What you are experiencing is the effect of low flow rate. This is normal although perhaps not desireable. Spa spillovers are not really designed for low flow rates.

You have a few options.

1) Run at higher speeds while in spillover mode for 15-30 minutes per day and then run at lower speeds in pool mode for the rest of the time. The spa doesn't need much in the way of water replacement.

2) It may be possible to reduce the opening for the spillover such that it produces a bit more velocity over the edge so it will clear the rocks. However, if you should ever run at higher flow rates, there is a good chance the reduced opening will cause the spa to overflow.

Other than that, I can't think of anything else you can do.

That is somewhat tricky, you would have to create a seperate spa bypass line that feeds both the spa return and the pool cleaner, then isolate that line while in spa mode.

It could be done with 2 tees a 3 way valve and a check valve on the outlet to the spa return.

This could also be automated if you desire.

Thanks for the replies. My pool builder, who recommended the Pentair VS pump because of the engergy savings, is coming out to take a look at it next week. I'll suggest the arrangement that you put forth Racket because I would ilke to be able to keep the spa circulating with the rest of the pool. If that doesn't work then I'll try mas985s approach and just circulate the spa a few hours a day (maybe while the filter pump and cleaner pump are running at full speed for the cleaner) and then isolate it to circulating the pool water for the remainder of the time.

Do you have an in-floor cleaning system? The reason I ask is that I have my Intelliflo VS pump set to run normally at 1800 RPM which results in low flow over the spa spillway. However, when the cleaning pump (separate pump for the infloor system) runs, the Intelliflo pump increases to 2300 RPM's, which produces much better flow. We're using an EasyTouch system for automation.

With your setup I've found that the very low speeds prefer a spa at pool level, when the spa is raised you experience your dilemma. My suggestion is programming the computer to run the spa for an hour at the low speed in the morning, run the pool at low speed during the day, and then having the spa run again for an hour in the early evening. With this schedule you get maximum electrical savings and maximum sanitization for the spa.
I disagree with mas985 on simply running at a higher speed for a half hour once daily, this body of water (spa) is the most susceptible to UV degradation of chlorine and escalation of the water temperature. If you choose his method run at least 45 minutes at high speed twice daily.
I also disagree with racket too, to many avenues of return and bypasses will always seem to outfox the second fox. In other words, only the plumber and the original owner get it, and many times it's just the plumber because it outfoxed the pool owner too. Plus it costs for the prices of actuators and relay spaces. IMO your better served running the very low speed all the time and doing the spa, pool, spa daily cycle thing.

Just my .02

See ya,
Kelly

agadawgs-

I would definitely run at low speed most of the day (less than 1000 rpm if your pool size will allow) to get the benefit of your variable speed pump and not worry about the spa not spilling over.

High speed should only be used for your cleaner and for turning the spa water daily. I would recommend about 2 hours in the morning or 2 hours in the evening or as Kelly recommends, about an hour or so in both the morning and the evening.

One thing to consider is: When will you be home to enjoy the sound and sight of the spillover on the spa? If this is in the evening, I would recommend setting it to spill over in the evening or whatever time you will be home to enjoy it.

By all means, keep the speed below 1,700 rpm most of the day. This is where the variable speed pumps do better than 2 speed pumps and that is why you bought the variable speed to begin with....right?

You can do what racket recommends, but it requires a lot of babysitting for not much benefit in my opinion. I would not mess with the spa spillover opening to try to tune it. This will be a hassle.

Hope this helps!

On a raised spa I thought part of the reason for the spillover was to send debris on the surface, of the spa, to the pool's skimmer. Kelly's idea would accomplish that.

Kelly, would you mind commenting on "out with old, pictures are working"

Thanks.

heretoplease.

I'm sorry but I don't remember the post where I made this reply.
quote" out with old, pictures are working "quote

I'm pretty scatter brained from my workload and lifestyle and might not even remember the thread.LOL!!!

See ya,
Kelly

Sorry for jumping all over your post. You have a similar setup to what I am repairing. I wish to put in close to the same equipment but I am worried about the problems you are having.

Kelly, the link is my post(heretoplease) and I would like your opinion in addition to the great responses I have already recieved.

Again I am sorry for jumping in to your post. I belive your topic will answer many of my questions, but not all.

Thanks again.

Here is a link that might be useful: Out with old