Adjustable Flow Return Outlet

[jkhamr]

Is there such a thing as an adjustable flow return outlet? When I built my pool, I have 4 return jets, and I made the mistake of running the water supply to the slide off of the closest return line thinking there'd be enough pressure to supply the slide. With all 4 returns open, there's not enough pressure to push water up the slide supply. If I block off two of the returns, there is enough water pressure to the slide. An adjustable flow outlet would be convenient so I don't have to remove the return eye and plug the return. Any thoughts?

 

[ajw22]

Can you put a diverter valve in your return line to turn off flow to the returns when you want to use the slide?

Maybe @1poolman1 @98Poolmaster @wireform know of adjustable flow eyeballs for returns that would let you close them.

 

[jkhamr]

Hey ajw22, I can't because where I connected the slide supply to the return line is under my concrete patio, *?@!%

That Dang hind site got me again, my guess that I'd have enough pressure to feed all the returns and run the slide was wrong.

I was thinking of something like what a whirlpool tub has, turn the trim ring at the water inlets to open an close the water flow.

 

[ajw22]

What type of return pipes do you have?

What are the specs for what these adjustable returns would need to fit into?

 

[Lake Placid]

What is opening size of the hole of your current returns….3/4”, 1/2”, 3/8”? If they’re the larger size you may try tuning them down with 3/8” opening return fittings adding one at a time to see at what point (and if at all) you can provide enough pressure for the slide.

 

[jkhamr]

What is opening size of the hole of your current returns….3/4”, 1/2”, 3/8”? If they’re the larger size you may try tuning them down with 3/8” opening return fittings adding one at a time to see at what point (and if at all) you can provide enough pressure for the slide.

Good idea, I'll give that a try!

 

[jkhamr]

What type of return pipes do you have?

What are the specs for what these adjustable returns would need to fit into?

I have 2" pvc return pipes that reduce at the return fitting to 1-1/2". I have Hayward SP1408 inlet fittings.

 

[ajw22]

I have 2" pvc return pipes that reduce at the return fitting to 1-1/2". I have Hayward SP1408 inlet fittings.

Hayward has Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball in various sizes:

• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball 1 1/2" Slotted - SP1419A
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 3/8" - SP1419B
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 1/2" - SP1419C
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 3/4" - SP1419D
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Eyeball MIP 1" - SP1419E
• Hayward Directional Flow Inlet Fitting - Insider Hydrostream 3/4" - SP1421D

Hayward Inlet Eyeball Removal - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jkhamr]

So after some brainstorming, this is what I came up with. I searched for some nylon/plastic/pvc nuts/bolts and found, of all things, 1/2" toilet seat hinge hardware would work. I used marine epoxy (uv & chemical resistant) to set the nuts in the return eyeball, installed 3 of 4 in the pool. Plugged two returns and the water flowed down the slide o.k., did a third return and it's a perfect amount of water coming off the slide. Not an ideal, but but for less than $20 it works and it's pretty easy to screw in a few plugs.

 

[Lake Placid]

So after some brainstorming, this is what I came up with. I searched for some nylon/plastic/pvc nuts/bolts and found, of all things, 1/2" toilet seat hinge hardware would work. I used marine epoxy (uv & chemical resistant) to set the nuts in the return eyeball, installed 3 of 4 in the pool. Plugged two returns and the water flowed down the slide o.k., did a third return and it's a perfect amount of water coming off the slide. Not an ideal, but but for less than $20 it works and it's pretty easy to screw in a few plugs.

View attachment 580834View attachment 580840View attachment 580841

Now that’s just slick. Great work!

 

[wireform]

Ingenuity is great but why cant you benefit from THIS

 

[jkhamr]

Ingenuity is great but why cant you benefit from THISI have those plugs for winterizing, but I guess I'm too lazy to remove the return eyeball and put a plug in.

Ingenuity is great but why cant you benefit from THIS

I have those plugs for winterizing, but was wanting something that didn't require me to remove; the return eyeball retaining ring, the eyeball, and the eyeball fitting that is threaded into the wall return pipe, then screw in the winterizing plug. All I have to do now is screw in or out the plastic bolt.