Surge Tank: Difference between revisions
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When the flow from the gutters is not sufficient (due to water level and/or a lack of waves), additional flow from the drain is required to maintain the surge tank level. This is typically handled via a modulation valve on the drain inlet to the surge tank, controlled by a level monitoring mechanism (such as a float). When a modulation valve is not present, flow much be restricted on the drain return and the pool level must be maintained to ensure some amount of gutter return is present. | When the flow from the gutters is not sufficient (due to water level and/or a lack of waves), additional flow from the drain is required to maintain the surge tank level. This is typically handled via a modulation valve on the drain inlet to the surge tank, controlled by a level monitoring mechanism (such as a float). When a modulation valve is not present, flow much be restricted on the drain return and the pool level must be maintained to ensure some amount of gutter return is present. | ||
== Theory of Operation == | |||
The surge tank is the initial capture point for all water returned from the pool. Water is returned from the drains (at the bottom of the diving well) and from the gutters (around the pool perimeter). Water from the surge tank flows into the strainer basket prior to entering the main pump, as shown in the [[Process FLow Diagram|process flow diagram]]. | |||
The flow from the gutters is highly variable, determined by the amount of activity in the pool and the pool water level itself. When the pool is very active, waves roll into the gutter drains. A sudden surge in pool activity can cause a surge in gutter flow, hence the name for the tank. | |||
When a high amount of gutter flow is present, the drain flow must be restricted. Otherwise, the surge tank level rises and the gutter drain rate slows. Eventually, the gutters may appear to overflow, as the rate at which the water flows into the surge tank is slower than the rate at which the water is flowing in. This poses two issues: | |||
* The amount of gutter water processed is reduced. The gutters capture water that has the potential to be the dirtiest in the pool. Debris (such as leaves, pollen), algae spores, and oils (from the skin, sunscreen lotion) collect on the surface. The sun's UV rays break down disinfectant (chlorine) most at the surface. It is important that this water be collected with priority. | |||
* The calming effect of the gutters is reduced, as waves are no longer absorbed. This is undesirable during competition, as can will affect swimmers' lap times. | |||
A low amount of gutter flow can also pose an issue. This occurs when the pool water level is low and/or there is little activity in the pool. If the drain flow is not increased accordingly, the surge tank level can drop, as the rate at which the water is pumped out exceeds the rate at which water enters. | |||
== Troubleshooting == | |||
=== Low Water Level === | === Low Water Level === | ||
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==== Manual Fill ==== | ==== Manual Fill ==== | ||
=== High Water Level === | === High Water Level === | ||
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All three scenarios, of course, assume the main pump is operating. The surge tank will rise to a relatively high level shortly after the main pump is disabled (it will match the pool level). | All three scenarios, of course, assume the main pump is operating. The surge tank will rise to a relatively high level shortly after the main pump is disabled (it will match the pool level). | ||
== Known Deficiencies == | |||
A combination of age and inadequate repairs in the past have led to a number of known deficiencies with the surge tank. These deficiencies have both functional and (to a much lesser extent) aesthetic implications. | |||
== Future Overhaul == | == Future Overhaul == | ||