New AGP - advice/feedback on equipment, plumbing, electrical plan

GregN

0
Jun 18, 2015
74
Central NJ
Hi Folks - Stepping up to a Sharkline Matrix 24' round x 54'' high from an Intex 18 x 52" round. Thanks to this site and the great advice offered here, I was successful the last few summers keeping the pool crystal clean with good ol' bleach and my test kit. The matrix pool will be delivered in a few days and I would greatly appreciate it if I could get some feedback on my planned equipment purchases and plumbing/electrical plan to make sure I'm doing this correctly THE FIRST TIME.

Pool - 24' round Sharkline Matrix w 54" depth = approx 15,000 gallons
Filter - Hayward Sand Filter - 300 pound - 24" Model S244T (picked up used on Craigslist). This is probably overkill as far as size goes, but folks on here seem to recommend getting Big sand filters.
Pump - Hayward PowerFlo Matrix 2 ---- 1 Horse Power 2 speed - model SP15922S

Here are some questions:
1) is the above pump/filter combination suitable for this size pool? I plan on running the pump on low for daily filtration and on high for cleaning.
2) I plan on placing the pump/filter beneath an existing, elevated deck. The pool skimmer/return jet panel will be approximately 10 feet away from the pump/filter. Should I use 1.5" or 2" pvc for the supply and return lines? How deep do these lines need to be buried? if I want to upgrade in the future to a salt generating system, does this influence the PVC pipe size.
3) I know I need a GFCI protected outlet at the pool/pump pad that will require a dedicated line, 12 gauge wire, from a 20 amp breaker. I would like to install a timer to run the pump on low for approx 6-10 hours a day.

Can anyone recommend a timer suitable for this use?
Does the utilization of a timer necessitate the use of 12/2 vs. 12/3 wire?
Again, if i wanted to upgrade to a salt system next year does this factor into the wire decision. i'm thinking 12/2 will be fine, but I am not familiar with timer wire requirements.

4) Should I install shut off valves both poolside and at pump/filter pad?
Where would it be best to install any unions? I assume I need those at the pump/filter pad so I can remove pump/filter from piping during winter.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Greg
 
Exciting times ahead!

1) is the above pump/filter combination suitable for this size pool? I plan on running the pump on low for daily filtration and on high for cleaning.
Yes, that 300lb filter and 1hp pump should work great.

2) I plan on placing the pump/filter beneath an existing, elevated deck. The pool skimmer/return jet panel will be approximately 10 feet away from the pump/filter. Should I use 1.5" or 2" pvc for the supply and return lines? How deep do these lines need to be buried? if I want to upgrade in the future to a salt generating system, does this influence the PVC pipe size.
I would think twice about putting equipment under a deck. How "elevated" is it? Can you comfortably stand up fully under the deck? Remember that all maintenance you do to the filter will need to be done with you under that deck and possibly with additional lighting if needed.
Use 1.5" pvc for the plumbing. Using 2" will just cost you more for no perceptible difference in performance.
The piping can rest on the ground if you want it to. You can really go any depth you want. In an AGP, you will blow out the lines to winterize, so no need to get below frost. If not under the deck, then I'd go at least 12" to get below any potential surface disturbances while working around the pool.
The SWG won't matter when it comes to pvc pipe diameter. If you are considering a SWG, then you should make sure you allow for space for it in the pipe routing. Leave a 36" straight pipe after all other equipment to give room to add the SWG. Remember you will need to get to the SWG to see any lights on it (unless you have an automation panel).



3) I know I need a GFCI protected outlet at the pool/pump pad that will require a dedicated line, 12 gauge wire, from a 20 amp breaker. I would like to install a timer to run the pump on low for approx 6-10 hours a day.
The pump will need its own dedicated GFCI outlet. You also need another GFCI protected convenience outlet. If you are thinking of adding a SWG, then provide an outlet for this as well. Easier done on the initial install. Wire guage is typically 12 AWG for 20 amps, but distance from panel may require some wire size adjustment.

Can anyone recommend a timer suitable for this use?
Many use an Intermatic timers. There are the old faithful mechanical timers and there are digital timers. All are good quality to last years. Model numbers will depend on Voltage and features.

Does the utilization of a timer necessitate the use of 12/2 vs. 12/3 wire?
No, The timer shouldn't change the wire sizing requirements.

Again, if i wanted to upgrade to a salt system next year does this factor into the wire decision. i'm thinking 12/2 will be fine, but I am not familiar with timer wire requirements.
The SWG should have it's own dedicated GFCI outlet.

4) Should I install shut off valves both poolside and at pump/filter pad?
Where would it be best to install any unions? I assume I need those at the pump/filter pad so I can remove pump/filter from piping during winter.

Valves and unions are not just for once a year. At some point you will need to open the pump basket. The valves will stop the flow while you perform maintenance. Same with the filter MPV. You will eventually need to pull it off the filter body. Use quality ball valves on the exit of the skimmer, next to the return eye, inlet to the pump and pool size of the filter. You should have unions at both sides of the pump and all 3 lines of the multi-port valve on the filter. If the drain of the MPV isn't hard piped anywhere, then you can leave that one off.
Don't use the red or black handled ball valves from the big box stores. They fail within a year or less. Use Jandy if you can afford them. I used the all white valve/union combo valves from Hayward on my install it they held up good.
 
Exciting times ahead!

1) is the above pump/filter combination suitable for this size pool? I plan on running the pump on low for daily filtration and on high for cleaning.
Yes, that 300lb filter and 1hp pump should work great.

2) I plan on placing the pump/filter beneath an existing, elevated deck. The pool skimmer/return jet panel will be approximately 10 feet away from the pump/filter. Should I use 1.5" or 2" pvc for the supply and return lines? How deep do these lines need to be buried? if I want to upgrade in the future to a salt generating system, does this influence the PVC pipe size.
I would think twice about putting equipment under a deck. How "elevated" is it? Can you comfortably stand up fully under the deck? Remember that all maintenance you do to the filter will need to be done with you under that deck and possibly with additional lighting if needed.
Use 1.5" pvc for the plumbing. Using 2" will just cost you more for no perceptible difference in performance.
The piping can rest on the ground if you want it to. You can really go any depth you want. In an AGP, you will blow out the lines to winterize, so no need to get below frost. If not under the deck, then I'd go at least 12" to get below any potential surface disturbances while working around the pool.
The SWG won't matter when it comes to pvc pipe diameter. If you are considering a SWG, then you should make sure you allow for space for it in the pipe routing. Leave a 36" straight pipe after all other equipment to give room to add the SWG. Remember you will need to get to the SWG to see any lights on it (unless you have an automation panel).



3) I know I need a GFCI protected outlet at the pool/pump pad that will require a dedicated line, 12 gauge wire, from a 20 amp breaker. I would like to install a timer to run the pump on low for approx 6-10 hours a day.
The pump will need its own dedicated GFCI outlet. You also need another GFCI protected convenience outlet. If you are thinking of adding a SWG, then provide an outlet for this as well. Easier done on the initial install. Wire guage is typically 12 AWG for 20 amps, but distance from panel may require some wire size adjustment.

Can anyone recommend a timer suitable for this use?
Many use an Intermatic timers. There are the old faithful mechanical timers and there are digital timers. All are good quality to last years. Model numbers will depend on Voltage and features.

Does the utilization of a timer necessitate the use of 12/2 vs. 12/3 wire?
No, The timer shouldn't change the wire sizing requirements.

Again, if i wanted to upgrade to a salt system next year does this factor into the wire decision. i'm thinking 12/2 will be fine, but I am not familiar with timer wire requirements.
The SWG should have it's own dedicated GFCI outlet.

4) Should I install shut off valves both poolside and at pump/filter pad?
Where would it be best to install any unions? I assume I need those at the pump/filter pad so I can remove pump/filter from piping during winter.

Valves and unions are not just for once a year. At some point you will need to open the pump basket. The valves will stop the flow while you perform maintenance. Same with the filter MPV. You will eventually need to pull it off the filter body. Use quality ball valves on the exit of the skimmer, next to the return eye, inlet to the pump and pool size of the filter. You should have unions at both sides of the pump and all 3 lines of the multi-port valve on the filter. If the drain of the MPV isn't hard piped anywhere, then you can leave that one off.
Don't use the red or black handled ball valves from the big box stores. They fail within a year or less. Use Jandy if you can afford them. I used the all white valve/union combo valves from Hayward on my install it they held up good.
12-2 or 12-3 isn’t a wire size that’s the quantity of conductors in a multi conductor cable. 12 is the gauge or wire size.

To answer the question no you don’t need a 12-3 unless you are going to run a 220v motor. That’s how I run mine and it runs at 7 amps instead of 14 at full speed for cleaning.

I’m a licensed electrician if you need any other electrical help.
 
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12-2 or 12-3 isn’t a wire size that’s the quantity of conductors in a multi conductor cable. 12 is the gauge or wire size.

To answer the question no you don’t need a 12-3 unless you are going to run a 220v motor. That’s how I run mine and it runs at 7 amps instead of 14 at full speed for cleaning.

I’m a licensed electrician if you need any other electrical help.
Coveys - thanks for clarifying, very much appreciated. I was aware that typically a 20 amp breaker needs 12 gauge wire. I just wasn't sure if a timer capable of running a 2 speed pump required 12/2 or 12/3.

I am going to planning my electrical requirements and working on my permit over the next few days. I'm grateful for your offer of some assistance in that regard.

Thanks,
Greg
 
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I used these. I just set it up this year so I can't speak to their longevity but they seem very nice.

I'm not affiliated with that supplier but I did buy all of my fittings there.
Orbitup - thanks for the tip. I think I purchased some fittings from them years ago when hard piping my previous intex. It nice ordering from a place like that where they usually have everything in stock. It seems when ever I got to the big box stores, they are out of 1 or 2 essential items on my list.
 
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