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=What are the Best Practices for a Pool Equipment Pad?= | =What are the Best Practices for a Pool Equipment Pad?= | ||
| − | If you are building your pool there are many best practices to discuss with your builder and contractor.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/design-your-dream-pool-pad.184681/</ref> | + | If you are building your pool there are many best practices to discuss with your builder and contractor.<ref>https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/design-your-dream-pool-pad.184681/</ref> One of them is the Pool Equipment Pad which will house your pumps, filter, pool heater, and related equipment. Before using the tips below, always check your local code and safety requirements or restrictions. |
==Location and Layout== | ==Location and Layout== | ||
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For layout, take the time to draw it out and include each piece of equipment as well as related pipes and valves. Ensure a simple layout with enough spacing is available between and around equipment for regular service and repairs including access at the rear of the pumps. Room to move around means you should be able put your feet between the equipment and behind all equipment. For efficiency and less potential for issues, configure the least amount of turns in the pipes as possible. Generally, the valves/pumps are on one side, filter in the center, heater on the other side, and room for additional equipment like the chlorinator, salt system, and purifier. | For layout, take the time to draw it out and include each piece of equipment as well as related pipes and valves. Ensure a simple layout with enough spacing is available between and around equipment for regular service and repairs including access at the rear of the pumps. Room to move around means you should be able put your feet between the equipment and behind all equipment. For efficiency and less potential for issues, configure the least amount of turns in the pipes as possible. Generally, the valves/pumps are on one side, filter in the center, heater on the other side, and room for additional equipment like the chlorinator, salt system, and purifier. | ||
| − | For location, consider the proper height of the pad, which should include a height around 1 foot or less. Your property’s storm run-off and surrounding ground conditions are of particular importance in choosing the location. Additionally, a small solid structure, such as an existing wall or newly created wall will be necessary for control panels. | + | For location, consider the proper height of the pad, which should include a height around 1 foot or less. Your property’s storm run-off and surrounding ground conditions are of particular importance in choosing the location. Additionally, a small solid structure, such as an existing wall or newly created wall will be necessary for mounting control panels. |
==Ventilation and Sun Protection== | ==Ventilation and Sun Protection== | ||
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==Electrical== | ==Electrical== | ||
| − | At least one 120V GFCI receptacle near the pool pad is among modern best practices. | + | At least one 120V GFCI receptacle near the pool pad is among modern best practices. |
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| − | + | In addition a switched overhead LED floodlight will allow you to check equipment at night. The overhead equipment pad light can be turned on and off through an automation panel if you have one. | |
| + | |||
| + | ==Water Spigot== | ||
| + | |||
| + | A water spigot connected to house water should be convenient to the equipment pad for cleaning your filter and priming the pump. | ||
==Plumbing Supplies== | ==Plumbing Supplies== | ||
| − | Valves: use re-buildable | + | Valves: use re-buildable diverter such as from Jandy, Pentair, Hayward, . The alternative "ball valves" from the big box stores are more problematic than anything else. |
Unions: all of the equipment should be connected with unions for cost savings over time, and for repairs to occur without cutting the pipes. The extra cost up front will prove useful the first time a repair is needed. Additionally, all valves & pipes should be labeled for function and flow direction, with permanent labels or light engraving. For good measure take a picture and print it out in case the labels fade or fall off. | Unions: all of the equipment should be connected with unions for cost savings over time, and for repairs to occur without cutting the pipes. The extra cost up front will prove useful the first time a repair is needed. Additionally, all valves & pipes should be labeled for function and flow direction, with permanent labels or light engraving. For good measure take a picture and print it out in case the labels fade or fall off. | ||
Revision as of 04:46, 8 December 2019
What are the Best Practices for a Pool Equipment Pad?
If you are building your pool there are many best practices to discuss with your builder and contractor.[1] One of them is the Pool Equipment Pad which will house your pumps, filter, pool heater, and related equipment. Before using the tips below, always check your local code and safety requirements or restrictions.
Location and Layout
Consider the location carefully so that it is both easily and quickly accessible. Most pads require a minimum of a 4’x4’ area and depending on the equipment it could be up to a 5’x10-12’ area. Since equipment varies greatly between brands and types, be sure to obtain the correct size of the equipment for your particular pool.
For layout, take the time to draw it out and include each piece of equipment as well as related pipes and valves. Ensure a simple layout with enough spacing is available between and around equipment for regular service and repairs including access at the rear of the pumps. Room to move around means you should be able put your feet between the equipment and behind all equipment. For efficiency and less potential for issues, configure the least amount of turns in the pipes as possible. Generally, the valves/pumps are on one side, filter in the center, heater on the other side, and room for additional equipment like the chlorinator, salt system, and purifier.
For location, consider the proper height of the pad, which should include a height around 1 foot or less. Your property’s storm run-off and surrounding ground conditions are of particular importance in choosing the location. Additionally, a small solid structure, such as an existing wall or newly created wall will be necessary for mounting control panels.
Ventilation and Sun Protection
Good airflow is important to your pool equipment’s lifespan and proper operation. Be sure to consider where the heater exhaust will blow. Additionally, protect the pipes from sun, at minimum by spray painting the pipes.
If you have decided to have an enclosed pool pad, if the heater is not gas-powered, you could use a 3’-4’ fence with a small roof. While not necessary, it is common for a small, short fence to be built on two or three sides to conceal equipment and act as a slight noise barrier for the pool pump.
Electrical
At least one 120V GFCI receptacle near the pool pad is among modern best practices.
In addition a switched overhead LED floodlight will allow you to check equipment at night. The overhead equipment pad light can be turned on and off through an automation panel if you have one.
Water Spigot
A water spigot connected to house water should be convenient to the equipment pad for cleaning your filter and priming the pump.
Plumbing Supplies
Valves: use re-buildable diverter such as from Jandy, Pentair, Hayward, . The alternative "ball valves" from the big box stores are more problematic than anything else.
Unions: all of the equipment should be connected with unions for cost savings over time, and for repairs to occur without cutting the pipes. The extra cost up front will prove useful the first time a repair is needed. Additionally, all valves & pipes should be labeled for function and flow direction, with permanent labels or light engraving. For good measure take a picture and print it out in case the labels fade or fall off.
Concrete vs. crushed stone: no pipes should come up through concrete unless required by code and ensure they are sleeved with corrugated drainpipe or larger pipe. Instead, bring pipes up through crushed stone to assist with repairs in the future.
What are the Best Practices for a Pool Equipment Pad?
If you are building your pool here are things to discuss with your builder and contractor.
Location and Layout
- Consider location carefully. Many Pool Builders will put the equipment where it is convenient for them. Have it put where you will be able to access it easily and quickly if needed
- Size - 5’ x 10-12’+
- Pumps on one side, filter in the middle and heater on the other side.
- No pipes coming up through concrete, bring them up through crushed stone. This will help with repairs in the future.
- All valves & pipes labeled for function and flow direction as well as taking a picture and printing it out in case the labels fail.
- Room to move around- you should be able put your feet between the equipment as well as be get behind all equipment
- Control panels on something solid like a structure wall or a wall created by posts and 2 x 10’s.
Ventilation and Sun Protection
- Good airflow
- Consider where heater exhaust will blow to
- Protection from sun or at least spray paint pipes
Electrical
- Light overhead for night work
- 120V GFCI receptacle
Water
- Water spigot
- Drain area or to sewer for waste
Plumbing
- Valves-make sure they are the rebuildable ones-Jandy and Pentair make some good ones. Do NOT allow "ball valves" from the big box stores.
- Unions-make sure they use these on all of the equipment so you can service it without having to cut the pipe
.
