Glacier Cooler Install Plumbing Question

[jwelvaert]

I recently bought one of these and will be installing after it arrives in a couple weeks. I've looked over the installation instructions and had a question regarding the automated versus non-automated installation. Can I plumb this per the automated install (3-way diverter valves, no check valves) but have these diverters manual instead of motorized? I asked Glacier and they pretty much said just follow the instructions because we told you so.
My thinking is if installed it this way I can automate them in the future if needed. My plan is to turn the chiller on in June and turn it off in September and automate (through Home Assistant) the fan (wired separately from the sump pump) if the water temp gets too low. If I'm missing something here I'd love to know before the install.

 

[ajw22]

The manual plumbing uses check valves to prevent water from backflowing through the cooler when it is off.

The automated method used actuators to prevent water from backflowing through the cooler when it is off.

If you do not have automation now I would follow the manual plumbing. You can use 3 way diverters for the T's and leave then open and then you are set for automation when you install it. The check valves would then become redundant.

 

[1poolman1]

I recently bought one of these and will be installing after it arrives in a couple weeks. I've looked over the installation instructions and had a question regarding the automated versus non-automated installation. Can I plumb this per the automated install (3-way diverter valves, no check valves) but have these diverters manual instead of motorized? I asked Glacier and they pretty much said just follow the instructions because we told you so.
My thinking is if installed it this way I can automate them in the future if needed. My plan is to turn the chiller on in June and turn it off in September and automate (through Home Assistant) the fan (wired separately from the sump pump) if the water temp gets too low. If I'm missing something here I'd love to know before the install.

Yes, you can install a 3-way valve and use it manually by just leaving it open to both lines, like a T would be. You definitely need the Jandy-type check valves

 

[jwelvaert]

Yes, you can install a 3-way valve and use it manually by just leaving it open to both lines, like a T would be. You definitely need the Jandy-type check valves

If I use 3 way valves (as illustrated in the automated install) do I still need check valves?

 

[jwelvaert]

The manual plumbing uses check valves to prevent water from backflowing through the cooler when it is off.

The automated method used actuators to prevent water from backflowing through the cooler when it is off.

If you do not have automation now I would follow the manual plumbing. You can use 3 way diverters for the T's and leave then open and then you are set for automation when you install it. The check valves would then become redundant.

But why not just start with the 3-way diverter to begin with? Am I incorrect in thinking the diverters are the same? If you want to automate it just remove the handle and install an actuator?

 

[ajw22]

But why not just start with the 3-way diverter to begin with?

You need the check valves so you are not turning valves everytime the cooler is turned on and off.

Sooner or later a valve will not get turned at the right time.

Am I incorrect in thinking the diverters are the same?

The same as what?

If you want to automate it just remove the handle and install an actuator?

Yup.

 

[jwelvaert]

You need the check valves so you are not turning valves everytime the cooler is turned on and off.

Sooner or later a valve will not get turned at the right time.



The same as what?


Yup.

The valves will only be turned on in June and off in Sept manually by only me so I don't anticipate things going sideways.

 

[ajw22]

The valves will only be turned on in June and off in Sept manually by only me so I don't anticipate things going sideways.

Well you have the manufacturers advice and our advice.

If you choose to do it differently let us know how it works out.

 

[jwelvaert]

Well you have the manufacturers advice and our advice.

If you choose to do it differently let us know how it works out.

I'm grateful for the advice. I still don't understand the reasoning for the check valves though. If they are for safety/user error reasons why doesn't the automated system have them? Saying "You need the check valves so you are not turning valves every time the cooler is turned on and off." doesn't make sense to me. It depends how the chiller is wired but if I understand it correctly if you turn it off without turning the valves off you'll have an overflow. I suppose the check valve by valve #4 would stop water from flowing towards the chiller but the check valve by valve #3 would not and that is where your source is.

 

[jwelvaert]

My chiller finally showed up and got it installed. A bit of a hybrid install but it seems to work just fine. The sump pump doesn't appear to even need to come on.

 

[jwelvaert]

That was certainly one of my considerations and the reason I was questioning the need for check valves. I even consulted with Glacier and they basically said "shut up and follow the instructions"