SWG install.... Looking good vs. performance?

[Daltex]

I've just received my Edge-40 today and was thinking about the install. I can make it look cleaner if I use four to six elbows or I can make it look like a retrofit without them. Using a VS pump on a low flow rate I don't think the velocity will be high enough for the 90's to create much pressure loss but using the spa on a higher velocity setting will be a notable reduction.

On professional installs do they use the least amount of elbows or do they try and make it look as clean as possible if they have to choose?

 

[proavia]

I'm more a function over form type guy. I want it to function at its best and not necessarily show it off to friends and neighbors.

On "professional" retrofits, I bet many slap it in the easiest way possible and in the shortest amount of time.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dal,

The extra 90's will never be noticed... I am all for function when it counts, but there is no real efficiency difference between with 90's and without 90's when running at 1400 RPM..

In my mind either way will work just fine..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Daltex]

I'm more a function over form type guy. I want it to function at its best and not necessarily show it off to friends and neighbors.

On "professional" retrofits, I bet many slap it in the easiest way possible and in the shortest amount of time.

I guess I'm in the middle. If it looks like Crud but is 2% better I will go with the 98% nice looking install. If it's a big difference then I'd go with function.

 

[Daltex]

Thanks Jim- I'm not thinking the low flow condition would be a problem but what about when the spa is in use and the pump is running wide open?

I'll probably go with what looks best because the spa won't be used that much and the friction loss can't make that much of a differnce.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dal,

I did not see a spa in your pool's signature, so assumed you did not have one.

I suspect there would be a very slight loss at full speed, but I doubt it would be noticeable. Worst case, you could just re-plumb it..

Jim R.