Need some advice...

[Unclebeffy727]

I recently assembled an Intex XTR Ultra 9’x18’x52” pool in my yard, well actually below. I put the pool 90% in the ground inside a retaining wall I built so it was more like a regular pool. It is an ongoing project and this is just one step closer to the end of the backyard project

I have also installed 4 4x12 solar panels on the roof near by for heating of the pool during various times of the year to maintain specific temperatures. I have the Pentair solar automation kit to pair with it. And I’m waiting on the Pentair ic15 to become available as well and that will be added when it comes in.

The advice I am seeking is for the pump and possibly adding jets to the inside of the pool or is that even possible without having major issues with the liner? I was looking at the Pentair superflo vst pump as it was suggested to me for this setup but I want to make sure that the solar controller can talk to the pump and tell it when to ramp up rpms to be able to actually push the water up to the roof and let gravity take over after that, or will I have to manually ramp the pump up? I remember hearing something about a wire I can connect from the solar controller to the pump for some kind of communication instead of buying an entire automation setup. Maybe that was just a dream I had.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

This the solar controller you have?

SolarTouch® Solar Control System

The SolarTouch Solar Control System offers full digital control for precise, efficient swimming pool heating. The digital thermostat is set with the touch of a button and will monitor the temperature of the pool water and solar collectors. SolarTouch Control System integrates with IntelliFlo3...

www.pentair.com

If so, you want a IntelliFlo or InteliPro VS pump. See page 12 in https://www.pentair.com/content/dam...stem_Installation_and_Users_Guide_English.pdf

 

[Unclebeffy727]

That is the controller I have for the solar yes. I assume that would work without anything extra with the pump you suggested? Just a communication wire between them?

 

[ajw22]

That is the controller I have for the solar yes. I assume that would work without anything extra with the pump you suggested? Just a communication wire between them?

Yup.

 

[Unclebeffy727]

Yup.

i was looking at the Pentair 011059 model as it operates with smaller plumbing and since it’s an above ground it kinda fits my situation. Good or bad choice?

 

[ajw22]

i was looking at the Pentair 011059 model as it operates with smaller plumbing and since it’s an above ground it kinda fits my situation. Good or bad choice?

It will work but not be as energy efficient as a 011056 running at the same GPM.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Will you be filling in the space around the pool? It worries me that someone is going to fall in that trench and break an ankle or something?

Maddie <worried trauma nurse>

 

[Unclebeffy727]

Will you be filling in the space around the pool? It worries me that someone is going to fall in that trench and break an ankle or something?

Maddie <worried trauma nurse>

I will not be “filling it in”, I will be building a composite deck above and over the gap that will go around the entire pool and connect the pool area to the concrete porch under the roof.

 

[zea3]

I don't know how many returns you want to add, but it shouldn't be a problem. Have you considered adding a skimmer?

 

[Unclebeffy727]

I don't know how many returns you want to add, but it shouldn't be a problem. Have you considered adding a skimmer?

I currently have two penetrations out and one back into the pool. I bought a skimmer that you need to cut into the liner for as well as two more jets back into the pool. My concern is that it’s a soft sided pool and not a metal side and I am concerned about it ripping or tearing once the pool is filled since it’s not a reinforced penetration if I add these.

 

[mknauss]

Have a look at this thread on the skimmer.

26' Intex - Planning, Install, Upgrades, and Landscaping Thread

Great reading here! Couple of things... dye in the water in the water level makes it much easier to see. Also, confession. I have never used blocks under my pool legs. BUT, my pool is a lot smaller - only 6000 gallons.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Unclebeffy727]

So I took a look at the thread suggested above and it held a lot of great information. Now my question is this, do I only use the skimmer and an intake or do I use the skimmer and original intakes as well? If I use the skimmer as the only intake do I use the original intakes as returns? Suggestions and experience is greatly appreciated.
I was thinking about using the original intakes as returns (changing out the screened units for jets) and only the skimmer as an intake. I understand the more returns the better for the system overall. But I am concerned that the upgraded pump is going to be starving with only the skimmer feeding it. So do I use the skimmer and both intakes and add jets else where?

 

[ajw22]

But I am concerned that the upgraded pump is going to be starving with only the skimmer feeding it.

You will adjust the pump speed for a flow that your plumbing can handle. That is the good thing about a VS pump.

So do I use the skimmer and both intakes and add jets else where?

More suctions an returns are better for overall water flow. Your return capacity needs to be greater then your suction capacity.

 

[Unclebeffy727]

You will adjust the pump speed for a flow that your plumbing can handle. That is the good thing about a VS pump.

Even with adding solar panels on the roof the VS pump won't have any issues? I'm assuming that when the solar is open and going to the panels the pump will need to be at a higher rpm to compensate for the head pressure to push to the roof, but that wont increase the need for more intakes correct?

More suctions an returns are better for overall water flow. Your return capacity needs to be greater then your suction capacity.

So if I run the original intakes and the skimmer (for a total of 3 intakes) I guess I should run 4 returns or more correct?

 

[ajw22]

Even with adding solar panels on the roof the VS pump won't have any issues? I'm assuming that when the solar is open and going to the panels the pump will need to be at a higher rpm to compensate for the head pressure to push to the roof, but that wont increase the need for more intakes correct?

NO, with the higher head pressure of the solar you will need the higher rpm for the same flow rate as if you didn't have solar and could run at a lower rpm.

So if I run the original intakes and the skimmer (for a total of 3 intakes) I guess I should run 4 returns or more correct?

Yes.

 

[Unclebeffy727]

So which end should I put the skimmer? Down with the other two returns? Send the water clockwise. jets on the left side and end of the pool and returns on the right?

In the pic the two red circles to the right are intakes, the one on the left is the return or jet. where should I place the skimmer? To the right of the current intakes? And put two jets on the left end same side wall as the intakes and what about the other two? I know I need to move the water around to the skimmer but I also dont want to make it a whirlpool that pushes you around

 

[ajw22]

I would put the skimmer on one side and returns on the other side if you can.

 

[Unclebeffy727]

I'm thinking about running the skimmer line separate of the other two intakes that way I can turn the others down with a valve and draw more from the skimmer to keep the top clean and for running a vacuum, thoughts?
Also is it wise to put a check valve on each of the intake lines right before the pump?

 

[ajw22]

I'm thinking about running the skimmer line separate of the other two intakes that way I can turn the others down with a valve and draw more from the skimmer to keep the top clean and for running a vacuum, thoughts?

Separate lines and valves makes sense for suction lines.

Also is it wise to put a check valve on each of the intake lines right before the pump?

Will your pump be above or below the intakes?

What direction in the flow do you expect the check valves to close?

Why do you think you need a check valve?

 

[Unclebeffy727]

Will your pump be above or below the intakes?

pump will be above the level of the lines and pool, the pool is in the ground now.

What direction in the flow do you expect the check valves to close?

I expect the valve to prevent the water from flowing back to the pool and to keep the lines primed for the pump to pull from right away

Why do you think you need a check valve?

the pump will be above the level of the pool, not by much but it will be a long run back to the pool from the pump and I figured if I use check valves it will prevent the pump from having to create much in the way of suction to pull the water to get it going.