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| − | Some pool owners love their In Floor Cleaning System (IFCS), and others hate | + | Some pool owners love their In-Floor Cleaning System (IFCS), and others hate it. However, there is no argument that an IFCS adds complexity to the pool system. |
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| + | An in-floor cleaning system is a pop-up cleaning system on your pool floor. It consists of a series of heads that pop up on the pool's floor and steps. Their purpose is to drive dirt and debris towards an in-floor drain point, usually located in the deep end of the pool1. These cleaners are usually scattered all over the pool area to clean the pool from different zones. The system is designed into the pool plumbing before the swimming pool is constructed or manufactured, depending on the pool interior. | ||
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| + | There are only maybe 3 or 4 manufacturers of IFCS. [https://www.1paramount.com/ Paramount], [https://www.pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/products/in-floor-cleaning-circulation.html A&A Manufacturing] (now part of Pentair) and Blue Square are often used. | ||
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| + | The Pentair/A&A system is the simplest of the group They actually design the IFCS - instead of the pool builder. | ||
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| + | The PB saying what they said is part of the sales pitch and a big profit maker for them. | ||
| + | Very rare and highly coveted may be a stretch - but not every builder may be authorized to install one of the above listed IFCS manufacturers products. | ||
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| + | No matter the IFCS, you still want separate returns run to the pool. This provides the ability to turn the IFCS on or off. | ||
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| + | Even with an IFCS, we suggest a GFCI-protected electrical outlet about mid-way along the length of the pool - and at least the minimum distance required by code from the water's edge - for a possible future robot. You may also want a suction side manual vacuum/pool cleaner line installed. This will provide several options for cleaning over the life of the pool. | ||
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| + | A venturi skimmer uses return flow to help with skimming. And having the separate vac/cleaner line will alleviate needing to plug a vac/cleaner into the skimmer. This allows skimming while the vac/cleaner is being used. | ||
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| + | Remember, an IFCS requires a high pump RPM to work well - and uses more electricity. You can need 2900 rpm to get adequate cleaning with a IFCS. Mine runs 2 hours twice daily at 2900 rpm for IFCS and the other 20 hours at 1200 rpm for continuous skimming and SWG chlorine production. I run 24/7 by choice, but that doesn't mean you need to. | ||
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| + | Some like the low voltage electric robots. But there have been reports of reliability and longevity. | ||
Revision as of 17:52, 25 December 2024
In Floor Cleaning Systems
Some pool owners love their In-Floor Cleaning System (IFCS), and others hate it. However, there is no argument that an IFCS adds complexity to the pool system.
An in-floor cleaning system is a pop-up cleaning system on your pool floor. It consists of a series of heads that pop up on the pool's floor and steps. Their purpose is to drive dirt and debris towards an in-floor drain point, usually located in the deep end of the pool1. These cleaners are usually scattered all over the pool area to clean the pool from different zones. The system is designed into the pool plumbing before the swimming pool is constructed or manufactured, depending on the pool interior.
There are only maybe 3 or 4 manufacturers of IFCS. Paramount, A&A Manufacturing (now part of Pentair) and Blue Square are often used.
The Pentair/A&A system is the simplest of the group They actually design the IFCS - instead of the pool builder.
The PB saying what they said is part of the sales pitch and a big profit maker for them. Very rare and highly coveted may be a stretch - but not every builder may be authorized to install one of the above listed IFCS manufacturers products.
No matter the IFCS, you still want separate returns run to the pool. This provides the ability to turn the IFCS on or off.
Even with an IFCS, we suggest a GFCI-protected electrical outlet about mid-way along the length of the pool - and at least the minimum distance required by code from the water's edge - for a possible future robot. You may also want a suction side manual vacuum/pool cleaner line installed. This will provide several options for cleaning over the life of the pool.
A venturi skimmer uses return flow to help with skimming. And having the separate vac/cleaner line will alleviate needing to plug a vac/cleaner into the skimmer. This allows skimming while the vac/cleaner is being used.
Remember, an IFCS requires a high pump RPM to work well - and uses more electricity. You can need 2900 rpm to get adequate cleaning with a IFCS. Mine runs 2 hours twice daily at 2900 rpm for IFCS and the other 20 hours at 1200 rpm for continuous skimming and SWG chlorine production. I run 24/7 by choice, but that doesn't mean you need to.
Some like the low voltage electric robots. But there have been reports of reliability and longevity.
