Since day one spa overflow slows down?

[tireguy1000]

Since day one we noticed the spa overflow slowing down to a crawl towards the end of it's 8 hour cycle. Our contractor told us it was due to a dirty filter. So all summer I was cleaning the filter like every two weeks. It was not 100% dirty. But it was pretty dirty cause we get a lot of sand in our pool as we are in the windy ca desert. So I just went with it cleaning it every two weeks or so. Well, at the end of summer some rabid dogs got into our pool equipment and chewed up a bunch of stuff. The line from our 03 system was destroyed. So at the time I just disconnected the 03 and went all chlorine. Once I did that we NEVER has the spa overflow slow down again. Went 6 months without cleaning the filter etc.


Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I finally got the parts to repair the 03 system. I hooked it all back up and wouldn't you know it the spa overflow started slowing down again! But this time I noticed something I hadn't before this little window in the system was not full of water but air and bubbles. I know this line goes to the spa. And I am assuming that the bubbles from the 03 are getting trapped in it forcing the water to go to the pool more and less to the spa? When I restart the system this window fills up with water, but over time the bubbles collect and the spa overflow slows again. Can anyone explain what this little window is for?

 

[Jimrahbe]

T-guy,

I have no idea, but it appears to me that something is trying to tell you that ozone systems are not worth the money you spent on it... even if it was for free.

Since your pool worked so well without it, why in the world would you go back to trying to use it?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

That window is a check valve. Without seeing your plumbing setup, my guess is that the spa/pool return actuator is set to push a slight bit of make up water to the spa, even when in pool mode. The O3 system draws ozonated air into the pool pump, essentially creating a suction side leak. I am guessing that what is happening is the aerated water makes its way into the check valve and eventually causes the flapper on the check to remain closed. I don't understand the physics of it, as I would think it should continue to push the water through. But clearly something with the aerated water is causing this.

More photos of your entire plumbing setup may help us understand what is happening.

You can turn off the O3 system or adjust the valve actuator so that a little more flow goes to the spa. I abandoned my O3 system within a month as I couldn't stand the constant suction side leak.

--Jeff

 

[tireguy1000]

So, I knew I would get the 03 haters LOL. I know for certain the 03 system in fact does work. I also have an opinion myself regarding them.

I myself am a salt guy. I have had several pools with the salt systems but yes, I took the bait on the 03 system during our last build in 2021 from our pool contractor who himself turn out to be a total bone head.
I plan to rip out the 03 system this summer but just wanted to try and diagnose my current issue in order to buy time.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I do have an opinion on whether it works or not, but my point was it was essentially a suction side leak that aerates the water. Had my PB told me that I definitely wouldn't have gotten it.

The slow buildup of air in the water and eventually draining the check valve down is the likely cause of your issue, since when the O3 was inoperative, you didn't seem to have the issue.

I would probably try adjusting the valve actuator so just a little bit more flow is going to the spa. I'll bet that will fix the issue.

--Jeff

 

[tireguy1000]

So over the weekend I did what was suggested. I adjusted the cams on the valve to allow more water to flow to the spa in hopes of disrupting the 03 generator's problem where an air pocket develops. I was so happy to see that it solved the problem!.... So I thought, now the exact same thing was happening on the pool side LOL! I tried for about 30 minutes to find a happy medium but it simply would not work. If one side was working the other side would just eventually stop pumping water due to air build up. So after 8 months I made the decision a lot of guys already have. I disconnected the 03 generator from the panel, removed the entire system, threw it in the trash, stuck some chlorine tablets in the stacker and called it good till I get my Salt system later this spring.

 

[tireguy1000]

Last question. - I really like the way the overflow looks with the spa getting more water. Is it possible to have too much water going into the and too little into the pool?

 

[an1vrsy]

Keep an eye on your pH levels. The spa overflow is creating a lot of aeration which will drive your pH up.

How many returns to the pool? If you have 3 pool returns and one spa overflow, you are chlorinating both bodies of water at the same time but driving up your pH, too.

 

[tireguy1000]

Ok thanks for that. Will do for sure.