Any realistic options to add a separate feature pump?

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M

mal7887

Member
Dec 23, 2024
6
Tampa
Pool Size
8219
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Jandy Truclear / Ei
So I have a relatively new install that was completed In January. We have used the Spa quite a bit already and are looking forward to using the pool this summer. As part of our install, we have 2 water features, a LED bubbler, and a waterfall. One of the things that I came to realize as our install was wrapping up, is that our water features are tried to our one and only Pump. The pump is more than capable running the water features when in Pool mode, but obviously they cannot run when in Spa mode. Sure we will use them during the day plenty, but it seems like we most want to have the features on when we are in the Spa. In hindsight I wish we would have asked for a separate feature Pump so that we could run them independently. (I wish our pool builder had brought this up, I would have certainly been open to paying for this upgrade).

My question is this. There's no Appetit to bust up the decking or concrete to accomplish this, but if there was a way to modify how it's connected at the pad, I just might get it done. Is there any way to add a feature pump to my current setup? OR would it be possible to add a pump that just is used for Spa mode, using my existing plumbing? If yes to one or both of these questions, what's a realistic cost expectation? Or is this more trouble than it is worth?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Matt
 

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Matt,

The basic issue is that you can't have two pumps sucking water from the same source.. This means that a separate pump would need a feed from the pool that is not being used.

In your case the only real option is to disconnect the main drain from your current pump and connect it to your new feature pump.

You could do that all right at your equipment pad.

Pools do not really 'need' main drains, so it would have zero effect on the operation of your pool.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Every pump requires a dedicated suction pipe from the pool. You can possibly connect your MAIN DRAIN line to the water features pump and through a cartridge filter to the water features.

You do not have lots of room on the equipment pad to fit a new pump and filter on.

You need to confirm your Aqualink can control another pump.

You going to do this work yourself or hire someone?
 
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Next, a Sheer Descent filter/strainer (part #3456), or equivalent, must be installed on the return side of the pump, between the pump and the Sheer Descent Waterfall.

A FILTER IS REQUIRED for separate pump installation, as large debris must not be allowed to enter the Sheer Descent unit.

For installations requiring up to 60 U.S. gallons per minute, use one Sheer Descent filter.

For higher water requirements, use two or more filters plumbed in parallel.

Jandy Energy Filter 3456 vs 2888

I am planning to install Jandy Energy Filters to use for Sheer Descents. There are two models of this filter/strainer. The only difference seems to be that the 2888 includes a pressure gage (and is less expensive according to my PB's pricing). Can anyone advise of any other differences, please?
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
1742498946853.png
1742498807816.png


2-1/2" Praher S4 PVC True Union Inline Strainer 500 Micron 35 Mesh | U.S. Plastic Corp.

The micron strainer inserts are made with an outer two-piece polypropylene strainer insert housing, which supports structure to the inter...
www.usplastic.com www.usplastic.com

3" Praher S4 PVC True Union Inline Strainer 500 Micron 35 Mesh | U.S. Plastic Corp.

The micron strainer inserts are made with an outer two-piece polypropylene strainer insert housing, which supports structure to the inter...
www.usplastic.com www.usplastic.com
 

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Thanks for the responses. I am handy, but don't think I'm handy enough with plumbing to do this right. I would look at hiring to do it. Good to know on having to add a filter. Definitely not room for this on the current pads.

Just want to make sure I understand correctly. So it seems like everyone is suggesting having the filtration pump pulling from the skimmer, and the secondary feature pump could pull from the pool drain right? Is there any disadvantages to doing this? We have an auto water leveler, so they water line dropping below the skimmer shouldn't ever be an issue.
 
Mal,

I have a question for you.. When the pool builder turned the pool over to you, how often did they say you needed to clean your filter?? Are you going to do this, or is this something a pool care guy is going to do?? What would be their charge to clean the filter?

And.. How often did they say you would need to install a new cartridge??

Just for reference... I suspect your cartridge filter is 200 sq, ft. or less... My filter is a CCP-520 sq. ft. :oops:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
Mal,

I have a question for you.. When the pool builder turned the pool over to you, how often did they say you needed to clean your filter?? Are you going to do this, or is this something a pool care guy is going to do?? What would be their charge to clean the filter?

And.. How often did they say you would need to install a new cartridge??

Just for reference... I suspect your cartridge filter is 200 sq, ft. or less... My filter is a CCP-520 sq. ft. :oops:

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...

They just told us to gauge it by the pressure gauge. We have cleaned it twice since December (not because the gauge said to) once to remove debris from install, the second time after heavy pollen season from all the oak trees around us.
 
Mal,

One difference in having a bigger filter..

I only clean mine once a year, and even after a year, at my normal speed of 1200 rpm, my pressure is only about 2 or 3 lbs. on a 30 lb. gauge.

I am lazy... :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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