Advice/Validation on Water Feature Plumbing

[In 2 Deep]

I'm looking for validation or advice on my current setup.

I believe the plumbing to operate the water features on my pool could be improved. The return from the pump currently has to pass through two 3 way valves to actually get to the pool returns which seems odd to me. What I'm aiming to do is have both the waterfall feature and jets on simultaneously with a valve to control the flow between them. This valve would be a manually operated and hardly ever be moved.

I would like the ability to turn on the water features from a single valve that I would ultimately make an electrically operated valve for remote control purposes.

Here's the current setup of the system.


This is the valve setup on the return side with the water features turned off.


The same valves with both water features enabled...


My current plan is to modify the plumbing so that the return would enter the right side multiport valve (currently JETS) and redirect the pipework for the jets to the left multiport valve (currently return from filter/SWG) - essentially swapping the two. I could then "balance" the water flow between the two water features manually with the left valve. The right valve would allow turning off both water features simultaneously which I could do remotely by adding an electric valve controller to the right side valve.

I may have room to slide the filter closer to the pump to achieve a straight run for the return to the new position but another option would be to leave the filter where it is and "step" or dogleg" the return plumbing over to the new position.

Any issues with my current strategy that folks can see?

Cheers, Gary

 

[1poolman1]

A lot of work for what might be a marginal increase in efficiency. You can make all the adjustments in flow the way the valves are now and even if you automate. JMO.

 

[In 2 Deep]

Thanks 1poolman1. The problem currently is that I have to operate two valves to turn on the water features and if I turn on the jets first, they overshoot the pool.

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks 1poolman1. The problem currently is that I have to operate two valves to turn on the water features and if I turn on the jets first, they overshoot the pool.

Your pool, your money (and time), your choice (personal motto). The cost and time it will take to do the re-plumb you are suggesting, for me anyway, is far above the time it takes to turn two valves instead of one, you just get used to doing it in the correct order. If you automate, it can be done at the touch of a button. The money that you would spend to make the plumbing change could go toward automation if you really want to go that route. This is the same thing I would be telling a potential customer if I was asked to make the change you are suggesting. Again, just my opinion.

 

[In 2 Deep]

I absolutely understand what you're saying and it makes total sense. With the end goal ultimately being automation of the two water features and being able to turn them on/off at the same time, I would need two valve controllers, right? I'm not that familiar with the programing of the EasyTouch but I know it can control valves. Would I have the ability to add both valves to one feature?

 

[1poolman1]

I absolutely understand what you're saying and it makes total sense. With the end goal ultimately being automation of the two water features and being able to turn them on/off at the same time, I would need two valve controllers, right? I'm not that familiar with the programing of the EasyTouch but I know it can control valves. Would I have the ability to add both valves to one feature?

Easy Touch PSL4 can control up to 2 actuators. The P4 can control 4.