Oh interesting. So it's possible they didn't plumb the pool for a dedicated pump. I have pictures of the piping before shotcrete was done so what would I look for to know if there was a dedicated suction line?Each pump needs a dedicated suction line from the pool.
You should not have two pumps trying to pull water from the same suction line.
So when you ask about adding a pump it is only practical if the suction line for it was installed during the pool build.
Look for suction intakes on the pool floor or walls.Oh interesting. So it's possible they didn't plumb the pool for a dedicated pump. I have pictures of the piping before shotcrete was done so what would I look for to know if there was a dedicated suction line?
Well if that's the case then I guess it makes the decision easier. Here is a picture of the pool prior to plaster. I honestly don't know what all of the pipes are for. This is our first pool and I'm still trying to learn as much as I can from this site.Look for suction intakes on the pool floor or walls.
If you had an unused suction intake there would be a pipe at the equipment pad that is not connected and I don’t see such a pipe in your picture.
Okay so assuming there is no dedicated suction line it sounds like the separate pump is a no-go and we will be asking for a refund from the builder. Do you have any concerns with the main pump (IntelliFlo3 VSF 3HP) being able to support everything?You cannot tell from pipes sticking out if their use is for suction or return.
Oh great, I didn't even consider the valves. Yet another thing to worry about and discuss with the builder. One thing is for sure, I will never build another pool.Depends on your expectations for flow rates. You will have to see what pump speeds and valve positions work best for you.
You may find you get better flow from the scuppers with only two on then dividing the flow by three.
You may find yourself adjusting valve positions more then you expected.
Those ball valves on the scupper lines should have been diverter valves. In 3 years or so they will start sticking, handles will break, and they will need replacement.
What’s funny is that it was the builders who recommended the separate pump. Every builder we got a quote from had it designed that way including the one we selected.Your system will work great as is. Why do you think you need a separate feature pump?
Did they install a heater bypass?
If they're replumbing anything, have them replace the ball valves with diverters. See post #3.
The entire manifold with the 4 pipes going into the ground needs to be rebuilt.I do wonder how they will replace those ball valves given how tight all the fittings are right there.
Unless you have unique circumstances, you don't need a dedicated pump for your water features. My setup is almost the same as yours and it works great. Save money and space at your equipment pad while reducing complexity.What’s funny is that it was the builders who recommended the separate pump. Every builder we got a quote from had it designed that way including the one we selected.
Have the plumber install a bypass when he replaces the ball valves with diverters.No I don’t see a heater bypass but I may have forgotten to ask for one. I am going to ask to have those ball valves replaced.
Thank you. That makes me feel a little better about their screw up and not having the second pump.Unless you have unique circumstances, you don't need a dedicated pump for your water features. My setup is almost the same as yours and it works great. Save money and space at your equipment pad while reducing complexity.
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Have the plumber install a bypass when he replaces the ball valves with diverters.
Have the plumber install a bypass when he replaces the ball valves with diverters.
This is the "no heat" configuration. A trickle of water flows through the HP and the bypass is fully open. When I'm using the HP, the bypass is completely off.In the pic the handle indicated both lines are open - bypass and heater intake. Any reason?
The actuator is connected to IntelliCenter. I have an AquaCal HP, and it doesn't play nice with IntelliCenter. I've called both Pentair and AquaCal, and they both said the RS-485 problems should get fixed with future firmware updates. I'm not holding my breath. In the meantime, I've disconnected the HP RS-485 cable and I'm operating the HP standalone.Do you have the actuator connected to the IntelliCenter or the MasterTemp PCB BYP_VLV socket?