Receiving Helpdesk

what is the pool return valve

by Carlee Daugherty PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

  • Pool Suction Valves – these valves control pipes that suck water out of your pool.
  • Solar Valve Manifold – these valves divert water to solar panels, or stop water from entering solar panels.
  • Pool Return Valves – these valves control through which jets and features water is returned to the pool.

In a pool plumbing system, there are pipes that bring water from the pool (suction pipes), and one or more pipes that take water back to the pool (return pipes). Pool valves are used to control the direction of water flow, to and from the pool, and in and out of equipment.

Full Answer

Where should a pool check valve be installed?

What is the Purpose of a Check Valve?

  • Raised Pool Pumps. Pool check valves keep water in the pool pump when it shuts off. ...
  • Solar Pool Heaters. Check valves in solar pool heaters help keep the solar system from draining down once the pump turns off.
  • Chlorinators. ...
  • Raised Spas. ...
  • Spa Blowers. ...
  • Ozonators. ...
  • Spa Overflow Lines. ...

What size are pool return fittings?

Return Fitting

  • Directional Eye Flow - Optional View Details $3.79 Add to Cart
  • (9) Return Fitting (Complete w/Gaskets) View Details $9.99 Add to Cart
  • (11) Locking Nut View Details $6.38 Add to Cart
  • Threaded Plug View Details $1.95 Add to Cart
  • (10) Return Gaskets (Set of 3) View Details $3.99 Add to Cart
  • Rubber Expansion Plug w/Wing Nut View Details $2.50 Add to Cart

How to service a swimming pool multiport valve?

Tips for Reassembling the Valve:

  • Are you having trouble remembering which way to point the handle when putting the key stem assembly back in? ...
  • When putting the key stem assembly back in, make sure that the O-ring under the lid is clean and in the proper position. ...
  • Wait an appropriate amount of time for the glue to dry before starting up your pump.

What is a pool return fitting?

The swimming pool return fitting is also commonly known as the pool return jet. The return fitting has many names as well. Some people refer to it as the ‘return fitting’, others refer to it as the “pool eye ball fitting” and some just call it the return.

Should my pool return valve be open?

0:282:40How to: Pool Valves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pool return should be open and the solar recirculation valve should be closed. If your pool hasMoreThe pool return should be open and the solar recirculation valve should be closed. If your pool has a cleaner line as well on the return side it should be closed.

What are the three valves on my pool?

2:354:24Understand Your Pool Valves and What They Do - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the next type of valve is called a three-way valve it's very similar to a two-way valve. OnlyMoreAnd the next type of valve is called a three-way valve it's very similar to a two-way valve. Only this one gives you a little more flexibility a three-way valve has one inlet and two outlets.

What are the different valves in a pool?

Getting to Know the Types of Pool ValvesMultiport Valves.Diverter Valves.Check Valves.Valve Actuators.

What is the return side of a pool pump?

6:1010:41Pool Plumbing: Understanding the Return Side of Your Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide that goes to the spa as well. Also if you have a negative edge in your pool. It's going to goMoreSide that goes to the spa as well. Also if you have a negative edge in your pool. It's going to go that so anything that requires water to be pushed to it is going to be on the return.

What does pool return mean?

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.

How do I know if my pool valves are open or closed?

4:4416:44How to determine if a plumbing valve is Open or Closed - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the direction whichever way it's flowing is going to stop the water from from moving thisMoreIn the direction whichever way it's flowing is going to stop the water from from moving this direction all right i'm going to take out the two ends of my pipe to show you see how it's closed.

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.

How do I adjust my pool valve?

3:518:43How To Understand Pool Valves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's as easy as closing the suction from the spa and closing the return to the pool. This will pullMoreIt's as easy as closing the suction from the spa and closing the return to the pool. This will pull water from the pool and return it to the spa elevated spa setups this creates a nice waterfall.

Where do the valves go above-ground pool?

0:183:05Understanding the three-way valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou unscrew the little tab just a little bit. And you turn it pointing upwards. If we take a look atMoreYou unscrew the little tab just a little bit. And you turn it pointing upwards. If we take a look at the one I have in my hand. When you turn it towards there.

How do I know where my pool return line is?

1:227:35How To Identify Pool Plumbing Lines & Valves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEverything after the pump going through the filter and back to the pool is going to be your returnMoreEverything after the pump going through the filter and back to the pool is going to be your return side.

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.

Why does my pool return blowing bubbles?

If you are seeing a significant number of bubbles coming out of your return lines into the pool, you probably have an air leak in your filtration system. Possible sources of this problem are low pool water levels, leaks around the strainer lid, leaks in the unions or leaks in the pump seals.

What Are Pool Return Jets?

Pool return jets (sometimes referred to as eyeballs) are those fun little things you’ll find on pool walls that shoot powerful streams of water into the pool. Many swimmers stand against them for a relaxing massage.

Why do swimming pools need return jets?

A swimming pool is the sum of its parts, and they all need to work together to ensure efficiency and high performance. Keeping the water clean is more than just the addition of the proper chemicals. Pool return jets play a bigger role than most might think, contributing not only to the state of the water, but the health ...

Why use jets around pool?

In fact, it’s more beneficial to use jets of different size eyeballs around the pool, due to the nature of water circulation. Water is inherently looking for the path of least resistance, in this case, the quickest way to get to the pool skimmer. For this reason, jets that are far away from the skimmer need to shoot a stronger current ...

Why do you put jets in the bottom of a pool?

Aiming the jets to the bottom of the pool has a few advantages. There’s less heat loss, less evaporation, and less burn off of the chemicals in the new water. Also , as the water is shot into the deep sections of the pool, there’s more water turnover – meaning it’s helping cycle the pool water more efficiently.

How to tell if a return jet is leaking?

An air leak can affect the return jet pressure. If you notice air bubbles around the jets , that’s a telltale sign you have a leak. This can come from a low water level (pool water should always be halfway up the skimmer height), or from wear and tear on various parts of the filtration system (ie. defective gaskets or o-ring, joint issues in plumbing).

What chemical is used to make pool water?

They Distribute Your Pool Chemicals. Chlorine isn’t the only chemical that makes up balanced pool water, and for the most part, you’ll be forever adding things to the water to keep it from going haywire. Conversely, if the water has already gone sideways, you’ll have to add things to it to bring it back into harmony.

Why is it important to place jets in a pool?

Placement of the jets will also be important as you don’t want to have them grouped together. This will lead to inefficient water circulation, and that will be the quick est way to start having problems with your pool water.

How does a pool sanitizer feeder work?

Your pool may have an automatic chlorinator/brominator attached to the circulation system. Pool water is directed through the feeder where sanitizer is eroded into the pool water and sent back to the pool. The feeder should have a metering valve that adjusts the rate sanitizer is added to the pool. Refer to the owners manual for operating instructions. Caution: During normal use chlorinators and brominators will build up concentrated fumes within the tank body. After opening the feeder for servicing, back away and allow these concentrated fumes to disperse before continuing. The only maintenance is to lubricate any cover o-rings with a non-petroleum based lubricant and add chlorine/bromine tablets as necessary.

How does a pool pump work?

Water is drawn in from the pools outlets into the front of the pump, through the hair/lint trap, through the pumping chamber and out the top of the pool pump on its way to the filter. Two important things with pool pumps. First never run the pump without having the hair/lint trap basket securely in place. The trap basket collects all large debris ...

What is the pump in a pool?

Your pool has a circulation pump that is responsible for moving pool water throughout the circulation system, (this is not to be confused with auxiliary pumps such as cleaner booster pumps, jet pumps, waterfall pumps, etc.). Water is drawn in from the pools outlets into the front of the pump, through the hair/lint trap, ...

Why is it important to have a filter gauge?

It is essential you have a properly functioning filter gauge as it is used to judge how plugged the filter medium is ; this relates to knowing when your filter needs to be cleaned, (cleaning the pool filter is the only maintenance necessary), and will be explained in detail in the pool operating section.

What is the circulation system in a pool?

Your pool’s circulation system is the elements of your pool that take water from the pool, filter it, heat it, and return the water back to the pool. We’ll go over each of these elements and describe how they function and what you need to do with them.

How does a Polaris pool cleaner work?

The pump draws water from the pool circulation plumbing and pushes it back to the pool via the dedicated cleaner line to which the automatic cleaner is connected. There is virtually no maintenance with this pump however it must not be turned on unless the pool circulation pump is running; the booster pump is not self priming and depends on the circulation pump to prime it and keep it primed.

Where does pool water come from?

Pool water comes from the circulation pump into the filter where small debris particles are removed, and then goes on to the heater or back to the pool. There are three types of filters, sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth. Sand filters are the most common due to their ease of cleaning and low maintenance.

What is a diverter in a pool?

The diverter is the workhorse of the pool valve family. If you have an in-ground pool, there is a high probability you have one of these bad boys on the plumbing system. These valves contain a diverter that slides over the port holes to close it or to the side to allow full flow. Application:

What happens when the autopilot manifold is off?

When your pump turns off, the water in your chlorinator may recede to your pool heater where it will sit for hours until your pump restarts. During that time, the super chlorinated water has time to gnaw, chew and munch away at your copper heat exchanger.

Why use a check valve in a chlorinator?

Also, check valves (usually the spring type) are used as bypasses to aid in heating and salt chlorinators. Some manufacturers suggest a bypass to your heater’s plumbing to slow the flow of water through the heat exchanger. The lower flow keeps the water in contact with the heat exchanger for longer that allows for a more efficient transfer of heat. The same logic is used in salt chlorinators and the titanium cell plates, most notably on the Autopilot systems that include a bypass manifold, seen in the. The bypass manifold diverts flow equivalent to 20 GPM (or so) through the cell, any flow above that tolerance will open the check valve at the bottom of the loop, bypassing the cell. The slower flow allows for a thorough chlorination of the water and prevents undue wear on the cell’s plates.

What is a flapper valve?

Flapper Valve Parts. When to Use It. The check valve’s intended purpose is to prevent backwash. For those of you who have never shared a soda with a friend, backwash is when a pipe loses pressure causing the contents of the pipe to recede to the source.

What is a check valve?

Check Valve. Check valves are dandy pieces of machinery that serve the dual purpose of monitoring the flow and preventing the backwash of water. The check valve’s two most common designs are the spring and flapper regulated valve. Both do the same basic job, but just differently.

Why are pool valves important?

Valves are an unsung hero of pool equipment because they allow us to control the flow of thousands of gallons water with the twist of a handle. However, the only time you most likely wondered how they worked was when they didn’t work.

Why are gate valves installed in above ground pools?

Gate valves are installed on above ground pools for their ability to shut off hose or PVC piping while filtering equipment is serviced.

How to place return eyelets in a pool?

The optimal positioning for return eyelets is to aim them all in the same direction to encourage a vortex of the pool surface, and the height of the returns should be such that you can see movement in the surface of the water, but only barely so. This optimal placement will encourage the best function from your skimmer to collect floating debris, and will allow effective diffusion of filtered water as it returns to your pool. You should be filtering the volume of your pool three times over every 24 hours and so you will assuredly have dynamic diffusion to all points in your pool after moving that much water. If you can see ripples that indicate the movement of water, but no actual bubbles or turbulence being induced this would be the perfect positioning for your returns.

Why do pool jets raise pH?

Turbulence causes pH rise - The first thing to know about aiming your pool jets is that you do not want to aim them such that they are causing aeration at the surface of the water. Turbulence like this adds oxygen to the water and will significantly increase your pH over time.

How to avoid aerating a pool?

You want to avoid aerating the water by aiming the returns too high, and avoid aiming them so low as to compromising the circulation pattern. Slightly aimed up and all more or less aiming the same direction is as good as you can do with existing pools.

What is clear comfort?

Clear Comfort's patented hydroxyl-based advanced oxidation systems (AOP) represent the pinnacle of water care technology available to pool and spa owners. To put a complex technology simply, if you are looking for the best possible water care system for your pool or spa then you are looking for a Clear Comfort AOP system.

How many return ports are needed for a pool?

There are a lot of ways that you can build a pool. Where some builders might use one or two return ports with their standard design I prefer to utilize a four return minimum design. This allows for optimal circulation and vortexing of the water and maximum functioning of your skimmers.

Why aim return jets down?

Aiming return jets too low - You often will hear advice to aim your return jets down to help with better circulation of your water. If your pool is well designed then this should not be a problem you are dealing with. Main drains should draw water from the deep end and return near the surface through the returns jets.

Is SwimmingPoolSteve.com free?

SwimmingPoolSteve.com is user-supported. In order to keep this resource about pools and spas available for free to all readers I earn commissions for purchases made through links on this page. For more information see the full disclaimer page. By using this website you are agreeing to the terms and conditions.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9