System Hydraulics Evaluation

The science of Hydraulics is the study of liquids at rest and in motion.  Altra Pools designs efficient filtration systems for pools and spas based on their extensive knowledge of hydraulic principles.  Poorly designed systems create excessive friction losses, which waste energy and money.

In a swimming pool filtration system we are concerned with the movement of water from the pool through the pump, filter, heater, and back to the pool.  To design a proper filtration system for a pool or spa, Altra Pools must first calculate the amount of water with which we are dealing with and then determine the proper turnover rate.  The turnover rate is the time it takes to filter all the water one time.

The pump is the heart of every filtration system.  It must overcome all of the resistance to flow (friction losses) created by all other components of the system.  The less friction loss we have, the less horsepower will be required to get the desired flow.  Water flowing at excessive speed will dramatically increase friction losses.  Resistance to flow thru pipes is only one of the many things that cause friction losses in pools and spas.  Filters, heaters, chlorinators, valves, skimmers, and directional flow fittings all resist flow and add to the total friction loss in a pool.  One of the biggest contributors is the back wash valve. end

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