New Pool Unused Spa Return

RickAg · Jan 26, 2023

Brand new SWG that is in the final stages of completion. I've realized the returns are plumbed one side goes to the spa jets, the other side goes to pool returns and one spa makeup return.

Using the pool/spa return there is ways a spillover happening.
I'm contemplating adding a manual.valve on the dedicated spa return. I could ooenit occasionally to let the water circulate. Will water in the line cause issues with not being circulated?

HermanTX · Jan 26, 2023

Thanks for including pictures. Usually there is a valve on the spa makeup return. It is hard to see in your picture but it does look like maybe you have a check valve on that spa return line on the pool side. Yes I would put a valve on that line. You can also add a valve actuator on it to automate it if you have an automation system.

Those with the spa make up return usually opens it 2-3 times a day for 15 mins to circulate the spa and keep it fresh.
If you do it manually, try to do it at least once a day to ensure your spa is fresh.

Jimrahbe · Jan 26, 2023

Rick,

Your system is designed to have a constant spillover of your spa any time you are not in the Spa mode.

When you are in the Spa mode all the water goes to the spa jets. When you are in the Pool mode most of the water should go to the Pool returns and a little of the water should go to the Spa Return line as this is what causes your spa to spillover into your pool. Without the spillover, your spa would never get any fresh water.

To control the amount of water going to the Spa Return line, you need to add a manual valve to your Spa Return line, so that you can adjust the amount of flow. You could also use this new valve to shut the spillover off.

If you shut off the constant spillover, then you could program your automation to uses its built-in "Spillway" function and schedule the spillover to run just a couple of times a day for 30 minutes or so. Without a valve to shut off the water going to the Spa Return line, you can't use the automations spillway function.

Thanks,

Jim R.

AQUA~HOLICS · Jan 26, 2023

If you follow through with isolating the spa return water with a manual valve you must be diligent about circulating that body of water, it needs to be intermixed with the chemicals that are in the pool water especially in your geographic area with summer temperatures.
The pipe to the left of the spa jets pipe (pic#2) needs a 90 on it to keep debris from falling into it.
I noticed no expansion joints along the structure in the right side of the picture #3, are their any?

RickAg · Jan 26, 2023

Jimrahbe said:
en you are in the Spa mode all the water goes to the spa jets. When you are in the Pool mode most of the water should go to the Pool returns and a little of the water should go to the Spa Return line as this is what causes your spa to spillover into your pool. Without the spillover, your spa would never get any fresh water.

Jimrahbe said:
Rick,

Your system is designed to have a constant spillover of your spa any time you are not in the Spa mode.

When you are in the Spa mode all the water goes to the spa jets. When you are in the Pool mode most of the water should go to the Pool returns and a little of the water should go to the Spa Return line as this is what causes your spa to spillover into your pool. Without the spillover, your spa would never get any fresh water.

To control the amount of water going to the Spa Return line, you need to add a manual valve to your Spa Return line, so that you can adjust the amount of flow. You could also use this new valve to shut the spillover off.

If you shut off the constant spillover, then you could program your automation to uses its built-in "Spillway" function and schedule the spillover to run just a couple of times a day for 30 minutes or so. Without a valve to shut off the water going to the Spa Return line, you can't use the automations spillway function.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks - yes this is how everything is setup. I was thinking about the cut-off valve to minimize the amount of aeration from normal operation. And also to reduce the amount of additional scale from water running over the spa wall more frequently

AQUA~HOLICS said:
If you follow through with isolating the spa return water with a manual valve you must be diligent about circulating that body of water, it needs to be intermixed with the chemicals that are in the pool water especially in your geographic area with summer temperatures.
The pipe to the left of the spa jets pipe (pic#2) needs a 90 on it to keep debris from falling into it.
I noticed no expansion joints along the structure in the right side of the picture #3, are their any?

Thanks, that helps guide the decision here. I'll probably leave the manual cut-off idea alone for now. I won't be here full-time, and I don't want to rely on the pool maintenance folks to be diligent in flushing that line.

Adding an additional JVA to control a valve on that spa make-up line would allow me to automate everything, but I'll save that additional investment for the future.

@AQUA~HOLICS Looks like you might be correct on the lack of expansion joints. How big of a long term issue might that be? I see a few cracks in the concrete deck.

"Awful & mostly incompetent" might be too kind of a descriptor for my builder. So I expect less than a thread of honesty or accountability on anything unless I call them out on it.

AQUA~HOLICS · Jan 26, 2023

The decking is going to expand and contract with temperature, if it’s poured directly against the structure the only direction it can move is towards the pool. If the decking is in direct contact with the B/B and the tile it has the chance to move both. Time line for if and when this occurs is unknown but all work I’m involved with have these in place to help against this happening.

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New Pool Unused Spa Return

RickAg

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HermanTX

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AQUA~HOLICS

RickAg

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