In Floor Cleaning System Dilemma

[poolguy03]

Ive been doing some equipment upgrades (pumps/filters) and in doing so I installed flow meters on all my pumps. Ive recored some interesting data that now has me questioning whether it would be best to abandon my pool valet in floor cleaning system. With my 6 port valve module installed, I can get 50 gpm while using 500 watts (2000 rpm) of power on my main filter pump. With the 6 port valve assembly removed, I can get 70 gpm (1500 rpm) at 260 watts. I can run my filter for twice as long at the same energy cost, while filtering 20% more water with the in floor pop-ups acting as normal pool returns (no valves installed but they all pop up). I also have an electric pool sweep that uses 150w/hr. It does an amazing job at getting the leaves on the floor as well as scrubbing the walls. It's a 30,000 gallon pool.

Would I be crazy to just leave the 6 port valve assembly out of my in floor system, use my electric pool sweep, and keep the pump at 1500rpm to allow the pop ups to lift?

 

[mas985]

Not crazy at all. IFCSs are notoriously inefficient. Plus based upon feedback on this forum, most users of IFCSs end up using a secondary cleaner anyway because the IFCS does not fully clean the floor. A robot is going to end up being much more efficient and effective.

Do you not have standard returns in the pool?

 

[poolguy03]

Not crazy at all. IFCSs are notoriously inefficient. Plus based upon feedback on this forum, most users of IFCSs end up using a secondary cleaner anyway because the IFCS does not fully clean the floor. A robot is going to end up being much more efficient and effective.

Do you not have standard returns in the pool?

I have no standard returns sadly. A total of 12 pop-ups.

 

[jesse-99]

How old are your pop up heads? Brand?

I replaced mine last year (all 37) because the newer (last few years I think?) Caretaker/Jandy heads have a lower spring rate on them and pop up easier now because of the use of VS pumps (lower RPM) that are used more often than in the past . I noticed my heads pop up much more easily now than before replacing them. FWIW.

 

[poolguy03]

How old are your pop up heads? Brand?

I replaced mine last year (all 37) because the newer (last few years I think?) Caretaker/Jandy heads have a lower spring rate on them and pop up easier now because of the use of VS pumps (lower RPM) that are used more often than in the past . I noticed my heads pop up much more easily now than before replacing them. FWIW.

I have a pool valet, no springs here. The heads pop-up with water pressure alone.