Plumbing Change

[251LCT]

Now that I have the electrical figured out for adding the IC60 thanks to the help form here, I’m looking to get advice on what changes I’m thinking about making to the plumbing. l’m building a deck for the equipment to sit on since I have to move the heater back a few feet to make room for the SWG and flow. I’ll be disconnecting the equipment and cutting 6 pipes that come out of the ground in order to raise the equipment about 8 inches. I’m considering putting unions on those 6 pipes in case I ever need to change or repair any valves in that area. Is this a good idea, or will that many unions be more prone to leaks and headaches? I’m also taking out the ozone generator pipe and replacing it with a single pipe. I was considering putting a “T” in that section and putting my Stenner pump injector there and keeping it hooked up in case my SWG ever has problems and I need to sanatize the pool while waiting on parts. Is that a good idea? I appreciate any help and advice!

 

[HermanTX]

I’ll be disconnecting the equipment and cutting 6 pipes that come out of the ground in order to raise the equipment about 8 inches.

Can you label those 6 pipes such as main drain suction, skimmer suction, etc. That is helpful to understand your setup.

Also, I would try to make the line from the pump to the filter inlet with less 90 deg bends and keep it level.

I’m considering putting unions on those 6 pipes in case I ever need to change or repair any valves in that area. Is this a good idea, or will that many unions be more prone to leaks and headaches?

That is not a bad idea but not needed. Do you close your pool? If so, you could consider putting 2-way diverter valves there to help in blowing out lines and shutting in air. Unions can be bulky so ensure there is enough room to install them. You may have to stagger their heghts from the ground.

I’m also taking out the ozone generator pipe and replacing it with a single pipe. I was considering putting a “T” in that section and putting my Stenner pump injector there and keeping it hooked up in case my SWG ever has problems and I need to sanatize the pool while waiting on parts. Is that a good idea?

I would consider a heater bypass (it is hard to tell if that is already setup on plumbing based on the photo).
Keeping a line for a stenner injection pump is also good idea because when water temperature is below 55 degrees your SWCG will not operate. And if you do not close your pool then you will need to add some chlorine in the winter months.

 

[HermanTX]

Reading for Heater Bypass

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[251LCT]

Thanks. I’ll try to label the pipes this afternoon. Basically, the three on the right are spa and skimmer suction and the three on the left are the spa output and 2 pool outputs. I don’t close the pool in the winter. Great idea on the heater bypass and thanks for the reference. I didn’t know how I would do it, but it makes sense now. I’ll try to figure out how to make the pump more in line with the filter. Do these seem like good unions:?

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks. I’ll try to label the pipes this afternoon. Basically, the three on the right are spa and skimmer suction and the three on the left are the spa output and 2 pool outputs. I don’t close the pool in the winter. Great idea on the heater bypass and thanks for the reference. I didn’t know how I would do it, but it makes sense now. I’ll try to figure out how to make the pump more in line with the filter. Do these seem like good unions:?
View attachment 478000

I know the ones at Home Depot tend to be bulky so this looks fine.
Just curious - what are the 2 pool returns as you have that valve to balance flow between the 2.

 

[251LCT]

I know the ones at Home Depot tend to be bulky so this looks fine.
Just curious - what are the 2 pool returns as you have that valve to balance flow between the 2.

Good question. I’m not sure why there’s a valve there. I’ve never had to operate it.

 

[mas985]

I would replace the DWV fittings on the pump return side with schedule 40 fittings.

Why are you raising the equipment 8"?

 

[251LCT]

I would replace the DWV fittings on the pump return side with schedule 40 fittings.

Why are you raising the equipment 8"?

Thanks. Gathering all the parts now. The concrete pad is too small. Once I move the heater back to make room for the SWG, it’ll be sitting in the dirt. Also, water runs over the area during a heavy rain. I think raising everything will help protect the equipment.

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks. Gathering all the parts now. The concrete pad is too small. Once I move the heater back to make room for the SWG, it’ll be sitting in the dirt. Also, water runs over the area during a heavy rain. I think raising everything will help protect the equipment.

I raised my filter using stepping stones. It made it easier to access the drain plug. Why pentair put those things in such a darn place to reach. By raising your filter a little (once you have it on the new deck), it may make it easier to run that plumbing from the pump outlet to the filter inlet.

 

[251LCT]

I raised my filter using stepping stones. It made it easier to access the drain plug. Why pentair put those things in such a darn place to reach. By raising your filter a little (once you have it on the new deck), it may make it easier to run that plumbing from the pump outlet to the filter inlet.

Looking at it, I’ll get a new valve and orient it at the pump so it has a straight run to the filter. I’ll put another valve with a check valve to bypass the heater.

 

[251LCT]

Thanks everyone for the help! Just got everything hooked back up and no leaks so far! Other than my booster pump making a buzzing noise and not turning on, everything else seems to work. Now to get a salt test to see how much salt I need to add.

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks everyone for the help! Just got everything hooked back up and no leaks so far! Other than my booster pump making a buzzing noise and not turning on, everything else seems to work. Now to get a salt test to see how much salt I need to add.

OMG!!! What a great layout and setup. What a change from the original setup. The next time we have a contest for the best equipment pad setups, be sure to enter. (unfortunately, we just had that contest earlier this year).
You did an amazing job and the deck looks great as well.

 

[251LCT]

OMG!!! What a great layout and setup. What a change from the original setup. The next time we have a contest for the best equipment pad setups, be sure to enter. (unfortunately, we just had that contest earlier this year).
You did an amazing job and the deck looks great as well.

Thanks HermanTX! I really appreciate that. Your suggestions were great. I raised the filter and put a bypass on the heater. Everything seems to flow better now.