Good morning,
I am quickly learning the ropes of my new pool and waterfall spa setup. As I dig into the systems, I've noticed a few quirks that I'd like to understand better, and I'm curious about a few general setups items as well (here in San Diego it appears that no two pool contractors agree on anything, and I'd much rather figure it out on my own).
Here are a few initial questions:
1. Why is my spa waterfall able to work when the supply line valve and return valves are both set to the "Pool" side?
I have noticed that when both valves are turned to the Pool side, and my Intelliflo VS pump is running about 2800 RPMs, I am able to get the waterfall to run. This has been helpful to get some skimming action from the spa, but as I was thinking about it these past few days - I realized that it doesn't make sense that the spa would be receiving water if only the Pool return valve is open.
2. Would it be advisable to open up the Spa side Supply and Return Valves slightly, instead of keeping both valves all the way on Pool side, so that the spa receives a element of circulation as well?
I'm trying to determine the best way to get good filtration and circulation from the spa as the pool.
3. Should I run my pump at the higher speed (2800 RPM) necessary to push water through the waterfall for skimming, or can I save electricity by simply opening up the Spa Return valve somewhat?
Last night I did some experimenting and noticed that a 20' turn got a good flow rate over the waterfall, and it got me thinking that maybe this was a good alternative to running the pump at the higher level.
4. What is recommended for optimal spa filtration and circulation, particularly when a waterfall spa / pool system is running off of a VS pump?
We are lucky in that our pool/spa setup faces the southwest and is basically in direct sunlight all day long. Just want to make sure I consider all the factors and dial everything in correctly to minimize algae growth, sediment at the bottom of spa, and ensure good filtration.
5. Anything else in particular?
I have read that waterfalls spike PH levels, and want to make sure I understand all the nuances.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Lonnybass
I am quickly learning the ropes of my new pool and waterfall spa setup. As I dig into the systems, I've noticed a few quirks that I'd like to understand better, and I'm curious about a few general setups items as well (here in San Diego it appears that no two pool contractors agree on anything, and I'd much rather figure it out on my own).
Here are a few initial questions:
1. Why is my spa waterfall able to work when the supply line valve and return valves are both set to the "Pool" side?
I have noticed that when both valves are turned to the Pool side, and my Intelliflo VS pump is running about 2800 RPMs, I am able to get the waterfall to run. This has been helpful to get some skimming action from the spa, but as I was thinking about it these past few days - I realized that it doesn't make sense that the spa would be receiving water if only the Pool return valve is open.
2. Would it be advisable to open up the Spa side Supply and Return Valves slightly, instead of keeping both valves all the way on Pool side, so that the spa receives a element of circulation as well?
I'm trying to determine the best way to get good filtration and circulation from the spa as the pool.
3. Should I run my pump at the higher speed (2800 RPM) necessary to push water through the waterfall for skimming, or can I save electricity by simply opening up the Spa Return valve somewhat?
Last night I did some experimenting and noticed that a 20' turn got a good flow rate over the waterfall, and it got me thinking that maybe this was a good alternative to running the pump at the higher level.
4. What is recommended for optimal spa filtration and circulation, particularly when a waterfall spa / pool system is running off of a VS pump?
We are lucky in that our pool/spa setup faces the southwest and is basically in direct sunlight all day long. Just want to make sure I consider all the factors and dial everything in correctly to minimize algae growth, sediment at the bottom of spa, and ensure good filtration.
5. Anything else in particular?
I have read that waterfalls spike PH levels, and want to make sure I understand all the nuances.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Lonnybass