Suggestions for rerouting plumbing

[Jgvollmer]

My small inground pool is only about 12k gallons and my setup is about 20 years old...it's time for a new pump and filter. I've done projects much larger than this and think I am going to tackle it myself, but I need to change up the plumbing and try to simplify things but want to make sure I don't do anything wrong.

The two major things I need to change are 1) eliminating some of the jandy valves because there used to be a hot tub plumbed into the filter (you will see terminated pipes in the picture) and 2) I need to figure out what to do with a return that was used for vacuuming which is currently run prior to the filter.

I need help and suggestions....my two returns are plumbed together and I don't think there is a need to separate them. Should I try to put all the returns on one three way valve or should I do them separately on two two way valves. I highlighted the picture in green with the setup if I were to use one 3 way valve.

Also, I was thinking about changing out the backwash valve to the newer side mount...I've heard they will require less maintenance....any experience out there?

Thanks!!

 

[HermanTX]

The two major things I need to change are 1) eliminating some of the jandy valves because there used to be a hot tub plumbed into the filter (you will see terminated pipes in the picture) and 2) I need to figure out what to do with a return that was used for vacuuming which is currently run prior to the filter.

I need help and suggestions....my two returns are plumbed together and I don't think there is a need to separate them. Should I try to put all the returns on one three way valve or should I do them separately on two two way valves. I highlighted the picture in green with the setup if I were to use one 3 way valve.

The 2 primary returns on the left, where do they go? Are they both just return lines to the pool? A 3-way valve between allows you to balance flow between them whereas if they each line had its own 2-way valve then each is independently control to whatever flow is needed.
Converting that suction vacuum line to a return then should also have a 2-way valve.

Also, I was thinking about changing out the backwash valve to the newer side mount...I've heard they will require less maintenance....any experience out there?

That picture is a Multiport Valve (MPV) - allows to backwash or to drain or to recirculate (bypassing the filter). It has a spider gasket in it and those occasionally need to be replaced. I just did that on mine. The MPV is simple to operate. Just rotate the handle to the different positions when the pump is off.

 

[Jgvollmer]

Thanks!

The 2 primary returns on the left, where do they go? Are they both just return lines to the pool? A 3-way valve between allows you to balance flow between them whereas if they each line had its own 2-way valve then each is independently control to whatever flow is needed.
Converting that suction vacuum line to a return then should also have a 2-way valve.


That picture is a Multiport Valve (MPV) - allows to backwash or to drain or to recirculate (bypassing the filter). It has a spider gasket in it and those occasionally need to be replaced. I just did that on mine. The MPV is simple to operate. Just rotate the handle to the different positions when the pump is off.

Thanks! The two return lines are just the typical returns that go to the shallow end of the pool. They are currently not controlled independently and I really don't see the need to separate them. As you will see from the pic, the one line on the three way valve to the returns was terminated as it went to a hot tub, and the other two lines are plumbed together....in essence, I guess the 3 way valve is functioning as a two way valve.
So I guess the better question I have is....should I run 2, 2-way valves or would one 3 way valve allow me to control the pressure adequately (one valve goes to the plumbed 2 returns and the other valve goes to the other return).

 

[Lake Placid]

You can eliminate the 3 way valve and filter for the old cleaner and the old 3 way for the spa. I’d run 3 new 2 way valves to each return while you’re rerouting plumbing. You can then fine tune flow to all three and plumbing all three is straighforward. Red lines indicate new plumbing runs, black dots indicate valves.

 

[Jgvollmer]

You can eliminate the 3 way valve and filter for the old cleaner and the old 3 way for the spa. I’d run 3 new 2 way valves to each return while you’re rerouting plumbing. You can then fine tune flow to all three and plumbing all three is straighforward. Red lines indicate new plumbing runs, black dots indicate valves.

View attachment 574357

Thank you! I'd imagine this would give me the most control for that fine tuning. Appreciate the response.

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks!

Thanks! The two return lines are just the typical returns that go to the shallow end of the pool. They are currently not controlled independently and I really don't see the need to separate them. As you will see from the pic, the one line on the three way valve to the returns was terminated as it went to a hot tub, and the other two lines are plumbed together....in essence, I guess the 3 way valve is functioning as a two way valve.
So I guess the better question I have is....should I run 2, 2-way valves or would one 3 way valve allow me to control the pressure adequately (one valve goes to the plumbed 2 returns and the other valve goes to the other return).

Just to confirm. A 3-way valve allows 100% flow to one side, or 100% flow to the other side or some % of flow to both sides simultaneously, i.e. 50/50, 80/20, etc. A 2-way valve controls flow 0-100% for that specific pipe.
The good thing about 3-way valves, there is ALWAYS a line open for flow to go. With a 2-way valve you have the possibility to turn off flow completely and that could dead head your pump because they are located on the downstream side. So if you use 3 individual 2-way valves - always ensure 1 is open and never close all 3 unless you cut power to the pump and mark them as all being closed.

Show us a photo when it is done.