2" returns with 1.5" caps! To fix or not to fix!

[JohnT]

The returns are necked down to way less than 1.5" at the eyeballs, so I wouldn't worry.

[tphaggerty]

No eyeballs being used right now, only the fittings (there is a post way back somewhere that talks about removing the eyeballs to improve flow). My PB never put eyeballs in, maybe that is why!

[JohnT]

No eyeballs being used right now, only the fittings (there is a post way back somewhere that talks about removing the eyeballs to improve flow). My PB never put eyeballs in, maybe that is why!

Leaving the eyeballs out would certainly improve flow, but I think it would decrease circulation in the pool since they increase water velocity. It also eliminates your ability to direct the water to get flow to skimmers.

[tphaggerty]

I agree on velocity, although when my pump is running on high, the velocity is plenty high! Directions to skimmers is not a problem, PB was very good on that. Skimmers are on sides of pool, returns are on ends offset from each other. The natural flow of water is right to the skimmers and also creates a pretty nice, slow whirlpool effect when on high pump.

My only real concern is with solar, where I am trying to pump a lot of water through. I have 14 panels in parallel, so I can do very close to the theoritical maximum of 2" pipe (somewhere around 80gal/minute). Every little bit helps.