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🛠️ Installation
Equipment installation
Always follow the manufacturer's manual and local code. Gas and electrical work must be done by licensed tradespeople where required.
🔄 Pumps and filters
- Set the pump level, close to the water, on a solid pad, with room to open the lid and basket.
- Keep suction plumbing short with a straight run before the pump inlet (about 5× pipe diameter) and avoid tight elbows there.
- Install unions on both sides of the pump, filter, and heater so service is easy.
- Size the filter and plumbing to the pump's real flow, not just its horsepower. Never exceed the filter's rated flow.
- Fit a pressure gauge and air relief, record the clean starting pressure, and confirm valve positions (multiport valves especially).
- Prime, check the lid o-ring, and look for air leaks and bubbles at startup.
🔥 Heaters and heat pumps
- Place heaters per the manual's clearances, venting, and combustion air rules. Indoor and enclosed installs need special venting.
- Gas: size the gas line for the heater's BTU load and have a licensed gas fitter leak-test it.
- Heat pumps need generous airflow on all sides and nothing blocking the discharge.
- Verify the water flow range the manufacturer requires, and install a bypass if flow can exceed it.
- Use heat-rated fittings immediately off the heater, a check valve downstream where required, and set a sensible max temperature.
🧂 Salt cells, feeders, and plumbing order
- Typical order: pump → filter → heater → salt cell or chemical feeder → return.
- Put chemical feeders and salt cells after the heater, with a check valve between to stop chemicals backflowing into it.
- Mount the cell where it can be removed and cleaned, in the orientation the manufacturer allows, with the flow switch correctly placed.
- Control box: mount it away from chemical fumes and splash, within wiring range, and sized for the pool volume.
⚡ Bonding and electrical
- Equipment bonding must follow local code (in the US, NEC Article 680). Bond all required metal parts and the equipment pad.
- GFCI protection and the correct breaker size are required on pool equipment circuits, as set out by your local code.
- Use wiring and conduit rated for wet, corrosive locations, and keep line and low voltage separated.
- Pressure-test new plumbing and let glue cure fully before filling or running the system.
⚠️ Professional note
Local codes, licensing, and manufacturer specs govern. Verify ranges against current standards (e.g., your health department, ANSI/APSP/ICC-11, and equipment manuals).
Local codes, licensing, and manufacturer specs govern. Verify ranges against current standards (e.g., your health department, ANSI/APSP/ICC-11, and equipment manuals).