A plumbing question, number of return jets.

[ZcottD]

First off apologies for my bad artwork. But this roughly my pool, pump is a 1.5hp single speed Hayward Superpump.


When I have the pool set to take water in from the main drain or the skimmer my pressure on the filter reads 16psi, when I switch it to take in water both the main drain and the skimmer at the same time, the pressure jumps to about 25psi.

This is something my mother and I don't remember happening in the past. The only difference is the unused return jet. It use to be for an old Arneson pool sweep, but would act as a somewhat normal return jet without it running. At some point after the pool sweep failed the line was plugged and separated on the filter side.

I am wondering if getting the unused line hooked up again would bring the pressure down when using both the main drain and skimmer together, or is this pump too strong for the pool? I see a lot of people with similar pools using 3/4hp or 1hp pumps.

Thanks for any help.

 

[jblizzle]

The pressure jump (although higher than i would expect) is normal when you open multiple suction lines because your pump can move more water.

There is no problem with having the higher pressure. But, you might find you get better circulation if you were able to attach that 3rd return line.

 

[mas985]

When was the last time you cleaned the filter?

How far is it from the pool to the equipment?

What size is the plumbing (e.g. 1.5", 2")?

 

[ZcottD]

The preassure readings were taken an hour after cleaning and recharging the DE, pump and filter are about 20ft away from the pool on the deepend/skimmer side.

I want to say 2" plumbing, can double check in a bit, thunderstorm right now.

 

[mas985]

What size are the return eyeballs?

Also does the filter gauge go to zero when shut off?

 

[ZcottD]

Oh man, why are these little questions so difficult for me lol We have 3 different eyeball openings, the threaded holes are the same size but we use a wide eyeball by the stairs(far left in the picture) and a medium opening eyeball at the top middle of the picture. Pressure gauge on the filter does go to 0psi after the pool is shut off.

 

[mas985]

So is the jet marked unused really off and has no water running through it?

The pressure is much higher than I would expect for that pump even with dual suction lines. That is why I am asking all these questions. I am trying to figure out what would be causing such high head loss on the return side. The other odd thing is the change in pressure. normally going from one suction line to two wouldn't change pressure that much so when you get a chance double check the filter pressure numbers.

 

[ZcottD]

The unused jet is still plumbed in on the pool side and closed, but when you follow the line back to the filter, its capped off and not connected to the filter and the filter has had a newer piece put in that... I dunno how to describe this. It use to leave the filter and turn into a Y, now its just one hose that at some point underground splits to the 2 currently used return jets.

Its something I've noticed for awhile, and I was monitoring since this opening in May, waited till I changed the DE incase it was related to the opening vacuuming. Will check the numbers again, and double check my plumbing sizes too.

 

[mas985]

Also see if there is any PSI difference between skimmer only and MD only.

 

[ZcottD]

Ok. Main drain 16psi, Skimmer 18psi, both 24/25psi. And plumbing is 2".

 

[mas985]

Is there any air in the pump basket when the suction is isolated to either the skimmer or MD?

Also, your pump is the SuperPump SP2610X15 and not a Super II correct?

Lastly, I forgot to ask but is the equipment higher or lower than the pool water level, if so by how much?

 

[ZcottD]

No air in any setting, all the O rings and stuff are brand new this year for it, and yes it is the Superpump SP2610X15. the equipment is just about level to the coping of the pool, so about 6" higher than water level.