Understanding Your Pool's Equipment Set Up

How Your Pool Works

Understanding how your pool operates is essential before setting up the equipment pad. Your pool's circulation system is designed to keep the water clean and safe. Water is drawn from the pool by the pump, passed through the filter to remove debris and impurities, then heated if necessary by the heater before adding chlorine and returned back to the pool through return jets. This cycle is crucial for maintaining water quality and temperature.

Your Swimming Pool Equipment Pad - Step by Step

The layout of your pool equipment on your pool equipment pad is a fundamentally important stage in your pool project. Your overall objective is to design a functional layout that provides room to both maneuver and service your pump, filter, heater and chlorinator etc., as well as all the pipework with ease. Air flow should be unrestricted around each component and easily accessible. Please also remember to take into consideration any electrical power and gas connections. 

How Big Should a Pool Equipment Pad Be?

It is recommended that all pool equipment is placed upon a solid impermeable surface such as concrete or paving stones.  Pumps and filters must be located more than 3.5 metres from the pool due to electrical regulations.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Location

• Accessibility: Select a location for your equipment pad that is easily accessible for maintenance and far enough from the pool to mitigate noise disturbance but close enough for efficient operations. The distance between the pool and equipment pad will impact many things relating to power outlet ratings, horsepower capability of pumps, pipework capacity etc. Be sure to seek advice from a qualified tradesperson.

• Level Ground: Ensure the site is level to avoid any potential equipment imbalance that could cause operational issues or damage.

Step 2: Preparing the Base

• Concrete Base: A concrete slab is the most popular choice for an equipment pad due to its durability and stability. The slab should be at least 100mm thick to provide a solid foundation. A good rule of thumb is to have a concrete slab that extends at least 600mm  longer and wider than the combined footprint of your equipment. This extra space provides room for maintenance and any future upgrades or additions. Ensure there is adequate drainage and that the pad is on level ground.

• Gravel Layer: Before pouring the concrete, consider laying gravel for drainage around the pad. This helps prevent water accumulation that could lead to corrosion over time.

Step 3: Installing the Equipment

Before proceeding with your own equipment installation, please note that most pool equipment warranties are void if not installed by a trained installer, such as Poolwerx. Please check your warranty carefully.

• Layout Planning: Arrange your equipment on the pad, ensuring there is ample space between each piece for air circulation and maintenance activities. Keep in mind the workflow from the pump to the filter to the heater for optimal performance (remember that the heater needs to be installed before the chlorinator). 

• Secure Equipment: Use anchor bolts to secure heavy equipment to the concrete. This prevents any movement that could cause physical damage or wear and tear on connecting pipes.

Step 4: Ventilation and Protection

• Ventilation: Good air circulation is crucial to prevent overheating of the pump and other equipment. Do not enclose equipment tightly without adequate ventilation. Ensure fans and major pieces of equipment are not accessible to children.

• Weather Protection: Consider a cover or partial enclosure to protect the equipment from severe weather while ensuring proper ventilation.

Step 5: Connecting Electricity and Plumbing

Determining the right kW range output for your pool depends on a number of factors that require careful consideration. These include:

• Domestic Use: Typically for your residential pool, a single phase 10A electrical connection is all that’s required but be sure to check with your electrician on fuse/circuit board set up, in some instances your pool equipment (such as the heater), may need to run on a separate powerboard. However you must consider the number of power plug points needed for all your electrical appliances (lights, chlorinators etc..). Heaters need to be hard wired to the electrical system by a registered electrician.

• Pool Volume: Determine the body of water by multiplying the surface area of your pool in square metres and multiplying it by the average depth. This will help determine the size of your pool.

• Time Of Day: To reduce costs we recommend carefully selecting energy efficient equipment, considering the time of day and running as close to off-peak times where possible, as well as maximising any solar efficiency - as this will lead to reduced running costs across major appliances

• Professional Help: All electrical connections, should be installed by a certified professional to ensure that all wiring and connections adhere to local safety and compliance codes and regulations.

Step 6: Regular Maintenance

Inspections: Regularly inspect your equipment pad for any cracks in the concrete, pooling water, or other potential issues that could affect the equipment and electrical circuits.

• Cleanliness: Keep the area around the equipment pad clean and free from debris to prevent any hazards.

How to install the equipment on a Swimming Pool Equipment Pad

Installing your equipment correctly is vital for the efficient operation. Here’s a simplified approach:

1. Layout Planning: Before any pipes are laid, plan the flow from the pump to the filter to the heater and any other additional equipment like chlorinators or salt systems. 

2. Piping: Use pressure rated PVC pipes and ensure all fittings are secure and watertight. The piping should be arranged to prevent any sharp bends or kinks that could restrict water flow.

3. Valves: Install valves at strategic locations to control the flow to and from the equipment. This is useful for maintenance or if any section of the system needs to be isolated.

4. Backflow Prevention: Include check valves as necessary to prevent backflow and ensure that water only moves in the intended direction.

5. Pressure Testing: Once everything is connected, it’s crucial to pressure test the pipework and equipment to check for leaks.

6. Professional Inspection: While DIY installations can save costs, having a professional inspect your installation ensures that everything functioning correctly.

By following these steps, you can set up a functional and efficient installation that will serve as the lifeline of your pool’s filtration & circulation system. Doing it right the first time will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

For more tips on setting up your pool’s equipment pad or if you need Poolwerx to assist with your pool system set up, visit our website or contact your local Poolwerx service team on 1800 009 000.