Hey all, another no0b with a question. I’ve searched and saw a few pictures that seem to confirm my thoughts, but would like one last sanity check before I actually cut into the plumbing.
Some initial specs for you;
- The pool is 12 - 13k gal with a built in spa with overflow back into the pool (gallons are an estimate since I bought the house with the pool already installed).
- The current pump is a 1.5 hp single speed.
- The filter is a 190-cf Hayward cartridge unit.
- The bottom feeder is a Jandy Rayvac pressure-side cleaner.
- All plumbing lines are 2” ID except the pressure line to the cleaner which is 1.5” ID.
- The equipment pad sits about 20” from the pool.
- And the 3 way inlet valve providing water to the pump can restrict the flow from either the pool OR the spa but NOT both at the same time – which is good. The same goes for the outlet from the filter – it’s pool or spa but can’t cut off both at the same time.
Here is a picture of the current plumbing:
Having told you all that, here is my plan: Replace the single speed pump with a Pentair VS 11018, replace the Hayward filter with Pentair 420 cartridge and convert the pressure side cleaner into a suction cleaner (probably for an MX8).
Here is a stick diagram of what I would like to do:
The 420 filter would now be sitting to the left of the return lines, which will allow me to move the pump further to the left also (approx. to where the current filter sits). From there I can cut the (what is now the pressure side to the cleaner) 1.5” line into the suction line and control it with a 2 way valve. My ultimate goal (as funds become available) is to add an actuator to the 2-way valve and set the timer to ramp up the pump and open the valve at the same time. After the bottom is vacuumed (time to be determined through trial and error) the valve would close and the pump would ramp down.
QUESTION 1:
Will there be enough suction through the 1.5” pipe to run the vac or would I need to restrict the flow from the pool/spa to get the required suction?
I guess another option would be to have a 3-way valve for the vac. I would have to open the 3-way valve and rotate the innards so either the pool/spa line would be blocked or the vac line would be blocked but never both. Something like this:
Which plumbing option would be best?
Thanks much for any constructive criticism.
Mike
Some initial specs for you;
- The pool is 12 - 13k gal with a built in spa with overflow back into the pool (gallons are an estimate since I bought the house with the pool already installed).
- The current pump is a 1.5 hp single speed.
- The filter is a 190-cf Hayward cartridge unit.
- The bottom feeder is a Jandy Rayvac pressure-side cleaner.
- All plumbing lines are 2” ID except the pressure line to the cleaner which is 1.5” ID.
- The equipment pad sits about 20” from the pool.
- And the 3 way inlet valve providing water to the pump can restrict the flow from either the pool OR the spa but NOT both at the same time – which is good. The same goes for the outlet from the filter – it’s pool or spa but can’t cut off both at the same time.
Here is a picture of the current plumbing:
Having told you all that, here is my plan: Replace the single speed pump with a Pentair VS 11018, replace the Hayward filter with Pentair 420 cartridge and convert the pressure side cleaner into a suction cleaner (probably for an MX8).
Here is a stick diagram of what I would like to do:

The 420 filter would now be sitting to the left of the return lines, which will allow me to move the pump further to the left also (approx. to where the current filter sits). From there I can cut the (what is now the pressure side to the cleaner) 1.5” line into the suction line and control it with a 2 way valve. My ultimate goal (as funds become available) is to add an actuator to the 2-way valve and set the timer to ramp up the pump and open the valve at the same time. After the bottom is vacuumed (time to be determined through trial and error) the valve would close and the pump would ramp down.
QUESTION 1:
Will there be enough suction through the 1.5” pipe to run the vac or would I need to restrict the flow from the pool/spa to get the required suction?
I guess another option would be to have a 3-way valve for the vac. I would have to open the 3-way valve and rotate the innards so either the pool/spa line would be blocked or the vac line would be blocked but never both. Something like this:

Which plumbing option would be best?
Thanks much for any constructive criticism.

Mike