Energy Efficient Pools
In July 2021 the US Dept. of Energy will begin implementing sweeping changes to rules governing the production and sale of pool pumps The upshot of the new DOE rules will virtually eliminate single speed pumps - almost. Not all single speed pups will go away, but a large portion of them will because manufacturers can't meet these new federal requirements. Right now, single speed pumps represent the majority of pumps sold. In an effort to become more energy efficient this will change as variable speed pumps take market. Rather than horsepower there will be a "weighted energy factor" or WEF rating. If the WEF rating is not high enough it can't be sold. Currently, most single speed pumps won't make the cut.
Cyanuric Acid (CYA) "Stabilizer" Facts
The great CYA debate is one that has raged within the pool industry for years How much is enough and how much is too much? Amounts as low as 10 ppm and as high as 100 ppm have been deemed acceptable. The fact is that while o ppm is the best option for chlorine's effectiveness, it is the least cost effective. While CYA has proven to protect chlorine from UV degradation, we are in essence trading effectiveness for longevity. Most chlorine sold in the residential market contains CYA, however, the test for CYA levels are rarely done. This creates a dangerous swimming environment since CYA does not degrade, so the more chlorine introduced the more CYA. An example of this effect is a free chlorine residual of 1.5 ppm with as little as 10 ppm of CYA, is reduced to 0.5 ppm of effectiveness. In conclusion, careful control with testing and management is crucial to a safe swimming environment.
Filtration Choices
Many potential pool owners are confused as to what filtration equipment fits their needs.
Cartridge filters are popular based on price, simplicity of insulation, and relatively small size. These filters are made of paper-like cloth fabric accordion pleated elements which make up the filter media. Well cared for, these elements can last two to three years. Cleaning is accomplished by disassembling the units and forcefully hosing them off, or soaking them in a cleaning solution. Some owners find themselves buying additional cartridges greatly reducing the low initial cost.
Diatomaceous Earth filters or DE use the skeletons of fossilized marine animals as the media on fabric grids. When new these work quite well, however, as they age maintenance becomes a chore as disassembling and cleaning are quite time consuming. Additionally, the DE media needs to be reapplied after a backwash or routine cleaning.
Sand filters, sometimes referred to as permanent media filters, are popular due to the ease of cleaning and without the need for replacement media. These filters work on a theory of entrapment, meaning a dirty filter cleans better than a clean filter and whose performance can improve over time and usage. Cleaning is accomplished by a change in the valve configuration to reverse the water flow to waste and can take less than five minutes. Choices come down to cost, water quality, and ease of operation.
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