Plumbing diagram for review

[dtrain]

I'm starting a new pool build, owner builder. I have attach a plumbing schematic and looking for feedback.

Here's the details of the build.

Pool = 12,440 gallons
Spa = 379 gallons
1 bubbler
2 spa jets
2 scuppers
Pool pump = Intelliflo VF
Spa pump = Intelliflo VF
Intellitouch paanel to control pumps and actuator valves

Here's what I'm trying to accomplish.

- Normal spa cycle = spa water pulled from spa via skimmer and main drains, circulated through heater, and returned to spa via return and jets.

- Pull water through pool main drains and skimmer, circulate through filter, and return to spa via return to create overflow to pool.

- Pull water from spa main drains and skimmer, circulate through heater, and return to pool via pool return to heat pool.

- Pull water from pool main drains and skimmer, circulate through filter, and return to pool via pool return and water features.

I had planned on using a salt water generator but we have a lot of calcium in the water and I've heard that creates problems for a SWG, what do you guys think?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jimrahbe]

d,

Nice drawing!!! But... (there is always a but, isn't there... ) I see several areas that I am not sure will work very well. I am not a plumbing expert, so you might wait and see what they have to say...

1. Seems overly complex for what the automation system does on it's own... the IntelliTouch has a built in routine that controls the Pool Mode, Spa Mode, and Spillover mode.

2. You can't independently control the Skimmer and drains for either the Pool or Spa. Most the time in the Spa mode you do not want the drain to be on and in the Pool mode you generally do not have the floor drains on full.

3. Your water features are in series which basically means if you turn on the first one you can't turn on any of the downstream features.

4. Your Solar valves are not automated... You really only need one check valve and a bleeder 3 way valve, but either way you don't want solar on all the time. It should be a function of the heat in the system and is normally automated.

5. Normally, the Solar feeds the heater so that you can take advantage of the heat gain before heating the water.

6. What most systems do is use one pump and switch it between the Pool and the Spa and then use another pump for water features. The IntelliFlo is a great pump but not designed for water features.

Keep in mind that my plumbing expertise is limited, so let's see if we can get one of our experts to chime in..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[mas985]

If you want to have a separate Jet Pump for just the spa jets, this is the way I would plumb it:

Note the proper location of the check valves for solar. You don't want a check valve before the filter or it will just collect debris and eventually, will not close. Also, you want a check valve right after the filter and on the solar return.


The other thing I noticed is you have a VF pump for the spa. Why?

 

[dtrain]

Thanks for your input Jimrahbe, that gives me some things to think about.

Thanks for you input mas985, that is a much simpler design. I was considering the VF pump for the spa for the efficiency and the additional control over the flow coming out of the jets. I was also trying to plumb the spa pump so it could be used with the pool pump to supply the pool and water features if demand exceeded the pool pump. The spa won't be used that much so the efficiency probably wouldn't matter. What pump would you recommend?

 

[mas985]

One negative aspect of a VF pump is that it maintains the flow rate as the filter gets dirty. This ok as long as you run at lower RPM but should you run at higher RPM, this could damage the filter. I am not a big fan of VF pumps. The VS is a much safer choice. Plus there is no good reason to have constant flow rate.

I was also trying to plumb the spa pump so it could be used with the pool pump to supply the pool and water features if demand exceeded the pool pump.

This should be determined at this stage of design, not after the fact. Each water feature will have a required flow rate. Add them all up and make sure that the pump can supply that.

The spa won't be used that much so the efficiency probably wouldn't matter.

Exactly my point. Plus, most people like strong jets so having the ability to reduce flow rate will probably rarely be used if at all. But to size a jet pump, you need to know the number of jets and the size of the nozzle.