Water goes to pool return even when valve position is for spa only

[Wint999]

Even when I turn the diverted to spa only water goes to pool returns. I have replaced the diverted paddle and the check valve to no avail. I want to be able to heat just the spa and circulate the water from the spa only during the winters.

The spa return line has a valveless leg as pictured…could that send water to the pool return for some reason? When I’m in this arrangement the spa drains as the return pressure is less that the amount being sent to the filter.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

It may be the angle of the picture but it does not look like the pool return is perfectly closed and the handle aligned with the pipe. Any little offset will allow water past the diverter.

 

[Jimrahbe]

W,

When in the Pool mode, I assume your spa spills over and into your pool.. If so, where does this water come from? You either have to have your Return valve offset to allow a little water to go to your spa, or you have a make up line that I can't see in your pics.. Which is it??

There are two pipes on the spa side of the Return valve, which on the surface does not make sense.. The pipe with the check valve goes to the spa, but where does the other pipe go??? It should not go back to the pool. It is possible that this pipe is part of the "missing" make up line...

If this were my pool, I'd want to dig down a foot or so and see if you can tell where the unknown pipe on the spa side goes.

Also, not all diverters are the same.. Some are shorter than others. If you replaced the diverter in the Return valve with one that is too short, then it would leak back to the pool all the time.

Thanks,

Jim R.