Plumbing Pool and Spillway mode Q’s HELP

[Riddler0520]

Need help - new pool
@Jimrahbe @mknauss

attaching our current plumbing pad layout

trying to creat a Pool only mode, Spa only mode and Spillover Mode

Right now I have only 2 modes —-> Spa only (which works fine) and my other option (which is what I run for my 12 hr cycle) is Pool/Spa and Booster returns ON and Suction from Pool (skimmers and main) ON - creating a spillover for full run cycle

3 Jandy actuators installed
The left one is where the Spa and Pool returns are at

the middle actuater is for the suction - so skimmers and main drains OR Spa

Then the right actuator is for the Booster water feature pump that turns On/Off the Spa booster but leaves the sheer decent and bubblers alone.

NOTE: to get the right spa sheer over effect BOTH the normal spa returns AND booster return have to be on and then I dial down VS main pumps RPM a bit to desired sheer over (4ft wide and 4ft drop spillover)

THE PROBLEM
The far left actuator can only go in one or the other position so right now in the main mode it is in the middle to feed water to both the pool and spa returns while the Booster spa return is ON to get the desired effect

I want to be able to in a Pool mode turn of both Spa returns but the PB service tech MGR said it isn’t possible in this setup.

only solution is to increase the water feature pump HP so in spill over mode I can turn OFF the main spa return and just have the water feature spa return push enough volume over.

are there not any other solutions as I just want the reverse effect of when it goes into Spa mode - it in essence shuts off the pool so why can this set up just reverse and just turn OFf the spa and just circulate the Pool

is what I’m describing make sense ???

my only mode I use today is how it looks like in attached images:
spa suction is OFF
spa/pool returns are both ON (sitting in middle)
spa booster is ON as well as features

I think the issue is that we can achieve Pool mode but then don’t have spillway mode as it either turns On/Off either the Spa or Pool return but in spillway currently we need it sitting in the middle because the Feature pump alone needs help from the main pump spa return

 

[Riddler0520]

Need help - new pool
@Jimrahbe @mknauss

attaching our current plumbing pad layout

trying to creat a Pool only mode, Spa only mode and Spillover Mode

Right now I have only 2 modes —-> Spa only (which works fine) and my other option (which is what I run for my 12 hr cycle) is Pool/Spa and Booster returns ON and Suction from Pool (skimmers and main) ON - creating a spillover for full run cycle

3 Jandy actuators installed
The left one is where the Spa and Pool returns are at

the middle actuater is for the suction - so skimmers and main drains OR Spa

Then the right actuator is for the Booster water feature pump that turns On/Off the Spa booster but leaves the sheer decent and bubblers alone.

NOTE: to get the right spa sheer over effect BOTH the normal spa returns AND booster return have to be on and then I dial down VS main pumps RPM a bit to desired sheer over (4ft wide and 4ft drop spillover)

THE PROBLEM
The far left actuator can only go in one or the other position so right now in the main mode it is in the middle to feed water to both the pool and spa returns while the Booster spa return is ON to get the desired effect

I want to be able to in a Pool mode turn of both Spa returns but the PB service tech MGR said it isn’t possible in this setup.

only solution is to increase the water feature pump HP so in spill over mode I can turn OFF the main spa return and just have the water feature spa return push enough volume over.

are there not any other solutions as I just want the reverse effect of when it goes into Spa mode - it in essence shuts off the pool so why can this set up just reverse and just turn OFf the spa and just circulate the Pool

is what I’m describing make sense ???

my only mode I use today is how it looks like in attached images:
spa suction is OFF
spa/pool returns are both ON (sitting in middle)
spa booster is ON as well as features

I think the issue is that we can achieve Pool mode but then don’t have spillway mode as it either turns On/Off either the Spa or Pool return but in spillway currently we need it sitting in the middle because the Feature pump alone needs help from the main pump spa returnView attachment 329947View attachment 329948

UPDATE:
From pool service MGR - does this make sense ?


On May 6, 2021, at 2:58 PM, Daniel Jones <

Spillway mode is designed for one pump I spoke with Jandy today explained I had second pump and they said spillway mode is not designed for 2 actuator to turn cause of spa mode

Daniel Jones
Service Manager

 

[mknauss]

So, for regular, daily chlorination of the spa, can you just use the main pump, full spa returns, at an elevated RPM, to achieve that? Then have the booster only programmed to run when you want to use the spa?

The return actuator from the main pump would have to modified so it is full on spa or pump, not in between.

 

[Riddler0520]

So, for regular, daily chlorination of the spa, can you just use the main pump, full spa returns, at an elevated RPM, to achieve that? Then have the booster only programmed to run when you want to use the spa?

So, for regular, daily chlorination of the spa, can you just use the main pump, full spa returns, at an elevated RPM, to achieve that? Then have the booster only programmed to run when you want to use the spa?

The return actuator from the main pump would have to modified so it is full on spa or pump, not in between.

The challenge is the regular pump spa return doesn’t send enough volume over the spa even at 3400 rpm and it is a hard trickle that hits the stone wall surface....for the sheer to look good, both the spa and booster spa returns need to be pushing...... does that Impact your recommendation above ? He did modify that main return actuator to either be spa/pool on/off but that didn’t seem to work and communicate right with the second booster pump spa return actuator so he moved it back to the middle position ?

 

[Riddler0520]

So, for regular, daily chlorination of the spa, can you just use the main pump, full spa returns, at an elevated RPM, to achieve that? Then have the booster only programmed to run when you want to use the spa?

The return actuator from the main pump would have to modified so it is full on spa or pump, not in between.

PB Finally got both pumps and multiple actuators set up where I can have Pool, Spillover and Spa Modes

question: what is a good schedule to have spillway on so I can chlorinate and turn over spa water ?

was going to set Spillway from 9-11a and then again from 6-8:30p, the remainder of the day would be water features On (sheer decent and two bubblers) and Pool mode (suction/returns) ??

Thank you

 

[mknauss]

To reduce pH rise, you should try running the spillover for 30 minutes, twice a day. Test FC of the spa water in the morning to be sure it is getting enough FC.

I would not run the other water features at all unless you are out there to enjoy them.

 

[Riddler0520]

To reduce pH rise, you should try running the spillover for 30 minutes, twice a day. Test FC of the spa water in the morning to be sure it is getting enough FC.

I would not run the other water features at all unless you are out there to enjoy them.

Ok
I’ll try some tests and take FC level of spa water and assume if spa water FC is lower than desired, just increase the time right ?

I will start with 30 min 2x/day and adjust

separate Q: we didn’t install an automatic pool water drain. They did clamp a blue hose on the cartridge filter (maybe Will have them run pvc to adjacent creek instead),

but was thinking the easier method might just be to drop a submersible small pump and drain to same creek adjacent. Save me from having to mess with the filter

any thoughts on best approach - we are expecting a lot of rain this next week and want to be prepared if water levels get near the coping edge

 

[mknauss]

I’ll try some tests and take FC level of spa water and assume if spa water FC is lower than desired, just increase the time right ?

Correct.

but was thinking the easier method might just be to drop a submersible small pump and drain to same creek adjacent. Save me from having to mess with the filter

That would be best.

 

[ajw22]

question: what is a good schedule to have spillway on so I can chlorinate and turn over spa water ?

was going to set Spillway from 9-11a and then again from 6-8:30p, the remainder of the day would be water features On (sheer decent and two bubblers) and Pool mode (suction/returns) ??

I run my spillover for 30 minutes at 9AM and 2PM. You lose FC during sunlight hours. No reason to run your spillover at dusk.

Running at 9AM gets water at the FC level of my pool into the spa and ready for the days son.

Running at 2PM replaces the spa water for any FC lost during the 5 hours and will carry the spa through sunset.

I run my pump and SWG 24/7 so by sun up I have a good reserve of FC built up overnight in the pool and spa for the sun.

If you have a good FC level in your pool then running the spillover will maintain the FC level in your spa.

 

[Riddler0520]

I run my spillover for 30 minutes at 9AM and 2PM. You lose FC during sunlight hours. No reason to run your spillover at dusk.

Running at 9AM gets water at the FC level of my pool into the spa and ready for the days son.

Running at 2PM replaces the spa water for any FC lost during the 5 hours and will carry the spa through sunset.

I run my pump and SWG 24/7 so by sun up I have a good reserve of FC built up overnight in the pool and spa for the sun.

If you have a good FC level in your pool then running teh spillover will maintain the FC level in your spa.

Makes complete sense

I am setting the schedules now in the app - I’ll follow back up with any questions

thank you

 

[Riddler0520]

Correct.

That would be best.

If I have to pump/drain some water due to rain and high water level few Qs

if water level is already high, assume it is prudent to drain a few inches of rain is forecasted throughout the night ?

what should I be on the lookout for regarding water chemistry with heavy rain and pumping ? I’ve got my FC level maintaining around 8

thank you

 

[ajw22]

what should I be on the lookout for regarding water chemistry with heavy rain and pumping ? I’ve got my FC level maintaining around 8

You lose CYA and salt when you drain water. Check those levels after any heavy rain and draining.

Otherwise do you normal chemistry checks and adjust your levels as needed.

 

[mknauss]

If I have to pump/drain some water due to rain and high water level few Qs

I am surprised in your area that you do not have an overflow.

 

[Riddler0520]

You lose CYA and salt when you drain water. Check those levels after any heavy rain and draining.

Otherwise do you normal chemistry checks and adjust your levels as needed.

Super, thank you
I’ll be sure to check both those levels

 

[Riddler0520]

I am surprised in your area that you do not have an overflow.

I am as well, I didn’t really know to ask for it at time of build as I learned everything from this site once we were well on our way.

I at least will be asking them to install the hard line pvc from filter into creek so I don’t have to bother unraveling the blue hose

 

[Riddler0520]

You lose CYA and salt when you drain water. Check those levels after any heavy rain and draining.

Otherwise do you normal chemistry checks and adjust your levels as needed.

I’ve started to drain via filter/blue hose

question - I’m going to take the water level down about 3” to get me through the night

with all of this rain is it best to leave pump/filter on 24x7 to allow it to chlorinate all of this fresh water coming in ??

how much is the guess I will lose in salt/CYA - I am going to check when this passes in a few days but just curious in terms of the large swing of levels and what to expect

 

[ajw22]

If your average pool depth is 4’-5’ then draining 3 inches will lower CYA and salt by 5% to 6%.

 

[Riddler0520]

If your average pool depth is 4’-5’ then draining 3 inches will lower CYA and salt by 5% to 6%.

Super, that’s good to know to keep as reference when I start testing after these storms

obviously no point to add anything during a weeks worth of rain as you don’t know the frequency of draining and just address after system passes I presume

assume the main goal is to keep FC level high and PH balanced through the system

 

[Riddler0520]

Correct.

That would be best.

Unrelated question I’ve been trying to figure out.
Recently, the stone work on the exterior of the Spa spillway stays a “wet look” even when the spillway is off for about 15hr. I thought this was odd because before (temps were diff of course), the stone work would dry out completely like the rest of the wall.

Now ….. we were in the Spa last night (102’) and low and behold this morning when I walked out the stone work was completely dry.

Is this something to do with the ambient air temp compared the water temp. My only hypothesis for this morning was that the sitting water was in the mid 90’s

thoughts ?

first image is what it has been looking like in the morning for the past month or so as air temps have risen

second image is this morning after we used the Spa and mid 90’s water remained in

 

[mknauss]

thoughts ?

That is odd. Warm enough to evaporate the condensation? Cooler temperature with high humidity air will cause condensation. Raise the temperature and the condensation will go away.