Reversing Intakes and Returns - Coleman 18’x48”

[Daddetres]

Hey Everyone,
I bought a Coleman 18’x48” Above Ground Pool from someone over the winter. I set it up and filled it this past week. It’s great, no rips or anything (which was my concern).
My question is, while using an Intex skimmer, I realized I switched the intake valves and return meaning I currently have my skimmer hooked up to the higher valve that is apparently supposed to be the return and have the (2) intakes acting as returns. I am picking up an SX2100 today and was curious if this set up is okay. The skimmer seems to be working great and I got the pool from dirty to almost perfectly clear in a day or so.

I just don’t want to burn out the new pump.

Any help would be great!

 

[HermanTX]

Maybe @Mdragger88 can help.

 

[dereksanders]

The skimmer should be higher than the return. As long as you’re getting results I see no reason to change it.

 

[Mdragger88]

you should have 2 intakes- the skimmer & one that has an anti entrapment cover for safety purposes.
Show us what you have going on

 

[Daddetres]

@mrdragger88 that’s exactly the set up I have at the moment. Sounds like I should keep it this way.

 

[Mdragger88]

@mrdragger88 that’s exactly the set up I have at the moment. Sounds like I should keep it this way.

So long as you have an anti entrapment cover on any intake thats in the pool wall it should be ok.
Just wanted to make sure you were not using another fitting there (like a return jet). Also, They are designed with two intakes so that its harder for you or a child to get stuck since the suction is split between them. If you abandon the skimmer be sure to go back to the other cover.

 

[wolf party]

Thing is, with these weak stock pumps, the skimmers barely function if you also have the other intake open (one lower in the pool w the safety screen). I have the second one blocked with a plug. A child would have to disconnect the hose that connects to the skimmer to end up entrapped. It's possible but it would be very difficult (I have hard time getting that hose off sometimes...)

Having two returns lower in the pool might be better for circulation. I may consider switching mine... but no kids ever swim in my pool.

 

[Daddetres]

Thing is, with these weak stock pumps, the skimmers barely function if you also have the other intake open (one lower in the pool w the safety screen). I have the second one blocked with a plug. A child would have to disconnect the hose that connects to the skimmer to end up entrapped. It's possible but it would be very difficult (I have hard time getting that hose off sometimes...)

Having two returns lower in the pool might be better for circulation. I may consider switching mine... but no kids ever swim in my pool.

Ah, I like that! I’ll try to plug my second intake today and see if there’s a different.

 

[Daddetres]

Alright. Update time.
I didn’t felt like I was getting enough suction on my skimmer connected to one of the instances. I tried to plug the second intake and the filter/pump was making a humming sound. I wound up switching the intake to the higher single port and the returns to the 2 smaller ports. Since then I’ve resecured the skimmer and the intake seems to be much stronger.

 

[HermanTX]

Alright. Update time.
I didn’t felt like I was getting enough suction on my skimmer connected to one of the instances. I tried to plug the second intake and the filter/pump was making a humming sound. I wound up switching the intake to the higher single port and the returns to the 2 smaller ports. Since then I’ve resecured the skimmer and the intake seems to be much stronger.

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[wolf party]

The Y shaped double outlet hose may increase friction/loss of flow used that way, but it's worth a try!