Need to redo plumbing - What is Spa Make-up Valve

[yukonsc]

This is the start of a couple questions I have regarding a project to clean up the equipment plumbing on the pool. I am assembling my parts list and trying to draw the lay out. The layout I have is similar to below - However there are 4 differences (for your reference):

1 - Spa-Make up Valves - This is really my question - I don't have one - I just a valve that selects between the pool and spa return. Should I install one - and what does it do?

2 - Skimmers - While I have 2 skimmers my skimmer lines come to together somewhere underground. I only have 1 skimmer feed to a the Jandy valve that selects between skimmer and drain.

3 - I have a booster pump

4 - I have an air pump for the spa

I'll probably end up drawing the redo out and posting it for you guys as I have some pipe sizing questions too.

 

[JasonLion]

The "Spa Make-up" valve in that diagram causes the spa spillover to run at a low flow rate any time the pump is on. This is optional, but very handy when you don't have automation, as you don't want to leave the spa too long without circulation. With automation it is more common to just run in spillover mode for an hour each day and regular pool mode for the rest of the run time.

 

[yukonsc]

Cool deal - Thank you. No automation here. I guess I'll install one. I really need to draw this up in Visio and run it by you guys - because I am not sure the pipe sizing is correct anyway.

 

[SplashBro]

Cool deal - Thank you. No automation here. I guess I'll install one. I really need to draw this up in Visio and run it by you guys - because I am not sure the pipe sizing is correct anyway.

Thanks for sharing. I had the same question.