Waterfall GPM vs return GPM

[BC78]

I'm setting up the 5ft waterfall for it's location in the wall and it's flow rates with the pump. But here's my problem. If I have the returns running at the least amount the actuator will allow the valve to close i have to ramp up the pump from 65-70% to 80-90% otherwise I don't get enough flow on the water fall. Is it ok for me to totally shut down the returns whilst running the water fall. I was warned by the pool cleaner guy not to do this as it's will put the pool out of balance quickly and stuff will build up in the return pipes. The waterfall will likely only be running a few times a month and no longer than a few hours at a time due to the cost of running it at them RPM's. So is it ok for me to shut them returns down whilst using the waterfall?

 

[Jimrahbe]

The waterfall will likely only be running a few times a month and no longer than a few hours at a time due to the cost of running it at them RPM's. So is it ok for me to shut them returns down whilst using the waterfall?

BC,

As long as you don't run just the waterfall for days at a time, you should not have any issues.

This is the reason that waterfalls should have their own pump and suction source.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[BC78]

BC,

As long as you don't run just the waterfall for days at a time, you should not have any issues.

This is the reason that waterfalls should have their own pump and suction source.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim. The only thing i will have to figure out is how to set it up so both valves are open when freeze mode comes on. Not sure if there's that much adjustment in the hayward config.

 

[Jimrahbe]

BC,

I assume you have one valve the turns on the waterfall OR turns on the pool returns.

If so, you can manually set the valve to allow most of the water to go to the pool returns and a little water going to the waterfall.

The problem of course is that you have to manually do it, every time there might be a freeze, as I don't believe that your automation can automatically do it.

A better option would be to close the waterfall in the winter.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[BC78]

BC,

I assume you have one valve the turns on the waterfall OR turns on the pool returns.

If so, you can manually set the valve to allow most of the water to go to the pool returns and a little water going to the waterfall.

The problem of course is that you have to manually do it, every time there might be a freeze, as I don't believe that your automation can automatically do it.

A better option would be to close the waterfall in the winter.

Thanks,

Jim R.

i messed with it some today. But like you say it might be best to winterize the waterfall and shut that valve off in the winter. It's rare we get freezing temps like that for long but it can happen.