Pool Pumps are available in single speed, variable speed or two speed. The motor on the pool pump can range from .75hp to 5hp. Single speed pool pumps are the least expensive pumps and run at the same speed when turned on. Variable Speed and two speed pumps can change speeds depending on your pools needs and also provide energy savings. Pool pumps start and stop based on timer switches, controllers on the pool pump and automation systems. If you have an automation system, the brand of variable speed pump should match the brand of your pool automation to work properly.

Pool Filters have 3 catagories, Sand Filters (shown in the picture above), Cartridge Filters and D.E. Filters (most residential pools in Florida use Sand or Cartridge). Cartridge Filters will provide better filtration than sand, however the cartridges will need to be removed and cleaned. The cartridges also have a shorter useful life and will need to be replaced. Sand Filters are easily cleaned by turning a valve to backwash the debris out of the filter. Manufacturers of the Sand Filter recommend replacing the sand every 5 years, but you may have to replace it sooner if large amounts of beach sand enters the filter.

Pool Heater are available in Natural Gas, Propane Gas, All Electric and Heat Pumps. Some models can be Heat Pump/Chillers and allow you to heat or cool the pool water.

The right size of heater for you will be based on the size of your pool and surface area of your pool. A higher BTU rated heater will heat your pool faster than a lower BTU rated heater.

Other factors to consider when choosing the type of pool heater are the needed utilities. Do you have natural or propane gas service at your home already? Is the gas supply enough for the heater you install? Do you have enough electrical supply at your pool equipment to power a Heat Pump or Pool Chiller?

The installation location of the pool heater will need to be determined. Will it be installed indoors or outdoors? A gas heater may need to be vented depending on its location.

During the summer months in Flordia it gets HOT. Pool Chillers allow you to lower the water temperature of your pool by 5 to 15 degrees depending on the model. There are 2 types of Pool Chillers - Heat Pump/Chillers and Fan Cooled Chillers. They are very different in size and function.

Pool Automation Systems can be used to schedule many pieces of pool equipment to turn on/off whenever needed. Newer Systems are connected to your home wifi and can even be activated by voice commands, tablets and phones. You can turn on a pool heater from anywhere and set timers for anything that’s connected to the automation. Wired or wireless remotes can also be connect to pool automation to give you or your guests the ability to control the pool equipment.

Chlorine is used in pools to Sanitize the water. UV or Ultraviolet Light and Ozone can also aid in Sanitizing the water. Many pools are treated with either liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets to sanitize. Another option is a Salt System that utilizes Salt and an electronic Salt Cell to create Chlorine on its own. You will need to maintain a certain level of salt in your pool for the salt cell to produce chlorine but a Salt Cell System can make the pool much easier to maintain and sanitize.

All New Pool Lights are LED lights. You can no longer install Incandescent Bulbs in pool lights. The lights can be white only or color changing. The pool light will either be nichless or installed in a niche. The light for your pool will be determined by your current pool light. There are many Brands of pool lights. It’s very important to select the correct pool light that is compatible with your pool automation system and niche. One brand of pool light can even be dimmed now.