1st Pool Build | Sugar Land - Skimmer Repairs Done - Hardscape Finished
- Thread starter stack24
- Start date
Ours did an acid wash after the plaster and then filled. So glad the color has been finalized! It’s gonna be amazing!
Been a bit of a slow week, but they brought in a little bit of the rocks that will be going between the stepping pads. They had told him the channel drain was done which will go along the foundation but it wasn't so they only put a bit of it and will fill the first layer then do the top layer with gator mix to secure it.
I decided to not put grass on the side of the house with the equipment, storage pad, AC, and water softener becuase the grass never grew well there due to shade and bermuda grass combination so it always looked bad and muddy at times.
So I am getting credit for a pallet of grass and going to just do a few stepping pads after the main pads that lead to the equipment and fill in the rest of it with the same type of rock.
I decided to not put grass on the side of the house with the equipment, storage pad, AC, and water softener becuase the grass never grew well there due to shade and bermuda grass combination so it always looked bad and muddy at times.
So I am getting credit for a pallet of grass and going to just do a few stepping pads after the main pads that lead to the equipment and fill in the rest of it with the same type of rock.
Yes, I live in Houston and would like to know as well. Looks like they are doing a good job.
So finally had some decent work done which was the plumbing and pool equipment minus the control center which they are waiting on. I have attached some pictures and would really love some feedback if anything they see that looks weird etc.
I did get a SWG system but they won't install the salt cell until a year passes then I will call them out to install it to not void their warranty and deal with waivers. The plumber did say he plumbed it in a way that they just have to come in cut the pipe and install the cell. Can someone please confirm if that was done correctly?
The are still waiting on the intellicenter system to do that install which I figure is when they replace the regular hand valves with the actuators?
Thanks in advance.
I did get a SWG system but they won't install the salt cell until a year passes then I will call them out to install it to not void their warranty and deal with waivers. The plumber did say he plumbed it in a way that they just have to come in cut the pipe and install the cell. Can someone please confirm if that was done correctly?
The are still waiting on the intellicenter system to do that install which I figure is when they replace the regular hand valves with the actuators?
Thanks in advance.
It looks great. Things are nicely spaced out. It will be easy to drain your filter and clean it.
Ask them to show you the drain plugs on the heater and the pumps as well as that is good info if we should have another freeze as we did last February.
The big "U" coming out of the heater appears where they will insert the SWCG in the future.
Couple of things I did notice
They used unions on the water feature pump but not on the main filtration pump. Not sure why they didn't add unions to that pump.
There is no heater bypass. Not mandatory but nice to have. Probably can be added when then add the SWCG but will require more modifications to existing plumbing.
Do you plan to have an actuator on the return for your water features? Sometimes that is done or it can just remain a manual valve.
They should add an actuator on the suction side on the valve between the spa and the pool suctions. As well on the valve on the return side between the pool and spa.
Are those flow meters on the return side (after the heater) and another going to a water feature?
You can decide to keep the inline chlorinator as is or ask that to be removed when they put in the SWCG. If you keep it, do not fill it if you have the SWCG operating.
Ask them to show you the drain plugs on the heater and the pumps as well as that is good info if we should have another freeze as we did last February.
The big "U" coming out of the heater appears where they will insert the SWCG in the future.
Couple of things I did notice
They used unions on the water feature pump but not on the main filtration pump. Not sure why they didn't add unions to that pump.
There is no heater bypass. Not mandatory but nice to have. Probably can be added when then add the SWCG but will require more modifications to existing plumbing.
Do you plan to have an actuator on the return for your water features? Sometimes that is done or it can just remain a manual valve.
They should add an actuator on the suction side on the valve between the spa and the pool suctions. As well on the valve on the return side between the pool and spa.
Are those flow meters on the return side (after the heater) and another going to a water feature?
You can decide to keep the inline chlorinator as is or ask that to be removed when they put in the SWCG. If you keep it, do not fill it if you have the SWCG operating.
With the heater bypass is this something that I should just try to get them to add right now?
So with the main pump it looks like the top part the pipe screws into the outlet rather than there being threads on the outer side for a union piece. Unless I am mistaken. Not sure if that's just how it's setup compared to the other where I can see the threads that a union would go. I attached a picture of the connection for reference.
If I am not mistaken the intellicenter that I am getting it comes with 2 actuators and they added another one on the contract for a total of 3 of them, which I guess will be the ones that control the water features spa and anything else. Is that what you are referring to? To turn on the pool and spa? I know our setup from what we were told is that our bubblers are on the same line as spa and pool so we can't have spa and bubbler running at same time. The waterfalls are on their own pump.
I have included a picture of the things I believe you are talking about. There are a total of 3 of them. Not sure what they are exactly.
Yes I figured I would just empty it out when I go to SWG in case of emergency or the cell fails.
Read this for heater bypass. As stated, not mandatory but it is nice to have if you have the room to install it which it appears you do. You may want to show the following to your plumber if he can do it now.
Heater Bypass - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
It is clear that the PVC pipe is screwed into the pump connections. That black ring on the inlet and outlet of the water feature pump looks like a union. You may ask why they put a union on the water feature pump and not on the filtration pump. It just seems unusual to do one and not the other. Many pumps have threaded connections and you just put a threaded union into it. This way, in the future, if you need to remove the pump (for whatever reason) you do not need to cut PVC and then glue new connections.
You are correct. You have to have 2 actuators to allow the automation system to select Pool Mode or Spa Mode. Those will be placed on the valves that are on suction of the main filtration pump and on the return (prior to the inline chlorinator). The third will most likely go on the waterfall return (but best to ask your PB or plumber).
It is not visible where your bubbler is connected to as your return only shows 2 pipes and those are the spa and pool returns because they are separated by a 3 way valve (which will have an actuator on it later). As you state, it is most likely connected to your return side and will only be functional when you are in Pool Mode.
Also, will you have a spillover from your spa to your pool? The pipe that goes to your spa (for that purpose when in Pool Mode) is not visible either. You need to ask the PB or Plumber.
It appears you have 2 separate water features that are fed by the separate water feature pump. You have a 3 way valve between the 2 lines to the water features. That 3 way valve may get the other actuator noted above. So you will be either to select which water feature is on or if both are on and how much flow to each.
It appears to be a check valve. the one on the line from the heater would be to prevent flowback of chlorine water into the heater. The other 2 are on the return of the spa and the return of 1 of the water features. I assume they are all check valves. Maybe your PB can explain.
- May 7, 2014
- 429
- Pool Size
- 29980
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
So I pulled up the plumbing schematics from the files they sent me. This is how they have it setup. I am not sure if it's setup to be a spill over on the spa when we are in pool mode or not. I will double check with the designer but I believe we did discuss that and he said it was when it was in pool mode.Read this for heater bypass. As stated, not mandatory but it is nice to have if you have the room to install it which it appears you do. You may want to show the following to your plumber if he can do it now.
Heater Bypass - Further Reading
It is clear that the PVC pipe is screwed into the pump connections. That black ring on the inlet and outlet of the water feature pump looks like a union. You may ask why they put a union on the water feature pump and not on the filtration pump. It just seems unusual to do one and not the other. Many pumps have threaded connections and you just put a threaded union into it. This way, in the future, if you need to remove the pump (for whatever reason) you do not need to cut PVC and then glue new connections.
You are correct. You have to have 2 actuators to allow the automation system to select Pool Mode or Spa Mode. Those will be placed on the valves that are on suction of the main filtration pump and on the return (prior to the inline chlorinator). The third will most likely go on the waterfall return (but best to ask your PB or plumber).
It is not visible where your bubbler is connected to as your return only shows 2 pipes and those are the spa and pool returns because they are separated by a 3 way valve (which will have an actuator on it later). As you state, it is most likely connected to your return side and will only be functional when you are in Pool Mode.
Also, will you have a spillover from your spa to your pool? The pipe that goes to your spa (for that purpose when in Pool Mode) is not visible either. You need to ask the PB or Plumber.
It appears you have 2 separate water features that are fed by the separate water feature pump. You have a 3 way valve between the 2 lines to the water features. That 3 way valve may get the other actuator noted above. So you will be either to select which water feature is on or if both are on and how much flow to each.
It appears to be a check valve. the one on the line from the heater would be to prevent flowback of chlorine water into the heater. The other 2 are on the return of the spa and the return of 1 of the water features. I assume they are all check valves. Maybe your PB can explain.
One other thing maybe that's why the pipe count might be off? Both skimmers are piped into one pipe so maybe that accounts for another pipe which is the other stuff you were mentioning instead of one pipe back for each skimmer?
I confirmed with my PB that there is a spillover from the spa to pool in pool mode. And the Bubblers can be turned off and on while in pool mode but not in spa of course since they are on the main pump and not on dedicated one. Hope that helps with anything.
Thank you for that. I will definitely let the PB know.
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Based on your picture - it does not appear to show 2 separate lines for your bubbler and pool return with a valve actuator (VA) between them to control if you want the bubbler on or off. Your picture does show the Spa Jet Return with a check valve (CV). Maybe take a front view of your return pipes and repost to have a better look.
With regard to the water feature pump, the diagram shows only 1 return with a CV but the picture shows 2 lines as a return to your sheers with only 1 having a CV. Also this has a valve between them that appears to be set up to have an actuator (VA).
So I am just wondering, do you have 2 water features (sheers)? If not, could they have set up that the water feature pump controls the sheers and the bubbler. Therefore you can run either regardless if you are in Spa or Pool Mode. That is not what the plumbing diagram indicates but that could be reality. Need to have your PB verify.
Also, there is one other item you need to ask about. There is a "U" pipe directly next to the cement pad in front of the suction line. Do you know what that is? It comes from the ground and returns to the ground but there is no valve or other connection visible.
Thanks for all your help. I will definitley have them explain and label everything. I was curious of that U as well. I remember it there when they didn't put dirt back but forgot to take a picture. I haven't had a chance to actually sit down and talk to them to explain it all but I have a sheet to write my questions and notes to follow up with all of the forum's help.
Here are more pictures of the setup. I confirmed with PB and designer that in pool mode it will spill over, and the bubblers can be turned off and on when in pool mode and won't work in spa mode.
I did find this picture from earlier where that U pipe was two pipes he cut and joined so definitely curious now lol
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Ok. Just print out the plumbing diagram and ask the PB to show you how that matches to the actual plumbing. I am puzzled on that aspect for both the water feature pump and the main filtration pump flow circuit.
Just to be clear for the question - your return flow circuit only shows 2 pipes - the one to the left of the inline chlorinator is the pool return and the pipe to the right of the valve is the spa. That spa return line also has a CV. So he needs to explain how you control the bubbler and the spa spillover.
Also, now that I see the suction lines more clear - they do not match to the plumbing diagram for the main filtration pump. The plumbing diagram shows 3 suction lines (2 skimmers and 1 spa) but your picture shows 4 suction lines. The large 2" line to the right is the spa main drain suction. The other 3 to the left would be (in my estimation) 2 skimmers and a pool main drain. Do you have a pool main drain? The valve between them would allow you to balance the flow between the skimmers and the pool main drain. However, you should have a Jandy 2-way valve on each skimmer or a 3-way between them (which the plumbing diagram shows) to allow you to balance the suction between the 2 skimmers. That was the purpose of having the 2 skimmer lines run separately back to the pad. But if there is no valve on either of them, you cannot balance the suction so you do not get the benefit of having the 2 independent skimmer lines.
Maybe there is more plumbing to do and just not completed yet. Sorry to point all of this out but it just doesn't jive to what the PB is saying, what is in the plumbing diagram and what is reality (in your pictures).
Also, those wires laying on the cement next to the pump and filter - that is your control wires that go from your pump to the IntelliCenter. Suggest you pick those up and put in good place so they do not get lost.
Just to be clear for the question - your return flow circuit only shows 2 pipes - the one to the left of the inline chlorinator is the pool return and the pipe to the right of the valve is the spa. That spa return line also has a CV. So he needs to explain how you control the bubbler and the spa spillover.
Also, now that I see the suction lines more clear - they do not match to the plumbing diagram for the main filtration pump. The plumbing diagram shows 3 suction lines (2 skimmers and 1 spa) but your picture shows 4 suction lines. The large 2" line to the right is the spa main drain suction. The other 3 to the left would be (in my estimation) 2 skimmers and a pool main drain. Do you have a pool main drain? The valve between them would allow you to balance the flow between the skimmers and the pool main drain. However, you should have a Jandy 2-way valve on each skimmer or a 3-way between them (which the plumbing diagram shows) to allow you to balance the suction between the 2 skimmers. That was the purpose of having the 2 skimmer lines run separately back to the pad. But if there is no valve on either of them, you cannot balance the suction so you do not get the benefit of having the 2 independent skimmer lines.
Maybe there is more plumbing to do and just not completed yet. Sorry to point all of this out but it just doesn't jive to what the PB is saying, what is in the plumbing diagram and what is reality (in your pictures).
Also, those wires laying on the cement next to the pump and filter - that is your control wires that go from your pump to the IntelliCenter. Suggest you pick those up and put in good place so they do not get lost.
@HermanTX Thank you for all that information and taking the time to look at these for me. I am sure they will label things but when we are ready for a walk through or at least when I see him this week I'll have him go through and explain all the pipes and everything to me. I have written down all the things you asked so I can get a clear understanding from the project manager, if he doesn't know then I am sure when plumbing comes out for other stuff I will be asking them.
In regards to the main drain, I do have a main drain, spa drain and 2 skimmers. From the pictures I have, the deep end skimmer is piped to the main drain. Then the other skimmer looks like it then met up with that pipe somewhere down the line.
All of the valves I saw on the unit were Pentair with the exception of the valve that's on the pipes going to the feature pump. That one was a Jandy.
I did go ahead and grab the wires you mentioned to just not worry.
In regards to the main drain, I do have a main drain, spa drain and 2 skimmers. From the pictures I have, the deep end skimmer is piped to the main drain. Then the other skimmer looks like it then met up with that pipe somewhere down the line.
All of the valves I saw on the unit were Pentair with the exception of the valve that's on the pipes going to the feature pump. That one was a Jandy.
I did go ahead and grab the wires you mentioned to just not worry.
- Jan 7, 2012
- 1,514
- Pool Size
- 21000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
If more plumbing is going to be redone and you're eventually installing an IntelliChlor SWG, you might consider having a SWG spacer cell installed (with unions) now:
When it comes time to install the actual SWG cell, the plumbing part would be a two minute job you can do yourself.
Amazon.com: Pentair 520588 Dummy Bypass Cell Replacement Pool/Spa Sanitizer and Automation Control Systems : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Amazon.com: Pentair 520588 Dummy Bypass Cell Replacement Pool/Spa Sanitizer and Automation Control Systems : Patio, Lawn & Garden
www.amazon.com
When it comes time to install the actual SWG cell, the plumbing part would be a two minute job you can do yourself.
So a little update. Was waiting for lights and electrical since the units were hard to come by. Friday they must have come in because I heard them working and sure enough the lights came in and all the Intellicenter equipment as well as the Salt Cell that will be installed later.
Looking at the setup, I had a question, the Salt Cell should have it's own power supply correct? I see the main intellicenter box and then a PS300 Power Supply unit to the right as you can see in the pictures which looks to be for the lights if I am not mistaken. This would not power the Salt Cell correct?
Based on the manual and what I see it should have it's own separate power supply unit, but don't see one on the wall nor an box with one.
Also want to make sure this is the i8 model. Can’t see anywhere on it saying that. Want to make sure I got what I paid for.
Adding on the previous pictures I put with the plumbing they have added the 3 Actuators as you can see. When I spoke to the project manager he wasn't sure exactly if they had plumbed it differently but said the plumber will be out to mark everything. He suspects that the plumber put the sheer descent and bubblers both on the feature pump and that's why it splits. The loop pipe that is there he said is the cleaner that I removed during construction to go with a robot and should be able to use if I ever wanted to. So they just closed the loop apparently.
So If I am looking at the pipes correctly the far side is the SPA vs Pool and the ar Right one on the feature pump is the Descent and Bubblers. Not sure at that point what the third actuator is if someone can chime in.
Thanks for all the help in advance.
Looking at the setup, I had a question, the Salt Cell should have it's own power supply correct? I see the main intellicenter box and then a PS300 Power Supply unit to the right as you can see in the pictures which looks to be for the lights if I am not mistaken. This would not power the Salt Cell correct?
Based on the manual and what I see it should have it's own separate power supply unit, but don't see one on the wall nor an box with one.
Also want to make sure this is the i8 model. Can’t see anywhere on it saying that. Want to make sure I got what I paid for.
Adding on the previous pictures I put with the plumbing they have added the 3 Actuators as you can see. When I spoke to the project manager he wasn't sure exactly if they had plumbed it differently but said the plumber will be out to mark everything. He suspects that the plumber put the sheer descent and bubblers both on the feature pump and that's why it splits. The loop pipe that is there he said is the cleaner that I removed during construction to go with a robot and should be able to use if I ever wanted to. So they just closed the loop apparently.
So If I am looking at the pipes correctly the far side is the SPA vs Pool and the ar Right one on the feature pump is the Descent and Bubblers. Not sure at that point what the third actuator is if someone can chime in.
Thanks for all the help in advance.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 53,467
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The pics show a tablet chlorinator installed, not a SWG.
If you got an IntelliCenter with a bundled IntelliChlor cell the IntelliCenter would have the SWG power supply in the cabinet. Yours does not have a SWG power supply. You can get a separate SWG Power Center box for the SWG cell but you don’t have one now.
If you got an IntelliCenter with a bundled IntelliChlor cell the IntelliCenter would have the SWG power supply in the cabinet. Yours does not have a SWG power supply. You can get a separate SWG Power Center box for the SWG cell but you don’t have one now.