Hydrotherapy pools back on track! Advice on new equipment location issues pls

[kenle]

Hi all,

I am finally back on track with this project after it was shelved. Hopefully the experienced hands might be able to point me in the right direction with a few spa/spool/plunge type queries I have. Any help is most appreciated.

To recap: I'm building a few therapeutic 'wellness pools' (in-ground plunge pool/spa, cold plunge pool, and Kneipp pool (shallow hot/cold treading pool). More info is available in my earlier threads.

Not too many issues constructing the pools themselves as I have experienced plumbers, masons, electricians to help. However it looks like we'll will have to move some of the equipment (chiller unit; cartridge filters; pumps mostly smaller than 1 HP; 1.5" pipe; ) to a new machine room which is up one level (appx 12 feet up and 20 feet away).

Question 1 - how this will affect the water level of the pools when pumps are off (and all the water in the pipes flows back into the pools?) I can provide more info on the pools if required.

Question 2 - is the solution to use some kind of check valve or NRV etc for this?

Many thanks!
Ken

 

[cowboycasey]

Ken,

You will really need to use check valves to keep as much water in the pipes as you can..

You will need to check how far above the water you can install the pumps.. Most pumps have a max height above the water at about 9 feet/3 meters... and that is for major motors.. I do not think a 1 hp pump can do it.. maybe???

To get more water on the suction side I would use 2 or 2.5 inch pipe on the pumps.. the pressure side you can go back down to 1.5 inch..