Why are hydraulics important in a swimming pool? Doesn't everyone use the right pump, filter combination? Doesn't everyone properly size the plumbing for the pool equipment?

The answer to the above questions is no. There are alot of builders in the Valley that have no clue as to why you need a 2hp pump instead of a 1hp pump. They do not know why a 36[]ft DE filter will not work with a 2hp pump. Why? Because they do not know hydraulics. Hydraulics is a very important component of your swimming pool investment. If you have 1-1/2" plumbing, you can not use today's 2hp-3hp pumps because they will cavatate. Cavatation means that the pump is not receiving the water it needs to do its job thus causing the pump to "starve" for water.

A simple test in suction:

If you take a drink using a standard straw, you will get pretty good volume of drink. Add a straw to the first in series and you will find it is harder to pull the same amount of volume. Yes you got the drink but at a reduced volume. Use a larger straw and you will get the volume.

This same principal can be applied to swimming pool equipment sizing and plumbing. The longer the distance between the pool and pool equpment, the larger the pump size and plumbing.

A simple test in pressure:

Take a garden hose and water the lawn. Add a second garden hose in series and you will find you are not getting the same pressure.

Once again the same principal can be applied to swimming pool hydraulics.

What does all this mean?

• If the pool equipment and plumbing are not properly sized, the pump will work harder (and sound louder), the pump will have to work longer to filter, sanitize, clean and heat the pool water.
• The thousands of dollars you invested in an in-floor cleaner will have been spent in vain as the pump is not delivering the water for the unit to work.
• Your pool looks dirtier for longer periods of time.
• Pool equipment repair costs are higher and more frequent as damage to filter elements, pump motors, etc increases in frequency.
• More chemicals are needed to treat the water because the water is not being properly maintained by the pool euipment.

How do I know if they are using the right sized equipment?

Simple. Ask them why. If they can not tell you that the reason is your pool has xx amount of gallons and we need to "turn-it=over" at least 2 times, then take a real hard look at the design of the pool. Some builders will even say, "I'll put on whatever the next guy does"! Do you really want to trust someone that follows or someone that leads the way?

The high water demands of water features, therapeutic spas and in-floor cleaners have changed the way pool equipment is sized. I have seen competitors actually install a pump too large for the filter and too small for the therapeutic spa.

Unfortunately, some customers think a pool is a pool is a pool. It's just a matter of getting the "cheapest" price. Well the answer to that is yes. You ask for cheap and you get cheap.

What makes us better?

We understand hydraulics because we pay attention to flow-rates, to gallons per minute, to turn-over rates, to chlorination methods, to bather loads and to your environment.