Pool/Spa Aqualink RS4 config question

[YardiePool86]

Hello everyone,

I’ve got a new owner build pool spa combo with deckers/bubblers, and heat/chiller. The way the plumber installed everything makes things a little difficult and is as follows:

Drains
-pool main drain, skimmer, vacuum
-spa main drain

Returns
-pool return
-spa floor return
-separate Spa jet return

Fun Features
-DeckJets and bubblers

We have an Aqualink RS4.
There’s a JVA switching between pool and spa drains.
There’s a JVA activating the fun features
There’s a JVA activating the spa jet returns

And there is a valve for the spa/pool returns that i would like to automate with an extra JVA that we have. I would like this valve to sync with the spa jet return valve so that when we are in pool mode, the spa jets and spa return gets no flow. Similarly in spa and overflow mode, the spa return and jet return should get flow. How can I best get this achieved with our current panel?

 

[ajw22]

Is your Aqualink an RS-P4 pool only or an RS-PS4 Pool & Spa Combo?

The RS-PS4 has standard sockets for the RETURN and SUCTION actuators.

What is plugged into your JVA sockets on the board?

 

[YardiePool86]

Is your Aqualink an RS-P4 pool only or an RS-PS4 Pool & Spa Combo?

The RS-PS4 has standard sockets for the RETURN and SUCTION actuators.

What is plugged into your JVA sockets on the board?

View attachment 581111

Yes it’s pool and spa.

When I switch to spa overflow mode the JVA on the spa jets opens. The valve on the spa/pool return is set to like 95% spa and 5% pool. This is an issue because when in spa mode, the spa slowly drains.

 

[ajw22]

Yes it’s pool and spa.

When I switch to spa overflow mode the JVA on the spa jets opens.

Confirm that the INTAKE and RETURN JVAs are plugged into the correct sockets on the board...

The valve on the spa/pool return is set to like 95% spa and 5% pool.

Set to 95% spa and 5% pool in which mode? POOL or SPA?

I cannot see how the pipes under this valve run or what position the handle is from this pic...

This is an issue because when in spa mode, the spa slowly drains.

Show me 4 pictures Looking straight down at the actuators so the handle position can be seen....

INTAKE and RETURN actuator in POOL mode

INTAKE and RETURN actuator in SPA mode

 

[YardiePool86]

Pool mode:

 

[YardiePool86]

Spa mode:

 

[YardiePool86]

Spill Over:

 

[YardiePool86]

Fun stuff: Deck jets/Bubblers - currently off

 

[YardiePool86]

Confirm that the INTAKE and RETURN JVAs are plugged into the correct sockets on the board...

View attachment 581118


Set to 95% spa and 5% pool in which mode? POOL or SPA?

I cannot see how the pipes under this valve run or what position the handle is from this pic...

Show me 4 pictures Looking straight down at the actuators so the handle position can be seen....

INTAKE and RETURN actuator in POOL mode

INTAKE and RETURN actuator in SPA mode

Morning, uploaded. Thank you

 

[ajw22]

This return valve needs an actuator on it that should be plugged into the RETURN JVA socket.

What actuator is plugged into the RETURN JVA socket?

Are you turning this valve manually?

 

[YardiePool86]

This return valve needs an actuator on it that should be plugged into the RETURN JVA socket.

What actuator is plugged into the RETURN JVS socket?

Are you turning this valve manually?

The one on the spa jets is plugged into return, and it moves when changing modes.

I’m not turning it at all, but I realize it should be changing based on our selection.

Initially they had the JVA on the return valve, but then there was the issue of how to shut off the spa jet flow when in pool mode, since the just are on a separate pipe from the spa floor return. Hence they moved it there, and said they’ll come up with a solution. Been weeks, no solution.

So maybe we can move that JVA back to the pool/spa return valve. Can I then place the extra JVA we have laying around on the spa jets valve, and have that move synchronously?

 

[ajw22]

Initially they had the JVA on the return valve, but then there was the issue of how to shut off the spa jet flow when in pool mode, since the just are on a separate pipe from the spa floor return. Hence they moved it there, and said they’ll come up with a solution. Been weeks, no solution.

"They" did your plumbing wrong.

So maybe we can move that JVA back to the pool/spa return valve.

Yes

Can I then place the extra JVA we have laying around on the spa jets valve,

Yes

and have that move synchronously?

No, you will have an additional button to turn on the spa jets.

 

[YardiePool86]

"They" did your plumbing wrong.

Sigh, I’m realizing.

Yes

Will move it back

Yes

And I’ll put the other JVA on spa jets

No, you will have an additional button to turn on the spa jets.

Ok. You’ve been very helpful. I’ve moved the return JVA to the appropriate valve, and it’s turning properly based on the selected mode. I’ve also put the spare JVA on the spa jets valve. It’s currently plugged into the cleaner spot. How would you suggest I program that one? We already have a spa blower, pool/spa lights together, and the JVA for the deck jets/bubblers.

 

[ajw22]

"They" also sold you an Aqualink that is too small for your equipment setup. You need an RS6 or RS8 so you have enough AUX buttons for all of your JVA's.

Show me your Assign JVA page...

 

[ajw22]

Thinking about your problems I think you need either…

Have your RS4 board swapped out for an RS8 that gives you the AUX buttons you need. Or,

Have the spa jets line connected to the spa return so they are both controlled by the RETURN actuator.

If you want to use the spa with or without the spa jets running then you need a larger Aqualink board.

 

[YardiePool86]

Understood. Thank you. I will reach out to the sales person to see what's possible.

 

[ajw22]

Understood. Thank you. I will reach out to the sales person to see what's possible.

It is all possible. Your builder should not charge you for the plumbing fix or at worst charge you his cost for swapping in an RS8 board.