First Time Plumber - How'd I Do?

[buoyant1]

Recently replaced the previous owner's corrugated piping with all rigid, seeing it as an opportunity to try my hand at learning something new as well as add a couple of new features - a convenient way to vacuum to waste and an external heater bypass. I'll be getting the old heater swapped out next week, at which point the plumber will finalize the hookup (I don't mess with gas lines).

Happy to report no leaks. But looking back on it, I do see a couple of things I wish I had done better in terms of placement/alignment of piping. But alas, I didn't expect the first time to go all that well. Much respect to those who do this stuff daily and do it well. I am sore all over.

I welcome feedback as I'm sure I missed the mark some best practices, but it's a chance to learn.

 

[PoolStored]

Buoy...Lots of work. The filter should be on the pad, not on a sheet of plywood.

Heater bypass should have a single valve and a check valve. With your setup it is possible to dead head the pump.

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[buoyant1]

Buoy...Lots of work. The filter should be on the pad, not on a sheet of plywood.

Heater bypass should have a single valve and a check valve. With your setup it is possible to dead head the pump.

Transchem Muriatic Acid 1 gal Liquid Mfr# 1335100001 - Ace Hardware

Professional Strength 31.45% HCL (Muriatic Acid), excellent for pH reduction in swimming pools or to clean and etch masonry surfaces, excellent for pH reduction in all commercial and residential pools.Find the ACID MURIATIC GAL at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

I found that I had to raise the filter to get it to the level of the pump, which is sitting on the pad. I plan on replacing that with pressure treated wood, but maybe there something better I can use. And yes, I indeed purchased a Jandy check valve for the plumber to install coming out of the heater. I guess I added the second 3-way caused I was paranoid about the check valve failing at some point and wanted an extra measure. But I see your point about making it possible to damage the heater. Wonder if that’s probably worth cutting and just going check valve.

 

[PoolStored]

But I see your point about making it possible to damage the heater.

It is not about damage to the heater, it is damage to the pump. If the valves are off, the pump will dead head. With a properly configured diverter on the input side, there is no way to shut off flow. Read the article on the diverter and study it to understand.

There are ways to plumb from the pump to the filter to accommodate elevation changes.

 

[buoyant1]

It is not about damage to the heater, it is damage to the pump. If the valves are off, the pump will dead head. With a properly configured diverter on the input side, there is no way to shut off flow. Read the article on the diverter and study it to understand.

There are ways to plumb from the pump to the filter to accommodate elevation changes.

Just curious - is there some functional danger in having the filter elevated like that? Or just aesthetic drawbacks?

Appreciate all your feedback

 

[PoolStored]

It's about stability.

Never install a new filter on wood because it can warp or decay beneath the filter’s footings and compromise the position of the unit.

https://www.poolspanews.com/how-to/ultimate-tech-manual/pool-filter-installation_o#:~:text=Never%20install%20a%20new%20filter,not%20operate%20at%20its%20optimum.

 

[PoolStored]

I welcome feedback as I'm sure I missed the mark some best practices

You asked for the feedback. It will all work the way you have it. It is not optimal, and there are risks. If you understand that, that is the choice we make. It's like a FRAM commercial, pay me now, pay me later. Or what my mom would say, if you are going to do it, do it right the first time.

 

[buoyant1]

You asked for the feedback. It will all work the way you have it. It is not optimal, and there are risks. If you understand that, that is the choice we make. It's like a FRAM commercial, pay me now, pay me later. Or what my mom would say, if you are going to do it, do it right the first time.

Agreed on that. I’ll be cutting out that 3-way and replacing with a T fitting + check valve today. Thanks for your help

 

[buoyant1]

You asked for the feedback. It will all work the way you have it. It is not optimal, and there are risks. If you understand that, that is the choice we make. It's like a FRAM commercial, pay me now, pay me later. Or what my mom would say, if you are going to do it, do it right the first time.

An update Now to get rid of that wood under the filter

 

[JamesW]

Did you make sure that the filter Inlet and Outlet were correct?