Little return flow when solar is enabled

[dpl252]

Hey all, I have 23k in ground chlorine pool and just recently programmed my solar to open with the filters running. I'm on Aqualink RS8 controller and Intelliflo VSP 3HP pump. My solar hadn't been working and realized the JVA wasn't assigned so I assigned it in the Aqualink and enabled the aux and now it's working as expected: when my pump turns on for it's scheduled program, the solar JVA opens and water is going to the panels. All should be well.

I noticed however that when this happens my return flow in the pool is very low, I can't even see the surface moving at all. I stick my hand in front of the jets and I can feel a faint flow of warm water. My PSI on my filter is the same, so I think what is happening is the pump is running at the same speed but now since the water has to get pushed up onto my roof and back down, the pressure coming back to the returns in pool is much lower.

Should I program my pump to run faster? I don't know what RPM it's on since it's controlled by AUX input and I can't see the RPM, but just going by sound/pressure alone i'd say it's running on like 40% speed. I would ideally love it to run the pump faster during the hottest part of the day (to do the bulk warming of the pool) and then slower (to maintain) but I don't know how to program a VSP using the Aqualink. Here's some pictures of my gear:

 

[nobody291]

My setup is very similar to yours. When you switch on the solar, does the pump show that it switches to a different preset speed? For me, the pump will show "running speed X" on its screen, where X is a number corresponding to the four speed buttons under the screen. If the running speed number does change, then you just need to program the pump to run at whatever speed you think is good on that number. For me speed 1 is 1200 rpm (which I use for a lowest speed for my SWG), speed 2 is 2000 rpm (which I use for Spa mode and spillover), speed 3 is 2600 rpm (which the previous owner selected for solar and I've never changed), and speed 4 is 3000 rpm (which is good for skimming and my suction powered vacuum).

If the running speed doesn't change on the pump when you select the solar on, then you need to figure out how your panel communicates with your pump. My setup uses an interface adapter between the panel and the pump. It was already installed when we bought the house, so I haven't had to figure out how it's wired yet. But, I have changed the preset running speeds on the pump itself and it was pretty straightforward.

 

[dpl252]

That’s interesting, I’m pretty sure my pump wires right into the aqua link board and since it’s in six mode you can’t actually use the on board pump display at all (as it is in my picture, it won’t change from that) so I feel like my setup has no interface.

Do you know what your interface is called? I would love to add that to my system so I can program different speed settings.

 

[nobody291]

The interface I have is called a Pentair IntelliComm II interface adapter. If you search, you should be able to find the documentation for it to see if it would be compatible with your panel. Hopefully there are others here who know more about what you need for your exact setup.

 

[dpl252]

Thanks for this! I found some videos online showing how to install that with the same Jandy board I have to looks like it should work!