Polaris line as a return?

[Sidemoves]

Hey all- almost done with the project (adding SWG, new filter, new heater, remove pressure side pump, and remove in-line chlorinators). For this size pool, I’m surprised there are only two true returns in the shallow end (yellow arrows in pics), not counting the spillover from the spa. I have an option to repurpose the old Polaris line as a return in the middle of the pool (circled in red).

Wanted to get thoughts on whether I should convert it to a return or if that will interrupt the water flow intended when the pool was designed/built?

 

[ajw22]

Wanted to get thoughts on whether I should convert it to a return or if that will interrupt the water flow intended when the pool was designed/built?

You think the builder put much more thought into the pool design then was done.

Use the cleaner line as another return. Plumb it so it has equal water flow to the other returns.

 

[Sidemoves]

You think the builder put much more thought into the pool design then was done.

Use the cleaner line as another return. Plumb it so it has equal water flow to the other returns.

How do I ensure it’s equal water?

 

[ajw22]

How do I ensure it’s equal water?

Show me pics of your plumbing and where you will connect it.

 

[Sidemoves]

Here is a pic. The way it’s currently connected causes the spa to drain too much in spa mode. So was planning to connect it from/to the green points.

 

[ajw22]

With the green connection line 50% of your return flow will be through the repurposed cleaner line and 25% through each of your existing returns.

That is the same as the way it is now.

 

[Sidemoves]

Ok I will follow the same approach then. Only difference is when I put it in spa mode, the spa will not drain bc the water is getting routed to the repurposed return now. Thanks for the help!

 

[jamesey]

I just did this! I have a similar setup as you. 2 original return and 1 that was dedicated to an old Polaris pressure cleaner w/ a booster pump. Ended up upgrading to a robot, so repurposed the 3rd line for more circulation. In my case, the Polaris return was 1.5 inches and the rest of my plumbing 2 inches, so a 3 way Jandy valve did the trick. Set it so water flows equally through everything

 

[Sidemoves]

@ajw22 what kind of primer/cleaner and glue should I use? Can I get it from Home Depot?

 

[ajw22]

PVC Repair - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

You can get it at HD.

 

[Sidemoves]

Unfortunately they don’t have that one at my Home Depot. Will this one in the pic work?

 

[ajw22]

Unfortunately they don’t have that one at my Home Depot. Will this one in the pic work?

Yes.

 

[Woody007]

I don't know if this is helpful or not but there are restrictors that fit in the booster return line to the pool. It might help even out the additional flow.

 

[Sidemoves]

I don't know if this is helpful or not but there are restrictors that fit in the booster return line to the pool. It might help even out the additional flow.

Have an example?

 

[Woody007]

Have an example?

These disk that go behind the screw in adapter. You might already have one in the booster fitting on the pool wall.
Zodiac UWF Restrictor Kit, White - 10-108-00 - INYOPools.com

 

[ajw22]

These disk that go behind the screw in adapter. You might already have one in the booster fitting on the pool wall.
Zodiac UWF Restrictor Kit, White - 10-108-00 - INYOPools.com

I would not put one of them in a return line.

Bernoullis Law says you will get the same flow at a higher pressure.

 

[Woody007]

I would not put one of them in a return line.

Bernoullis Law says you will get the same flow at a higher pressure.

I'm not familiar with Bernoullis Law, but I do know that in practical application the disc in the booster line is used to adjust the rate at which the wheels turn on the Polaris.
Disc in, flow rate decreases. Disc out, flow rate increases. Seems like a good way to adjust the use of the booster line if the flow needs to be decreased.