New fiberglass pool install in Texas

Lampasas1

Gold Supporter
Jun 18, 2023
88
South Texas
Pool Size
10000
Surface
Fiberglass
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
After 5 months of deliberation and delays, our pool dig is beginning today. The biggest point of contention is how to handle the existing concrete pool that has been filled in and sits where the new pool will go. It was finally agreed that the best action is to completely dig the pool out and go back with material that will be compacted by a drum vibratory roller/compactor, then prepare the site for the new fiberglass shell. I hope this works, they are confident that it will. Details of the pool:

Thursday pool Aspen 35x16 (10k gal)
Thursday pool spillover spa elevated 18”
Pentair VS pump IF3 3 hp
Pentair cartridge filter cnc 200
Pentair Intellicenter I8 w/ ic 40 and wireless remote
Pentair mastertemp 400k btu
Glacier cooler gpc 210
Auto fill w/ anti siphon valve
Pentair prowler 920
Pentair microbright pool light x 3
Pentair microbright spa light x 1
2 skimmers
2 returns
2 dedicated chiller returns
Spa will have 6 jets and a blower pump
Coping and decking will be artistic pavers shellock series

I know I’m probably deficient by TFP standards in filter size and # of returns, I can make changes at anytime prior to installation. The pool installer swears that these are going to be enough.

My biggest concern at the moment is plumbing. I’ve asked for a plan/diagram and was told they make those decisions on site. Looking back at threads, this seems to be the stance of a lot of builders. This is not good enough for me so instead of pushing him to provide it prior to plumbing, I will come up with what I think is needed (of course with the help of the TFP community) and present it to him. I understand the basics of pool plumbing, but don’t know the intricate details to get the best performance with my equipment schedule. So I will attempt to attach a rudimentary drawing and hope y’all can help me make it right. Since the spa will be elevated with spillover, I believe that automation should take care of switching over from pool to spa to spillover mode. But in reading, I think check valves are in need on the spa return and drain to keep water from draining out of the spa, right? I really appreciate any input on any aspect of this install.
 

Attachments

  • Pool Plumbing Diagram.pdf
    4.3 MB · Views: 18
Here is an attached pdf of the pool drawing. I am not the best at manipulating images to show up on posts. If there is a better way to attach pdf docs so they show up in the post, please let me know.
 

Attachments

  • Pool rendering .pdf
    867.8 KB · Views: 19
. But in reading, I think check valves are in need on the spa return and drain to keep water from draining out of the spa, right?
Yup. Gravity will want to equalize the 2 bodies of water and you'll lose 18 inches (?) everytime the pump stops. (y)

Good luck and keep us posted !!!!



bear-sits-down.gif
 
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@Lampasas1, don't worry if some of your posts don't show up the way you would like. We can always modify, delete, and clean up this thread as needed. If you didn't know, there is also a test sub-forum (linked below) where you can make a test thread and beat it all up by practicing uploads and stuff. Do whatever feels best for you.

 
Great job adding the heater bypass. On the suction side, you want a 3-way diverter to select between the spa and pool. Use a 3-way diverter for the skimmers. This setup makes it impossible to deadhead the pump.

Screenshot 2023-11-21 133303.jpg

Since you'll have IntelliCenter, you'll need valve actuators to move the diverter valves to configure for pool/spa mode, etc..

What's the purpose of the 2-way diverter just upstream of the chiller?

Make sure they don't use any ball valves. Only use high quality Jandy Never Lube or Pentair diverter valves.

Buy the biggest cartridge filter you can afford. 200 is too small.

I'd add a couple more pool returns.
 
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What's the purpose of the 2-way diverter just upstream of the chiller?
I believe it is to fine tune the amount of water flowing into the chiller to optimize cooling. The installation manual has the same diagram, 3 way valve upstream to divert water to chiller or pool return and a 2 way valve at the chiller entry.

Make sure they don't use any ball valves. Only use high quality Jandy Never Lube or Pentair diverter valves.

Buy the biggest cartridge filter you can afford. 200 is too small.

I'd add a couple more pool returns.
Got it
 
I believe it is to fine tune the amount of water flowing into the chiller to optimize cooling. The installation manual has the same diagram, 3 way valve upstream to divert water to chiller or pool return and a 2 way valve at the chiller entry.
In that case, the 2-way diverter isn't needed. Just adjust the pump RPM or adjust the 3-way diverter as needed to achieve the desired flow through the chiller.
 
Happy Thanksgiving to all. The dig started yesterday and they located the old pool. They found and removed the pool edges, old decking, and diving board that was tossed into the pool before it was filled in. Next week they will start hammering out and removing the shell.IMG_3896.jpegIMG_3898.jpeg
 

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