pump and filter manufacturer. Our product range includes pool pumps, sand filters, cartridge filters, filtration systems, and pool accessories. Products are constantly updated and iterated, with more functions and more choices. At present, we have provided swimming pool solutions to thousands of customers in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, etc.