How do Pools’ Plumbing Work?

To most of us, pools look simple enough. Just a basin filled with water where we can enjoy and have fun. However, there are actually pretty interesting systems at work in an average pool. So much of a pool’s anatomy is hidden, but they have to work well together for the water we enjoy to stay safe and clean. 

Pool Plumbing Anatomy Basics

There are seven main components to a pool’s plumbing anatomy. 

• Basin
• Skimmers
• Suction Lines
• Motorized pump
• Filter
• Return Lines and Return Jets
• Main Drain
  

No matter the dimensions, style, or add-ons of a pool, these main components remain essential to work together. They use a set of filtering systems and chemicals to keep the large amounts of water clean.

The simplest way to explain it is that water gets pumped continuously from the basin of the pool through a set of pipes that lead it to a filtering system and chemical treatment before it returns to the pool again. The pumping system works to keep the pool cleaner from natural dirt and debris, or even bacteria. A usual addition to some pools are heating components that help maintain the water temperature to a certain level. 

• Basin

The basin is the part of the pool we all love and enjoy. They differ depending on the kind of pool. Above ground pools are the most usual types we see. Easiest to build and are the cheapest construction option. Other options include fiberglass pools, in-ground pools with vinyl lining, gunite pools, and poured-concrete pools. 

In-ground pools are actually shaped like boats, slightly tilted boats. It can float in the surrounding ground water. One of the reasons why pools need to be filled all year-round is because when the pool is empty, the groundwater pressure can push the structure up out of the ground. There needs to be equal pressure inside and under the basin of the pool. The shape is tilted so that the whole process from draining to the return of clean water to the basin could be continued easier. 

• Skimmers

Skimmers are the hole or door looking objects on the walls of the pool. They are the entryways to the space on the inner wall of your pool to the plumbing system. The skimmers have baskets that collect large debris like leaves, twigs and bugs from entering the plumbing lines. The ‘doors’, which are called weirs or floating weirs, push inward when water passes through it. Otherwise, it stays shut to help keep debris from collecting in the skimmer basket and getting into the plumbing.

• Suction Lines

Suctions lines are plumbing pipes that the water from your pool passes through after it goes through the skimmer baskets. These pipes, usually made from PVC, lead the water to the motorized pump. 

• Motorized Pump

The pump is like the heart of your pool. It is the main suction which moves the water from the basin, to the skimmers, through the suction lines, finally leading to the pump. It draws in water which it later expels to the filtration systems. It is important to remember that if the pump is low or has no water at all, it can be damaged. The best way to avoid this is to ensure your pool’s water level is high enough to continually enter the skimmer, while also not completely covering the skimmer.

• Filter

The pump then pushes the water out towards the filter to be cleaned. Depending on the filter type it can remove everything from larger debris like leaf litter and bugs to hair and sand, and bacteria.

• Return Lines and Return Jets

After the water is cleaned through the filtration system, it is ready to go back to the pool basin. The return lines are just PVC pipes that the water goes through from the filter to the return. The clean water renters the pool through the return jets. The jets are usually placed on the shallower ends of the basin. The return jets in the shallow end should each face a different direction to keep water from stagnating over the steps.

• Main Drain

The main drain of the pool is located on the deep end, opposite the location of the jets. These are usually used when repairing and fully cleaning the basin. It is important to take note that fully draining the pool can damage the pool plumbing system. Getting the help of professionals is advised. 

For Professional Pool Plumbing Services, Trust SLO County Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Inc.

SLO County Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Inc. is and has been a family owned and operated business since 1997. They are a fully insured and bonded plumbing contractor, servicing all of San Luis Obispo County with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. There truly is no better team to trust! To check all their services and request their service, visit their website: https://slocountyplumbinginc.com, send them an email at info@slocountyplumbinginc.com, or call them at 805.543.7586.

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