Heater Bypass Installation

[toofaan]

Hello,

I'm planning to make the following enhancements to my pool setup:
1. Install Multi-Port Valve for the Quad DE Filter
2. Remove Ozone and Chlorinator (both not in active use), and install Circupool RJ45+ SWCG in its place
3. Install Heater Bypass

For installing heater bypass, I have potentially two options, one on the left side of the heater just besides the filter and other on the right side of the heater where water goes in/out of the heater (both marked in yellow color in attached pics). Can you please advise which is a better place to install? Also would it be OK to block flow of water to the heater altogether, which perhaps leaves some water stagnating in the heater pipes, or have some sort of partial flow to heater. I have a Jandy LXI gas heater. Also would I just need a 3 way diverter valve, or a check valve as well? Thanks!

 

[flynwill]

I would choose the the first option since that will put the valve in an easily accessible place, and you will be re-working those pipes anyway to remove the chlorinator and ozone and adding the salt cell.

 

[proavia]

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Put it in a location that is easiest for you to access, adjust valve and maintain the valve and check valve.
Based on the above link, a Jandy type 3way valve and a Jandy type check valve would be best.

If your water chemistry (especially pH and CH) parameters are correct, the 3way valve can be set to allow the flow to BOTH bypass and flow thru the heater. This will allow the majority of flow to bypass the heater and some flow to go thru the heater - this allows a constant small flow of water thru the heater while allowing most water to bypass. This will provide the least flow restriction and allow some water to go thru heater so heater water doesn't stagnate. If chemistry is out of wack or you need to isolate the heater, set 3way valve to OFF towards heater. When using heater, set 3way valve to OFF towards bypass pipe.

Whatever youdo, be sure the SWG is the last item before water returns to pool (after heater and any bypass).

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Here’s one idea for the heater bypass.

 

[proavia]

Here’s one idea for the heater bypass.

I can't exactly tell from the pic - how does that isloate the heater completely?
And I wouldn't recommend using one of those cheap ball valves on any 1.5 inch or larger pipe. After a few years they tend to get hard to turn and the handle breaks.

This way works well....

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

The first picture was for theory, here’s a more current picture.

 

[toofaan]

Thanks all, I'll plan to have the diverter value installed and pass a small flow of water to the heater!