Which plumbing setup is better?

[pigskintd]

Here is a picture of my two neighbors plumbing. Both of them used the same builder that I am using. I was told one of the plumbing setups is better, but I’m curious what you guys think.

 

[ajw22]

Did the same builder use the same plumber?

The red ball valves will become a problem in a few years.

Both of them have issues and not what I would have done IMHO.

 

[Jimrahbe]

pig,

I like the layout of the red ball valve pic, but no one in their right mind should ever use ball valves. They all need to be Jandy style valves.

The layout of the red ball valves allows you to have total control of all your Intake inputs and Return outputs. An absolute must on the Intake side, not as much of a requirement on the Return side. Using 3-way valves often means you don't have control over all the pipes at the same time.

Jandy valves cost more, and I suspect that is the issue.

I would also use a real filter and not one of those dinky "Florida" coffee can size filters.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[PoolGate]

+1 I don't like either one imo both could use improvement.

 

[pigskintd]

Just curious what is wrong with them or what does an ideal plumbing setup look like?

 

[BMerrill]

What equipment will you have?
#skimmers, #returns, #3water features and type, spa, cleaner, SWG, Chem system, Heater?
All of these effect the layout.
The attached image is a nice layout, the ball valves would have to go.

 

[ajw22]

Just curious what is wrong with them or what does an ideal plumbing setup look like?

• Much larger filter
• No use of ball valves
• Pic 1 turn Heat Pump do degrees so pipes can go straight into HP and not need two 45's and a 90 to wrap around to reach the inlets
• Pic 1 pad way too scrunched together. Need a wider pool pad with more space between pipes and equipment. How is the main pump going to be easily removed for maintenance?
• The filter pump should have been positioned to line up directly with the suction pipe coming out of the ground so the jog in the pipe would not have been necessary. This would have met Pentairs recommendation that there be a straight pipe of at least 5X the pipe diameter leading into the pump.
• Pic 1 I think there is a SWG cell hidden in there and good luck reaching it when it needs maintenance.
• Pic1 the return manifold that brings together four pipes is way too complicated with 45's. It can be simplified.
• Pic 1 overall the pipe routing is consulted and can be simplified
• Pic 2 the HP is better positioned and simpler suction and return manifolds. More spacing between equipment.
• Pic 2 has filter too small and ball valves
• Pic 2 the HP is on a separate pad from the other equipment. I will bet in 5 to 10 years the two pads will settle differently and put stress on the pipes and lead to cracks and leaks.
• Pic 2 All those ball valves installed close to the ground will be a problem when they need to be cut out and replaced in a few years.

 

[pigskintd]

• Much larger filter
• No use of ball valves
• Pic 1 turn Heat Pump do degrees so pipes can go straight into HP and not need two 45's and a 90 to wrap around to reach the inlets
• Pic 1 pad way too scrunched together. Need a wider pool pad with more space between pipes and equipment. How is the main pump going to be easily removed for maintenance?
• The filter pump should have been positioned to line up directly with the suction pipe coming out of the ground so the jog in the pipe would not have been necessary. This would have met Pentairs recommendation that there be a straight pipe of at least 5X the pipe diameter leading into the pump.
• Pic 1 I think there is a SWG cell hidden in there and good luck reaching it when it needs maintenance.
• Pic1 the return manifold that brings together four pipes is way too complicated with 45's. It can be simplified.
• Pic 1 overall the pipe routing is consulted and can be simplified
• Pic 2 the HP is better positioned and simpler suction and return manifolds. More spacing between equipment.
• Pic 2 has filter too small and ball valves
• Pic 2 the HP is on a separate pad from the other equipment. I will bet in 5 to 10 years the two pads will settle differently and put stress on the pipes and lead to cracks and leaks.
• Pic 2 All thoseball valves installed close to the ground will be a problem when they need to be cut out and replaced in a few years.

I appreciate the response!