New Pool - Want Hydraulic Design

[Cookiebuilder]

Moved from here.

And I have been giving advice away for free. I think I see a business model. 8)

Seriously though, you really don't need a hydraulic engineer to design pool plumbing. Although I took it to the extreme, (I can't help it, I'm an engineer) the pool owner doesn't really need to model all the plumbing but make some good choices in pipes and pumps (e.g. large pipes and small pumps). It really doesn't need to get much more complicated than that. Besides, predicting head loss for a new pool is nearly impossible. Believe me, I tried. Got close but there is too much uncertainty. Existing pools are much easier to model since you have some measurements (i.e. pool filter PSI).

The objective is to design the plumbing such that it is as low as possible which means, big pipes. You want more head loss on the pressure side vs vacuum side but that is taken care of by the filter and pad plumbing. Separate lines to skimmers and main drains helps too.

The pump should deliver no more GPM than necessary to fit the needs of the pool which usually means, small pumps. Higher HP pumps are needed for spa and water features but then two speed or double pumps are in order. Even assuming 60 feet of head will get close to the appropriate GPM.

Sticking with these simple principles, results in energy efficient pools. 100% optimized? Probably not but I'm not sure you could do that anyway.

My forum is usually the triathlon forum slowtwitch. But I find myself building a pool and needing help. I am a general contractor with machines and cement guys, I am forced by budget to build/sub out my own pool 20 meter (65 foot 8)by 20 feet. I definitely need help and want to hire someone to design my hydraulic system I don't want to have regrets.. who would you guys recommend? Or is there any of you that want to stractch some lines a a paper and do some math for me?? Obvisly paid and more than a 100 bucks lol.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Why don't you stretch some lines on paper and the collective will critique it and give you advice. There is nothing magic about a good pool plumbing loop.

SKIMMERS + MAIN DRAIN -> PUMP -> FILTER -> HEATER -> CHLORINATOR (PREFERABLY SWCG) -> RETURNS.

What fancy features are you planning?