Replumbing the pad - couple of questions

[jeffbrig]

I'm replacing my old 3/4hp single speed with a 1.5hp VS (Pentair 342001) and adding a Hayward T-15 cell SWG. Here is the current setup at the pad...

I have four 1.5" pipes coming out of the ground, from left to right:
Return to pool
From main drain
From skimmer box
From vacuum cleaner

The vacuum and skimmer are plumbed through a multi-valve, and the main drain has a ball valve. The pipe running away on the left is a waste drain, presumably for lowering the pool (not that I've ever used it).

I'm trying to decide how much of the existing plumbing to reuse. The Pentair may be a tad bigger than the old pump, so I am considering whether to bring the pipes together into 2", put a 90 sweep elbow, and do a 10" run into the pump intake. I'd have to get rid of the bush on the left, and add additional pavers, not a big deal. Having the pump rotated 90 degrees will provide easier access to the pump controls. Should I make the turn, or keep it the way it is?

Notice how the existing plumbing is kinda twisted relative to the house. I'm debating whether I should cut them all off at the ground (we're several inches above pool level), install individual ball valves, square everything up, and bring them together to a 2" pipe feeding the pump. Is it worth it? Or should I keep what I've got?

I"m thinking I'll run 2" pipe from the pump to the filter, and then the SWG and flow switch on the way back to a reducer at the 1.5" return. I know that I need 12" of straight pipe ahead of the flow switch. For SWG and flow switch wiring, what do people usually do to protect the wires? Split loom? Flexible conduit? Nothing? The control box will be mounted on the wall by the timer box and switches. I plan to put the SWG on the existing timer, with the pump always on.

Any suggestions? Anything I'm not thinking of?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jeff,

Starting over would make your pad look a little better, but would not have much of an impact on the actual operation... Just depends on how much work your want to do...

What I see as the critical item is the access to the pump's control panel... I have an automation system, but the few times I have had to do something at the pump has always been accompanied with plenty of curse words.. My pump's control panel is backwards and near a wall.. I can't read it unless I become an acrobat...

At a minimum, I would rearrange things so that it is easy to operate the pump's control panel...

I am not a fan of ball valves as they can become very hard to turn as they get older... I recommend Jandy or nothing at all..

As far as cabling goes, mine is just tie wrapped to the plumbing..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[jeffbrig]

Thanks Jim! I think I'll go the easy route and keep the existing valve setup. I'll go ahead and turn the pump 90 degrees for easier access to the controls.

I appreciate it,

Jeff