Pump Speed with the Intellicenter and heater

[rhumbliner]

You should clean the filter.

Well I cleaned the filter -- it was pretty dirty -- and then took readings for the PSI and GPM for a given RPM. The table and chart are below. The "cleaner" pump is probably a good reference since it has no filter to pass thru, just a skimmer basket with a fine mesh sock. The "filter" pump pushes water thru the filter and you can see its flow rates are quite a bit lower. Is this normal or am I looking at replacing the filter cartridges?

TIA

 

[JamesW]

Your flow is still pretty low.

Do you have pictures of everything?

 

[Stoopalini]

@rhumbliner Just for comparison, here are some RPM vs Flow numbers on my pool:

1850 RPM = 35 GPM per EasyTouch readout (or 48 GPM per an inline flow meter)
2500 RPM = 51 GPM per EasyTouch readout (or 68 GPM per an inline flow meter)

I'm not sure which reading is more accurate (the one reported by the pump or the analog inline flow meter), but in either case, it's well above what you're seeing.

I have all 2" piping, and am going through an AquaCal heatpump (not through roof solar panels like you are)

 

[rhumbliner]

Do you have pictures of everything?

This is my set up. Is that what you’re referring to?

 

[rhumbliner]

I have all 2" piping, and am going through an AquaCal heatpump (not through roof solar panels like you are)

I also have 2” piping and going thru the Pentair gas heater. The readings I reported are not going thru the solar panels.

 

[rhumbliner]

@JamesW, @Stoopalini is it possible I have some blockage in my piping? If so, is there anyway to clear it or inspect it? I’ve had a HVAC company inspect my duct work once with a remote camera. Is there such a thing for pool plumbing?

 

[Stoopalini]

Is this the typical valve positions? do you have a better pic of this area, one taken from the front?

From this angle, it appears only the cleaner port is open to return water to the pool.

 

[JamesW]

Check the cell to make sure that it's clean.

If the water is returning through an in-floor cleaning system, that will increase the pressure.

Do you have in-floor cleaning?

If yes, check the screen in the union near the distribution head.

 

[rhumbliner]

Here are some more pics. The valve settings are set the way my pool guy has them set. I'm new to this home so I don't understand what "leaf vac" is. Its on the return side so how can it be a vac? The pic with the 2 "skimmer" valves show them set with "south" closed. My pool guy says that's because since there are 2 pumps, "cleaner" and "main filter" and the "cleaner" pulls only
from the "south" skimmer so closing "south" keeps the "main filter" from competing with the "cleaner"

 

[JamesW]

Do you have anything like this anywhere?

 

[rhumbliner]

Check the cell to make sure that it's clean.

If the water is returning through an in-floor cleaning system, that will increase the pressure.

Do you have in-floor cleaning?

If yes, check the screen in the union near the distribution head.

The salt cell is new so I'm sure it's clean. Sorry, but I don't understand what an in-floor cleaning system is. I'm not sure what a distribution head but I've included a pic of what I think it might be. These both have a screen that I clean regularly.

 

[JamesW]

Those are Caretaker type cleaning distribution valves.

They send water to the in-floor cleaning pop up heads.

They increase pressure quite a bit.

Check the screens in the unions.

 

[rhumbliner]

Check the screens in the unions.

Yes, I check these every other day. The "cleaner" screen used to plug up daily until my pool guy put a sock in the skimmer basket.

 

[rhumbliner]

I think all of you may have solved the problem for me. By opening the valve labelled "leaf vac" my GPM more than doubled while the PSI has dropped. So many thanks to you all. One last question. The leaf vac has a very old, dilapidated screen that I can't seem to find a replacement for. Any ideas?

Thanks again.

 

[mknauss]

I think all of you may have solved the problem for me.

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[csconner]

I run my cell 24x7 reliably @950 RPM (18gpm and 58 watt).
it can actually run lower @870 rpm, but it will sometimes allow the flow control switch to open if filter has not been cleaned for awhile.

 

[csconner]

I think all of you may have solved the problem for me. By opening the valve labelled "leaf vac" my GPM more than doubled while the PSI has dropped. So many thanks to you all. One last question. The leaf vac has a very old, dilapidated screen that I can't seem to find a replacement for. Any ideas?

Thanks again.


View attachment 317691

what skimmer are you using?

here is a replacement I ordered for my Paramount skimmer

Amazon.com: Paramount Pool Systems 004152451700 Fine Mesh Bag fits Paraskim, EDC, and DDC Canisters: Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com: Paramount Pool Systems 004152451700 Fine Mesh Bag fits Paraskim, EDC, and DDC Canisters: Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

I also use these as they are inexpensive and can throw them out after a little while. Granted they don’t allow/hold some volume of debris but they work well.

Amazon.com : RANB Pool Skimmer Socks (30 Pack) - Durable Material Pre-Filter Saver Socks Net for Baskets and Skimmers : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : RANB Pool Skimmer Socks (30 Pack) - Durable Material Pre-Filter Saver Socks Net for Baskets and Skimmers : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com