Pool not filtering through spa.

Flyis4ever

Gold Supporter
Aug 22, 2018
50
Glendora California
Pool Size
19000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Hey Guys. So I noticed my pool is not filtering properly. It is not filtering through the spa as it should. Nothing has been touched. The returns are blowing water into the main part of the pool but the one through the spa is not? I’m baffled. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Fly,

You should have two automated valves..

In the Pool mode the Intake valve sucks water from the Pool and the Return valve sends the water back to the Pool..
In the Spa mode the Intake valve sucks water from the Spa and the Return valve sends the water back to the Spa..

These two valves should normally turn 180 degrees when you switch between the Pool mode and the Spa mode..

Look at the valves in both the Pool and Spa modes and make sure they are both moving correctly.

Let us know what you find.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
When the setting is in pool mode nothing seems to be returning through the spa. I have an infinity edge spa and the water would overflow the sides. At the moment it’s not. The spa is not being drained as well. So it leads me to believe maybe there’s not water being taken from the spa either. Also when I transfer to spa mode there’s no bubbles. There is pressure from the jets just not strong. When I turn the blower on it gets it going strong. Once I turn the blower off it gets going with bubbles on its own. I’m wondering if there’s some type of blockage somewhere. Also if I turn the pump to a higher rpm while in pool mode there is a small amount of pressure from the returns in the spa. Any ideas on how to backflush or try and clear pipes?
 
Fly,

I really doubt you have any kind of pipe blockage..

Show me some more pics from a little farther back so that I can tell what each valve does.. If your spa used to overflow into the pool, when in the pool mode, then either a valve is not set correctly, or your filter is dirty..

What is the filter pressure when in the pool mode? When was the last time it was cleaned?

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
So I changed my filters completely. Admittedly they were filthy because I’m doing construction in my back yard. But they are fresh and still no overflow out of the spa. My valve when in pool mode is completely 180 towards pool. I’ve never touched them ever but through automation. I don’t even know what they do. Now from doing some research it seems maybe the pool and spa valve should be set towards the spa some so I have the flow out of spa and pool? My only thought is how did it get pulled off this setting. I’ve never touched anything. And I don’t have a pool man. I maintain myself.
 

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Your make up line for the spa (the line with a Jandy Valve and check valve below the line with the automated valve on the return side) shows to be open. Move that Jandy valve handle and see if something is wrong with the valve or the handle is put on incorrectly.
 
Fly,

I assume the last set of pics was taken when in the Pool mode.. Is that true?

How fast is your pump running when the spa does not spillover??

I would open the check valve and make sure it is installed in the right direction and operational.. Water should be flowing from the left side of your pic, through the "make-up" valve and then through the check valve and into the spa.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Your make up line for the spa (the line with a Jandy Valve and check valve below the line with the automated valve on the return side) shows to be open. Move that Jandy valve handle and see if something is wrong with the valve or the handle is put on incorrectly.
So I closed that valve while it was in spa mode and the bubbles started working again in the spa without blower assistance. Now to figure out why the pool in pool mode is not filtering through the spa. Should my valve be all the way towards pool or should it be open some toward spa to create the flow? There seems to be no pressure from the jets while the system is in pool mode. And it used to work before.
 

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Fly,

I assume the last set of pics was taken when in the Pool mode.. Is that true?

How fast is your pump running when the spa does not spillover??

I would open the check valve and make sure it is installed in the right direction and operational.. Water should be flowing from the left side of your pic, through the "make-up" valve and then through the check valve and into the spa.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Yes it’s in pool mode in pics. And it’s set to run at 2450.
 
Fly,

Here is how it should work..

In your pic, the automated Return valve is set to Spa Off and Pool on..

The water goes to the left in your pic and most of it goes down and back to your pool returns.. BUT... Some of the water goes through the "make up" valve (the manual valve right below the Return valve).. then through the check valve and then to the spa.. It may go to the jets or another pipe, but this water is what adds water to the spa and makes it spillover into the pool.

If the spillover is not working then make up valve may be broken or the check valve may be stuck closed.

I suggest that you take the manual valve and the check valve apart and inspect them.. You should be able to turn the make up valve and adjust the amount of spillover. The check valve prevent the spa from draining back down into the pool when the pump is off.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Fly,

Here is how it should work..

In your pic, the automated Return valve is set to Spa Off and Pool on..

The water goes to the left in your pic and most of it goes down and back to your pool returns.. BUT... Some of the water goes through the "make up" valve (the manual valve right below the Return valve).. then through the check valve and then to the spa.. It may go to the jets or another pipe, but this water is what adds water to the spa and makes it spillover into the pool.

If the spillover is not working then make up valve may be broken or the check valve may be stuck closed.

I suggest that you take the manual valve and the check valve apart and inspect them.. You should be able to turn the make up valve and adjust the amount of spillover. The check valve prevent the spa from draining back down into the pool when the pump is off.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Got it. Thank you for explaining. Makes sense. The check valve is opening. Not sure how wide it’s supposed to open though. It’s cracked open when the valve is open and the pool is in pool mode. I’ll start there. Once again I appreciate you.
 
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