RETURN SIDE SETUP – The return side valves control the water flow after the pump and generally after the filter and chlorinator. This picture shows a typical diverter valve configuration for the return side for a pool with one or more pool returns, a spa return/fountain, a number of spa jets and a wheater feature.
What is the return on a pool pump?
Returns: Pool water returns are places in the pool where water comes back in from the circulation system. A typical pool has two or three returns depending on the pool size.
What are the valves on a pool pump?
Pool valves are used to control the direction of water flow, to and from the pool, and in and out of equipment. In between our suction pipes and the return pipe are the pool pump and filter, and maybe a heater.
Should all valves be open on pool?
From left to right, they are SPA MAIN DRAIN, CLEANER, SKIMMER, and POOL MAIN DRAIN. For the cleaner to operate at maximum efficiency, only the skimmer and cleaner valves should be open. No other valves should be open. So it is either main drain+skimmer or cleaner+skimmer.Where is the water return on a pool?
Water Flows Back into the Pool After it passes through the filter, the water is pushed through the pool jets, which are all those little round holes in the pool wall. Most pools have multiple jets, and some even have multiple skimmers. In order to create pool circulation, you need to be able to direct the water flow.
How do you tell if a valve is open or closed?
Ball valves are perhaps the easiest valve to see if they are open or closed. If the handle on top is parallel to the valve, it’s open. Likewise, if the handle is perpendicular to the top, the valve is closed.
How many returns should a pool have?
While many professionals install two returns, some prefer more as a general rule. Builder Guy Wood, for instance, often will place four returns in pools that measure 250 to 600 square feet. A vessel of 600 to 800 square feet will generally have six returns to start.
Which valve is main drain in pool?
On the bottom of the float valve there is a small teardrop-shaped flap attached to the valve with a single screw. This flap is responsible for the regulation of flow between the skimmer and the main drain. If the flap is closed, the main drain is the sale port through which the water flows out of the pool.What does a pool check valve do?
A check valve is a one-way flow valve, with a purpose to keep water from flowing backwards or to prevent cycling of water in solar systems or bypass loops. Check valves are used in pool, spa and fountain plumbing to keep water flowing in only one direction.
Should I Use main drain or skimmers?Skimmer Vs. Drain. If the pool receives a lot of leaves and other debris, more suction may be required at the skimmer than the main drain to adequately strain debris floating on the surface. Conversely, if dirt on the bottom of the pool is the principal contaminant, more suction is required at the main drain.
Article first time published onHow many return jets should a pool have?
A pool typically has two to three return jets where the water that filters through the circulation system returns to the pool. For effective circulation, it helps to have these multidirectional jets, because they allow you to determine the direction that the water returns to the pool.
What direction should pool returns face?
To give your swimming pool the best filtration you should point your return jet away from your skimmer and downward to get the best circulation and filtration. The top few inches of your pool is usually the dirtiest and for your pump to clean properly it is best to keep the water calm on the top of the water.
Why are my pool jets bubbling?
Air bubbles occur when the pool’s suction system pulls in the air instead of water from your swimming pool. The air gets into your system before the point where water enters the filter; that is to say, at the skimmer, pump, or the unions.
What size are pool returns?
Eyeballs sizes you’ll find are ⅜”, ½”, and ¾”. For far away placement, you’ll want to go with a smaller size, as this will create more back-pressure than mid or large-sized eyeballs.
Can I add a second return to my above ground pool?
It’s nice to add a new return line far away from the existing one, but you will have to do some extra plumbing. When the returns are close, they can be attached or plumbed together above the ground.
How far apart should skimmer and return be?
The return inlets placement shall be as follows: 1. Wall inlets shall be placed within five feet of each pool corner and at least five feet from a skimmer. (i) Wall return inlets for the circulation system shall be designed to include directionally adjustable fitting to provide effective distribution of water.
Should water valves be fully open?
Similar to gate valves, ball valves should be all the way open to allow the full flow of water or all the way closed to restrict all water from flowing. … If the lever is perpendicular to the pipe, water will not flow.
Which way do you turn a water valve to open it?
When it comes to which way you should turn the valve, keep in mind the old saying “righty tighty, lefty loosy.” In other words, turning a valve clockwise, or to the right, will restrict the flow of water while turning it counterclockwise, or to the left, will allow water to flow.
How long do pool valves last?
Pool valves tend to last between 5-7 years before the exterior plastic parts need to be replaced. As long as the internal parts are working handles can be replaced. If the valves are older than 10 years you may want to replace the whole thing versus replacing just handles.
Do pool check valves restrict flow?
One, check valves are prone to jamming in the open position, thereby becoming an uncheck valve of sorts. Two, they are prone to jamming in the closed position, preventing water flow in any direction. And three, they can restrict water flow.
Why does my pool lose water overnight?
If your pool lost water overnight and it is more than the quarter-inch due to evaporation, you probably have a leak. Evaporation accounts for a minor amount of water lost each day. Losing a half-inch or move overnight indicates a problem. … A more significant water loss in the pool will indicate a leak.
How does a main drain work in a pool?
A pool’s so-called main drain is not actually a drain; that is, it is not used to drain the pool. Instead, it is an outlet, housing a pipe that runs to the pump, which sucks water through a skimmer, then through a filter, then through a heater (if you have one), and then back to the pool via multiple inlets.
