In Floor Cleaning System plumbing question.

AZPoolOwner22

Member
Jan 10, 2023
21
Vail, Az
Pool Size
20000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Is there a proper order the heads should pop up in? Right now, in my brand new pool, they pop up in the deep end first then work their way toward the shallow end then start over in the deep end. Thoughts?

The pool is 16x32' pebble tech, 3.5' shallow end and 8' deep end, with 25 cleaning heads. the ones in the corner of the hottub are on the bench and a step.cleaningHeads.jpg
 
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Assuming the main drain is the collection area, they're programmed backwards. Not alot of us here have them, but @Jimrahbe may know how to change the fire order, or who to call in here.
 
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Thank you. I assumed they ARE firing backwards, but looking at the device, I wasn't sure there is a way to change the order. I hope I am wrong and would love someone with more knowledge than myself to educate me. Thanks for the reply.
 
What brand of infloor cleaning system?
Different manufacturers do things differently.

In theory, it should go from shallow to deep and start again in shallow end.

How many heads per zone?
Can you number each zone on the popup pic you posted?

Pics of the water distribution valve and pool equipmemt may also help.

Fill out your signature with info on your pool, pool equipment (manufacturers and model numbers) and test kit.
This assists us in providing help based on your specific pool.
 
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What brand of infloor cleaning system?
Different manufacturers do things differently.

In theory, it should go from shallow to deep and start again in shallow end.

How many heads per zone?
Can you number each zone on the popup pic you posted?

Pics of the water distribution valve and pool equipmemt may also help.

Fill out your signature with info on your pool, pool equipment (manufacturers and model numbers) and test kit.
This assists us in providing help based on your specific pool.
Thank you. I will get all of that and reply. I appreciate the info so far. It might take me until tomorrow or late tonight. but I will be posting more pictures. and zone info
 
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After doing some more research, and reading about how this system is supposed to work. . . I am 100% sure that it is not operating as it should. It is running in reverse. Now, how do I fix that? Is it a design flaw or can something be changed to make the zones work in the correct order? The pool was finished in November. Is this the builders responsibility to fix (I say yes)?
 
I think your builder should fix it but it is the plumber crew who did your pool who got confused with how the rotating valve works and the order of the zones. Or they never knew.

The fix may be complicated with the order of the pipes going into the valve needed ing to be changed.

You need to talk to your builder, the plumber, and probably A&A on how to fix it.
 

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Pentair now owns A&A Manufacturing - but I believe it still operates as a separate entity.

A&A is located in Phoenix. Give them a call and ask them to email you the design layout. Explain that you don't believe the builder plumbed the zones in the correct order. They have always been more than helpful with any questions. At least one member here had them come out to verify and tweak their system - free of charge.

EDIT - If the zone order needs changing, it's not that big of a deal. They will need to dig up around the water valve and reroute the pipe for each zone. In the process, they will probably need to add a few 45 or 90 degree fittings - but this shouldn't affect the infloor system efficiency.
 
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Thank you @proavia, @JamesW , @ajw22, and @Newdude !!! I spoke to the builder. They are coming out tomorrow to confirm what I am saying is true, and figure out how to fix it. I think they should dig it up and reroute the zones to the correct order underground and have it look the same as it does now above aground..... The other (LAZY) option would be to cut and reroute everything above ground causing it to look like some crazy celtic knot of PVC pipe at my pool equipment.

Is this kind of mistake normal? seems pretty basic, "the valve spins clockwise, the zones need to be in order going clockwise not counter clockwise."

Either way. Thank you all for the input, advise, and knowledge. It is much appreciated.
 
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The builder should have a Certified Design Layout for the system, which specifies the placement of the heads, zones and the correct firing order.

It seems like they did not follow the plan or maybe they did not bother to get one.
 
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Is this kind of mistake normal? seems pretty basic, "the valve spins clockwise, the zones need to be in order going clockwise not counter clockwise."
I mean. For all the screwups we've seen from pools cracking, popping out of the ground, or terrible finish applications, you got off easy. :)

Check the build thread in my signature, it's a fun read. There's a comedy of errors both big and small.

Keep us posted. (y)
 
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If they decide to reroute it - do NOT let them talk you into doing it above ground level. It's easy enough to dig the area out and do it underground.
Also, require them to bring a copy of the certified design from A&A with them - and require them to leave a copy with you.
If they give you any grief, call A&A directly - don't hesitate.
 
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The other (LAZY) option would be to cut and reroute everything above ground causing it to look like some crazy celtic knot of PVC pipe at my pool equipment.
bad-pool-plumbing.jpg
 
If they decide to reroute it - do NOT let them talk you into doing it above ground level. It's easy enough to dig the area out and do it underground.
Also, require them to bring a copy of the certified design from A&A with them - and require them to leave a copy with you.
If they give you any grief, call A&A directly - don't hesitate.
I hear you, and thank you for the advise, but what good does it do me? the pool is already built.

What if they don't have one?

What is A&A going to say / do?

What recourse do I have if there isn't one?
 

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