Resources

What is Cavitation?

Cavitation – the phenomenon of formation of vapor bubbles of a flowing liquid in a region where the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor pressure. This is what happens with the water is moving too fast, not too much or too little, but too FAST. This happens when pool builders over size a pump for a pool or when return lines get plugged up.

What is Cavitation in Swimming Pool Pumps

Basically the pool pump is moving the water faster than the pipes & equipment can handle. The pump is oversized, the pipes are to small, or something as not having the return jets installed can create cavitation.

Cavitation in a pool pump looks like it isn’t primed, having air in the canister.

Why Cavitation is Harmful To Your Swimming Pool

It can erode surface the inside of the pump impeller and surrounding valves and piping. Left unfixed, the cavitation can weaken internal pump components to the point of complete pump failure. And, pump failure means your pool will stop running altogether.

How You Can Prevent Cavitation From Happening

Having an inground pool builder that understands water movement and how it relates to the overall good of your pool is key. It doesn’t matter if you have a fiberglass pool or a vinyl liner pool, Pump sizing is key for correct water movement along with proper filtration. Bigger pumps can also push the water right past your filter media not cleaning properly.

A good swimming pool services company will know how to take the calculation of your piping to make sure that you have the correct pump on your pool. The best pump on the market is variable speed pump that allows you to regulate the speed of the pump making sure you get good water flow and that your pump doesn’t cavatate.