Is plumbing correct?

[bparker]

We are making our pool more shallow. Originally had single 2" main drain in pool. Remodel put in 2 x 1.5" drains. That would have been fine, but steel crew drilled into the 2" main in the pool sidewall! They said No Problem, and carved a new line into the side of the pool and out to connect with the original main line. That was all covered up by the new gunite. My question is... this new line is 1.5" not 2", until it connects with the original 2" line. The 1.5" segment is probably 15'. Then there is another 50' of 2" to the Intelliflo 3 HP pump which is 4' above the pool. There are also 2 1.5" lines from skimmers. That is part one.

Part two is the returns. The original 5 returns are unchanged, and fed by a 2" line. I wanted 2 bubblers added to the tanning ledge, but ended up with 4. There will be a jandy valve to divert return water when I want them to "bubble". Is it likely I will need to divert ALL the return when I want the bubblers? The pool folks have never mentioned anything about this. There is not a separate water feature pump.

Bill.

 

[bdavis466]

Your pipe sizes are fine especially since they are home runs.

To run 4 bubblers simultaneously with any sort of pleasing effect will require all of the flow directed to them.

Since you are remodeling your pool, have you considered adding a second pump for the waterfeatures?

 

[bparker]

Now I am wondering about that. Could a new pump just grab water at the pad, or does it need a new main drain? Could I set the pad up so a 2nd pump could be added later if needed?

Bill.

 

[bdavis466]

An additional pump really needs its own suction line. If that isn't possible, you could use one of the skimmer lines or the main drain to supply the pump.

 

[bparker]

What about the pump itself. I expect I would need to "dial in" the amount of water feeding the bubblers. Does that mean I would need a variable speed pump?

As a part of the remodel I bought an EasyTouch 4. I will have main pump, Polaris pump and possibly this water feature pump. Can the EasyTouch 4 handle that?

Bill.

 

[bdavis466]

Yes but you will only have one extra relay for something else (like a pool light).

I'm not sure where you are in the process but most people these days are dumping the pressure cleaners in favor of a robotic cleaner. Depending on your electric rates, a robot can pay for itself in a few months and do a better job in the process.

With water features there should be a valve that controls the flow to each bubbler so they can be equalized. A variable speed pump would be nice to have but is far from necessary.

 

[bparker]

I looked at a couple of videos for robotic cleaners. It is something you can't leave in the pool? I want to be less of a pool boy, not more of one.

Bill.

 

[bdavis466]

First Robotic Cleaner, Doheny's Discovery

Pretty comprehensive review. Many do leave them in the pool full time.

 

[bmoreswim]

I'm checking that robot's price daily for the price drop from $799 to $649 as in the past.