Solar heating but uphill climb and double pump intake

[coreycleric]

So I would like to use my hilltop to heat my pool using solar. What I would like to do is separate my pool solar from my pool pump, gas heater and filter, create a new pump and filter based on time of day and heat available on the hill to circulate. The hill would be a 25 foot climb from the pool intake to the top of the solar system using 2in PVC.

Here is my problem, #1 I have no 2nd intake and strainer available - the one I have is already used. I would essentially hang this off the side of the pool with some protection on intake. #2 I would like to put the pump uphill and the prime would be 25ft lower to keep noise distant.

Would a 1HP pump with priming capabilities work in this case? Or would it need to be closer to the pool intake?

Could I use the existing strainer and add another pump to grab water and send uphill? Thats two pumps using the same intake? 2in PVC.

Thanks
Corey

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Two pumps using the same intake will not work.

A self priming pool pump with not prime 25 feet.

Any added intake should meet VGBA requirements for safety. Read Safety Drains VGBA - Further Reading

What type of pool is this for?

I am sure @mas985 will find other issues with your plan.

 

[coreycleric]

I'm a DIY'er but more new to pool plumbing and requirements. I will be moving to a solar and gas heating hybrid solution. Phase 1 will be a gas heater and Phase 2 will be the hill top solar pumped by my main unit. Would this solution work, have I missed anything? 3/4 gas is the top I can go with a 150K BTU for my gas line. It is a 50ft reach but should work with the Raypak 156A on 1/2 in termination. I plan on covering the pool in the spring and fall for longer swim time. Next year I will build solar on my hilltop with the solar in\out. This is open air. Northern California.

Goals:

Normal non Heat - Waterfall Flow Operation
Normal non Heat - Clean Flow Operation
Heat using Solar Only- Clean Flow Operation
Heat using Gas Only- Clean Flow Operation
Heat with Solar and Gas - Clean Flow Operation (Hybrid)

SPECIFICATIONS
============================================
Pool Gallons 15147
Pool Width (Feet) 15
Pool Length (Feet) 30
Pool Shallow End Depth (Feet) 3
Pool Deep End Depth (Feet) 6
Pool Depth (Average Feet) 4.5
Pool Surface Area (SqFeet) 337.5, Kidney Shape
Pool Cubic Feet 2025

 

[coreycleric]

Thanks, I've decided not to pursue the 2nd pump and filter. Instead I will be moving to a solar and gas heating hybrid solution off the main pump.

 

[mas985]

Thanks, I've decided not to pursue the 2nd pump and filter. Instead I will be moving to a solar and gas heating hybrid solution off the main pump.

That is a much better solution. Most controllers will support both solar as well as a NG/HP automatically switching between them depending on availability of solar.