During each cleaning cycle, pool pop-up heads work by sequentially rising from the pool floor to project powerful streams of water that sweep debris towards the main drain (or debris canister). This system provides automated in-floor pool cleaning.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Sequential Activation: Pop-up heads don't all activate at once. They operate in a sequence controlled by a valve, often called a multi-port valve or distribution valve. This valve directs water flow to different groups of heads at different times.
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Hydraulic Power: The force of the water pressure from the pool pump drives the pop-up heads. The water pushes the head upward, allowing it to rotate and spray.
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Directional Spray: Each pop-up head is designed to spray water in a specific direction. This strategic placement and rotation are key to ensuring all areas of the pool floor are cleaned and debris is directed towards the main drain or a dedicated debris canister.
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Retraction: After a set period, the valve switches the water flow to another group of heads. The previous heads retract back into the pool floor, becoming flush with the surface. This retraction prevents them from becoming tripping hazards and protects them from damage.
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Debris Movement: The strong jets of water dislodge dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pool floor and push it towards the main drain or a specialized debris collection system.
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Programmable Cleaning Cycles: The entire process is usually programmable through a control panel, allowing you to set the cleaning frequency and duration.
In essence, pool pop-up heads work as a coordinated, automated cleaning system, ensuring a consistently clean pool floor with minimal manual effort.