Proper valve settings for pool/spa

[JoeN64]

Hello - brand new to the forum and have a new pool. I have a pool/spa combination with the spa 12" higher with a spillover. The pool installer set the valves up so that a portion of the return flows into the spa creating a waterfall effect. That part seems right. My question / concern is that the spa drain is completely closed. Only the pool main drain and skimmer are sending water back around. Logic tells me that the spa is not completely turning its water over throughout the day, potentially causing chemical issues, etc.

I am set up with an Aqualink controller and Jandy pro actuators to turn on the spa. To get the spa drain open I believe I would have to reset the spa drain to remain partially open as the 'stop' point. That also seems like it could be problematic if I truly needed to close off the spa drain. Obviously, if I did partially open the spa drain I would need to increase the flow to the spa returns when in 'pool' mode, otherwise it would have the potential of running out of water.

I would like to see some recommendations on my set up. Am I overthinking it and should leave it alone? Or, is there the potential of lack of water turnover? Thank you in advance!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

In POOL mode you suction from the pool skimmer and main drain and return to the pool returns and optionally to the spa return which then spillover to the pool. That constant spillover keeps your spa water chlorinated. The spillover also causes aeration which causes your pH to rise quicker then it needs to.

In SPA mode you suction from the spa drain and you return water to the spa with no spillover to the pool.

You can enable SPILLOVER mode on your Aqualink by turning on dip switch 3 which makes AUX 3 your spillover control. You can then program the spillover to run a few times a day for 15 - 30 minutes to refresh the spa water. See Spillover Mode in Jandy Aqualink RS - Further Reading

In the pic you posted is the Aqualink in POOL mode or SPA mode?

 

[JoeN64]

Thank you for your reply. The pic shows it in spa mode.

 

[ajw22]

Thank you for your reply. The pic shows it in spa mode.

That is what I thought.

Like I said you can take control of when your spillover runs by enabling AUX3 as SPILLOVER and closing the SPA RETURN valve on the pool return side of your pump.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Joe,

If you want to have a continuous spillover of your spa, just leave the two automatic valves set up as they are.. Do not adjust the valve to allow the Spa drain to be on.

The two things I would do is..

Only open the main drain about 10%

Close the cleaner port unless it is something that you run all the time.

I would put the idea of "turnovers" out of your head.. It is basically a myth that you have to have x turnovers a day to prevent algae. Chemicals keep your pool sanitized and clear, your filter is just there to capture the junk that falls into your pool or spa.

I am not a fan of constantly running spillovers, and would set up my automation with the spillway mode... But that is a personal decision.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoeN64]

Joe,

If you want to have a continuous spillover of your spa, just leave the two automatic valves set up as they are.. Do not adjust the valve to allow the Spa drain to be on.

The two things I would do is..

Only open the main drain about 10%

Close the cleaner port unless it is something that you run all the time.

I would put the idea of "turnovers" out of your head.. It is basically a myth that you have to have x turnovers a day to prevent algae. Chemicals keep your pool sanitized and clear, your filter is just there to capture the junk that falls into your pool or spa.

I am not a fan of constantly running spillovers, and would set up my automation with the spillway mode... But that is a personal decision.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thank you!