We installed 4 deck jets and a sheer fall water feature to a pool and we do not have enough flow and pressure to operate them all with the 1.5 hp pump. The pool contractor told us we would. I am thinking of adding another pump just for the water features. How should I plumb this?
Addding a pump for deck jets and water feature?
- Thread starter Tpipp
- Start date
- Jun 7, 2017
- 9,112
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Do you have a valve or valves after the filter? Mine is plumbed with a 3 way valve and also a ball valve on each deck jet pipe. Picture would help.
t,
Well, the problem I see is that you do not want to run your deck jets, or shears, without going through the filter.. It might make more sense to just go with a large variable speed pump, where you can adjust the speed for each operation.
One speed for just the pool, another speed for the pool and deck jet, another speed for pool and shear and yet another speed for pool, deck jets, and shear.
You won't get much energy savings when running everything, as I suspect it will take full speed to do that...
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Well, the problem I see is that you do not want to run your deck jets, or shears, without going through the filter.. It might make more sense to just go with a large variable speed pump, where you can adjust the speed for each operation.
One speed for just the pool, another speed for the pool and deck jet, another speed for pool and shear and yet another speed for pool, deck jets, and shear.
You won't get much energy savings when running everything, as I suspect it will take full speed to do that...
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Wouldn't not running through the filter depend on if there is a separate return? It's unlikely but there could be a return on the wall for the jets and sheer. If not then going with a larger Vsp would work out the best.
The two light blue ball valves turn the deck jets on and off and the other is for the sheer fall. Each deck jet has its own ball valve. The dark blue ones control the water to the returns.
Maybe go with a 2 or 3hp vsp pump and add some automation. This way you can turn the jets and sheer decent on independently and when Turned off run the vsp at a low speed to save energy.
Please add your pool type and equipment to your signature so folks can help you better.
Please add your pool type and equipment to your signature so folks can help you better.
Is there any way I can add a 1 hp pump and pull off the main drain or skimmer. This is a new pool and I know the owner will not pay to replace the existing.
Pool is a 20x40 with diving end. Liner pool with steel walls. 1 skimmer, 1 main drain, 3 returns with 1.5 hp pentair pump. Saltwater pool.
T,
You can, if you want, add a pump that gets its input from the main drain. The pump's output could then be connected to the plumbing going to your deck jets and shear..
But, as I tried to explain earlier... Shears and Deck Jets are supposed to be plumbed so that they get "clean" water from the filter. If you use water that you get from the Main Drain it will not be filtered and any debris will clog up you deck jets and shear..
From the configuration of the plumbing, my guess is that your pool builder does not build many pools...
Thanks,
Jim R.
You can, if you want, add a pump that gets its input from the main drain. The pump's output could then be connected to the plumbing going to your deck jets and shear..
But, as I tried to explain earlier... Shears and Deck Jets are supposed to be plumbed so that they get "clean" water from the filter. If you use water that you get from the Main Drain it will not be filtered and any debris will clog up you deck jets and shear..
From the configuration of the plumbing, my guess is that your pool builder does not build many pools...
Thanks,
Jim R.
So the basket in the added pump wouldn't filter the water enough or could I add a cartridge type filter after the pump. I added the ball valves. The only valves that were there were the 2 3 way valves to the Left. The builder assured me I would have enough gpm to run everything
The simplest solution is to upgrade your existing pump. The VSP recommended would be the way to go. Added benefits of lower power when running on lower speeds. Adding another pump and filter is not the best direction IMHO.
I would have to go back to the builder and call BS on his guarantee.
Good luck.
I would have to go back to the builder and call BS on his guarantee.
Good luck.
This is why I want to add pool construction to our list of services. We always have to fix something they screw up. I was just trying to get around having to replace the existing pump.
t,
The pump basket will catch some stuff, but not enough. You could add another filter, but then you would have two filters to clean and the cost would be close to a new VSP...
Thanks,
Jim R.
What happens if you close the returns so only the deck jets and the sheer are on?
What is the filter pressure?
What is the width of the sheer?
What is the filter pressure?
What is the width of the sheer?
When the returns are closed it still does not have enough pressure and gpm to run everything. The shear is 36" and the filter pressure is 20 psi