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 Pools
and spas should have a circulation system consisting of a pump, one or more
filters, and associated plumbing. There
should also be a disinfection system, usually chlorination. The disinfection may be either on-line or
batch. The pool equipment should be
protected from freezing or capable of being winterized (drained). Some pool chemicals react violently and
poisonously with one another; they should be stored carefully so that such
accidents do not occur. Filters Pump
operation under pressure and can be dangerous. There should be a pressure gauge and a means of relieving excess
pressure.
Types
of filters:
- Membrane
or cartridge type - Used for small pools, spas and hot tubs. Lowest initial cost. Cleaned by removing and
washing off the accumulated fine material. Life is one to two seasons, depending on use. Becoming less popular because of the cleaning difficulty. Can
remove particles down to about 20 microns.
- Permanent
media; Hi-rate sand - Consists of a tank (large, looks like a propane tank)
with two openings. Tank is charged with
fine white sand. If properly flushed
and not allowed to get overloaded, a charge should last 4-6 years.
- Sand
filters are popular with commercial and home pools where it is desired to
minimize the complications of keeping the filter clean. The sand is back-washed either through a
filter to collect the fines (now a code requirement in most localities) or
discharged to a sump or sewer (older installations). If a filter is used, it is removed, dumped, washed with a hose,
and returned to the filter housing. Particle removal capability down to 12-15 microns.
- Diatomaceous
earth - Becoming more popular, but have a slightly higher initial cost
than sand filters. Attraction is the
clarity of the water. They filter out
particles down to 1-3 microns. System
consists of a cartridge with the outside coated with diatomaceous earth (an
organic powder). When the system needs
flushing, the earth, along with the accumulated fines, are washed out together
and collected in a separate filter. Some units have a vibration device that redistributes the earth,
allowing the filter to operate longer without back-washing. After back-washing, a new charge of earth
should be added.
The circulation system should be capable of turning
over all of the water in the pool every 8 hours (semi-public pools); 12 hours
(residential pools); 2 hours (wading pools); or 1 hour (spas and hot tubs).
All electrical equipment should be protected by
ground fault interrupters. Modern codes
also require a separate grounding system for spas and hot tubs as well as
pools. Ladders, stands, etc. are
usually also grounded to the same line.
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Inspection
Checklist Diving Boards and
Slides Structure
Pool Decks and Fences
Miscellaneous
Requirements Common Defects
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