Pool Systems Introduction - Revision history

Matt Parnell at 11:41, 8 January 2022

2022-01-08T11:41:33Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 Systems for pumping, filtering and chemical treatment ensure that pool water is sanitary, clear and warm.
@@ Line 7: / Line 9: @@
 == Surge Tank ==
-The surge tank fundamentally supports the gutter system, which captures surface water and absorbs of waves formed within the pool.  The water on the surface has the potential to be the dirtiest in the pool.  Debris (such as leaves, pollen), algae spores and oils (from skin, sun screen 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.
+Details moved to another page.
 == Main Pump ==

Matt Parnell: /* Surge Tank */

2022-01-04T16:18:36Z

Surge Tank

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:18, 4 January 2022
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	==== Manual Fill ====		==== Manual Fill ====

			=== Known Deficiencies ===

	=== High Water Level ===		=== High Water Level ===

Matt Parnell: /* Sand Filters */

2021-09-02T18:38:34Z

Sand Filters

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 2 September 2021
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	== Main Pump ==		== Main Pump ==

	~~== Sand Filters ==~~		Information about the sand filters is available on [[Sand Filters\|this page]].

	~~Four Pentair Triton II Commercial TR140C-3 silica~~ sand~~-filled filter tanks operate in parallel to capture particles in the water that passes through. As particles accumulate, flow is restricted. This~~ is ~~indicated by an increase in pressure.~~

	~~=== Maintenance ===~~

	Periodic back-washing is required when filter tank pressure exceeds a threshold. PHTA recommends back-washing when a single gauge pressure reaches 8-10 PSI above the starting value (typically 10 PSI). The backwashing procedure is described [[~~Backwashing~~\|~~here~~]]

	The filter sand should be replaced every 5-10 years. In a marcite pool, the filter sand should be replaced following the cure period of a new marcite coating (as the process releases a large number of particles, clogging the sand filters).

	==Chemical Monitoring==		==Chemical Monitoring==

Matt Parnell: /* Surge Tank */

2021-08-07T00:58:22Z

Surge Tank

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:58, 7 August 2021
Line 10:		Line 10:

	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.

	~~This poses some operational challenges:~~

	* When the pool level is low (and/or the water is still due to a lack of swimmers), insufficient flow may result in an abnormally low surge tank.
	* When the pool level is sufficiently high and a great deal of water is flowing into the gutters due to waves, the surge tank may be "too high". Some margin in tank depth should be present to allow for a "surge" of water due to a large amount of activity in the pool. Unfortunately, without the means to automatically reduce drain flow, this cannot be accomplished.

	=== Low Water Level ===		=== Low Water Level ===

Matt Parnell at 00:57, 7 August 2021

2021-08-07T00:57:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:57, 7 August 2021
Line 10:		Line 10:

	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.

			This poses some operational challenges:

			* When the pool level is low (and/or the water is still due to a lack of swimmers), insufficient flow may result in an abnormally low surge tank.
			* When the pool level is sufficiently high and a great deal of water is flowing into the gutters due to waves, the surge tank may be "too high". Some margin in tank depth should be present to allow for a "surge" of water due to a large amount of activity in the pool. Unfortunately, without the means to automatically reduce drain flow, this cannot be accomplished.

	=== Low Water Level ===		=== Low Water Level ===

Matt Parnell: /* Filters */

2021-08-04T16:53:38Z

Filters

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 4 August 2021
Line 37:		Line 37:
	== Main Pump ==		== Main Pump ==

	== Filters ==		== Sand Filters ==

	Four Pentair Triton II Commercial TR140C-3 silica sand-filled filter tanks operate in parallel to capture particles in the water that passes through. As particles accumulate, flow is restricted. This is indicated by an increase in pressure.		Four Pentair Triton II Commercial TR140C-3 silica sand-filled filter tanks operate in parallel to capture particles in the water that passes through. As particles accumulate, flow is restricted. This is indicated by an increase in pressure.

	===Maintenance===		=== Maintenance ===

	Periodic back-washing is required when filter tank pressure exceeds a threshold. PHTA recommends back-washing when a single gauge pressure reaches 8-10 PSI above the starting value (typically 10 PSI). The backwashing procedure is described [[Backwashing\|here]]		Periodic back-washing is required when filter tank pressure exceeds a threshold. PHTA recommends back-washing when a single gauge pressure reaches 8-10 PSI above the starting value (typically 10 PSI). The backwashing procedure is described [[Backwashing\|here]]

Matt Parnell: /* Static Line (Water Level Monitoring) */

2021-08-04T16:52:57Z

Static Line (Water Level Monitoring)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 4 August 2021
Line 95:		Line 95:

	A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.		A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.

			The electrical probe and associated electronics were removed from the pump house in 2020, having been (apparently) out of service for some time.

			The static line is abandoned, no longer usable as described in the history section below.

	=== History ===		=== History ===
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	An investigation spanning 2020-2021 determined that at least two prior events have rendered this pipe unusable.		An investigation spanning 2020-2021 determined that at least two prior events have rendered this pipe unusable.

	~~During~~ pool closing ~~in 2020, the~~ contractor was asked to perform a pressure test on the pipe. Upon pressurization, water and air bubbled from the ground just outside of the pump house entry door. The site was later excavated by hand. Observed damage to the pipe suggests that it was crushed during installation of a fence post footing (2014). Further digging revealed that damage extends well under the concrete pool deck. ~~In hindsight, it~~ is not clear whether the fence contractor (and B&G) knew that this pipe was already abandoned.		In 2020 the pool closing contractor was asked to perform a pressure test on the pipe. Upon pressurization, water and air bubbled from the ground just outside of the pump house entry door. The site was later excavated by hand. Observed damage to the pipe suggests that it was crushed during installation of a fence post footing (2014). Further digging revealed that damage extends well under the concrete pool deck. It is not clear whether the fence contractor (and B&G) knew that this pipe was already abandoned at the time.

	~~It was observed that despite~~ a poor attempt at capping off the static line at the pool, water ~~continued~~ to flow out of the pool into the ground. This raised the urgency of the repair as a not-insignificant amount of treated/heated pool water was being continuously lost into the ground. ~~This~~ had been happening for many years.		Despite a poor attempt at capping off the static line at the pool, water was observed to flow out of the pool into the ground (shortly after pool opening in 2021). This raised the urgency of the repair as a not-insignificant amount of treated/heated pool water was being continuously lost into the ground. It is assumed that this had been happening for many years.

	Plumbing and concrete contractors were brought in during ~~late~~ July of 2021 to make repairs. At this point, it was assumed that damage was relatively contained, and a full repair would be feasible. Unfortunately, it was found that damage to the pipe is extensive, extending well beyond that caused by the fence installation. It is believed that many years of water expansion (and ground heave) led to widespread cracking. Given the situation, a decision was made to cut out a small section of concrete by the pool entry point (near the gutter) to find a portion of "good pipe" to cap. Priority shifted to strictly stopping water leakage; the static line would be abandoned. Shockingly, it was discovered that the pipe was broken off within a couple feet of exiting the pool, with no apparent effort made to cap. A repair downstream would never have been possible. It is not clear when this break was made, but it seems possible it extended back into the late 1990's during concrete replacement.		Plumbing and concrete contractors were brought in during July 2021 to make repairs. At this point, it was assumed that damage was relatively contained, and a full repair would be feasible. Unfortunately, it was found that damage to the pipe is extensive, extending well beyond that caused by the fence installation. It is believed that many years of water expansion (and ground heave) led to widespread cracking; the pipe was not drained. Given the situation, a decision was made to cut out a small section of concrete by the pool entry point (near the gutter) to find a portion of "good pipe" to cap. Priority shifted to strictly stopping water leakage; the static line would be abandoned. Shockingly, it was discovered that the pipe was broken off within a couple feet of exiting the pool, with no apparent effort made to cap. A repair downstream would never have been possible. It is not clear when this break was made, but it seems possible it extended back into the late 1990's during concrete replacement.

	As of July 2021, the pipe is capped off near the pool to eliminate all leaks. Concrete has been re-poured. A portion of pipe has been left in the event that a new static line is ever run. Due to budget constraints, no new static line was run; what is left in the ground is abandoned. The 2" pipe in the pump house will be capped off and labeled.		As of July 2021, the pipe is capped off near the pool to eliminate all leaks. Concrete has been re-poured. A portion of pipe has been left in the event that a new static line is ever run. Due to budget constraints, no new static line was run; what is left in the ground is abandoned. The 2" pipe in the pump house will be capped off and labeled.

Matt Parnell: /* Static Line (Water Level Monitoring) */

2021-08-04T16:46:47Z

Static Line (Water Level Monitoring)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:46, 4 August 2021
Line 95:		Line 95:

	A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.		A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.

			=== History ===

	An investigation spanning 2020-2021 determined that at least two prior events have rendered this pipe unusable.		An investigation spanning 2020-2021 determined that at least two prior events have rendered this pipe unusable.
Line 105:		Line 107:

	As of July 2021, the pipe is capped off near the pool to eliminate all leaks. Concrete has been re-poured. A portion of pipe has been left in the event that a new static line is ever run. Due to budget constraints, no new static line was run; what is left in the ground is abandoned. The 2" pipe in the pump house will be capped off and labeled.		As of July 2021, the pipe is capped off near the pool to eliminate all leaks. Concrete has been re-poured. A portion of pipe has been left in the event that a new static line is ever run. Due to budget constraints, no new static line was run; what is left in the ground is abandoned. The 2" pipe in the pump house will be capped off and labeled.

			=== Workaround ===

			With no static line, automatic fill is still possible by monitoring the level of the surge tank (at least for now). The difficulty of doing so may increase when/if a modulating valve is installed on the floor drain return.

Matt Parnell at 16:44, 4 August 2021

2021-08-04T16:44:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 4 August 2021
Line 92:		Line 92:
	See [[Chlorinator]].		See [[Chlorinator]].

	=== Static Line (Water Level Monitoring) ===		== Static Line (Water Level Monitoring) ==

	A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.		A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.

Matt Parnell at 16:44, 4 August 2021

2021-08-04T16:44:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 4 August 2021
Line 91:		Line 91:

	See [[Chlorinator]].		See [[Chlorinator]].

			=== Static Line (Water Level Monitoring) ===

			A static line (water pipe) can be used to monitor pool water level from a remote location. In the past, a 2" PVC water line for this purpose was run between the pool and the pump house. The "inlet" is located on the west side the dive well, just below the gutter trough. It is run into the pump house, at which point an electrical probe was used to establish water level for automatic fill.

			An investigation spanning 2020-2021 determined that at least two prior events have rendered this pipe unusable.

			During pool closing in 2020, the contractor was asked to perform a pressure test on the pipe. Upon pressurization, water and air bubbled from the ground just outside of the pump house entry door. The site was later excavated by hand. Observed damage to the pipe suggests that it was crushed during installation of a fence post footing (2014). Further digging revealed that damage extends well under the concrete pool deck. In hindsight, it is not clear whether the fence contractor (and B&G) knew that this pipe was already abandoned.

			It was observed that despite a poor attempt at capping off the static line at the pool, water continued to flow out of the pool into the ground. This raised the urgency of the repair as a not-insignificant amount of treated/heated pool water was being continuously lost into the ground. This had been happening for many years.

			Plumbing and concrete contractors were brought in during late July of 2021 to make repairs. At this point, it was assumed that damage was relatively contained, and a full repair would be feasible. Unfortunately, it was found that damage to the pipe is extensive, extending well beyond that caused by the fence installation. It is believed that many years of water expansion (and ground heave) led to widespread cracking. Given the situation, a decision was made to cut out a small section of concrete by the pool entry point (near the gutter) to find a portion of "good pipe" to cap. Priority shifted to strictly stopping water leakage; the static line would be abandoned. Shockingly, it was discovered that the pipe was broken off within a couple feet of exiting the pool, with no apparent effort made to cap. A repair downstream would never have been possible. It is not clear when this break was made, but it seems possible it extended back into the late 1990's during concrete replacement.

			As of July 2021, the pipe is capped off near the pool to eliminate all leaks. Concrete has been re-poured. A portion of pipe has been left in the event that a new static line is ever run. Due to budget constraints, no new static line was run; what is left in the ground is abandoned. The 2" pipe in the pump house will be capped off and labeled.