Optimal piping for intake and return to spa jets

[tomas21]

@JamesW @mas985

Based on our future spa setup below, what is the optimal size piping for the intake and return on the following details below to ensure optimal flow on our spa jets?

Spa Jets

• Spa jets pump: IntelliFloXF VSF 022056
• Distance equipment to spa: ~60-70 feet almost direct route
• # of jets: 7-8 jets (Paramount parajets or regular adjustable)

 

[mas985]

Based upon the information you gave and a typical amount of fittings, the Intelliflo XF @ 3450 RPM should be able to produce about 17 GPM/jet on 3" plumbing which is just under 6fps. That is below the maximum flow rate for the jets of 20 GPM but above the moderate strength level of 15 GPM for a 3/8" orifice jet. Going much larger than 3"really won't buy you much as most of the head loss is going to be in the jets. With 8 3/8" jets, you are close to the limit of the pump.

Also make sure the PB puts in a Hartford loop so you don't have to use a blower. Unless of course you have bubblers which require a blower.

 

[tomas21]

@mas985 Thanks for the quick response...

So you are suggesting 3" pipeline both on the intake and return side of the pump? Also we may be only doing 7-8 jets (all parajets, all regular, or some parajets and some regular).

 

[mas985]

Yes, both return and suction.

If you mix jets, just make sure they are all the same size. If you mix 3/8" with 1/4" or 7/16", performance will suffer.

 

[tomas21]

Thanks... So 3" intake and return to spa jets + hardford loop..

@mas985 Once the 3" gets closer to the spa i'm assuming it gets reduced down to the approriate size for the spa manifold and distribution

I found the specs sheet for parajets to share with with builder and plumber doing the pool

 

[tomas21]

For those that use autofill on their inground pools, what is the recommended water levelers for ease of maintenance, reliability, and will work with a pour in place lid?

• Pentair T40BG (manual)
• CMP SuperPro Pool Water Leveler (manual)
• Paramount Paralevel (manual)
• Poolmiser (manual)
• .....

 

[mknauss]

Is this for retrofit or new build? The CMP is an over the pool edge type, but the other two are installed during construction.

Mine is a basic float valve. Has worked great for 7 years. I have a pressure reducer on the line to it so it does not see much pressure.

 

[rcerf]

I have the Poolmiser and it works real well. It is actually an auto fill and overflow drain in one. It uses an equalizer tube about 18 inches below the water level , so wave action doesn’t cause water level to drop like an overflow grate mounted in the waterline tile does. It uses a simple toilet flush valve , so it’s easy to adjust water level , and also doubles as backflow prevention. I believe it can be installed up to about 35 feet away from the pool. Mine is installed next to the pool in the concrete decking ; it looks like a skimmer lid.

 

[tomas21]

Brand new build

 

[Desert Dog]

Are you asking about a pour-a-lid? I think Paralevel has them. I have never used one, so no help there. I have a Poolmiser and quartzite coping. I cut a piece of the stone to use in place of the plastic lid.

 

[mknauss]

Brand new build

In your area you do not need to put in an overflow.

I have no experience with the more complicated autofills.

 

[pjt]

My autofill is plumbed as a zone of my irrigation system. It's simple, inexpensive, reliable, practically zero maintenance, and gives you complete control.

 

[tomas21]

I'm looking for a preferred autofill on a new pool build... bonus if I can also have a pour in place lid for it as well.

 

[tomas21]

Curious how others have done their jets layout for a 7x9 spa with spill over.

With potentially seating 8 comfortably wonder how others have had their jets place.... bench area and foot well.

We have 2 pumps spec'd to be able to leverage

• Pool / spa pump - IntelliFlo® VSF 011056
• Spa jets pump - IntelliFloXF VSF 022056

 

[kellyfair]

I’m not schooled enough in this area to help, but hopefully others will be along soon.

 

[tomas21]

Looking for spa jet input...

As we close in on plumbing... trying to finalize our spa jets for a 7x9 (8 jets)... will have two pumps pushing the 8 jets (3 primary jets isolated by the pool/spa pump as primary and 5 jets isolated by spa booster pump (turn on when necessary))

Debating over which jets to go with for flexibly in terms of jet types, swapping out, performance, feel.

• Paramount parajets & install guide
• CMP 1.5" Spinning jets & manual
• Waterway jets
  • Powerstorm (not sure the difference)
  • Polystorm (note sure the difference)
• Waterway Standard eyeball jets
• ....

 

[ajw22]

Here are my spa dimensions you requested...