maintenanceplumbingequipmentengineering
What maintenance does a splash pad recirculation loop need?
Quick answer
Recirc loops need weekly filter backwash, monthly chemical-feed line flush, quarterly UV bulb or ozone cell inspection, and annual full-loop pressure test. Watch for pressure-drop trends in the gauge log — a slow rise indicates filter loading, a drop indicates a leak. Loops must hold a steady 15-25 PSI.
Recirculating splash pad systems are more efficient than flow-through but demand more maintenance. Weekly: backwash sand filters until the sight glass runs clear, or check pressure differential on cartridge filters and clean above 8-10 PSI delta. Monthly: flush chemical-feed lines (chlorinator, acid feed) with clean water to prevent scale buildup. Quarterly: inspect UV bulb hours and replace at 8,000-12,000 hours; clean ozone cell electrodes. Annually: full loop pressure test isolating each section to find slow leaks before winter. Track the daily pressure gauge reading in a log. A slow upward trend across weeks signals filter loading, while a sudden drop is a leak. Steady operation is 15-25 PSI for most pads. Bypass valves and pressure relief valves should be exercised quarterly to prevent seizing.