Plumbing routing question…

[AmstaffNole]

So I’m relatively new to pools as I bought my house that already had a pool a year ago. Today I had a leak detection done and they found a leak but they also told me one of my check valves needed to be replaced. Said it was just something they noticed and wasn’t a cause for the leak. Nevertheless I’ve been racking my brain about why my pool equipment is laid out the way it is. The check valve that needs to be replaced is the one next to the filter.

The part I don’t get is why is there a diverter valve and check valve that connects to the suction side before it gets to the filter and then connects on the other side to the return line. In most other pool setups I’ve seen there is no such connection. Why wouldn’t the pump just connect to the filter without this pipe, diverter, and check valve. Also what is the diverter even diverting here? I’m just confused and any insight would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Jimrahbe]

A,

Odd indeed.

Show us a couple more pics from other angles, and the back, so we can see how everything ties together.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[AmstaffNole]

These are the only other pics I have at the moment. This top view shows it the best though. The only hard part to see is the filter outlet pipe directly under the inlet pipe but you can see where that outlet pipe goes behind the pump and into the heater.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

You have a poorly implemented filter bypass.

It all starts that you have a cartridge filter. DE filter and sand filters use an MPV Valve that has various settings including a setting that bypasses the filter. A cartridge filter does not use an MPV valve. But there are times when your filter may clog with algae or chemicals like floc may be used that can damage the filter so you want to bypass it. Now with TFP methods we help you never get into those situations and need to that. But the prior owner appears to have neeed to bypass the filter.

The diverter valve and CV are on the pressure side of the pump. Both CVs are needed to prevent back flows.

Now that bypass is poorly implemented because when the diverter is opened to bypass the filter there is nothing preventing water also flowing into the filter.

You can remove the bypass line with the diverter and CV and also the CV after the SWG. You don’t need them and they were poorly thought out.

 

[AmstaffNole]

my yard does slope down significantly and the pool equipment sits at the lowest point of the yard probably 5-6 ft below pool level. Not sure if that has anything to do with it or not.

 

[ajw22]

my yard does slope down significantly and the pool equipment sits at the lowest point of the yard probably 5-6 ft below pool level. Not sure if that has anything to do with it or not.

It does not.

 

[AmstaffNole]

It does not.

Ok thanks for the insight! Glad to know I was on the right track then lol. Now as far as that check valve being replaced do I just turn the pump off and replace it? Since the equipment sits well below the pool wouldn’t the pool start draining via gravity? Do I just work quickly? Does that check valve even really serve a purpose then?

 

[ajw22]

As long as the CVs do not interfere with the normal flow you don’t have to fix anything. Leave that bypass diverter closed and the CVs never come into play. Someday if you replumb things for other reasons you can remove stuff.

BTW, your Hayward SWG cell may work a bit better with the hump down.

 

[wireform]

To work on your system as it sits below pool level you'd close the valve right before the suction side of the pump and the unscrew the eye balls from the return lines and plug it the winter expandable plugs to keep the pool from draining. Then you could do whatever you want.

 

[ajw22]

To work on your system as it sits below pool level you'd close the valve right before the suction side of the pump and the unscrew the eye balls from the return lines and plug it the winter expandable plugs to keep the pool from draining. Then you could do whatever you want.

I was just writing about closing the suction diverter.

The CV after the SWG will keep the returns from draining into the rest of the system.

The only time the returns need to be plugged is when the CV after the SWG needs repair. So that CV is necessary for that reason.

 

[AmstaffNole]

As long as the CVs do not interfere with the normal flow you don’t have to fix anything. Leave that bypass diverter closed and the CVs never come into play. Someday if you replumb things for other reasons you can remove stuff.

BTW, your Hayward SWG cell may work a bit better with the hump down.

Ok great! I’ll just leave it alone as it seems to be working fine as is. This pic is actually from last year and the SWG cell had to be replaced and now I have an inline chlorinator instead . I really appreciate the help though! Really glad I found this place so I can dive into all things pools!

 

[ajw22]

In-line chlorinator - watch your CYA level. Over 70 will start causing you problems.

 

[wireform]

I was just writing about closing the suction diverter.

The CV after the SWG will keep the returns from draining into the rest of the system.

The only time the returns need to be plugged is when the CV after the SWG needs repair. So that CV is necessary for that reason.

I thought about that but I don't trust that cv with all the pressure coming towards it otherwise you stand correct.

 

[ajw22]

Where are you located? seminoles2022???

 

[ajw22]

I thought about that but I don't trust that cv with all the pressure coming towards it otherwise you stand correct.

He can replace the CV guys with a 2 way diverter that will screw right into the housing. Then he can have a more secure shutoff. He just needs to be careful to always open it before turning on the pump.

 

[AmstaffNole]

Where are you located? seminoles2022???

Lol I’m in Melissa, TX. Suburb of the suburbs of north Dallas.

 

[ajw22]

You may find some of these links interesting….

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[vtpools]

No idea about the one next to the filter, but I agree with @ajw22 that it's just a weird bypass. The other check valve is on the wrong side of the SCG, and if they just put a chlorinator in the same spot it still needs to be moved. There needs to be a check valve in between the heater and the chlorinator or salt cell.

 

[ajw22]

There needs to be a check valve in between the heater and the chlorinator or salt cell.

There is no protection requirement for a CV to be between a SWG and a heater. There is no acidic water when the pump is off with a SWG.

 

[vtpools]

Depends on the manufacturer, but I'd still say it's worth it on the off chance that there's an issue with the cell. A check valve is cheap insurance for a big investment on a heater.