3 Return from Pool Filter - What do they do?

**wrswldo** · 07-04-2014 09:05 PM

Due to a recent storm in the area, a felled tree knocked over a potted plant which crashed into the PVC piping for the filter and pump. While replacing the piping, I noticed that of the three valves, two were closed and one was partially open.

As I'm new to taking care of my pool by myself, I was wondering where the pipes go to, and what the valves are there for.

For the record, there are four pipes coming from the ground. One must be from the pool and leads to the pump, and then there is a pipe from the pump to the filter. Then there is another pipe from the filter to the three pipes in the ground. I'm assuming there is only one intake pipe, and that is the one leading to the pump. The other three must be for output. I'm also assuming that one pipe is for the aerator for the pool (maybe the thinnest one that is closed off by the valve) and the largest one that is partially open must be going back to the pool. Any idea what the other one is for? There are no water features for the pool. Could this possible be waste and lead to the sewer? The diameter of the PVC is from left to right in the picture, 3/4'' PVC, 1 1/4'' PVC, and 1 1/2" PVC, all leading to 1 1/2'' PVC that connects them to the filter.

<a target="_blank" href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/3tji.jpg/"><img src="http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/150x100q90/819/3tji.jpg" border="0"></a>

**Watermom** · 07-05-2014 10:42 PM

Your pictures didn't appear correctly. Use this button to link them to this thread:

**wrswldo** · 07-05-2014 10:53 PM

**wrswldo** · 07-06-2014 11:34 AM

Also, for me there is no button after your sentence "Use this button to link them to this thread:" for me, in either Chrome or IE. Hope the way I chose to post the pictures is sufficient.

**Watermom** · 07-06-2014 01:36 PM

For future reference, after you click on the 'reply' button in the lower right, that button will appear in the upper left corner where all the other buttons are such as B for bold, U for underlining, A for changing font color, etc. One of the buttons will look like that little picture I showed you in my last post.

Your picture is there, just small.

**wrswldo** · 07-06-2014 11:57 PM

[IMG]<a target="_blank" href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/3tji.jpg/"><img src="http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/819/3tji.jpg" border="0"></a>[/IMG]

midomidi2013 · 08-16-2014 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by wrswldo

I appreciate any advice to get my water chemistry accurate without breaking the bank. Also, how do I complete my registration so I can see the forum and do searches, etc. I don't mind sharing my address if thats what it takes. Thanks again, Cindy

**CarlD** · 08-16-2014 11:00 AM

WM: If you click on the pic, then download the image, you can see it full size.

wrswldo:
Here's what I think I'm seeing.

1) the pipe (2"?) leading from the ground to the pump is certainly coming from the drains and skimmer.
2) the other 3 pipes are some sort of return pipes, each of which can be shut off by the bronze valves. This would be a good time to replace all three with PVC ball valves.
3) Clearly the broken white manifold went to the 3 returns, with a reducer going to the one with the red valve. This needs to be rebuilt but with PVC, schedule 40 fittings, and primer and glue, it's a very easy job. Dry fit it all before gluing. Personally, I'd also plumb in quick-connect unions between each valve and the manifold to make for easy maintenance.
4) Looks like the black piece next to the manifold was to connect the manifold to the return on the filter (the one not connected). Look like the "L" between the pump and filter was part of the connection. Don't reuse this stuff. New 1.5" PVC and Schedule 40 fittings are inexpensive. You CAN reconnect to the piece coming out of the filter.
5) The hose coming out of the OTHER side of the filter, between the multivalve and the cinder block wall, is the back wash hose. It is not clear where it goes.

I really don't know where the 3 returns go. You could hook a shop vac to each and see where the air comes out. When you said "aerator" I don't know what you mean. Aeration is only used in pools to raise pH, or is inadvertent.

Hope this all helps.

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