Plumbing new pool (suction/return lines and sizing)

[Simm7]

I am trying to work out the plumbing layout for my pool. I plan on ordering the kit this week.

18x43x30 True L pool
Hayward 2.7 HP variable speed pump
Hayward 31" sand filter

I want to use 2" plumbing or possibly bigger if necessary.

I will have:
2 - Main drains
2/3 - Skimmers (can't decide yet)
4 - Returns
4 - Deck jets

I know that I will run the 2 main drains together on a 2" line to pump pad and the 2 or 3 skimmers each on their own 2" line to the pump pad.

On the returns...what would be the best setup?
- Each return on it's own 2" line to pump pad (4 lines at pad)
- 2 returns on one 2" line and the other 2 returns on another 2" line to pump pad (2 lines at pad)
- All 4 returns on a single 2" line (1 line at pad)

I read in Hydraulics 101 - Have you lost your head? where "the equivalent size of all the return lines that run from pool to the pump should never exceed the equivalent size of all the suction lines that run from pool to pump or pump cavitation could become an issue". So I just want to make sure I get this all correct.

Also...what is the standard pipe size for deck jets..and should they be separate runs or a single run or a combination of the 2?

I am about to start construction on a 20x40 rectangle and wonder how you ended up installing your suctions and returns. It was going to plumb my suctions and main drains the same as you with a 3 way valve at the pad but separate home run lines. For the returns I was planning 4 with one line servicing 2 by way of a T with equal distance to each return that line feeds. Would anyone be able to recommend the optimum placement of the 2 skimmers and 4 returns. The kit seller recommends skimmers on one side and returns on the other long wall. I haven’t got a prevailing wind. Lastly any good tips on valves at the pad? I will put in the 3 way I mentioned and check valves before the salt system, etc. thanks

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Would anyone be able to recommend the optimum placement of the 2 skimmers and 4 returns. The kit seller recommends skimmers on one side and returns on the other long wall.

That is what I recommend.

I haven’t got a prevailing wind.

Your prevailing wind is from the West - SouthWest in the summer.

NRCS

NRCS

www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov

Lastly any good tips on valves at the pad?

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Valves - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

check valves before the salt system

Why?

 

[Simm7]

Any help on my plumbing design for my 20x40 ft vinyl liner pool with 8 ft deep end will be appreciated.
I was planning 2 skimmers with a dedicated line back to the pad for each. Also a dedicated line for the main drains. Then a 3 way valve for this suction header. all 2".
For the returns/discharge likely 4 returns fed by 2 lines. each line would T and feed returns at equal distance. also all 2".
No dominant wind direction so I was planning suctions both on one long wall and the 4 returns on the opposite. Any comments on types and positioning of valves at the equipment pad will be appreciated. other equipment will be 2.7 hp hayward tristar vsp, 31" sand filter, either a heat pump or NG heater and a salt system.

 

[Simm7]

To stop back flow into the heater from the salt chlorinator. apparently it is a major source or damage to heaters.

 

[Simm7]

To stop back flow into the heater from the salt chlorinator. apparently it is a major source or damage to heaters.

Also thanks for the input . on the wind direction I may have mis-stated. I meant my yard is fairly well protected so fairly calm on wind.
Also I am a new poster and my apologies for posting my design question again as a new thread. I am not trying to clutter the site.

 

[ajw22]

To stop back flow into the heater from the salt chlorinator. apparently it is a major source or damage to heaters.

A SWG does no damage to a heater and does not require a check valve.

Tricholr tablet chlorinators cause heater damage whether you have a check valve or not. It is the acid in the trichlor that strips the copper heat exchanger of its calcium protection and allows the corrosion. A SWG generates no acid to cause that.

That said, you should install a Heater Bypass - Further Reading which would use a 3-way valve and a check valve.

 

[ajw22]

I meant my yard is fairly well protected so fairly calm on wind.

You may think so but once you have a pool you may feel wind that you have not noticed before.

Best to consider your prevailing wind from the SouthWest. If you are correct it will not make a difference. If I am correct you will thank me.

 

[Simm7]

Thanks again. i do have the option which wall to put the skimmers and returns as some of the wall panels are inerchangeable. i will try to position according to that wind direction. the long walls are not facing sirectly that way but one side will get more than the other for sure. I understand the concept. no sense having the returns pusing water against the wind aided current. any other tips to watch out for will be appreciated.

 

[Superblue72]

SWG does no damage to a heater and does not require a check valve.

While this may be true one might want to check thier owners manual for warranty if not equipped with a check value. Im using a Hayward HP21404TC heat pump and in the manual it plainly states a check valve is required for ANY chlorination device. It doesn't specify, or ommit swg.