How should returns be split

[DrZoidberg]

Hi All,

I'm about 8 months into ownership toying with the equipment and optimization. And wanted to ask opinions.

Right now the return water is split between the spa (for spillover water fall) and pool return. The pool return creates nice circulation- the spa is okay but spillover doesn't quite make it into the pool cleanly. It seems to splash on the stone below. The PSI reading is around 10 psi when the valve is open for both.

Today I closed off the pool return to run spa only. It did great at spillover getting into the pool cleanly and filter psi was at 20 PSI which is on the high side but when I did it the pump ran quieter. Usually with both returns open it's a little louder like the water in the filter is maybe sloshing around. Only having one return open made it really quiet.

Pump is an old Hayward Northstar 2 hp 2 speed pump. Ideally I'd like the spillover to be more powerful to clear the bottom stone without compromising the pool return and rasing PSI into the 20s. Leslie's has a jacuzzi 2.65 VSP pump on sale with free install. Would a VSP with more flow be better to have both returns operating better or would closing part of one of the return valves be better?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Doc,

Show us several pics of your equipment pad and we will be able to give you better answers.. How your system is plumbed, will make a difference.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Hello. Please see attached.

1. All equipment. Main pump is in center the right pump is waterfall only. Omni board on side with cartridge filter and finally passing through heater before split return.

2. Photo of main pump setup.

3. Intake side of main pump.

4. Return side after housing and heater.

5. Picture of filter.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Doc,

What does the Red ball valve control??

What is the little filter for, just to the right of the main pump.. Is this path normally open or only open when needed?

I was looking to see if you had a "Make-up valve" to run the spa spillover, which you do not.

Do you want your spa to continually spillover?? If not, you can use your automation system in the Spillway mode.. You would just schedule it to run twice a day for 30 minutes each time.. This will keep the spa water fresh...

If you buy any new pump, it needs to be able to communicate with your automation.. Not all pumps will do that..

The biggest restriction to your flow is your heater, so you could also add a heater by-pass.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[DrZoidberg]

Doc,

What does the Red ball valve control??

What is the little filter for, just to the right of the main pump.. Is this path normally open or only open when needed?

I was looking to see if you had a "Make-up valve" to run the spa spillover, which you do not.

Do you want your spa to continually spillover?? If not, you can use your automation system in the Spillway mode.. You would just schedule it to run twice a day for 30 minutes each time.. This will keep the spa water fresh...

If you buy any new pump, it needs to be able to communicate with your automation.. Not all pumps will do that..

The biggest restriction to your flow is your heater, so you could also add a heater by-pass.

Thanks,

Jim R.

1. Red ball valve controls flow to the slide we have.
2. The filter is for the pressure side cleaner intake. I do not open that valve anymore since I have a bot. I never did take to the pressure side cleaner.
3. The spillway I don't need to run constantly. Twice a day like the waterfall would be nice. The pump I was looking at was Jacuzzi which I was told is made by Hayward and is compatible with our OmniLogic board. The other pump works but would rather have something more efficient and easier on wallet during texas low temps.

Also the heater bypass is probably a good idea. I haven't used it and was thinking of getting rid of the entire unit. But a bypass could be a good option.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Doc,

I am not sure how to set it up on a Hayward system, but basically, you set up the 'Spillway' mode in the OmniLogic.. When in the spillway mode, the Intake valves sucks water from the pool and sends all of it to the spa.. You will have to adjust your Return valve so that it moves from full Pool to full Spa, rather than the way it is adjusted now.

You might want to use search and see if you can find a thread where others have done this..

Or let us know and we'll find a Hayward guy to get you pointed in the right direction.

Thanks,

Jim R.