Spillway won't shut off

[CharliesPool]

I've been a strict adherent of the TFP methodology since getting our first pool, so I've gone dark for a few years (AKA ... no troubles).

I noticed today that water keeps coming over the spillway even when the spillway shows off in the mobile app and the panel. I've tried turning it on and off at both places, no luck. Whether I'm running the pool or spa, the spillway runs.

I'm guessing from reading some other posts that I have a stuck actuator valve, but I can't tell which one or how I would fix it.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Charlie

 

[Jimrahbe]

Charles,

After your salt cell is the Return Actuator.. That is the one that can cause the problem you are having.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[CharliesPool]

Thanks Jim. So if I have pool powered

Charles,

After your salt cell is the Return Actuator.. That is the one that can cause the problem you are having.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim. I checked it this morning and the return actuator is now moving and directing the flow of water as intended. Perhaps I just had a gremlin yesterday.

If it acts up again, what would you say the level of difficulty is to replace it?

Charlie

 

[Jimrahbe]

Charlie,

Buy new Actuator
Remove 4 screws and replace the old actuator with the new one and reinstall the 4 screws
Unplug the old actuator cable from your automation, plug in the new cable.

If I can do it, anyone can do it...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[CharliesPool]

You've inspired great confidence in myself.

What I noticed today is that when I turn the spa on, it triggers the spillway (despite me not turning on the spillway). If I turn the spa off, it switches back to the pool and the spillway stops.

And when it's in pool mode, I can turn the spillway off and on with success.

So the only time it doesn't work correctly is when spa mode is on, it automatically turns on the spillway and the spillway can't be turned off.

Do you think that would be a programming issue (I haven't changed anything) or a mechanical issue? I've done some googling, and some people recommend trying to replace the switch first.

Side note, my salt isn't low as reflected on the salt cell. It always seems to register a little lower than my Taylor kit. Just wouldn't want you to judge a TFP guy

 

[Jimrahbe]

Charles,

It sounds to me like the valve is operating backwards..

There is a little 3-way toggle switch on the actuator somewhere.. It has 3 positions.. On - Off - On..

Move the switch from the On position where it is now, to the other "On" position...

Tell me what happens.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[CharliesPool]

Charles,

It sounds to me like the valve is operating backwards..

There is a little 3-way toggle switch on the actuator somewhere.. It has 3 positions.. On - Off - On..

Move the switch from the On position where it is now, to the other "On" position...

Tell me what happens.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Jim,

I think I figured out to the issue. Attached is an updated Pic and I wrote the water flow on the pipes to help me.

It looks like the actuator that controls the inlet of water is not working. The LED is red indicating off and when I hit the mode button, it doesn't respond. In it's current position (which doesn't change regardless of pool or spa mode), it's only drawing water from the pool. If functioning as designed, I think the inlet actuator would shut off the pool and turn on the spa - which would just create a loop of water in the spa and not triggering the spillway experience. If that sounds right to you, it seems like I'll be taking up your advice and replacing the actuator on the inlet. Although the lights are illuminated on the actuator, it doesn't respond to pushing the mode or clockwise/counter clockwise buttons.

Charlie

 

[CharliesPool]

Or maybe not buying a new actuator. Now that we know what's going on, I found this similar post and going to try it.

This forum and people are awesome. I'll report back

 

[CharliesPool]

Bam! Pressing and holding the save button woke up the actuator. I'm back in business. Thanks for your help!