Thank you ajw22 and setsailsoon, I will try to address your questions in order. I can't express how much I appreciate the advise. This is all very new for me. Thank you!!
Spa: The spa will not spill over into the pool. I listed it as indepentent only because it does not spill into the pool. I had hoped to share the equipment. IE: filter and swg. Which is why I thought the PS system was correct. The spa is part of the 3rd line of plumbing. I included the check valves to not drain the spa water back into the pool during the valve change and because of the elevation difference. Let me know if my thinking is wrong.
SWG: I was not aware of the IntelliChlor Plus. From my research the IC60 would handle up to 60k and that the Intellicenter only controls 1 IC. If multiple are required I would need to know how to set that up? I've been trying to communicate with Pentair and my local rep. Not sure if it is because of the holidays but not getting many answers there. Please let me know if you have any model numbers for the IntelliChlor Plus. It's sounds like the solution. I will be trying again tomorrow (Monday) to reach my Rep. (I see the IntelliChlor Plus60 is to be released in 2025)
Four different plumbing diagrams: There are 4 different diagrams only to indicate the 4 pumps. Each diagram show the water flow from water intake to its return point
1) Catch pool: Drains in the catch pool to pump to returns to the pool. There will be a patio and firepit at the lower level patio (Pool layout) past the spillway and catch pool. It is there to add an effect and sound to that patio area. The plumbing layout has returns back to the pool and Aux waterfall that would take water from the catch pool and return to the pool to create the spill over. Because of the terrain elevation I have added the "creek" which would be a stone lined creek that would feed back the the catch pool also. All are valve controled on individual return plumbing lines.
2) Pool- The second line diagram is basic filter and heat: I figured 2 pumps on the filter/heat system in order to get 2 turns of water in 24 hrs and stay around 35 gpm for efficiency.
This pump would draw from 2 skimmers and 1 set of bottom drains and return to 3 bubblers and 2 basic returns. All individually plumbed
3) Pool- (2) The third line diagran is also basic filter and heat but is shared with the spa filter and heat (unless I'm thinking wrong)
It would also be able to add flow to the waterfall as needed for effect.
I've located the valves so if needed for jet action I can bypass the filter/heat for direct flow from the pump to the spa returns. ?????
4) The 4th pump is strickly for the waterfalls. Drain intake to pump to optionally slpit main and aux waterfalls
The terrain is such that the waterfalls take advantage of the natural slope of the ground. Also why the spa is located 6' above the pool and the lower level patio is below the catch pool. Also the reason the "pump house/equipment room is sub-terranean. The pump room will be open to one side for access. The heat pumps will be located on the open side of the pump house for easy access and plumbing.
Pumps: Since I will be using the IntelliCenter, is 011075 the correct pump part number?
Heat Pumps: 2 Pentair UltraTemp 140 Heat only heat pumps. We had originally planned to not heat the pool here in South Carolina. Also part of the reason I went with using the ICF block to create a thermal break between the water and the earth. I will probably set up the plumbing for them and run a season without to see how it goes. I do not have access to natural gas and will not consider using LP. If push came to shove I would consider adding solar at a later date. I have geothermal heat and air in my house and considered it for the pool but not able to get the additional ground loop space required.
Microbrites: I would love to see options for the microbrites. Yes, very expensive and short life from what I've read. I have already purchased the light niche and microbrite adaptor for the bubblers but not crazy money. I would love to hear about options. We do not plan for colored lighting. It will only be warm white but would like to have dimming capabilities. I would also like an opinion on my light locations and number of lights.
Waterfalls: The waterfalls will be constructed from solid granite boulders and only run them on an as needed basis for effect. They are fairly large and mostly about the visual affect. The flow is not as important as the look. They are not optional. I suppose I will have to deal with their affects on the pool.
Boulders: Solid granite. Should be little wear and the water flow is not a constant. The pool is on the west side of the house and any pooling should not sit for extended periods of time. When I lay them I will take care to get them to drain fairly well.
Actuators: Talk to me about them. My understanding from reading is that the IntellValve can adjusted in increments and the regular ones have mechanical stops?? Yes, I have read about them not being as reliable and it is very much a concern. I will definitly look at what I can control with the regular actuators and mechanical stops.
Why the catch pool: (See Catch Pool in plumbing diagram above)
@setsailsoon The catch pool is approx. 1700 gals., 50 sf of surface area and 4.5' deep. I did some calc's and it would take approx 375 gals to raise the surface of the pool 1/2". That would lower the water level in the catch pool 12", but at some point the water has already started to return to the catch and therefore should be less than 12". I will be drawing water from bottom drains, (no skimmer) and should still have a minimum of 3 1/2 ft of water. I'm think I'm looking at this right?
Equipment location: My plan for placing the pumps is to have them as close as possible to water level in the pool.
The heat pumps would be just outside the equipment room. 3 sides of the equip. rm. are covered with either dirt or the boulder waterfall. This is because of the existing terrain. When i was thinking geothermal, I could have the unit inside but that in no longer possible.
Finishes:
Beach Entry: Thank you for the suggestions on surface. I will choose accordingly.
Pool: plaster with tile waterline
Catch: plaster with tile waterline
Spillway: Tile
Spa: Fiberglass
Cleaning: Robotic, suggestion on make and model ?
Thank you again
Mike
