skip to main content

Questions about Flow Meters

15 years ago

Would like to install a flow meter. I saw in several threads that Blue White is the recommended choice. Any particular model? Any ideal spot I should put it? The pipe that runs from the filter to the heater is 2", but the rest of the plumbing is 1 1/2". How tough is installation?

Thanks for any advice,

Sue

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

zl700
15 years ago
They are easy to put in, just drill a hole and install with clamps.

They need like 10x the pipe diameter upstream and 5x after (DonÂt quote me on that)

I liked the Blue & White unit.

Don't make the same mistake I did, After looking at performance charts and calculating GPM's, I figured I had about 60 GPM so I bought a unit (cheap on eBay) that topped out at 70. Turns out I have just over 70 GPM and topped out the little indicator. So I bought the next range up and installed the lower range on my waterfall pump.

I found it to be useful for dialing in pump and can monitor filter and pump performance after recording a base point.
repair_guy
15 years ago
You can't just buy one because you want a specific range. They are calibrated for the pipe. If you are installing on a 2" PVC pipe, you need that model. The range of numbers on the unit is in direct proportion to the pipe size.

They are designed to be on the return pipe after all equipment. That means in the heater outlet at a specific spot based on the set up.

Blue White is the best brand
Related Discussions
Adding a 5th bedroom, question about 'flow' of house
Q
Comments (23)
I wouldn't want the master (or any bedroom) right off the family room either. Would it be feasible to bump out the current master? I don't know. But I'd like the 4th bonus room as a sun room with the other room as an office or exercise room off of it, not as a bedroom. Something so far out of the way as the 5th extra room I'd be thinking of as an inlaw suite or guest room, if a bedroom at all. It could also be a craft room, being close to utilities. What else is going on in the utility room other than the water heater? Unless you have a specific purpose that works for you, I wouldn't invest in changing the house for someone else unless you want to spend a good bit on changing the layout so it's more flexible and accommodating. If you don't have an attic or basement, the extra room is very welcome storage for a lot of people. This post was edited by snookums2 on Thu, Jan 17, 13 at 13:48
...See More
Question about rated flow of Muti-Port Valve
Q
Comments (0)
We have a Hayward multi-port valve that has a "rated flow" of 75 GPM. Does that mean it can only handle 75 GPM before bad things (like leaks) happen? We recently installed an Intelliflo 4x160 and would like to see how much umph it can give the spa jets on the highest setting, but presuming it pushes more than 75 GPM (I don't have a flow meter installed yet, so I won't know), could that damage the multi-port valve?
...See More
A few questions about replacing my gas meter
Q
Comments (1)
The best source of answers to all your questions is your local natural gas supplier. When I was increasing the service to accommodate a pool heater, the gas utility changed the meter; I simply hired a licenced gas fitter to run and tag the extra lines.
...See More
fleck fusion high flow metered water softener
Q
Comments (34)
The neutralizer needs to be sized to accommodate the flow you reasonably expect to need. 10" diameter tank ==> 3.3 gpm 11" ==> 4.0 gpm 12" ==> 4.7 gpm 13" ==> 5.5 gpm The neutralizer and softener do not need to be the same size. Softener resin is smoother and more uniform and you will get more flow through it at a smaller diameter tank size. The 1.5 CF softener in a 10" diameter tank is fine for the softener. biermech is correct about the tank height - 54" tank to allow room for gravel underbedding is important. Recent rain won't affect your well water pH much unless you have an extraordinarily shallow well. Low pH water will cause general etch corrosion in copper pipe - taking a tiny amount uniformly. You typically won't see problems until suddenly there are pinhole leaks everywhere, often stating near elbows and fittings where water flow pattern is disrupted. pH test strips are cheap - pick some up and check your water periodically. If your water guy used a meter that wan't calibrated properly, it's possible the initial test was erroneous.
...See More
Rack Etear
15 years ago
They have 2 different levels for the 2" flowmeters.

I can't remember the exact flows, but I have gotten the low level ones on many occasions.
repair_guy
15 years ago
They have all kinds but the models typically used on pools are the pilot tube models. F-30150P is an example. F stands for horizontal mount, 30 is for the 300 series, 150 is the pipe size of 1.5 and p is pvc plumbing. It goes on for 2.0 pvc which is F-30200P and F-30250P for 2.5.

The 1.5 pvc scale is 20 to 100 gpm
The 2.0 pvc scale is 40 to 150 gpm
The 2.5 pvc scale is 60 to 240 gpm

Don't mean to write an entire book on flowmeters but I've had 25+ years in commercial service and have stared at them everyday. This is a very reliable model. They are rated for direct sunlight but after time, the red plug on top will rot or drip. It is simply sealed with a bit of teflon tape but if the plug is dried out, it will break. It's always good to order an extra plug or two in that situation. It's not an immediate thing, it may happen once in a year or two in direct sun.

As previously stated, you can't say I want this particular scale. The scale is based on the pipe capacity. A 1.5 pipe will not flow in the range of a 2.0 flowmeter. Each model is calibrated for the pipe size AND, the curvature of the meter is based on the pipe size. It is useless to mount a meter on a pipe it is not designed for and they run about $100.00

Installation is easy but you need to be very careful not to over drill the hole and the two clamps secure it better if you put them opposite of each other.

The flowmeter says right on it what it is for and it has a flow direction arrow. A 2.0 pvc meter says 2.0 ips. A 2.0 copper meter says 2.0 tubing.
suewb
Original Author
15 years ago
Repair_guy - I love it when you "write books"! I've learned lots on this forum from reading your posts.

z1700 - You are right - or at least really close. Finally found installation instructions online and they specify 10x pipe diameter upstream and 4x downstream.

Unfortunately, the ONLY place I have that much room is before the heater. There's a 30" run from the filter to the heater. From the heater, the pipes go directly down about 14", turn, almost immediately hit an inline chlorinator and then split into various returns. If I put a flow meter in the straight run before the heater is the reading totally inaccurate or just not as precise as it would be if I could put it after the heater?

The only Blue White flow meters for 2" pipes that I've found have the range repair_guy stated - 40-150 GPM. I'd really like a lower minimum. We just installed an Intelliflo 4x160 (love how quiet it is!) and am thinking I'd like to run it at about 35 GPM for a 12 hour turnover. Racket - you said they have 2 different levels for 2" pipes. Can you point me to a resource for the lower one? I'm guessing the digital meter would be an option, but don't want to spend that much on one.
zl700
15 years ago
These are the two ranges avaialble for 2" Pipe

Standard Model: 40 - 150 GPM - Model# F-30200P
Low Flow Rate Model: 15 - 70 GPM - Model# F-30200PR
Rack Etear
15 years ago
"As previously stated, you can't say I want this particular scale."

=)

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Better Flow for a Los Angeles Bungalow

By Mitchell Parker

Goodbye, confusing layout and cramped kitchen. Hello, new entryway and expansive cooking space

COTTAGE STYLE My Houzz: Creativity Flows in a New Hampshire Cottage

By Rikki Snyder

Simplicity and natural surroundings provide inspiration for an artist’s work and for her home’s peaceful, pretty interiors

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Casual Elegance and Better Flow

By Jeannie Matteucci

Upgrades plus a new layout make a D.C.-area kitchen roomier and better for entertaining

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS Kitchen of the Week: Rich Materials, Better Flow and a Garden View

By Jeannie Matteucci

Adding an island and bumping out a bay window improve this kitchen’s layout and outdoor connection

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Good Flow for a Well-Detailed Chicago Kitchen

By Jeannie Matteucci

A smart floor plan and a timeless look create an inviting kitchen in a narrow space for a newly married couple

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: New Function, Flow — and Love — in Milwaukee

By Jeannie Matteucci

A traditional kitchen get an improved layout and updated finishes in a remodel that also yields a surprise

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: European-Style Cabinets and a Better Flow

By Jeannie Matteucci

A Portland couple open up their ranch kitchen to connect with guests and their garden

Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

Sponsored

More Discussions

Durable Outdoor Patio Furniture

0

Flip turn markers for pool

2

where should top soil stop around coping of inground pool?

0

Decking and stairs to pool

1

Weighing the pros and cons of adding a swimming pool.

19