Pad Plumbing Schematic Question

[Dirk]

I'm advising a fellow TFPer as he replumbs his pad. Very simple setup: pump -> filter -> SWG. We are working on how to best physically locate the various components, as he can do so any which way works best. I convinced him to ditch five old PVC ball valves (three suction, two return) and replace them with three quality three-way valves. I'm pretty sure I have the schematic right, but my question is:

Can a Jandy three-way valve be configured any which way? If he needs two "inputs" and one "output," can any of the three ports be used as the output? That it's just a matter of disassembling the valve and reconfiguring the gate?

In order to facilitate the layout, he may need to have one of the two side ports be the output, while the other side port and the middle port are the inputs. I told him this was doable, but I've never actually done this myself, so I'm double-checking.

R = return
M = main drain
S = skimmer (there are two)
V = three-way valve

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dirk,

I am never in favor of using 3-way valves in place of 2-way valves. (Except for switching between the pool mode and spa modes..)

In your set-up above, I would use a 2 way valve on each pipe, as that gives you the best overall control.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Dirk]

Dirk,

I am never in favor of using 3-way valves in place of 2-way valves. (Except for switching between the pool mode and spa modes..)

In your set-up above, I would use a 2 way valve on each pipe, as that gives you the best overall control.

Thanks,

Jim R.

I like that three-ways used as I have them cannot be inadvertently positioned to shut down the flow (and block the pump). That cannot be said for all two-ways.

I would say that two-ways provide the simplest overall control, but I would not use the word "best" (for the reason I stated above). It is my understanding that whatever flow control can be achieved by two-ways can be replicated by three-ways, it's just a matter of wrapping ones head around what the valves are doing. (I'd welcome being corrected about that if I'm wrong.)

This particular pad is exposed to very young brains, and very old, uh, experienced brains, which could create some havoc should the valves be turned incorrectly. I advised the idiot-proof safer setup for that reason. I explained the differences between the two setups, and he chose (and already purchased) the three-ways.

Any thoughts on my original question?

 

[Poolbreh]

Can a Jandy three-way valve be configured any which way? If he needs two "inputs" and one "output," can any of the three ports be used as the output? That it's just a matter of disassembling the valve and reconfiguring the gate?

Yes.
I know the consensus here is 2 ways offer the most control. I think they each have their place. If the valve is used often(spa/pool, cleaner, wf, anything you may want to put an actuator on) use 3 way. If the valve isn’t used often, and you are looking for more precise control use 2 way.

 

[Poolbreh]

I use a lot of suction side cleaners. So I like a 3way on my intake with an actuator. I can have a schedule for my cleaner and one for my skimmer. and adjust the speed for accordingly.

 

[Dirk]

I use a lot of suction side cleaners. So I like a 3way on my intake with an actuator. I can have a schedule for my cleaner and one for my skimmer. and adjust the speed for accordingly.

Exactly how I have my skimmer/vac/automation set up. Though I had to do it wrong several different ways before I figured that out!

Yes.

Great, just wanted to make sure before he starts cutting and gluing.

 

[Dirk]

If the valve isn’t used often, and you are looking for more precise control use 2 way.

Sorry, still not convinced. The valves will probably not be used much at all, maybe never again after they are correctly set. The rub occurs when an inquisitive youngster, or devious prankster, or forgetful oldster, decides to monkey with the valves. The risk to the pump does not outweigh a few extra minutes to get the three-ways set.

I didn't mention that the pump is on a timer and the owner is out of town often. If the valves were tampered with, he might not know about it for many days, long after the pump was destroyed or his filter was blown apart and the pump drained his pool.

Others often suggest just removing the handles, but that makes even less sense to me. When you need to use the valve, even temporarily, why have to fumble with reinstalling a handle? If you're in a situation where you'd need to remove a handle to make it safe, then why not use a three-way so that it can never be used unsafely?!

Sorry, I'm stuck on what I think is the safer solution.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dirk,

I still say 2-way valves are the 'best' way to plumb a pool..

But, I will concede that there is not a huge difference in operation between the two methods.

If you are going to use 3-way valves, then your plan looks good to me.

Thanks,

Jim R.