SWG before multiport?

[Iguanod]

Hello, I'm planning on adding a SWG to my pool and have read that the SWG needs to go after the filter, but I'm wondering if it can go before the multiport because I would have to need to redo a significant amount of the plumbing in order to put it after.

Thanks in advance.

 

[PoolStored]

SWG needs to be the LAST piece of equipment before returning water to the pool.

 

[ajw22]

Can you put the SWG before the filter - yes

Should you put the SWG before the filter? No. All SWG manufacturers recommend that it be the last device before the pool returns.

What may happen? You do not want anything after the SWG that can collect chlorine and hydrogen gas, as they can potentially explode.

It’s your pool to do a science experiment if you desire.

 

[Iguanod]

I'm sorry I'm not sure I have properly explained myself.

The plumbing I have is pool -> pump -> multiport -> filter -> multiport -> pool/waste.

I'm not taking about putting the SWG before the filter, I mean after the filter but before coming back to the multiport.

Although I have seen the "not before pump" disclaimer many times I have never seen the multiport discussed, so I don't know if it counts for the "last thing in line" stuff...

Just wanted to be sure because I will spend the money on redoing the plumbing if necessary (the peace of mind of having a SWG looks very sweet), but I don't wanna make a fool of myself if it's not needed since that would be a bit of money

 

[Dirk]

You should post multiple pictures of your pad and all the plumbing you're describing. We'll likely have a better idea of what you're attempting, or better yet an alternate solution for you.

 

[Jimrahbe]

I,

I suspect that we just have a nomenclature problem... I've never seen a pool with two multiport valves..

Show us some pics so we can all be on the same page.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Dirk]

I've never seen a pool with two multiport valves..

WIth any luck, he's been talking about the actual multiport before the filter, and the other, after the filter, is his return manifold...

 

[JamesW]

You do not want anywhere that can collect chlorine and hydrogen gas as they can potentially explode.

 

[Iguanod]

Ok so here are the pictures.

In particular looking at the second pic, there are two pipes connecting the multiport and the filter.

If I'm not mistaken the way it works in filtration mode is water goes to the filter through the upper pipe abd returns through the lower one, and then it seems like it just barely goes through the multiport again before going down the return line.

It is in that piece of pipe (returning from the filter) where I would like to put the SWG if possible.

 

[Iguanod]

Maybe this is a nomenclature confussion after all...



This whole thing I'm calling the multiport is actually two different pieces? The multiport on top and the return manifold at the bottom? If so I'm sorry, I had never heard about the return manifold before now

 

[Dirk]

Thanks for the pics. I'll defer to those here that know how your multiport valve works. But you've only got one.

You find return manifolds on pools where the "output" of the equipment on the pad splits off to various places, like maybe the pool and a spa, and perhaps some water features (fountains and bubblers, etc). Such a manifold will have a few valves, one or more for each of those functions.

You don't have a true return manifold, because it looks like you only have one pipe going back to your pool, which would be for the returns (some people call those "jets"). You have just the one orange-handled ball valve on that return line. "Manifold" implies more than one valve.

I'm guessing, but it looks like the other orange-handled ball valve leads to a pipe that is used when you have your multiport valve in its "to waste" position. Typically, you wouldn't need either ball valve, unless some or all of your pad's equipment is below the pool's water level. Is that the case?

No matter, if the arrow in the following pic is pointing to the pipe that leads to your pool's returns, then the arrow is also pointing to the ideal location for your SWG, except that there is no room for it. I don't think anyone here is going to endorse locating the SWG where you want to put it, because that would send highly-chlorinated water into your multi-port valve, which is not good for it.

 

[Dirk]

You'll have to reconfigure the plumbing between your multi-port valve and that ball valve to accommodate the SWG, in the orientation it needs to be in, and in such a way that you can get at it (for servicing). It's possible, but it'll take some doing. Something like this might work, keeping it and its plumbing all horizontal. But they can be mounted vertically, too, if that's all there is room for. You'll probably have to replace that ball valve. Let's see what others have to say.

 

[wireform]

Looks like the equipment is in tight quarters in a small shed. Perhaps the SWCG can be mounted on the other side of the wall after the valve going back to the pool. Can we see that picture please.

 

[Newdude]

Looks like the equipment is in tight quarters in a small shed.

We saw this once before across the pond and it was in the ground.

 

[Iguanod]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

The shed is indeed below the ground (and below the pool level), so there is no outside.

@Dirk you were spot on on the diagram (except instead of two skimmers it is one skimmer and one vacuum port), I'm sorry I made you guess, I could have just labeled the pic... I may be able to go with your suggestion, although I'm not sure two 45 degree elbows will fit there, but I will get them and check. Anyway, if it fits, are you suggesting adding two horizontal pipes? Wouldn't the 180 degree turn be a problem (I recall reading more than 90 degrees is not advised)? Also, would that arrangement need any kind of support so that the pipes and SWG aren't just floating or are PVC pipes strong enough for that weight?

 

[wireform]

They sell a kit that does exactly that so don't worry about the 180° and yes , you'll need to support it from below.

 

[JamesW]

Put the SWG after the multiport.

Maybe go vertical.

 

[wireform]

Vertical Installation Kit for CircuPool® Saltwater Chlorinator Systems

 

[Dirk]

@Dirk you were spot on on the diagram (except instead of two skimmers it is one skimmer and one vacuum port), I'm sorry I made you guess, I could have just labeled the pic... I may be able to go with your suggestion, although I'm not sure two 45 degree elbows will fit there, but I will get them and check. Anyway, if it fits, are you suggesting adding two horizontal pipes? Wouldn't the 180 degree turn be a problem (I recall reading more than 90 degrees is not advised)? Also, would that arrangement need any kind of support so that the pipes and SWG aren't just floating or are PVC pipes strong enough for that weight?

And you should label your plumbing as you determine which is what.

You can generally get better answers to your questions if you have a proper signature. Use mine as an example, fill in as much as you can. Here:

https://www.troublefreepool.com/account/signature

Your SWG plumbing configuration will be determined first by its installation instructions. Some want to be horizontal, some vertical, some either. And sometimes the space available for it determines which is best. And if you can push on a PVC pipe with your finger and it flexes some, then yes, it needs support. I saw one of these at my hardware store just yesterday, or you can make one yourself by slicing off part of a tee fitting and gluing a pipe from it to the ground. That's what I did. I used two tees, one cut apart for the top, tucked under the pipe I needed to support, then a length of PVC, then another tee at the bottom so the PVC pipe wouldn't sink into the dirt. I wanted it to be all PVC, because I don't need any more rusting metal brackets or nuts and bolts on my pad!

Regarding the 180, sure less curves in the road is best, but you have a simple system with very few elbows as it is. A couple more 90s and 45s will be fine. Some SWGs (like mine) want a straight run of pipe before them, so that the internal flow switch is not affected by turbulence coming out of a 90 too close to the SWG's inlet. Mind that. See if the brand you get mentions that in its instructions.

Also, if mounted vertically, the SWG will probably have a right-side-up. Some don't want to be up-side-down. Something else to check on in the instructions.