Choosing the right pool equipment for your pool can be confusing with so many choices available. We are locals like you, right here on the Sunshine Coast. We can fit out your new, renovated or any existing pool.
Available are many types of pool pumps, filters, chlorinators (other sanitising units), dosing units, heating and pool cleaning equipment.
Many factors should be considered for each item. First rule – Choose well known brands and products in the pool industry. Avoid the internet or superstore bargains which wont include guarantees or backup service. A trusted brand from a local dealer installed by a pool professional is what you need.Inferior pool equipment will make pool maintenance difficult and cost you more in the long term. Ok then, which brands? … you ask. In no particular order, below are some brands we recommend.
ONGA/PENTAIR/STA-RITE, POOL CONTROLS, PURAFLO, MAYTRONICS,DOLPHIN, SR SMITH, ANDERSON, HAYWARD, SPA ELECTRICS, MAGNOR, LOCHLOR, LEISURE CLEAN, PALINTEST, TAYLOR TESTING, KAWANA CHLORINATORS.
Pool Clear supports local manufacturers, suppliers and repairers of pool equipment and products, ensuring for quick turnaround times at low prices. With access to all top brands of pool equipment we will make certain your pool is always sparkling and safe.
Suitability factors include: Manufacturer Specifications and Recommendations, Building Design and Functions, Pool Size/Volume/Type, Pool Surfacing, Flow Rates (Turnover Rate), Maximum Working Pressures, Pool Plumbing Size/Type, Suitability to Existing Operating & Cleaning Equipment, Service Requirements, Pool Equipment Positioning & Space, Climate & Environment, Bather Loads, Pool Safety, Energy Tariffs and Power Supply.
Chlorinators – K-Chlor Digital & Pool Controls XLS
Implementing the correct size pool chlorinator and cell is critical for balanced water. Balanced pool water provides protection to swimmers, pool surfaces and equipment. Chlorinator cells produce chlorine in the presence of salt. Chlorine is used for sanitising the pool water and amount needed depends on – pool size, bather load, water temperature & balance, pool & equipment condition, and environment. A chlorinator that will produce enough chlorine (sanitiser) during peak pool usage periods is required at a minimum. (check manufacturers specifications)
Ozonators or Ozone is also used in combination with chlorinators – XLM Ozone Pool Controls. (pic)
Pool Salt Water Chlorinators, Dosing Systems & Ionisers – Salt Water Chlorinators are the most popular choice for pools. Low Salt and Standard Salt Water Chlorinators & Cells only require one crucial ingredient to produce chlorine – Pool Salt or Magnesium. It is this presence of minerals, which through electrolysis makes chlorine for pool water sanitising. We recommend the Low Salt version of chlorinator, as this saves money in salt addition expenses, particularly in climates of high rainfall or in pools with high dilution rates. It is important to note, most Low Salt Chlorinators can be damaged and will work properly if the salt reading is too high. pH control units are incorporated in some chlorinators and dosing equipment, but can also be purchased and installed separately. A pH controller operates by automatically adding diluted hydrochloric acid to the pool during operation. This maintains pH level to a set value. pH controllers are designed to maintain the pH of pool water – optimum levels (7.0 – 7.4). pH is a critical parameter of pool chemistry for pool equipment, surfacing and swimmer protection. The more advanced chlorinating and auto dosing units will monitor pool chemistry and deliver chemical doses as required.
Advances are great, but bigger is not always better – don’t pay for extras if they are not needed – this can complicate and increase maintenance. For pool owners with little time for pool maintenance, automatic pool equipment is a must.
New technology in the pool industry is now providing further protection against costly pool clean-ups or repairs with this introduction of Ozonators & Ionisers.
Alternative non-chlorine pool sanitising methods have improved in recent years, in particular ionising and ozone systems. Chlorine is still needed for pool water shock & algae removals. An Ioniser (Ionizer) works by passing a safe electrical charge through copper and silver anodes which creates natural mineral ions. These ions are then swept into the pool becoming available to guard against harmful impurities and bacteria. Some pool Ionisers recommend silica sand to be used as filtering media and are not recommended to be used with auto-suction cleaners or water features. The addition of a pH control unit with an Ioniser is highly recommended for effective ionising performance with extra optional equipment such as a Pool Oxidizer which will eliminate more impurities.
A good quality ioniser, with required extras will be more expensive than a salt water system for initial set-up. Some say that it requires a lower amount of chemical addition and maintenance. This really can only be judged on a case by case basis as each pool is different. We tend to disagree with that ethos – despite the sales pitches, chemical savings is really only on pool salt. Additional equipment can sometimes increase your overall maintenance costs.
Chlorinators cells can last up to 4 times longer than Ioniser anodes and Ionised pools still need to be correctly balanced. Ionisers are a great alternative to chlorinators for individuals with skin irritations or conditions specifically affected by chloramines. Such conditions though are quite rare and there are many misconceptions about chlorine and its potential harmfulness. More harmful to people and pools is the bacteria, algae and contaminants which chloramines (chlorine) defeat. Often it’s high or low pH levels that cause skin and eye irritations, not chlorine.
In the end, equipment choices are dictated by personal preference and most often, budgets. When comparing price, maintenance and performance a chlorinator is the best option. Purchasing a quality brand from a local dealer will come with warranty care, bringing important backup service and advice. Pricing of perishable items, in particular Cells and Anodes is also key in equipment choice as these will one day need replacement. Ensuring units are installed and maintained by a professional will deliver economy of performance, extension of lifetimes whilst ensuring warranties remain valid.
Chlorine output settings and runtime of equipment provides differentiating amounts of chlorine produced. A good quality chlorinator will allow the user to change the chlorine output, pump connection and timer settings. A rise in water temperatures and/or usage rates (bather load) will mean more chlorine is needed for a pool. Similarly, a reduction of chlorine is needed as temperatures and usage drops. An over chlorinated pool is not healthy to swim in and can cause other problems. Regularly test the pool water free chlorine readings to calculate changes to make to your chlorinator. Changing the runtime & chlorinator cell output will adjust the chlorine added to your pool water.
Chlorinator Maintenance
A good quality salt water pool chlorinator will include self cleaning cells. Regularly inspect cells and the chlorinating performance. This is done to ensure suitable pool sanitising and equipment longevity. A calcified cell will limit or stop chlorine production and can be an indicator of poor water balance or end of cell life. The inclusion of salt water chlorinator and cell service in your pool maintenance regime will extend equipment lifetime & running costs.
Pool Pumps – Enviromax, Silentflo & Pantera pumps –
Variable speed pumps (Eco-pumps) are recommended where possible. The major advantage over single speed pumps are the lower energy costs (check the Rated Currents in Technical Information of Owner’s Manuals). This is done by fewer AMPS being used by the pumps when running. You can also set our quality variable speed pumps to any speed you want. Matching any type of pool and task you desire.
Using lower speeds takes advantage of a fundamental pump law – this equates to energy costs being one eighth of the total consumption when a pump speed is halved. The variable speeds give easier maintenance and cleaning functions plus quieter operation.
Single-speed pumps are suited in smaller applications. Sometimes for solar systems or features where single speed pumps are more useful or viable. Calculate the pool turn-over rate and make sure the pump is compatible with other equipment and plumbing.
Check the equipment for manufacturer’s specifications on flow rates & maximum working pressures.
A single speed pool pump will cost less for initial purchase than a variable speed pump. However a single speed pump is not as energy efficient (using more AMPS during operation).
Considering energy prices – energy savings from a variable pump , plus better performance, capability and longevity. Most pool owners agree that purchasing a variable speed pump is more viable.
Pool Filters – Pantera Series II 825mm
A Media Filter or Sand Filter is used for domestic sized pools and offers more functions than a Cartridge Filter.
Sand/Glass Filters include a Multiport Valve (top mount or side mount) making filter servicing and cleaning easier. Filter Sand Media or Silica Sand is generally effective for 5 – 7 years. Glass Media has a much longer lifetime – up to 20 years. Also giving better water clarity and water savings due to shorter backwash and rinse cycle times.
When filter sand needs changing – first compare the cost of replacing media or full filter replacement. Keep in mind the condition of the filter, components and risks of further replacement items required. New filter installation is often more advisable – particularly for aged filters. Internals and fittings are easily cracked during or after media replacement.
Our top quality filters will give you the luxurious result your pool needs.
Cartridge Filters – Pantera Filters
Cartridge filters need to be removed regularly for cleaning. Replacement cartridges are needed about every two years.Suitable in pools with smaller filtration areas or where a glass filter is not practical.
Pool Filters are critical for keeping the pool water clean.The pool’s filter traps and removes particles from the swimming pool water. Pool functions are affected when a filter is dirty or faulty – this will lead to pool problems and more costs. Servicing and cleaning the filter regularly to avoid this.
Ensure Pool has correct Pool Filter
Installing the right pool filter type and size is needed to have a clean and healthy pool. Measure pool’s size/capacity to guide type and the size of pool filters best suited. Also consider – Bather Load (amount of swimmers using the pool) – will affect workload and amount of filtering needed. so in high usage pools or shared pools, a filter with increased capability and capacity along with increased regularity of maintenance is most often required.
The functional and building design of a pool, including any features, in-floor cleaning systems and auto cleaning units, along with size and positioning of pool return plumbing and space available for installation, will all determine which filter is most suitable. Compatibility to existing operating equipment such as pool pumps and sanitising units (i.e. salt water chlorinators or ionisers) will be key for performance and warranties for all equipment.
The manufacturer specifications and recommendations must always be followed. Purchase a quality brand pool filter and have it installed by a pool professional.
Automatic Pool Cleaners ( Suction & Robotic) –Dolphin X30 & Hayward Phoenix
An automatic pool cleaner is generally a requirement for pools receiving high amounts of debris & litter which normal operation does not filter from the pool.
An auto cleaner also provides convenience of cleaning and further all-round protection of pool surfacing and equipment.
The auto-suction cleaner is often the choice of pool owners due to its lower price and low maintenance.These cleaners attach to your pool skimmer or wall suction port and remain in the pool between cycles. Operating via the pool’s existing circulation they can be essential for the easy removal of harmful litter. Ensure you have the appropriate pool cleaner for your needs. Your pool’s design, shape and surfacing. Another factor often forgotten when choosing an auto-cleaner is skimmer basket and pump strainers. The strainer baskets trap everything the cleaner picks up so adding a leaf canister might be what you want.
A Robotic Auto Cleaner costs more than an auto-suction cleaner but the advantages are plentiful. A Robotic pool cleaner operates via its own power source and is not attached or reliant on existing operational equipment. Robotic cleaners offer a more effective cleaning performance. There are no hose attachments required and electronic scanning technology and brush attachments give extended cleaning coverage of the pool. A built in filtration system results in improved water clarity. It is best to remove these cleaners from the pool between cleaning cycles, cleaning its filters and baskets regularly.
All pools require a certain amount of manual cleaning during maintenance. You can reduce this with a pool cleaner installed. But there is no auto-pool cleaner that can absolutely clean, brush and remove all litter with the guarantee of an expert manual cleaning service we will provide.
Pool Heating – When all year round swimming is desired a pool heating system is a must for most swimmers. Solar heating can fall short of providing this in larger pools. Solar pool heating systems are reliant on the sun warming up pool water during circulation. The pool water runs through a network of pipes or tubes heated via sun exposure. Sometimes there is not enough heat or sun exposure available to heat or maintain swimming temperatures. Winter months and periods of cold or cloudy weather also restrict heating targets. The use of a solar or pool blanket or cover will reduce the amount of heat loss & evaporation. Adding a cover to your pool will add some extra pool water testing and pool cover maintenance.
A Pool Heater or Pool Heat Pump is needed if you are serious about heating your pool. Most situations call for no extra plumbing, pumps or heating equipment such as with solar.
A heated pool does need more maintenance. Chemical reactions increase in warmer water and more regular testing and servicing of equipment will be needed than a colder pool. A heated pool also has higher evaporation rates, invites more sweaty swimmers – so expect a little more chemical usage as well as energy costs.
