We are helping a friend out with a conversion

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ahampleman

ahampleman

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LifeTime Supporter
Nov 26, 2011
54
Ocala, FL
Pool Size
18800
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
This does not have any returns other that the waterfall with 3 outlets, only a 1.25" suction line and no skimmer. Current pump is an old GE 1.5 HP with 1.25" inlet and outlet. Label is below.

What she would like is to get some sort of filtered circulation in there, with a couple of hidden returns under a ledge on the upper end and lower ends (that's not seen below) and still have a working waterfall.
  • I'm thinking 1.5 HP variable speed pump with a cartilage filter also.
  • 2- 1.5" return lines with some sort of eyeball ends
  • We will add a couple of 2" suction lines since there are no main drains.
  • Add some sort of skimmer?
What are your thoughts on what we're thinking so far? any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
POOL1.jpg
pump1.jpg
 
ahampleman said:
Wow I thought at least one person would have some suggestions or thoughts...
Click to expand...
It is really hard to tell what we are looking at there. Maybe a top-down 2d drawing with dimensions might help get some answers. Beyond that I would start reading this -

Hydraulics 101 - Have you lost your head?

Edit - Before reading this article, you may want to first familiarize yourself with this Pool School article on Pump Basics Hydraulics 101 - Pump Head Curves, Plumbing Head Curves and Operating Points Hydraulic Head In fluid dynamics, head is a concept that relates the energy in an...
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What's the back story on this pool? Been sitting or just drained? I ask because sitting empty is dangerous generally, amd not good for aging plaster. Adding a skimmer amd returns is cutting into the shell and usually entails a plaster job so it's usually part of a reno.
As for the plan a few returns would be great, they make 90 degree eyeballs to seep down walls. 1.5 is fine for all return piping, 2" would be great for suction side if possible
 
jimmythegreek said:
What's the back story on this pool? Been sitting or just drained? I ask because sitting empty is dangerous generally, amd not good for aging plaster. Adding a skimmer amd returns is cutting into the shell and usually entails a plaster job so it's usually part of a reno.
As for the plan a few returns would be great, they make 90 degree eyeballs to seep down walls. 1.5 is fine for all return piping, 2" would be great for suction side if possible
Click to expand...
This was a pond in it past life never been plastered. It's just painted concrete. I'm was thinking of hiding the returns under the rocks that are on the edges at each end.
 
Are they going to keep it a pond or make it a pool?

When it comes down do it you could do a complete pool setup and put a skimmer or 2 in new concrete... Run new suction side 2 inch pipes and 1.5 inch return and throw a 420 or 520 cart filter on it with a 3hp VS pump and be good to go :)
 
cowboycasey said:
Are they going to keep it a pond or make it a pool?

When it comes down do it you could do a complete pool setup and put a skimmer or 2 in new concrete... Run new suction side 2 inch pipes and 1.5 inch return and throw a 420 or 520 cart filter on it with a 3hp VS pump and be good to go :)
Click to expand...
She wants the best of both worlds and for as little $$$ she can get away with.
 

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so she has about 24,000 gallons... a big sand filter and a VS pump would work great.. is she going salt water generator or does she use chlorine at all? is it going to be a pond or pool?
 
ahampleman said:
Couple of thousand. I've been looking for a good used cart filter and pump.
Click to expand...
Then that probably rules out any major reno work.. like concrete or plaster.

I've seen really old home made pools that were retro fitted with conventional skimmers. I lived with one.. it was a rectangular cinder block pool with a concrete bottom and the whole thing was plastered. It leaked like a sieve. Somebody after the fact put a small 45 deg wall (more cinder block) in a corner and stuck a skimmer in it with the bottom suction 4' below. It wasn't terribly effective but it was better than nothing. It was the sweeping that really moved the water around.

So what I'm saying throwing a skimmer in there after the fact is going o be a challenge since it's not incorporated into the design of the pool for circulation and what not. I wonder if pond type tech would be better suited for recirculating the water. That is a whole industry unto itself. But I am intrigued as to the possibilities!

BTW this is a totally cool pool! With the giant water fall I wanna see what the pH rise is like!
 
If this is a flow through pool then the pH will be always be pretty close to the level of the fill water, seems to me. What is the source water, a well, spring or stream? (did I miss this info?)
 
mguzzy said:
Then that probably rules out any major reno work.. like concrete or plaster.

I've seen really old home made pools that were retro fitted with conventional skimmers. I lived with one.. it was a rectangular cinder block pool with a concrete bottom and the whole thing was plastered. It leaked like a sieve. Somebody after the fact put a small 45 deg wall (more cinder block) in a corner and stuck a skimmer in it with the bottom suction 4' below. It wasn't terribly effective but it was better than nothing. It was the sweeping that really moved the water around.

So what I'm saying throwing a skimmer in there after the fact is going o be a challenge since it's not incorporated into the design of the pool for circulation and what not. I wonder if pond type tech would be better suited for recirculating the water. That is a whole industry unto itself. But I am intrigued as to the possibilities!

BTW this is a totally cool pool! With the giant water fall I wanna see what the pH rise is like!
Click to expand...
I had not thought of pond equipment. I will look into this. Thank for the idea.
 
Oly said:
If this is a flow through pool then the pH will be always be pretty close to the level of the fill water, seems to me. What is the source water, a well, spring or stream? (did I miss this info?)
Click to expand...
There are 2 fill pipes , 1 on each of the deep ends that are well feed. She fills about 3 hours a day.
 
Gonna be tough with the animals downstream to not sanitize at all. With the size of it the turnover isnt gonna be enough to keep it clean with just that. I think you would have to add some CL to try and stay ahead of it unless swimming in a pond isnt a big deal for her.
They make rear access skimmers, you could hide the returns like you thought and just pick a good spot amd concrete in a skimmer amd pipe it back to a pad. You dont need anything fancy a simple pump or a 2 speed is fine, VS is probably outta that budget. Look for a used filter, something other than cartridge as it will be to much cleaning to keep up
 
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