Paramount Module Replacement

[PGQ24]

I acquired a paramount in floor system that has 6 modules. 4 of the modules are 6 ports and 2 of the modules are 2 ports. It has a challenger booster pump and a 2.5 HP connected.

All the module gears need to be replaced, and I can see the 6 ports are about $70/each. The 2 port are about $158/each. Looking at the old gear modules, the only difference between the 2 and 6 ports is that the 2 gear modules have a clip that connects 3 ports together on each side.

My question is, can I get a 6 port gear and put the clips/tube on top, essentially converting a 6 port into a 2 port gear module?

 

[ajw22]

Interesting pricing.

@proavia is our resident IFCS expert, and he is more familiar with the A&A system. Let's see what he thinks.

 

[proavia]

Hmm... I'm not familiar enough with the Paramount system to know if you can do that.

Were these prices from a local retail outlet?
Maybe find a mom amd pop retail outlet locally and take both modules in and ask.

6 water distribution valves total - that's quit a big IFCS setup.
How big is your pool/spa?
Post a few pics of the pool/spa and equipment pad.

 

[PGQ24]

The pool is about 65K gallons. I have a total of 8 pumps. 3hp pool pump, 2.5hp, a booster pump, and 5 other pumps for water features.

 

[PGQ24]

Does anyone have experience with the paramount modules and ig I can put a 6 port on a 2 port? The ones on ebay are a 3rd price of the ones sold in pool stores.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Like @proavia said, find a pool store or pool repair company that knows this Paramount equipment and ask them. This is older technology and is not used much.

 

[PGQ24]

I search around the internet and found some answers to why my spa was draining to pool level when the pump stopped. I replaced the check valve with no solution. When I I replace all 6 modules, the water in the spa stopped draining. You are right that these are fairly old and can be complex and expensive to maintain. It's similar to owning an old BMW 7 series. Works great when it is working but a PITA to maintain.

I was able to buy the modules fairly cheap off of ebay for about $30-60 each, and I didn't care if the old one was a 2 port or a 6 port. I replaced all 6 gauges, bought a few new clamps, and fired it up. When the weather gets warmer, I'll play with the pop up heads. I already purchase the removal tools from ebay as well for about $35 each (2 sizes). To get this 65K pool clean, I also have a Beatbot skimmer, and a Dolphin S400. Neither could keep up with the Fall/Winter season debris. I still need a vacuum to clean shallow 6 inch areas. For now, the paramount system will mainly be used for water circulations.

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

I’m by no means an expert on IFCS, but I’m quickly coming up to speed since it’s what I’ve got.

If memory serves, the water valve is the one thing Paramount hasn’t changed since the early 90s when mine was built. So regardless of your model, you should be able to find the water valves easy. I myself was about to buy a new one off of Amazon, where they aftermarket retail for ~$55-70. Name brand is $200. Also, if you need help understanding how the system works, you can read a manual off one of the newer systems since the plumbing behind the heads is similar enough to get you to where you can figure yours out. That’s what I’ve had to do. (I don’t think there was actually a Pool Valet install manual.)

I’m going to look for any manuals I’ve downloaded and will post them here for future use.

Regarding your leak, I’m suspecting that the water valve directly upstream of the 2 port that controls your hot tub had a zone in the valve that was sticking open, preventing it from sealing off the hot tub water valve and allowing flow both to the pool and the hot tub valve at the same time.

I gotta go dig through my library now… By the way, have you identified which paragon IFCS system you have? Take a photo of one of the heads and we can ID it. Mine is Pool Valet and I’m all for sharing notes, details, and sources. Let me know how your water valves hold up. I need to replace mine and I want to buy the aftermarket, but the amazon reviews are making me think they only last a couple of months.

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

“New” manual

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

“Old” Manual. Note page 43 discussing differences between 6/4/2 port valves. You may find something there you can use in the future.

 

[PGQ24]

I have the PCC2000 paramount system. I haven't mapped out all the pop up heats yet, but there's a bunch. Thanks for the manual. It will be helpful, and I think I also have the PCC2000 manual if anyone is looking for it. I believe the system was install around 2002. It has a 3hp pump and a booster pump. Both will eat electricity for lunch, so I'm trying to find efficiency within the system and its use thereof.

I am not sure how long the aftermarket 6 port valves will last, but already, one of them that I bought would not fit easily into one of my two 2-port module housing. I did noticed that one that does not fit well have the black molded plastics on the top surrounding the gears instead of the white one. So if you get a replacement, go for the one with the white top.

I read on other threads that In floor cleaning systems (IFCS) are considered old tech compared to the robots and even the pressure side pool cleaner. The best path moving forward, I think in my case, is to use all systems during heavy debris times, but mainly use the robots for every day and/or low debris times.

I previous had a 18K gallon pool, and this one is a behemoth. However, in due time, I hope I don't have to spend so much time babysitting it. The robots are definitely requiring more babysitting then the built-in systems.

 

[ajw22]

“Old” Manual. Note page 43 discussing differences between 6/4/2 port valves. You may find something there you can use in the future.

That is not very easy to access on OneDrive with Microsoft’s popups.

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

Is there another way to upload a 6.3mb file? All ears.

 

[ajw22]

Is there another way to upload a 6.3mb file? All ears.

Running the file through Acrobat or other programs can sometimes shrink it. If you don’t have the ability I can try.

@Leebo can anything be done to get around the file size limits?

 

[TinFoilHat]

I can see both downloads and I have nanny state at work here at work.