Do you think two returns and one skimmer is sufficient for my pool?

[rawb]

We just finished up our pool build (16 X 37 with 8 ft deep end). I didn't really know enough to question it in the beginning but I'm wondering now if it would have been a better setup to have a second skimmer instead of just one wide mouth? Also maybe some jets over on the steps since debris seems to love to hang out there? I'm hoping everyone will say no and that I'm fine because it's a little late in the game now to change but was still curious if what I have is enough to be efficient at skimming and circulating the pool.

Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

The pool at my daughter's house has one skimmer and only two returns and it works fine. Would I like another skimmer and more returns? Yes I would, but as you say... a little too late now.

Not sure how they are set now, but you could try setting your two eyeballs pointing so that they try to force the surface water to rotate, like in a toilet bowl.. You may have to play with your pump speed to get what you want.

That said.. it is never going to be perfect..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[awstevens]

My in laws pool was 16x36 and worked fine with 2 returns and 1 skimmer. We haven't used our pool yet but I think it has 2 skimmers, 3 returns, 2 jets in the swimout/bench and 1 jet on the stairs. Seems like overkill but I'm guessing this is a case where too many is a good thing?

 

[Nectarologist]

Do you also have a main drain? Two skimmers are not necessary but I like to see two separate sources of suction in case one ever fails. So a main drain and one skimmer are fine. Also I have jets in the steps (one each side on one step only) and two on my bench. Don't worry about that, they don't clean anyting to be of value, you'll still need to brush once in a while. The kids like it when the heater is on and it's warm water coming out though

 

[borjis]

That's a very common setup to have.

My pool is about the same size and has just one skimmer and 2 returns.

 

[rawb]

I'm glad that it sounds like my setup is sufficient.

Nectar.....yes, I have 2 main drains, 2 returns and and 1 skimmer.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I have one skimmer, 3 returns and one main drain.

I think the more important thing to know was the skimmer placed in the best place to take advantage of the breezes in the the yard? The skimmer is for the surface, not the bottom. The returns help "push" debris towards the skimmer and the breezes certainly help that!

Maddie

 

[JodieM]

Question, is the return jet on white plastic steps “put in” by the pb or does it come that way when they order the steps?

 

[awstevens]

Question, is the return jet on white plastic steps “put in” by the pb or does it come that way when they order the steps?

Ours came with the return jet. The PB hooked up the one on the return side and plugged the one on the skimmer side.

 

[JodieM]

Ours came with the return jet. The PB hooked up the one on the return side and plugged the one on the skimmer side.

Thanks! I think step jets are very important. Had them one one pool and not the next and I really missed them.

 

[sktn77a]

We have a similar sized pool, 15,000 gal, and have a single skimmer (no main drains) and 2 returns. Looking back, I'd have put in more but it's worked OK for 20 years.

 

[riley00dog]

I think it would be fine. We have one skimmer and 4 returns (plus one for the heat pump). Our pool will be about half your size, but think it was overkill on pbs behalf.

 

[rawb]

I'm assuming trying to add stair jets or additional skimmer/jets would be nearly impossible after the fact without at least taking the liner out and somehow tunneling around or else cutting up the concrete? I think I'm be fine as is, but still makes me wish I had at least more seriously considered it when we started and there were endless possibilities =/