Pool piping explained

Zerackam · Jun 1, 2019

Hi I’m trying to update my pool equipment but I’m having some trouble figuring out what these two valves and three pipes leading into these two valves are doing. Are the pipes leading into the two valves just returns from different parts of the pool that then go into the pump? If so how would I figure out which one is draining which part of the pool. I’ve tried turning them on and off but Since i believe the returns are actually the slimmer and one at the bottom of the pool and another at the bottom of the spa I can’t seem to figure out which is which.

Thanks for your help

mknauss · Jun 1, 2019

Welcome to the forum!
Easiest is process of elimination. Point both valves (the OFF paddle) to close off the outer lines. That should tell you what the middle one is. Then turn the right valve so the OFF points to the left, that will tell you what the right line is, the left line is whatever is left.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.

Richard320 · Jun 1, 2019

Call the three intake pipes A B and C from left to right. Call the valves 1 and 2 from left to right. In the very first image, they are all open.

First, shut off the pump and then turn valve #2 so the handle is pointing to the right. That will have it draw water from C. A & B will be closed. Turn the pump on. Now crack a beer and watch things for a few minutes. If the spa level drops, you know C is to the spa. If the skimmer has lots of suction, C goes to the skimmer. If neither of those happens, then C goes to main drain.

Shut pump off and turn valve 2 so the handle points to the left. That closes C off completely. Now turn valve 1 so the handle points left. That closes off A. All the water is coming from B. Turn on the pump and watch again. If the spa goes down, you know B goes to the spa. By now you probably have figured out the rest of this.

Lastly shut the pump off and move valve 1 so the handle points right. Turn the pump back on and watch some more.. Whichever one you haven't identified already should start showing flow. If you can't see any flow but the pump is working and you see water going back into the pool or spa, then it's the main drain.

Jimrahbe · Jun 1, 2019

Z,

Does your pic show all of the plumbing at your equipment pad? If so, it is very odd for a pool with an integrated spa... :scratch:

Tell us more info...

How many Skimmers does your pool have?
Does your Spa also have a skimmer or not?
Based upon your plumbing I would have to assume that water is being returned to your pool and spa at the same time.. Is this correct?
It sounds like you have a Main Drain at the bottom of your Pool.. Is this true?
Is sounds like you have another drain at the bottom of your Spa.. Is this true?
Is the spa at the same level as the pool or is the spa elevated above the pool?
How is the Spa connected to the Pool? How does water flow between them?
Does the spa have some type of jets or water returns at the seating level?

Please post a few pics of your pool and spa so that we can get a better idea of what is going on..

Thanks,

Jim R.

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Pool piping explained

Zerackam

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