When planning your dream swimming pool, location is key. Not just the pool itself, but also where you’ll place the pool equipment. It’s crucial to select a spot that’s both easily and quickly accessible. Many pool builders might suggest locations that are more convenient for them, but remember, you’re the one who’ll need to access it regularly for maintenance.
Another aspect to consider when deciding on the location of your pool equipment is the distance from the pool. It should be close enough for easy movement between the pool and the equipment, but not so close that it becomes a long trek. Think about the practicality of the location, especially when it comes to routine maintenance or emergency repairs.
Lastly, have you considered an equipment shed? These structures not only protect your pool equipment but also provide additional storage for pool toys, supplies, and chemicals. It’s a smart way to keep your pool area tidy and organised. Plus, it’s an extra safety measure, keeping potentially hazardous equipment out of reach from children, pets, and guests.
Why Is It Important to Find the Right Place for Pool Equipment?
Planning the perfect spot for your pool equipment is the next significant step after deciding to install a pool. The closer the equipment is to the pool, the more efficient it will be. The efficiency stems from the shorter distance the pool water has to cover. Consider running your pool heater during winter months, the shorter the journey for heated water, the less heat lost returning to your pool.
You should ensure that the pool equipment pad is easily and quickly accessible for maintenance. The trick lies in finding a balance to have it close enough for convenience, yet not too close to ruin the view of your pool or have it too far to turn accessing it into an unpleasant hike.
But what about the ugly sight of filters, heaters, pumps, and their associated plumbing? There’s unanimous agreement that such parts aren’t the most pleasant to look at, especially when imagining your idyllic outdoor oasis. It’s best to tuck the equipment away from prominent sight, like an existing or future deck. This helps maintain open access to the equipment and saves your back in the long run. You also want to see everything well for those instance you’ll need to identify a leak or a part that needs replacing.
Avoiding locations too far out of sight can be as damaging as placing them in the open. For starters, avoiding long hikes to your equipment for regular maintenance is important. You need it easily accessible, in a spot that makes the functionality and ongoing maintenance smooth.
Locating your pool’s equipment properly might not sound as exciting as planning the pool itself, but it’s an essential part of creating your backyard haven. The right planning means that the equipment forms an unobtrusive but accessible part of your pool system. As you blend functionality with aesthetics, remember your swimming joy significantly depends on the well-being of what lies behind the scenes: your pool equipment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Location for Pool Equipment
Access to Water Source
Importantly, keeping your pool primed up and ready for a splash necessitates an easy access to water supply. Cleaning your filters or doing the needful pump priming, the equipment pad needs a water spigot conveniently linked to your household water. Linking this with the practicalities, the equipment pad should be raised at least slightly from the surrounding area. Consider how water will drain when you clean the filter and where it’ll run to in case your pool equipment springs a leak.
Proximity to the Pool
A fact often overlooked is that the closer your equipment is to the pool, the more efficiently it operates. Primarily because the less distance the water has to cover, the better, leading to less heat loss. This is particularly significant if you are running your pool heater during colder months. Pool builders may place the equipment where it’s convenient for them, but remember to have it positioned for your convenience. Strike a balance to where it’s easily accessible but not too close to ruin the aesthetics of your oasis.
Noise and Visual Impact
See, nobody cherishes a view of filters, heaters, pumps and PVC pipes amidst a beautiful outdoor panorama. Having a wall around the equipment or placing them in an underground bunker keeps them out of sight and also thwarts access by children and pets. Trees, shrubbery or a hill not only hides your pool equipment but also deflects the noise. Consider installing vinyl screens, which are cost-effective, durable and come in a variety of colours and styles, matching perfectly with your yard.
Finally, you’d want the equipment to be at the same level as the pool or lower for ease of working around it. And of course, it’s in your interest to consider the origin of the power source. Running electric power is neither cheap nor easy, especially on hard earth or amidst numerous tree roots. Understanding where the power source is can save many trips to your main house panel and also helps decide the electrical set up.
Different Areas Where You Can Put Pool Equipment
When deciding on where to put your pool equipment, you may want to consider a few strategically beneficial locations. This allows you to balance the practical concerns of maintenance and efficiency with the aesthetics of your garden. These include placing them beside the pool, near your house, or in underground or hidden areas.
Beside the Pool
For above-ground swimming pools, the equipment (pump/filter) typically sits directly next to the pool. This not only boosts efficiency but also reduces heat loss within the water, especially during the colder months. Keep in mind that your skimmer and return fitting openings should be placed in the area where you want the pump and filter to go, ideally within 40′ to 50′ from the pool. The typical equipment pad layout sees pumps on one side, the filter in the middle, and the heater on the other side, with pipes rising from gravel along the edge. There should be ample space between each piece of equipment for ease of routine service and any necessary repairs.
Near the House
Placing your pool equipment near your house offers convenience, with easy and quick access in case of any technical issues. Make sure to have ample space around the equipment for easy access and maintenance. For homeowners with ample resources and outdoor space, building a Pool House could also be an option. Pool houses often provide a dual function: they can hide the unsightly pool equipment, and they can act as a changing station close to the pool. Some even transform into outdoor kitchens and entertainment centres. However, remember not to compromise on your house’s curb appeal. Vinyl screens, lattice, or shrubbery cleverly obscure this equipment, creating a seamless integration into the concept of your backyard.
Underneath or Hidden Areas
In the spirit of making the best use of available space, the option of placing your pool equipment underground or in hidden areas may appeal to you. One method to effectively hide your pool equipment is by arranging it around the corner of your house or behind a shed. For those who desire unblemished aesthetics and safety, an underground bunker works marvels. It provides excellent protection from weather elements, keeps the equipment out of sight, and restricts access to children and pets. Additionally, the enclosed space keeps the unit clean, simplifying servicing tasks. Another intriguing choice, though a bit pricier, is the use of privacy glass panels that can add a touch of elegance to your yard design.
Remember that every backyard space is unique, and what works for one might not for another. Tools such as screens, lattice or plants like shrubbery give a polished look allowing for the integration of the practical into the aesthetic seamlessly. Whatever choice you make, ensuring your pool equipment is accessible, efficient, doesn’t encroach on your living space, and integrates into your garden design will make pool ownership a more enjoyable experience.
Tips for Proper Installation and Maintenance of Pool Equipment
Installing and maintaining pool equipment correctly is a balancing act – it’s about functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Proper Ventilation and Protection from the Elements
A key aspect of pool equipment maintenance is ensuring proper ventilation. You see, overheating can be a major challenge if there’s not good airflow about your pool equipment, especially the pump and filter system. This is why the location you select for your pool equipment installation must allow free circulation of air. If you’re using enclosures to house your equipment for protection from harsh weather conditions – which is a great idea – be sure to provide ample ventilation. A well-ventilated enclosure doesn’t make the area around your pool look cleaner and more organised – it also keeps your equipment operating optimally. Always bear in mind that good airflow is crucial to your pool equipment’s lifespan and proper functioning.
In the case of pool heaters, it’s equally important to supply a high volume of air intake. And where there’s a gas heater, remember to consider where hot exhaust will blow.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Caring for your pool equipment goes beyond protection from weather elements. There’s the job of regular cleaning and inspection to keep potential trouble at bay. Picture this. You’ve installed your equipment in a hidden area, perhaps around the corner of your house or using lattice and shrubs for screening. Looks good! But do you inspect it often enough? Remember, cleaning and inspection are vital for keeping your pool and equipment pristine. When water drains during filter cleaning or if a leak springs up suddenly, it’s important to know where the water will run off to until you switch off the equipment.
Always adhere to manufacturer’s instructions. This is one assurance you have that your pool is being filtered properly, and your pump won’t overheat. Set up a cleaning and inspection routine.
Ensuring Proper Drainage and Water Flow
Drainage is yet another fundamental to consider. Ideally, your equipment pad should be raised at least a touch from the surrounding ground to support water drainage. Consider your property’s storm run-off and ground conditions when deciding where to place it. To mount control panels, you might need a solid structure like an existing or newly built wall made with posts and 2 x 10’s.
Consider also the process of working around pool equipment which can be quite the wet job. Do you know where water will drain to when the filter needs cleaning? If there’s a leak, to which direction will the water run?
Think about these ahead of time.
In addition, if your pool lacks an overflow drain, you’ll need an efficient way to drain off some pool water particularly after storms or prolonged rain. Most people turn to waste lines into a sewer drain (if local codes permit) or a hose through a spigot. Consider where this water will stream to, as it can involve hundreds of gallons.
Conclusion
Choosing the right spot for your pool equipment can make a world of difference. It’s not just about efficiency and ease of maintenance, it’s also about keeping your backyard looking its best. A well-placed equipment pad, whether it’s conveniently close to your home, hidden in the landscape, or tucked away in a pool house, can blend seamlessly into your garden design. For above-ground pools, having the equipment right next to the pool can boost performance and keep heat loss to a minimum. But remember, wherever you decide to place your pool equipment, good ventilation is key to prevent overheating. Regular checks and cleaning will keep it in top condition, and raising the equipment pad will ensure proper drainage. So, when you’re planning your pool, don’t overlook the importance of where to put your pool equipment. It’s a crucial part of creating a pool area that’s not only functional but also a pleasure to spend time in.
