Learn: pool cleaner buying explained
What each specification means, how much of it you need, and which buying guide to open next. Every figure links to the maker's own page.
- Solar Pool Heater Flow Rate: How Many GPM Needed
Understand the GPM flow rate in solar pool heater listings, where it appears, and what to ask the maker about sizing your panels. - Pool Pump Winterizing: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to winterize your pool pump to prevent freeze damage. Step-by-step instructions for draining, storing, and protecting your pump. - Pool Pump WiFi Enabled: What It Adds and What to Check
What WiFi enabled means in a pool pump listing, what remote control adds for pool owners, and what to check before buying a connected pump. - Pool Pump Weatherproofing: What You Need to Know
What weatherproofing words mean in a pool pump listing: IP codes, outdoor enclosures, rain and sun terms, and questions to ask before you buy. - Pool Pump Volute: Function and Maintenance
Learn what a pool pump volute is, how it works, common issues, and how to care for it when buying or maintaining a pool pump. - Pool Pump Union Size: How to Measure and Match
Learn how to measure a pool pump union size and why matching it to your plumbing matters when buying a replacement pump. - Pool Pump Union O Ring: Sizing and Replacement
Learn how to measure a pool pump union o ring, when to replace it, and how to prevent leaks at the pump connections. - Pool Pump Union Adapter: Thread Types and Sizes
Learn how to read NPT and BSP thread standards on pool pump union adapters, measure them, and match them to your pump. - Pool Pump Turnover Rate: How Many Hours to Filter?
What pool pump turnover rate means, how it relates to stated flow (GPH) and pool volume, and why this site does not match a turnover figure to a pool size. - Pool Pump Trap vs Strainer: What's the Difference?
What a pump trap and a pump strainer are on a pool pump listing, how the two words are used, and how to read them when you shop for a pump. - Pool Pump Housing: Thermoplastic vs Composite Materials
Read thermoplastic and composite housing words in a pool pump listing, what each term names, and what the listing does not tell you about the material. - Pool Pump Summer Maintenance: Tips and Checks
Learn essential summer maintenance tasks for your pool pump, from strainer basket cleaning to checking for leaks, to keep it running reliably. - Pool Pump Suction vs Pressure Side: Which Do You Need?
Understand the difference between suction-side and pressure-side pool pumps, and which setup fits your pool's plumbing and equipment. - Pool Pump Suction Lift: Maximum Height Explained
Learn what suction lift means for a pool pump, how it is measured, and how it affects pump placement for inground and above ground pools. - Pool Pump Strainer Basket: What to Check
Learn what a pool pump strainer basket does, how to inspect it for cracks and debris, and when to replace it for better flow. - Pool Pump Size for Pool Volume: What to Know
Understand how pool volume relates to pump sizing, why the site matches no pump to gallons, and what to ask the maker and installer. - Pool Pump Service Factor and Total Horsepower
What service factor and total horsepower mean on a pool pump listing, and how to read them when comparing pumps. - Self Priming Pool Pumps: What It Means and Why It Matters
Why pool pump listings say self priming, how such a pump lifts water from the pool, what to look at when it loses prime, and how much lift it can handle. - Pool Pump Seal Leak: Signs and What to Do
Learn how to spot a pool pump shaft seal leak, why the seal wears out, and what replacement involves before you decide to repair or replace the pump. - Matching a Pool Pump to Your Sand Filter
How to read a pump and a sand filter listing so the flow rate and pressure drop work together. What GPM, PSI and head mean before you buy. - Pool Pump PSI: What the Pressure Gauge Tells You
Learn what the pool filter pressure gauge reads in PSI, how to interpret a rising or falling reading, and when the maker's manual says to clean the filter. - Pool Pump Prime Loss: Causes and Fixes
Prime loss in a pool pump listing, the term self-priming, common causes in manuals, and what to check before picking a pump. - Pool Pump Pipe Size: How to Match Your Plumbing
Learn how suction and return pipe diameter affects pool pump performance, what to check before buying, and how to match pipe size to your pump. - Pool Pump Permanent Magnet Motor: Pros and Cons
How a permanent magnet motor reads in a pool pump listing, its difference from an induction motor, and what to check before picking this motor type. - How to Read a Pool Pump Performance Curve
What a pool pump performance curve shows, how to read the flow and head axes, and how to compare pumps for a pool's plumbing. - Pool Pump Oversizing: Why Bigger Is Not Better
Why a higher horsepower rating on a pool pump listing is not automatically a better pick, and how the flow, head, and speed type terms read. - Pool Pump O Ring Material: EPDM vs Viton vs Buna-N
Compare EPDM, Viton, and Buna-N o rings for pool pumps. Learn what each material means in a listing and how to choose based on your pool. - Pool Pump Multispeed vs Variable Speed: Key Differences
Two-speed and variable speed pool pumps differ in speed choices and control options. Read listings and pick the type that fits your pool. - Pool Pump Mounting Pad: What to Use and Why
Explains what a pool pump mounting pad does, how to read its listing, and how to match the pad material and dimensions to the pump base. - Pool Pump Mounting Base: Leveling and Vibration
Learn how to read pool pump mounting base words in listings, what leveling means in the manual, which materials appear, and how vibration is described. - Pool Pump Motor Overheating: Causes and Prevention
Learn why pool pump motors overheat, how to spot the signs, and what to do to prevent damage. A practical guide for pool owners. - Pool Pump Motor HP vs THP: What's the Real Rating?
Learn the difference between HP and THP on a pool pump listing, how the service factor connects them, and which figure to match when replacing. - Pool Pump Motor Frame Size: What It Means
Learn what NEMA frame sizes mean for pool pump motors, how to read them in listings, and how to match a replacement motor. - TEFC vs ODP Pool Pump Motors: Which Enclosure?
What TEFC and ODP mean on a pool pump motor listing, how each enclosure design cools the motor, and how to compare enclosures when choosing a pump. - Pool Pump Motor Cooling: Airflow and Clearance
How pool pump motors shed heat through airflow, why open space around the pump matters, and where a listing states cooling details. - Pool Pump Minimum Flow Rate: Why It Matters
What a minimum flow rate in a pool pump listing means, where the figure comes from, and how to use it when comparing pumps. - Pool Pump Minimum Ambient Temperature: Cold Weather Limits
Explains the minimum ambient temperature term in pool pump listings, what happens if a pump freezes, and where to find the maker's rating. - Pool Pump Maximum Flow Rate: What It Means
Understand the maximum flow rate rating on a pool pump listing, how it relates to your pool's plumbing, and how to avoid oversizing or undersizing. - Pool Pump Maximum Ambient Temperature: What to Check
Learn what a pool pump's maximum ambient temperature rating means, how hot climates affect pump operation, and what to check before buying. - Pool Pump Max Head: How Much Is Enough?
How to read a pool pump's max head and pump curve, and who decides if a pump suits your plumbing. - Pool Pump Impeller Size: Does It Affect Performance?
Learn how impeller diameter affects pool pump flow and head, and how to match it to your pool's needs. - Pool Pump IE3 and IE4 Efficiency Classes Explained
IE3 and IE4 are international motor efficiency classes that appear in pool pump listings. This article explains what they mean and how to compare pumps. - Pool Pump Housing Thread Size: NPT vs BSP
Learn how pool pump listings state thread standards NPT and BSP, what the size number means, and how to read the terms when shopping. - Pool Pump Horsepower vs Watts: How to Compare
Learn how to convert pool pump horsepower to watts, why wattage matters for energy use, and how to compare listings. - Pool Pump Horsepower vs THP: What's the Difference
Learn how to read horsepower (HP) and total horsepower (THP) in a pool pump listing and compare pumps on stated details. - Pool Pump Horsepower vs Head: What Matters More?
Compare horsepower and head ratings to understand which specification matters more for your pool's needs. - Pool Pump Horsepower: What the Rating Really Means
What the horsepower figure on a pool pump listing means, how it relates to flow, and how to match a pump to your pool without a sizing formula. - Pool Pump Head Feet: What It Is and Why It Matters
Explains head feet in pool pump listings, what total dynamic head is, and why the figure tells you whether a pump can push water through your pool's plumbing. - Pool Pump Flow Rate vs Pressure: Key Differences
Flow rate and pressure are different numbers on a pool pump listing. Learn what each means and how both support pool circulation and filtration. - Pool Pump Flow Rate: How Many GPM Do You Need?
What gallons per minute (GPM) means in a pool pump listing, how flow relates to turnover, and where to find maker sizing guidance. - Pool Pump Energy Efficiency: What to Look For
How to read efficiency words on a pool pump listing: speed type, wattage, energy factor and what the ENERGY STAR program marks. What to compare and what to ask. - Pool Pump EC Motor: What It Is and Why It Matters
What an EC (electronically commutated) motor is in a pool pump, where the term appears in listings, and why it matters when you compare pool pumps. - Pool Pump Duty Cycle: Can It Run 24 Hours a Day?
What duty cycle means in a pool pump listing, what continuous duty and thermal protection are, and what the listing does not tell you about run hours. - Pool Pump Drain Plug: Location and Winterizing
Where the pool pump drain plug sits, why it matters for freezing weather, and how to read a listing and the maker's manual for your model. - Pool Pump Discharge Size: How It Affects Flow
Learn what the discharge port size on a pool pump means, how it affects flow rate and system resistance, and what to consider when comparing pumps. - Pool Pump Dimensions: Fitting Your Equipment Pad
How to read a pool pump's footprint and height so it fits your equipment pad and leaves room for the strainer lid and the pump motor. - Pool Pump Diffuser: What It Does and When to Replace
Explains the diffuser's role in a pool pump, how to spot a worn diffuser, and how replacement is handled. For owners comparing pumps. - Pool Pump Cycles Per Day: How Many Starts Is Too Many?
What a pool pump cycle means, where makers state start guidance, and how to think about daily on-off runs when comparing pumps. - Pool Pump Connection Types: Threaded vs Slip
Pool pump listings state a connection style as threaded or slip. This article explains both words and how to choose the style that matches your pad's piping. - Pool Pump Communication Protocols: RS-485 vs Others
Learn what RS-485 and other communication protocols mean in pool pump listings, how they connect to automation, and what to check before buying. - Pool Pump Check Valve: Do You Need One?
Learn what a check valve does in a pool pump system, when it's needed, and how to decide if your setup requires one. - Pool Pump Bearing Types: Ball vs Sleeve
Ball and sleeve bearings both support a pool pump motor shaft. This article explains how each type works and where to find the bearing type when you shop. - Pool Pump Basket Lid: Sealing and Cracking
Learn how to check the pool pump basket lid seal, what causes cracks, and how to replace the lid. - Pool Heater Winter Operation: Standby vs Full Off
Learn how to operate a pool heater in winter, including standby mode and freeze protection, and what to consider when choosing a heater. - Pool Heater WiFi and Automation: What to Look For
Learn what WiFi and automation mean on a pool heater listing, how app controls work, and how to match them to your pool equipment. - Pool Heater Vibration Pads: Do You Need Them
Why pool heater listings offer vibration isolation pads and what to look for when comparing heat pumps, gas heaters and solar heaters. - Titanium vs Copper Heat Exchanger: Which Lasts?
Compare titanium and copper heat exchanger listings for pool heaters, including corrosion resistance and saltwater suitability. - Pool Heater Thermostat Placement: Where to Put It
Learn where to place a pool heater thermostat for accurate readings. Understand built-in controls, remote sensors, and what to consider when shopping. - Pool Heater Thermostat: How Accurate Should It Be
Learn how a pool heater thermostat works, what setpoint means, and why a digital thermostat on the listing shows both target and water temperature. - Pool Heater Temperature Rise: How Fast to Heat
Learn what temperature rise means for pool heaters, why it depends on heater size and pool volume, and how to read listings without guessing. - Pool Heater Temperature Accuracy: How Close Is Enough
What temperature tolerance to expect from a pool heater and how to verify it in the specifications. - Pool Heater Standby Mode: What It Does
What standby mode does on gas and heat pump pool heaters, how it differs from a full shutoff, and what listing words mean. - Solar vs Heat Pump Pool Heater: Pros and Cons
Compare solar panels and heat pumps for your pool: how each works, what the listing tells you, and which fits your climate and budget. - Solar Pool Heater Panel Size: How Much Do You Need
Why the panel size in a solar pool heater listing matters, and how to compare listings by collector area for your pool. - Solar Pool Heater Panel Orientation and Tilt
How to read orientation and tilt terms in a solar pool heater listing, and what to ask your installer before panels go up. - Pool Heater Sizing: What BTU Means for Your Pool
A pool heater listing states BTU per hour, but the right figure comes from the maker's sizing page and an installer, not a simple calculator. - Pool Heat Pump Refrigerant Types: R32 vs R410A
Learn what R32 and R410A mean in pool heat pump listings, how to read refrigerant names, and what to check before buying. - Pool Heater Recovery Rate: Degrees per Hour Explained
Learn what recovery rate means for a pool heater, how to estimate it from the listing, and why it matters when choosing a heater. - Pool Heater Rain Exposure: Do You Need a Cover
Learn whether a pool heater needs extra rain protection beyond its built-in weather resistance, and how to read listing terms for outdoor use. - Pool Heater Pressure Drop: How It Affects Pump Size
Explains what pressure drop means in a pool heater listing, which heater types add resistance, and how to account for it when choosing a pump. - Pool Heater Oversizing: Pros and Cons
Learn what happens when a pool heater is too large for the pool, why matching size matters, and how to choose the right capacity. - Pool Heater Mounting: Upright or Flat
How to read mounting words in a pool heater listing: upright is the default, horizontal or flat is a stated detail, and the maker's manual decides. - Pool Heater Maximum Working Pressure: What to Check
Explains the maximum working pressure listing term on pool heaters, why it matters, and what to check before you match it to your system. - Pool Heater Maintenance Checklist: What to Inspect
A seasonal inspection list for pool heaters: burners, heat exchangers, and controls. Learn what to check and how to read heater listings at poolgearlab.org. - Low NOx Pool Heaters: What the Rating Means
Learn what low NOx means on a pool heater listing, how it affects your buying decision, and what to check before you choose. - Pool Heater Internal Bypass: How It Works
Learn what a pool heater internal bypass is, how it routes water through the heat exchanger, and how to read that word in a heater listing. - Inground vs Above Ground Pool Heaters: Key Differences
Compare inground and above ground pool heaters by pool type, heater type, BTU figure and mounting so you can match a listing to your pool. - Pool Heater Ignition: Standing Pilot vs Electronic
Learn the difference between standing pilot and electronic ignition in gas pool heaters, and what to look for in a listing. - Pool Heater Ignition Systems: Reliability by Type
Learn how gas pool heater listings state ignition systems and what standing pilot, intermittent pilot, and electronic ignition mean for starting the burner. - Pool Heater Heat Exchanger: Shell vs Plate Designs
Explains shell-and-tube and plate-style heat exchangers in pool heater listings, where each design appears, and how to compare them. - Pool Heater Heat Exchanger: Copper vs Titanium
How copper and titanium pool heater heat exchangers differ in corrosion resistance and how each appears in heater listings. - Pool Heater Frost Protection
Explains frost protection on pool heaters: what the listing term means, how the temperature sensor function works, and how to verify it in the manual. - Pool Heater Flow Switch: What It Does and Why
Learn what a pool heater flow switch does, why it matters, and how to troubleshoot common issues in this buying guide. - Pool Heater Flow Rate vs Pressure Drop
Learn what flow rate and pressure drop mean on a pool heater listing, how the two interact, and what to compare when choosing a heater. - Pool Heater Flow Rate Range: Minimum and Maximum
Learn what minimum and maximum flow rates mean on a pool heater listing, why both limits matter, and how to match them to your pump. - Pool Heater Display: Digital vs Dial Controls
How to read digital readouts and dial controls in pool heater listings, what the display words do and do not say, and which heater guides match your choice. - Pool Heat Pump Defrost Cycle: How It Works
Learn what a defrost cycle is in a pool heat pump, why it matters for cold weather use, and what to look for in a listing. - Pool Heat Pump COP vs HSPF: Efficiency Ratings Explained
Learn what COP and HSPF mean for pool heat pumps, how they differ, and which rating to use when comparing listings. - Pool Heat Pump COP and Temperature: What It Means
COP shows how a heat pump performs as outside air and pool water change. This article explains the term and what to check before buying. - Pool Heat Pump COP at Part Load: Why It Varies
What COP means on a pool heat pump listing, why the figure changes at partial load, and what to check in the maker's spec sheet before buying. - Pool Heater Control Protocols: RS-485 and More
Learn what RS-485, Modbus, and other control protocols mean in pool heater listings, and how they connect to automation systems. - Condensing vs Non-Condensing Pool Heaters
What condensing and non-condensing mean in a gas pool heater listing, how their venting differs, and what to look for when comparing heaters. - Pool Heater Condensation: Causes and How to Read the Listing
Explains why condensation forms on pool heaters, which heater types produce it, and how to read a listing for condensate drain and neutralizer wording. - Pool Heat Pump Condensate Drain: Placement and Maintenance
What a pool heat pump condensate drain is, where the line should go, and how to keep the discharge end clear of debris. - Pool Heater Condensate Neutralizer: Do You Need One?
Learn what a condensate neutralizer does for high efficiency pool heaters, when it may be required, and how to read listings for this accessory. - Pool Heater Clearance to Combustible Surfaces
What 'clearance to combustible surfaces' means in a gas pool heater manual, who decides the required distances, and why it matters before you buy a heater. - Pool Heater Plumbing Connection Size and Location
How to read the water connection size and location on a pool heater listing, and what to ask before buying. - Pool Heater Bypass: Why You Might Need One
A pool heater bypass routes water around the heater. Learn when you need one for flow control, winterizing, and servicing, and what to read in a listing. - Pool Heater BTU vs kW: How to Compare Ratings
BTU and kW are the 2 units pool heater listings use for heat output. Learn how to read each figure and compare gas, heat pump and electric heaters. - Pool Heater BTU vs Horsepower: What Matters
How heater BTU output and pump horsepower each matter for pool heating, what a listing states, and which questions to ask before buying. - Pool Heater BTU vs GPM: Which Rating Matters More
How a pool heater's BTU and GPM figures relate, what each listing term states, and what to check before buying. - Pool Heater BTU per Square Foot: Sizing Rule
Learn how the BTU per square foot rule of thumb works for sizing a pool heater, and how climate and desired temperature affect the choice. - Pool Heater BTU Input vs Output: Key Difference
Learn what input and output BTU figures mean on a pool heater listing, why they differ, and how efficiency connects the two figures. - Pool Heater BTU per Degree: What It Means
Learn what BTU per degree means for pool heaters, why it matters for sizing, and how to use it when comparing listings. - Pool Heater Auto Restart: After a Power Loss
What pool heater auto restart means, how gas heaters and heat pumps resume after a power outage, and how to read the feature in a listing. - Pool Heater Altitude: How Elevation Changes Output
Learn why a gas pool heater produces less heat at high elevation, what the spec table lists for altitude, and what to check before buying a heater. - Pool Cleaner Wheels vs Tracks: Which Is Better?
Wheels and tracks are movement words in a pool cleaner listing. Learn what each says about traction and turning before choosing a type. - Pool Cleaner Weight: Handling and Storage
How pool cleaner weight appears in listings and what it means for lifting, storing, and handling the unit over pool steps. - Pool Cleaner Water Level Requirements: Min and Max
Learn the minimum and maximum water levels for robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side pool cleaners, and how to read listing terms. - Do You Need a Wall-Climbing Pool Cleaner?
Wall climbing is a seller's phrase for a cleaner that scrubs pool walls. This article explains the term and how to decide if your pool needs it. - Robotic, Suction, or Pressure Cleaner: Which Type?
Explains the type words in a pool cleaner listing: robotic, suction-side and pressure-side, and what each means for your pool. - Pool Cleaner Surface Types: Plaster, Vinyl, Fiberglass
Learn which pool cleaner features matter for plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass surfaces, and how to read listings for surface compatibility. - Suction Pool Cleaner Pump Match: GPM and Horsepower
How to match a suction cleaner to your pool pump: compare the stated GPM ranges. Horsepower alone is not enough. - Pool Cleaner Stair Climbing: What to Look For
Learn whether a pool cleaner needs to climb steps and what to check in specifications, including wall climbing, wheel type, and pool type. - Pool Cleaner Remote Signal: Infrared vs Radio Frequency
Learn the difference between infrared and radio frequency remote controls on pool cleaner listings, and how to read the signal type in a product title. - How Pool Cleaners Connect to Your Pump
Learn how suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners connect to your pump, including hoses, fittings, and whether you need a booster pump. - Pool Cleaner Power Cord Length: How Much Do You Need?
How to read the stated cord length on a robotic pool cleaner and compare it to your pool's dimensions before you buy. - Pool Cleaner Navigation: Random vs Smart Path
How to read random bump and smart path navigation words in a robotic pool cleaner listing, and what each system states. - Pool Cleaner Motor Power: Watts vs Performance
Learn how pool cleaner motor wattage relates to suction and drive strength, and what wattage is adequate for typical pools. - Pool Cleaner Maintenance: Filter Care and More
How to care for a pool cleaner: filter cleaning, brush inspection, and storage for robotic, suction, and pressure units. - Pool Cleaner Leaf Capacity: Filter Bag Size
Learn how a pool cleaner's filter bag size relates to how many leaves it holds before emptying, and what to look for in a listing. - Pool Cleaner IP Rating: What Water Resistance Means
Learn what IP ratings on robotic pool cleaners mean, how to read the code, and what water exposure levels are safe for your pool. - Pool Cleaner for Vinyl Liner Pools: What to Check
Learn what to look for in a pool cleaner for a vinyl liner pool: brush type, wheel design, and how to read the listing. - Pool Cleaner for Plaster Pools: Brush and Surface Care
How to read pool cleaner listings for a plaster pool: brush words, wall climbing claims, and what to ask about surface care before you buy. - Pool Cleaner for Heavy Debris: Specs to Check
What specs matter in a cleaner listing when your pool collects heavy leaves or organic debris: capacity, filtration, flow and brush terms. - Pool Cleaner for Fiberglass Pools: What to Check
Read cleaner listings for pool type, surface words, brush type and wall climbing claims before choosing a cleaner for a fiberglass pool. - Pool Cleaner Flow Rate: Matching Your Pump
Learn how suction and pressure pool cleaners state flow needs in GPM, and how to read those figures against your pump's output. - Pool Cleaner Filter Micron Rating: How Fine Is Fine?
What a micron rating on a pool cleaner filter means, how lower and higher figures differ, and where to look when you read a cleaner listing. - Pool Cleaner Filtration: Bag vs Cartridge vs Screen
Learn how pool cleaner filter bags, cartridges, and screens differ, what each captures, and what to look for when reading a cleaner listing. - Pool Cleaner Filters: How to Clean and When to Replace
Learn how to clean bag, cartridge, and screen filters on robotic, suction-side, and pressure-side pool cleaners, plus how to spot when a filter needs replacing. - Pool Cleaner Filter Bag Volume: How Much Dirt Can It Hold?
Learn how filter bag volume in liters or gallons affects how often you empty the bag and how it relates to cleaning duration and debris load. - Pool Cleaner Energy Consumption: How Much Power?
Compare the energy use of robotic, suction, and pressure pool cleaners. Learn what stated kWh figures mean for your operating cost. - Pool Cleaner Depth Rating: Shallow and Deep Pools
Explains how pool cleaner depth ratings affect shallow wading areas and deep ends, and how to read stated figures when comparing models. - Pool Cleaner Debris Type: Leaves vs Fine Dirt
How to read pool cleaner listings for leaf capacity and fine filtration, and match a cleaner to leaves, fine dirt or both. - Pool Cleaner Remote and App Control: Pros and Cons
How to read remote and app control in pool cleaner listings: handheld remotes, smartphone apps, scheduling, directional steering, and connectivity. - Pool Cleaner Charging Time: What a Listing Tells You
Learn how robotic pool cleaner charging time appears in listings, why it matters, and what to check before buying. - Pool Cleaner Brushes: PVC vs Nylon
Compare PVC and nylon pool cleaner brushes: abrasiveness, surface fit, and what the listing words mean for your pool. - Pool Cleaner Automation: Full vs Partial
Learn how to read pool cleaner listings by automation level, from fully self-directed robotic units to ones that need manual starts. - Anti-Tangle Cords for Pool Cleaners: Why It Matters
What an anti-tangle swivel cord is on a robotic pool cleaner, what the listing words mean, and how to compare corded and cordless models before buying. - Above Ground vs Inground Pool Cleaners
Compare how pool cleaners are designed for above ground and inground pools, and which features matter for each pool type.