I'm looking for a review of this proposed pool equipment layout. Prefer to have two pumps, ensuring we can enjoy the water features in the pool while the spa is running.
The first layout shows two pumps with three possible operating modes, with actuators that would flip the 2-port valve open/close, and the 3-port valves either to the left or right. Three valves with actuators. Pump #1 runs the spa. Pump #2 runs the pool circulation and water features. The pipes to and from the pool are 2-inch. Three modes = spa mode, spa mode with features, pool mode. This design leverages the same filter, heater and SWG to support the spa in the first two modes, and to support the pool in the third mode.
Option 1:
Option one has three modes, but two operating positions:
In the first mode, the actuators toggle into spa mode / spa position. In spa mode, only pump #1 runs, and water flows from the spa drains through the pump to the filter, heater, SWG, then to the spa jets.
The second mode, spa+features, pump #2 is turned on (actuators remain in spa mode position). When pump #2 is turned on, a second water flow is started that pulls from the pool drains and skimmers, passes through pump #2 and circulates back to the pool and water features, bypassing the filter/heater/SWG.
In the third mode, the actuators toggle into pool mode / pool position. In pool mode, pump #1 is turned off. Pump #2 is turned on, and water flows from the pool drains and skimmer, through pump #2, then through the filter, heater, SWG, then back to the pool and water features. This would be the mode used for 8~12 hours per day to circulate the water, generate chlorine, etc.
Pump #1 - driving the spa jets - is a 2-speed Hayward TriStar.
Pump #2 - driving pool and features - is a variable speed Hayward EcoStar.
If the PB can program the controls, it would be interesting to have spa mode run the TriStar at low speed, and in spa+features have the TriStar run at full speed, with the EcoStar running at whatever speed generates a nice effect with the bubbler on the tanning ledge and the two sheers. The pool mode option should remain the default setting for the system, with the EcoStar run on a timer using a low, energy-saving setting for part of the time, and a higher rate to ensure the skimmer and SWG receive sufficient flow for optimal operation several hours per day.
--/--
The second layout was the original PB design, which uses a single pump and has a spa mode and a pool mode. When in spa mode, the pool circulation stops and water features stop. When in pool mode, the spa jets stop.
Option 2:
I'm very much interested in comments from other pool builders or owners that have similar configurations. Is the first option too complex?
What am I missing? Any alternatives that will accomplish the same goals (two pumps, shared filter and heater)?
Bonus question - would it help to ensure all pipes between equipment use 2.5" PVC - or use 2" pipes since the pool pipes are 2" (and 1.5") ?
Thanks!
The first layout shows two pumps with three possible operating modes, with actuators that would flip the 2-port valve open/close, and the 3-port valves either to the left or right. Three valves with actuators. Pump #1 runs the spa. Pump #2 runs the pool circulation and water features. The pipes to and from the pool are 2-inch. Three modes = spa mode, spa mode with features, pool mode. This design leverages the same filter, heater and SWG to support the spa in the first two modes, and to support the pool in the third mode.
Option 1:
Option one has three modes, but two operating positions:
In the first mode, the actuators toggle into spa mode / spa position. In spa mode, only pump #1 runs, and water flows from the spa drains through the pump to the filter, heater, SWG, then to the spa jets.
The second mode, spa+features, pump #2 is turned on (actuators remain in spa mode position). When pump #2 is turned on, a second water flow is started that pulls from the pool drains and skimmers, passes through pump #2 and circulates back to the pool and water features, bypassing the filter/heater/SWG.
In the third mode, the actuators toggle into pool mode / pool position. In pool mode, pump #1 is turned off. Pump #2 is turned on, and water flows from the pool drains and skimmer, through pump #2, then through the filter, heater, SWG, then back to the pool and water features. This would be the mode used for 8~12 hours per day to circulate the water, generate chlorine, etc.
Pump #1 - driving the spa jets - is a 2-speed Hayward TriStar.
Pump #2 - driving pool and features - is a variable speed Hayward EcoStar.
If the PB can program the controls, it would be interesting to have spa mode run the TriStar at low speed, and in spa+features have the TriStar run at full speed, with the EcoStar running at whatever speed generates a nice effect with the bubbler on the tanning ledge and the two sheers. The pool mode option should remain the default setting for the system, with the EcoStar run on a timer using a low, energy-saving setting for part of the time, and a higher rate to ensure the skimmer and SWG receive sufficient flow for optimal operation several hours per day.
--/--
The second layout was the original PB design, which uses a single pump and has a spa mode and a pool mode. When in spa mode, the pool circulation stops and water features stop. When in pool mode, the spa jets stop.
Option 2:
I'm very much interested in comments from other pool builders or owners that have similar configurations. Is the first option too complex?
What am I missing? Any alternatives that will accomplish the same goals (two pumps, shared filter and heater)?
Bonus question - would it help to ensure all pipes between equipment use 2.5" PVC - or use 2" pipes since the pool pipes are 2" (and 1.5") ?
Thanks!