Optimal water features plumbing for IntelliCenter Control

TonyR68 · Aug 15, 2021

Hi,

We are about to install 4 MagicStream Laminars and 2 ColorVision Bubblers. They will operate off their own pump, cartridge filter and pool intake/return. The laminar deck jets will have their own plumbing runs (1-1/2") from the equipment pad and the 2 bubblers will share a single 2" pipe, splitting to 1-1/2" closer to the bubblers. For lighting, the laminars are connected to a single transformer and the bubblers will share their own transformer. Question: What is the best plumbing setup of valves (2-way, 3-way, check) and actuators/IntelliValves so that through the Intellicenter we could either run the laminar deck jets or the bubblers or both? Any excess should flow back to the pool. Possibly even select different heights for the bubblers (might be too much to ask

). The pump is an IntelliFlo VSF (probably overkill for just these features, but we were able to get it for a very good price). I know that for each deck jet we would need a dedicated 2-way ball valve to align the jet stream, but how best to design the plumbing so that the different options can be then configured correctly with the IntelliCenter.

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Jimrahbe · Aug 15, 2021

Tony,

I'd use two 2-way automated valves.. One for the deck jets and one for the bubblers.. This would allow you to turn either one on, or turn them both of them on at the same time.

I'd use the different pump speeds to select different heights of the water flow...

If you try to use an automated 3-way valve, you will be able to have deck jets, or bubblers, but not both at the same time.

Thanks,

Jim R.

TonyR68 · Aug 15, 2021

Hi @Jimrahbe ,

Thank you for the feedback. I've tried to diagram it out based on your feedback. Did I get it right? Any adjustments?

Jimrahbe · Aug 16, 2021

Tony,

That is what I would do.. except.... Having the path back to the pool is both a bad idea and won't work well.. Water will always take the easy way first so most of the water will take the path back to the pool.. Plus it just is not needed... There will not be any "extra" water.

There is also no reason to have a check valve in front of the pump.. People do that when they have a plumbing issue and can't keep their pump primed. In a well operating system, there is just no need for a check valve there.

In your diagram you say your filter is a CCP-320, but your signature says 520.. I'd go with 520 as the larger the filter the easier it is to push water through it.

No big deal, but since you have an IntelliCenter, why would you not use an IntelliChlor SWCG? You can adjust the % of output and see the salt level.. Something you can't do with the SGS..

This is an EasyTouch / ScreenLogic pic, but you get a similar display on the IntelliCenter..
View media item 1963

Thanks,

Jim R.

HermanTX · Aug 16, 2021

+1 with @Jimrahbe on the flow. No need to have that flow back to the pool returns. You have 2 methods to control the output of the flow to any or all the water features. One is the VS pump and the second is the adjustment of the 2 way valve. You should have sufficient control via those 2 methods to adjust height of each.
You can take those 2 2-way valves you have on the pool return and put them on each bubbler therefore you can have individual control of each if you wish. Probably not needed assuming they are next to one another but if they are separated by any significant pipe length, it could be beneficial to have the 2-way valve control on each.

Jimrahbe · Aug 16, 2021

Herman,

The two 2-way valves are automated and would allow the OP to control the water features with his IntelliCenter.. Having just the two valves would allow him to have one or the other on, or both on at the same time.. The manual ball valves would be used to even out any pressure differences due to pipe length.

Thanks,

Jim R.

TonyR68 · Aug 16, 2021

Hi Jim and Herman,

Great insight and much appreciated. Here is the updated diagram with your feedback incorporated.

To answer your questions

Jimrahbe said:
In your diagram you say your filter is a CCP-320, but your signature says 520.. I'd go with 520 as the larger the filter the easier it is to push water through it.

I do have the 520 as the main pool/spa filter on a sperate pump. The spa build is underway. for the bubblers and deck jets, they will have their own pump, so I will use an older 320 for that. they won't be used as often, so cleaning should not be an issue.

Jimrahbe said:
No big deal, but since you have an IntelliCenter, why would you not use an IntelliChlor SWCG? You can adjust the % of output and see the salt level.. Something you can't do with the SGS..

I've a IC40 on order (for a while) and once I get it I will replace the SGS with the IntelliChor SWCG.

Thank you again,

Best regards

Tony

HermanTX · Aug 16, 2021

Jimrahbe said:
Herman,

The two 2-way valves are automated and would allow the OP to control the water features with his IntelliCenter.. Having just the two valves would allow him to have one or the other on, or both on at the same time.. The manual ball valves would be used to even out any pressure differences due to pipe length.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks. That is what I understand as well. Maybe I didn't state that properly but thanks for clarifying it. I agree with your statement on how it should be controlled.

Also the OP has 2 filters (I think) - one on the main circulation pump and the small filter on the water feature pump. I think the bigger one is for the main circulation system.