HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A POOL PUMP?
Written by webtechs

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A POOL PUMP?

Many people like lounging in their houses’ swimming pools during the sweltering summer months. Homeowners start thinking about replastering their pool when the interior starts to appear ugly. A malfunctioning filtration system could be the cause of the pool’s ugly appearance. In one way or another, as a crucial component of the pool’s filtration system, you must be aware of the cost of replacing a pool pump.

COST OF POOL PUMP REPLACEMENT

Having a swimming pool requires you to perform routine maintenance, such as heater repairs, pool pump replacements, and liner repairs. A maj component of the filtration system in a pool is the pool pump, which eventually wears out. High-quality pool pumps require replacement every eight to twelve years on average.

The cost of the replacement pump, which can range from $150 to $1,000 or more depending on the kind and size of the pool, is the only expense associated with do-it-yourself pool pump replacement. Labor, which may add up to an additional $100 to $300, is included in the price when employing a professional.

A POOL PUMP’S REPLACEMENT TIMINGS

A pool pump consists of two main components: the pump mechanism and the motor mechanism. Any of them could falter and require your care. A pool pump may need to be replaced if it has completely failed, is leaking water, produces loud grinding or screaming noises, or is no longer able to move water.

REPLACEMENT OF A POOL PUMP OR MOTOR

Replacing simply the motor might be a viable option if the pool pump is relatively young (less than ten years old) and the pump’s exterior doesn’t exhibit any symptoms of deterioration. Replacing the entire pump is the best option if it’s an older pump, the motor replacement components are difficult to acquire, or the cost of the replacement exceeds 75% of the cost of a new pump. The entire pool pump should be replaced if it is still covered under warranty.

Replacing the motor alone will save you more money than replacing the entire pool pump. Hiring a professional can cost an extra $100 to $200 on top of the $50 to $400 cost of a do-it-yourself engine replacement.

CHOICES FOR POOL PUMP REPLACEMENT

Conventional pool pumps use single-stage motors, which are quite energy-hungry. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the typical device uses approximately $500 worth of electricity annually. Modern technology allows two-stage motors and adjustable-speed units to operate at speeds as low as 600 RPM and consume up to 90% less energy than their conventional counterparts. Additionally, most of the time, they work with automated home systems.

BUY A PROFESSIONAL OR DO IT YOURSELF?

It takes some comfort level and basic electrical understanding to replace a pool pump. Neglecting to implement suitable safety measures or improperly wiring the newly installed pump may result in severe harm, impairment of the pump, or other forms of property loss. Replacing a pool pump would not be a good choice if you are uncomfortable working with electricity; instead, you should think about contacting a competent pool professional.

Replacing a pool pump could be an easy do-it-yourself project if you’re experienced working with electricity. You can save money by not having to pay for labor.

 

 

Never Replace Liquid Level Sensors Again with Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

Sewage Lift Station Costs
Written by webtechs

Sewage Lift Station Costs

In a sewage lift or pump station, the level transmitter is a small but critical component that helps preserve system integrity and prevent unwanted spills.

In the United States, there are more than two million sewage lift or pump stations. All of them work on the same principle and have the same goal: to transport sewage from one level to a higher one.

Depending on capacity and complexity, installation prices can range from $150,000 (20 gpm) to $1.5 million (100,000 gpm). While pump technology has advanced greatly in recent years, the level sensor has also advanced significantly in recent years and is critical to pump control and station reliability.

The Level Sensor is a device that detects the presence of:

The level sensor’s job is to provide electrical feedback to the pump, allowing it to turn on and off. Floats, which simply deliver an on/off signal to the pump at high and low levels, have typically been employed. Bubbler systems have also been used, albeit the requirement of a continuous gas supply makes them more difficult to maintain.

Radar, ultrasonic, and conductive instruments are just a few of the sensor technologies available today for monitoring liquid level. However, for a relatively simple lift station, these are either excessively expensive or unreliable owing to the operational environment.

Submerged hydrostatic pressure transmitters have been developed in recent years to endure harsh environments and enable continuous monitoring for improved control and long-term reliability.

THE INNOVATION

A number of companies have created sensors specifically for this application. This level/pressure transmitter has a number of characteristics that were specifically intended to address the issues that sewage lift stations encounter.

Because many lift stations are placed in inaccessible locations, reliability is a top priority. This necessitates a simple design with high-quality sealing. To avoid clogging, the sensing element must be exposed due to the nature of the effluent. The growth in FOG (fats, oil, and grease) linked with fast food establishments is also exacerbating the situation.

The use of ceramic capacitive sensing technology results in a robust open face sensor with great accuracy (better than 0.1 percent) down to sewage levels of only a few inches of water. In addition, the technology allows for a very high overpressure of at least 3X the rated range without compromising sensor function.

This safeguards the transmitter from harm caused by back pressures or overflow. The laser-welded 1-in diameter housing is typically composed of 316L stainless steel, while titanium is frequently used in more corrosive effluents.

The electrical connection is another design feature. When sealing against polymer-based materials like that used in the connecting cable, it’s crucial to avoid O-rings because they tend to flow over time. The most dependable approach is to use a custom molded cable made of thick-walled polyurethane that becomes an integral part of the transmitter and can be ordered in any length up to 5000 feet.

SUMMARY

For sewage lift stations and deep well monitoring, today’s high-integrity, well-developed submersible pressure transmitters enable very reliable, zero-maintenance level monitoring and pump control.

These hydrostatic level measurement transmitters continuously monitor the sewage level, and with improvements to the accompanying control systems, they can also provide information on pump performance and general facility health monitoring.

The wet well and the controls are the two primary components of a lift station. The inflow is emptied into the wet well, which is also where the pumps are located. The lift station’s control panel is its brain.

So, how exactly do lift stations function? A pit is used to hold and feed sewage. When the sewage level in the pit reaches a specific level, electrical instruments detect that the pit is full and activate the pump, which pumps the sewage to its next destination. Because sewage can generate harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, most lift stations are located underground to avoid health dangers in tight spaces. As a result, owners of existing lift stations should consult a specialist to confirm that the pump is still functioning properly.

A expert can also guarantee that your lift station is properly maintained. Lift stations require maintenance to avoid the need for costly repairs because the pumps, electronic controllers, and electrical system are all in a constantly corrosive environment.

Wet wells must be pumped out and cleaned to prevent solids and grease buildup, pumps must be inspected, check valves must be greased, and floats must be inspected and cleaned to ensure optimal functioning. An inspection of all electrical motor-control equipment, as well as the basin, clean-outs, and coverings to avoid buildup, is also covered.

What constitutes a lift station’s components?

A lift station is made up of a number of critical mechanical components that must be monitored for efficiency, repair, and failure.

A lift station’s main components are:

  • a receiving well for sewage
  • Pumps, pipes, and valves for submersible pumps
  • motors
  • a power distribution system
  • a system for monitoring and controlling equipment
  • a system for odor control

Lift Stations Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Lift stations are often used by municipalities in charge of collecting and processing wastewater. The dry well/wet well pump, which is more conventional, and the submersible pump, which is more modern.

Well, it’s dry.

The system is housed in a separate place in dry-well lift stations (usually underground or in a separate chamber). Maintenance on a dry well is more risky and poses additional safety hazards due to this physical isolation.

Pump that can be submerged (Wet Well)

Submersible pumps are submerged in the wastewater they pump, as the name implies. It is installed within the wet well and pumps the wastewater with a motor. This method is more modern because it has less health and safety risks.

Never Replace Liquid Level Sensors Again with Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

History of Water Level Sensors
Written by webtechs

History of Water Level Sensors

Water level sensors have a long history dating back to ancient times when simple devices were used to measure water levels for irrigation and flood control. Over the centuries, advancements in technology have led to the development of more sophisticated water level sensing devices for various applications. Here’s a brief overview of the history of water level sensors:

  1. Ancient Water Level Measurement: The earliest water level measurement devices were simple float-based mechanisms used by ancient civilizations for irrigation and flood control. These devices typically consisted of a float attached to a lever or rod, which would rise and fall with the water level, indicating the depth.
  2. Early Mechanical Water Level Gauges: In the 17th and 18th centuries, mechanical water level gauges were developed for use in wells, reservoirs, and other water storage systems. These gauges often used a float connected to a chain or pulley system to measure the water level.
  3. Development of Electrical Sensors: The invention of electrical conductivity and capacitance sensors in the 19th century paved the way for more accurate and reliable water level measurement devices. These sensors could detect changes in water level by measuring changes in electrical properties such as conductivity or capacitance.
  4. Ultrasonic and Radar Sensors: In the mid-20th century, ultrasonic and radar-based water level sensors were developed, offering non-contact measurement capabilities. These sensors emit sound or radio waves that bounce off the water surface and are then detected to determine the water level.
  5. Pressure Transducers: Pressure transducers, which measure water level based on the pressure exerted by the water column, were also developed in the 20th century. These sensors are commonly used in applications such as groundwater monitoring, sewage systems, and industrial tanks.
  6. Modern Sensor Technologies: In recent decades, advancements in microelectronics and sensor technologies have led to the development of highly accurate and versatile water level sensors. These sensors often use a combination of different measurement principles, such as ultrasonic, pressure, capacitance, or optical sensing, to provide precise and reliable water level measurements in various environments.
  7. Wireless and IoT Integration: With the rise of wireless communication and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, water level sensors can now be easily integrated into remote monitoring and control systems. These systems allow for real-time monitoring of water levels and automated alerts or actions based on predefined thresholds.

Today, water level sensors are widely used in various applications, including environmental monitoring, flood warning systems, water resource management, wastewater treatment, agriculture, aquaculture, and industrial process control. Continued advancements in sensor technology are expected to further enhance the accuracy, reliability, and functionality of water level sensing devices in the future.

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

Sewage Lift Station Costs
Written by webtechs

What Is A Lift Station?

A house or company owner does not consider lift stations unless something goes wrong. When the gradient of the terrain prevents natural flow, a lift station is utilized to pump wastewater or sewage from a low level to a higher level.

The wet well and the controls are the two primary components of a lift station. The inflow is emptied into the wet well, which is also where the pumps are located. The lift station’s control panel is its brain.

So, how exactly do lift stations function? A pit is used to hold and feed sewage. When the sewage level in the pit reaches a specific level, electrical instruments detect that the pit is full and activate the pump, which pumps the sewage to its next destination. Because sewage can generate harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, most lift stations are located underground to avoid health dangers in tight spaces. As a result, owners of existing lift stations should consult a specialist to confirm that the pump is still functioning properly.

A expert can also guarantee that your lift station is properly maintained. Lift stations require maintenance to avoid the need for costly repairs because the pumps, electronic controllers, and electrical system are all in a constantly corrosive environment.

Wet wells must be pumped out and cleaned to prevent solids and grease buildup, pumps must be inspected, check valves must be greased, and floats must be inspected and cleaned to ensure optimal functioning. An inspection of all electrical motor-control equipment, as well as the basin, clean-outs, and coverings to avoid buildup, is also covered.

What constitutes a lift station’s components?

A lift station is made up of a number of critical mechanical components that must be monitored for efficiency, repair, and failure.

A lift station’s main components are:

  • a receiving well for sewage
  • Pumps, pipes, and valves for submersible pumps
  • motors
  • a power distribution system
  • a system for monitoring and controlling equipment
  • a system for odor control

Lift Stations Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Lift stations are often used by municipalities in charge of collecting and processing wastewater. The dry well/wet well pump, which is more conventional, and the submersible pump, which is more modern.

Well, it’s dry.

The system is housed in a separate place in dry-well lift stations (usually underground or in a separate chamber). Maintenance on a dry well is more risky and poses additional safety hazards due to this physical isolation.

Pump that can be submerged (Wet Well)

Submersible pumps are submerged in the wastewater they pump, as the name implies. It is installed within the wet well and pumps the wastewater with a motor. This method is more modern because it has less health and safety risks.

Never Replace Liquid Level Sensors Again with Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A POOL PUMP?
Written by webtechs

How to Level An Above Ground Pool With Water In It

When you notice the water level is greater on one side of your pool than the other, your pool is not perfectly level. Read on to learn more.

An Inch?

Level ground is a must for all above ground pools. If it is not level, water will splash out. This will require the addition of water and impact the sidewall.

Two Or More Inches?

If the two sides are off by more than a couple of inches, it becomes a serious problem. The walls are made to support the weight of the water evenly. When one side is holding more than the other, Ii left that way, the wall will collapse.

Fixing The Issue

Fixing a pool with water in it is not easy. But we will show you how it can be done. You will need a shovel, filler, hose, and work gloves.

  • You are going to be lifting the lower side of the pool, so you need to get rid of some of the weight. We recommend that you drain the pool until it’s only half full.
  • When you installed the pool, you put leveling blocks under the slab. You’ll want to remove them from the lower side.
  • Once you have removed the blocks, you will need to use your shovel to pry. Place the tip under the lip of the slab and push the handle down to lift it.
  • While you are holding the slab up, have someone replace the leveling blocks underneath. They will be challenging to get in, so you’ll need a hammer to help.
  • You will need to repeat this process for every set of leveling blocks on the lower side of the foundation.
  • You should have a hole left where you lifted it. Fill it with soil. Water it down with a hose to make sure that it’s packed in there good. If it’s not packed tightly, the pool will shift, and you’ll have to do it all over again.
  • Refill the pool to your desired level.

Source: https://pooljudge.com/how-to-level-an-above-ground-pool-with-water-in-it/

 

Never Replace Liquid Level Sensors Again with Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

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Written by webtechs

How Does a Float Switch Work?

How Does a Float Switch Work?

A float switch works to detect the level of liquid in a tank by using a float, magnet, and reed switch system that automatically opens and closes when water levels rise and fall inside the tank.

According to WikiPedia, “A float switch is a type of level sensor, a device used to detect the level of liquid within a tank… One pattern uses a reed switch mounted in a tube; a float, containing a magnet, surrounds the tube and is guided by it. When the float raises the magnet to the reed switch, it closes”.

Basically, float switch systems work by opening and closing dry contacts. Once the dry contacts are opened or closed, they will send an electrical signal to set off a water level alarm. The water level alarm is used to tell the control panel whether the water level is too low or high. If you have an automatic water level control system, the control panel will tell the pump to turn on or off automatically to begin refilling or emptying the water.

How New Float Switches Work

Never replace another float switch or water level controller again with 99% uptime over 15 years. Water Line Controls is the leader in float switch and water level control technology.

Water Line Control’s revolutionary Float switches work by using stainless steel probes (instead of float switches) to detect and sense water levels in a tank (water, oil, gas, etc).

The sensor probes act as their own sensors and do not pass electricity through the stainless-steel probes which keeps them from fouling, degrading, and deteriorating.

All the electronics for the controller are built into the head of the unit so you can connect directly to your control panel. Once the water level is detected by one of the sensors, this causes one of six alarms to be triggered (Low Alarm, High Alarm, Fill Start, Fill Stop, etc.). Depending on the type of water level control system you have, it can be set up to trigger a single point alarm or multi-point alarm.

Different alarms control the different start and stop mechanisms. For example, if a low alarm was triggered in a water tank, that alarm could do one of 2 things (or both in some setups).

  • In a single point float switch, a low alarm will trigger an LED light on your control board
  • In a multi-point float switch, a low alarm will trigger the LED light to turn on, and also send a signal to automatically turn on or off a water pump to refill or empty the water back to the preprogrammed water level.

Float switches and water level controls usually start out closed, meaning there are no alarms that need to be triggered because the water level is at the predetermined height.

New Float Switch Working Principle

  1. The water level starts to drop. No alarms are triggered at this point.
  2. Once the water level drops below the sensor probes, a conductive signal is passed between the probes telling the low alarm to trigger.
  3. Once the low alarm is triggered, it can be programmed to tell the “fill start” to begin filling the water.
  4. Finally, once the water reaches the predetermined height, the “fill stop” kicks in, and the process starts all over again.

With proper maintenance, your float switches/water level controls can last for years of operation. Most float switch failures usually happen due to fouling, degrading, or deteriorating in poor water conditions. Our water level controls can replace your float switches for good and will never foul, deteriorate or degrade due to any water quality.

Why Choose Water Line Controls

All of our water level controls and water level control systems are assembled right here in the U.S.A. where we monitor every step of the process. The are many reasons to choose Waterline Controls™ for all of your float switch and water level controller needs include:

SIMPLE DESIGN

No moving parts or mechanical floats to break or rust!

BEST TECH SUPPORT

No runaround, no guessing, no stupid answers. You’ll talk to the guy who’s been designing and installing these units for over 20 years.

BUILT TO LAST

Makes it easy to integrate with existing Building Management Systems and has an expected useful life of 15 years.

TOUCH TO TEST

One push of the button starts a complete validation cycle to ensure all systems are working properly.

RELIABLE & ACCURATE

Will not foul, plate, or deteriorate regardless of water quality.

Sewage Lift Station Costs
Written by jeremy

What is a Liquid Level Sensor? Level Switch Types

Liquid level sensor definition: Level Switches, also known as liquid level sensors, are a way to regulate and monitor levels of liquid like oil or water.

Liquid Level Sensor Types | Level Switch Types

Tuning fork models, tilt, vibrating rod, paddle, optical, inductive, float, displacer, diaphragm, conductive, and capacitive are the different types of level switches available.

Capacitive Level Sensors

Capacitive level switches or sensors use a probe with electrical contacts to monitor tank levels for powders or liquids. Traditionally these are low maintenance sensors and are used in for non-conductive materials like wood, ceramic, plastic, and other chemicals.

Conductivity Level Sensors

Conductivity level switches use electrical contacts with sensors to measure liquid levels. You can see these used in oil tanks, water reservoirs, ponds, pressure vessels, pharmaceuticals, and closed tanks.

Displacer Level Sensors

Displacer level switches are sensors with electrical contact and suspended coil springs to monitor liquid levels. Since they are surrounded by coils they are undisturbed by outside pressure and other forces. These sensors are used in viscous applications like oil refineries, chemical plants, and paint factories.

Tuning Fork Level Sensors

Tuning Fork level sensors are cost-effective and reliable switches with an electrical control connected to alarms and pump shutoffs. Due to their versatility and low cost, they are found in several different areas including construction, chemical, mining, and agriculture.

Float Level Sensors

Float level switches are sensors with an electrical contact output at a specific liquid level. Applications include level control, valve control, deaerators, condensate tanks, oil level control, drip legs, and boilers. A few models are designed for the automation of pumps, specifically filling and draining of tanks, wells, and reservoirs.

Optical Level Sensors

Optical level switches do not use any moving parts to detect changes in levels since they rely on infrared light. These types of sensors are not recommended to measure liquids that can crystallize or harden on the sensors since this will lead to incorrect levels being reported. However, these sensors are perfect candidates for applications that need to be accurate and tight fitting like dialysis machines, HVAC systems, pharmaceutical operations, and hydraulic applications.

Paddle Level Sensors

Paddle level switches are side or top-level mounting and use sensors with electric contacts. These are often found in grain silos, mining applications, and the beverage industry.

Diaphragm Level Sensors

Diaphragm level switches also known as a pressure switch works off of tiny sensors connected to an electric contact. These switches are usually used in granular materials because of their economical cost and versatility. Typically found in grain silos, mines, agriculture, and the beverage industries. The flexibility also comes from the areas they can be mounted internally or externally as well as in combination with horns, lights, and alarms.

Rod Level Sensors

Rod level sensors are economical switches that use vibrations to measure bulk solids and powder levels. These models are highly accurate and require low maintenance since they do not allow for build up and are based on a rod moving up and down for measurement.

Tilt Level Sensors

Tilt level sensors are connected to electric contacts to measure the presence or absence of materials based on pressure levels. Since they have high accuracy levels and can be delayed based on timers you will find these sensors in multiple industries like food, agriculture, hoppers, and other bulk solids like pellets or stones.

Never Replace Liquid Level Sensors Again with Waterline Controls™

Our level sensors and controls aren’t just for use in residential potable water holding tanks; some of the other applications include cooling towers, sump pumps, wastewater, boilers, water storage tanks, and building fire protection water tanks.

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Written by webtechs

Water Level Controller Failure at Swan Lake

Water controller failures are all too common. Consider the incident in Dunbar Cave’s Swan Lake in Tennessee last December. The lake had just undergone a restoration project only three months before. Included in that project were repairs to the lake’s dam and spillway to allow the water levels to be raised. The pipe that controls those water levels failed, and the lake then drained itself. The incident at Swan Lake which was disappointing but not critical. However, many water controller failures result in serious problems. That’s why it is so important to invest in water controllers that are reliable.

Reliability is Key

If your application is critical to you, then you need the most reliable water controllers that you can find. Waterline Controls water level controls offer the kind of reliability that many of our customers have learned to depend on. In fact, our controllers are so well designed that they have a mere 1% failure rate even after 15 years.

What Makes Our Controllers Different

Waterline Controls designs water controllers to last. As part of our commitment to this goal, we developed a completely new electronic switch sensor with an emphasis on simplicity and reliability. Unlike other water controllers on the market today, our controllers have stainless steel sensor probes will not plate, foul, or deteriorate, regardless of water quality.That means no more sensor cleaning, no more replacing sensors, and no more worries about how water quality will impact your control system.
In addition, our controllers use solid-state electronics because of their durability and dependability. Another benefit of solid-state electronics lies in the extremely low voltages involved, which minimizes or eliminates the rusting, mineral fouling and deterioration of sensor probes. The water controllers also have an easy-to-use troubleshooting switch should any problems be encountered. Finally, we also aim to minimize the number of moving parts that are involved. The only moving parts in our water controllers are relays which can easily be tested and replaced.

How Our Controllers Work

Waterline Controls uses electronic sensors with an array of stainless steel probes that are able to simultaneously monitor multiple water levels at extremely high levels of accuracy. This array of sensors is connected to a controller that uses the sensor data to measure water levels and activate relays accordingly via integrated firmware. As mentioned earlier, the voltages used are extremely small because of the solid-state electronics. This not only aids in preventing fouling of the water but reduces power requirements. In addition, the water controllers are easy to connect to existing building automation systems.

Check Out Waterline Controls

If you are tired of replacing your water controllers, take a look at Waterline Controls. Our completely modular control sensors have an average life of 15 years and come with a 5-year limited warranty. Our customers have been using our controllers for water holding tanks, sumps, lift stations, cooling towers, and many other applications. It’s time to say goodbye to legacy controllers that use mechanical floats, conductive sensors, or ultrasound sensors and start saving time and money with a reliable design from Waterline Controls.