Need some guidance.. AGP, 'The LIQUIDATOR', Ballvalves, suction, vacuuming....

[mastamoon]

Hey All,

My pool details are in my signature. Please see https://www.dropbox.com/sc/p09hlipij11vsoe/AABF7DuCitTcCQ8fbov9bSK_a for pictures of my pump/filter setup.

OK so I need some configuration guidance. I installed a Hasa 'The Liqudator' this past Sunday. The install went ok, no leaks... but even with the flow valve at full, it only hits 1 on the flow meter. Quick research shows that this is due to not enough suction on the pump/skimmer side to actually create the flow. I took the basket out of my skimmer and covered part of the hole in the bottom of the skimmer and boom, flow meter pegged. Apparently my system is "too efficient" so there isnt enough restriction/loss to cause a strong vacuum, thus... No flow.

Along with this issue I have had/have an issue with vacuuming. I think my pump is too strong for my filter (but this is what my pool package came with)... This causes me to have to vacuum to waste anytime there is anything but sand at the bottom of my pool (dead algae). I believe what I need to do is restrict the pressure between my pump and my filter.

I was hoping that somebody here could tell me what would be the optimal setup of valves and in what position in my system to help me past these issues. I believe I would need one right under the skimmer which would move my liquidator out line down, causing a restriction here should increase the pressure (just like I caused with my hand). I would need another valve between my pump and my filter to slow down the water flow into my filter for better filtering while vacuuming. I would say a 3rd on the return side just so I could close the system, but currently I just use a screw in plug in the return to stop flow if I ever need to isolate that side.

My limitations are I need to be able to disconnect everything, cant have it all hard piped.

Thanks in advance.

[mastamoon]

Forgot to post a follow up.. not that anybody cares lol..

I ended up adding a valve under my skimmer which moved the liquidator feed line down a bit. Keep the valve about half open and it seems to do the job.

[Lawrosa]

Looks ok but I probably would not of spent the money on it.. Not sure if restricting flow on the inlet side of pump is a good idea..

Why did you go with that system?

I could not find install instructions on line. If you post them we can help you better..

[mastamoon]

Looks ok but I probably would not of spent the money on it.. Not sure if restricting flow on the inlet side of pump is a good idea..

Why did you go with that system?

I could not find install instructions on line. If you post them we can help you better..

It keeps me from having to dump bleach directly into the pool. Keeps a constant trickle of bleach being added to the pool while the pump is on. Poor mans SWCG lol.

I haven't noticed any negative effects since adding the valve thus far. I open it up to backwash, the pressure gauge on my filter is 'normal' compared to before the valve was installed and the pump basket stays full.

The instructions were basically to add the feeder side between the skimmer and pump 'somewhere' and the liquidator supply side (fills the unit) post filter and before return. Since my system was setup with all flexible hosing, i had to add some sections of pvc to do this.

The only alternative to the valve idea was to put the pvc/feeder line closer to the pump inlet where maybe there would be stronger flow. Maybe Ill try that next season.

Thanks for the reply.