Hi,
We have an inground 10k gallon pool with a spa.
It currently has A&A type 2 floor returns and the "flying saucer" brain to control the zones. There are 20 in floor heads and the zones are 2 or 3 heads each depending.
We have two estimates we are thinking of going with for resurfacing. The resurfacing and associated work is about the same for both estimates.
The difference is that one company wants to replace the current in floor heads with commercial returns and reprogram (?) the brain. I'm guessing this means removing the guts and just letting water flow to all the returns. But we will clarify that with the contractor.
The second company wants to abandon the in floor system and install wall returns. An additional $5k. This company also told us that we can't install commercial returns and abandon the brain because there won't be enough flow from the pump for all the returns. Poor circulation.
My question is: why can't we replace the pop up heads with commercial heads and continue to use the flying saucer brain? Seems like the simplest.
I can buy A&A replacement heads for about $40 so that $5k for wall returns would buy a lot of replacement heads. Not to mention save work on the yard, pavers, deck, etc.
My second question is: does anyone have a good alternative for the A&A pop up returns? I was thinking of getting something 3D printed that just had a grate on top. I really don't need/want all the parts and complication of the pop up head. And I'm tired or chasing down all the little pieces as they fall apart over time. Something that is one piece and simpler seems like a good solution. I currently have a handful with no pop up head in the pipe. The opening is just a little too big for safety so something needs to go there.
I should also not that our existing circulation is great. Way way better than other pools that I've owned. The in floor "cleaning" is meh but the current system moves water around just fine.
Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
JF
We have an inground 10k gallon pool with a spa.
It currently has A&A type 2 floor returns and the "flying saucer" brain to control the zones. There are 20 in floor heads and the zones are 2 or 3 heads each depending.
We have two estimates we are thinking of going with for resurfacing. The resurfacing and associated work is about the same for both estimates.
The difference is that one company wants to replace the current in floor heads with commercial returns and reprogram (?) the brain. I'm guessing this means removing the guts and just letting water flow to all the returns. But we will clarify that with the contractor.
The second company wants to abandon the in floor system and install wall returns. An additional $5k. This company also told us that we can't install commercial returns and abandon the brain because there won't be enough flow from the pump for all the returns. Poor circulation.
My question is: why can't we replace the pop up heads with commercial heads and continue to use the flying saucer brain? Seems like the simplest.
I can buy A&A replacement heads for about $40 so that $5k for wall returns would buy a lot of replacement heads. Not to mention save work on the yard, pavers, deck, etc.
My second question is: does anyone have a good alternative for the A&A pop up returns? I was thinking of getting something 3D printed that just had a grate on top. I really don't need/want all the parts and complication of the pop up head. And I'm tired or chasing down all the little pieces as they fall apart over time. Something that is one piece and simpler seems like a good solution. I currently have a handful with no pop up head in the pipe. The opening is just a little too big for safety so something needs to go there.
I should also not that our existing circulation is great. Way way better than other pools that I've owned. The in floor "cleaning" is meh but the current system moves water around just fine.
Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
JF