Sta-Rite Above Ground Pool Pumps
Founded in 1934 in Delavan, Wisconsin, this company manufactures swimming pool pumps for residential use. Its parent company, Pentair, manufactures the motors that power the water pumps. The company specializes in above-ground models.
What does a pool water pump do?Pool installers call the pump the "heart" of a pool because it circulates the water through the pool to keep it clean. Both above and in-ground models require one. Water flows through a strainer basket that catches large debris like sticks and leaves. Inside the pump housing, an electric motor causes a device called an impeller to spin. This spinning forces water that seeped into the pool's drains through the pool's filter. Once filtered for smaller debris, it flows back into the pool via water inlets.
What does HP mean and why does the pool pump need it?HP stands for horsepower. It denotes the power of the motor in the pump. Your pool installer should tell you when constructing the pool what HP motor that the system requires. The installer provides pool documents for your future reference that also state the technical requirements. If you cannot find these, you can usually reference the information plate on the side of your existing model.
What is the flow rate?The flow rate is the amount of water that passes through the pump when in full operation. A pump with higher HP will usually have a stronger flow rate. It is useful to know the flow rate because with this figure it is possible to calculate the amount of time necessary from the entire amount of water in the pool to be recirculated. This is an efficiency figure, which is useful to know and helps with the decision about what size of pump is appropriate.
How often should you run your pool pump?For an above ground pool, it is generally ideal to have your pool pump running for around 8-12 hours every day, usually during the daytime. It is also important to make sure that the water in your pool flows in a circular motion. When running your pump, make sure that jets direct water so that it flows in a circular pattern.
What models does Sta-Rite/Pentair make?The current models include the Dynamo Aboveground and the Optiflo Aboveground Pool Pump. The Dynamo's construction includes a thermoplastic resin shell, large-capacity trap, an all-weather motor, and a discharge port with external threads for quick-connect unions. The Optiflo's construction includes a thermoplastic resin shell, 5-1/2 capacity trap, an all-weather motor, and a discharge port with external threads for quick-connect unions.