Poll Newbie: Spa mode vs Pool Mode...and some problems...

[hotpantsmarantz]

We have a spankin' new pool! But, I'm trying to understand the anatomy of the pool system.

Let me tell you what happens when I put them in these different modes, and please tell me if this is what's supposed to happen...

When in pool mode:
-spa spills over into pool.
-spa has mild jets on
-you can feel some heat and pressured water into the pool and spa
-skimmer working

When I'm in Spa mode:
-Spa level drops 3-6inches
-Pool water starts to spill into spa (water line is level between spa and pool)
-both the pool and spa heat up at the same rate

So, isn't the spa supposed to be a "closed circuit" to get the spa hot? I don't want to heat my entire pool every time I want to just use the spa.

Our contractor is a nightmare...wont even tell us the basics on how to operate this, just says "consult your pool guy".

Anyway...please help!

-Nick

 

[Jimrahbe]

Nick,

Welcome to TFP.. a great place to find the answers to all your "nightmare" pool questions...

The three standard automation modes are..

Pool Mode... Water is sucked from your pool, through the "Intake" Valve, and into the pump.. the pump then pushes the water through your filter and heater and back through the "Return" valve and into the pool.

Spa Mode... Water is sucked from your Spa, through the "Intake" Valve, and into the pump.. the pump then pushes the water through your filter and heater and back through the "Return" valve and into the Spa.

Spillover Mode... Water is sucked from your pool, through the "Intake" Valve, and into the pump.. the pump then pushes the water through your filter and heater and back through the "Return" valve and into the Spa. This of course causes the water to spillover into your pool.

Depending on how your system is plumbed, you could also have a bypass valve/pipe that adds water to the Spa so that it always spills over.

You just need to look at the Intake valve (the automated valve in front of the pump) and see if it matches the sequence above and do the same for the Return valve (the automated valve after the heater)

Sounds to me like your two valves are operating backwards.. They could be hooked up backwards inside you automation or they were never set correctly to begin with.. Note that there is a little three position switch on each actuator that can reverse the flow. The switch is on/OFF/on.. Never leave the switch in the off position.. Switching from one "on" position to the other will cause the valve to turn 180 degrees.

A couple of pics of your equipment pad (in the daylight) would help us help you..

Also.. tell us more about your pool by filling out your signature, like you see in mine..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

Jim R.