Pool Pump and Filter Upgrade in Melbourne
Recently our team tackled a pool filtration upgrade for a client who wanted to replace their cartridge filter with a media filter for easier maintenance as well as install a Variable Speed Pool Pump to match.
Working remotely with the client to plan the job they provided us with detailed measurements of their pool equipment area, and based on those dimensions, as well as the pool size, we were able to offer the perfect solution and ensure a smooth installation.
One of the main goals for this project was to address the client’s frustration with their cartridge filter. The constant cleaning was a burden, and they also wanted to take this opportunity to improve the overall aesthetics of the pool equipment area. The client had already planned to relay the concrete slab, so it made perfect sense to tackle the filter upgrade at the same time.
We recommended transitioning from a cartridge filter to a media filter as they are much easier to maintain and with modern glass media their filtration performance is greatly improved. The Astral filter is designed and manufactured in Australia! With a slight reconfiguration of the pool equipment the larger media filter fitted neatly where the cartridge filter once stood.
The client uses tank water therefore he was concerned about water usage, while media filters require a backwashing process that uses pool water to remove trapped debris, this shouldn’t be a deterrent. Contrary to popular belief, backwashing typically uses a very manageable amount of water per backwash (500-700litres in this situation) and as they usually only need backwashing once a month, they end up using far less per year than most people think.
We also suggested upgrading the client’s pump to an Astral P320 variable speed model (VSP). The object of a variable speed pump is to reduce power consumption and therefore power bills. This is achieved with lower operating speeds but the trade off is lower water flow so we need to be careful to set the speed appropriate to each pools requirements eg: whether there is a suction cleaner or chlorinator present.
In this case we needed to ensure the chlorinator electrode remained full with water to maintain chlorine production over the daily filtration cycle. The VSP new pump was set to run at approximately 1600 RPM a significant decrease in power usage from the previous 1.5HP pump, which will substantially reduce the client’s energy bills, especially considering the extended run times of pool pumps.
Looking to upgrade your pool equipment or pool equipment area? Contact us to have a discussion about what is the most effective solution for you.
