This is our pool's first winter and we're running the bubblers with freeze protection. The bubblers can be a little noisy when they occasionally run for several hours overnight. I would like to partially close either the flow into or out of the Pentair single speed pump using the ball valves to lessen the bubble/noise effect. Which valve would be the appropriate valve to restrict the flow? How much can it be restricted before it comes a risk to the pump? Thanks.
Reduce flow to bubblers
- Thread starter djpool21
- Start date
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,846
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Can you post pics of your equipment pad to show where these ball valves are?
Are you covering the equipment and exposed plumbing when the temps are forecast to get close to freezing?
Are you covering the equipment and exposed plumbing when the temps are forecast to get close to freezing?
The ball valves are located on both the pressure and vacuum sides of the bubbler pump. Pipes are insulated and I plan to use a cover for extended freezing conditions. Freeze protection on bubblers, pool, and spa.
Just following up on my original post. I've been running the bubbler pump with the red outflow valve partially closed as shown in the attached pi
cture. The black inflow valve is wide open. This has been working fine but I wonder if it would be less of a strain on the motor and more efficient to have the inflow valve partially closed instead of the outflow valve. Or maybe both partially closed? Thanks.
cture. The black inflow valve is wide open. This has been working fine but I wonder if it would be less of a strain on the motor and more efficient to have the inflow valve partially closed instead of the outflow valve. Or maybe both partially closed? Thanks.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,575
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Your valves setting is fine if it makes your pool work the way you want.
Restricting the flow does not put any strain on the pump or motor. In fact it makes the pump electrical use more efficient.
Restricting the flow does not put any strain on the pump or motor. In fact it makes the pump electrical use more efficient.
Thanks ajw22. Good to know it's not putting a strain on the pump and causing premature wear. I would much rather have a variable speed pump but can't justify replacing a less than 1 year old pump just for the bubblers. Maybe I'll shutoff and winterize the bubblers next winter.