Plumbing Redo - what would you do?

[JPRS51]

Getting ready to renovate our pool. Doing the plumbing myself. Plan to use the following:

• Existing Hayward VS pump bought new 2 years ago
• Existing Hayward DE Filter
• Two Pentair Admiral S20 Skimmers with Curcular Wier
• Jandy Valves (little black/gray circles)
• 2.5" Skimmer Suction Lines
• Dedicated vacuum line @ 2.5"
• 3 Returns Lines @ 2"
• No Drains

We hope to add a spa to our pool in 3-5 years. At that time we would like to add automation.

What should I do differently? Placement, sizing, equipment???

 

[ajw22]

I think a suction side vacuum is the least effective and most problematic cleaner. I would either use a pressure side cleaner with a booster pump or an electric robot cleaner.

Which way are the prevailing winds in your pool?

I would not put returns near the skimmers the way you have them. You want more flow across the pool between where the return is and a skimmer. What you have will give you a sort circuit with return water immediately being sucked back into a skimmer.

 

[duraleigh]

2.5" pipes will be a bit more efficient in your system but I would use 2" suction lines and 1.5" returns on a 30k pool......that's very adequate sizing. The biggest issue I think you'll have is wrestling those pipes in and around your equipment pad. Nothing wrong with what you are proposing but 2/1.5" will be noticeably easier to work with.

+1 what ajw22 said on the vacuum. Robot cleaners now completely dominate the market for a simple reason.....they are better. I would ditch the dedicated vacuum line.

I agree, too, on the return placement. Try to create a circular motion with the returns (including one to flow across the steps....really helps keep them clean) with the skimmers sucking in debris on the prevailing downwind side

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jeff,

If you plan to have a spa and automation, then you need to plumb the pad for it now.. A pool and spa requires an Intake and Return valve and the location of these valves need to be in specific locations so that they properly control the flow of water going to and returning from your pool/spa.. Doing it now will not cost much more and will save you from having to rebuild the pad again when you add the spa. You would just cap off the spa part of the plumbing at the pad.

I personally see no reason for the 2.5" size pipes. I would make everything 2" including the returns. I also don't see any real advantage to adding valves to the return pipes. I would have four pool returns and shoot for that flushing toilet bowl effect.

I would go with a robot for sure, but still add the vacuum line.. This would allow you to vacuum, just in case, and could be used for a suction side cleaner, converted to a pressure side cleaner, or converted to an additional return if needed. I say this assuming that everything will be under a deck after your upgrade.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Agree 100% on 2" skimmer lines and 1.5 for returns. I would valve the 2 skimmer lines into 2" 3way valve into pump then 2" manifold dropping out of filter into separate 1.5 lines with a 2way valve on each return and spread them out to spin the water not so close to the skimmers. Home run everything so in case something leaks/breaks you can isolate. I have the same setup as you propose same size piping too just an additional 2" line for waterfall. Delete that and copy my plumbing

 

[JPRS51]

Some great input! So, will downsize the plumbing.

When we add the spa and water feature we will actually be relocating the equipment pad altogether. Unfortunate we cannot do it at this time but we are dealing with moving walls and such as well. Long process with a historic registered home.

For now we are looking to get the pool back in working condition with a system that can be built onto.

Is there a recommended distance from skimmer to return to be on the safe side?

As far as white goods for returns, any brand/style preference or whatever is cost effective?

 

[jimmythegreek]

the CMP line of fittings are copies of hayward and are reasonably priced. in the bigger picture the couple return fittings cost very little. the jandy neverlubes add up but its a one and done you never have to maintain them other than an Oring possibly way down the road.

as far as placement with 2 skimmers you should be able to cover switching winds. if you have prevailing winds you want to direct flow with the wind. in a oval/rectangle pool you usually try to get a circle going. by looking at your picture of pool, I would prob add a return by the stairs it will be a dead spot and then the other end as well to move that water. if pool isnt that wide maybe just the 2 end returns and 3 on the far wall spaced out to push the water across pool to skimmers if the wind works with you on that. a beach ball in the pool with the pumps off is a good way to figure out winds, dont know if thats possible for you at the moment. you could always use the curves of the pool and the flexibility of the jet to be angled to just make a circular pattern with jets and get the water to spin, it will find its way to the skimmer with good suction especially with no bottom drains operating