13. The proportioner valve
is used in conjunction with the flowreversal™ valve and is
usually set once for the proper skimmer line suction. A proportioner valve is required so that
proper skimmer action can be maintained when in “reverse flow”. Without it, water is blown out
of the skimmers in any systemin which the main drain is tied directly to a skimmer donut valve.
In these systems, the main drain line is not separated and on its own at the pool's support system.
Suction follows water volume.The proportioner allows the majority of water to flow from
the flowreversal valve [via the main drain or return lines] and just the right amount of water flow
from the skimmer line. This creates proper suction on the skimmers and allows the skimmers to
function “independent” of the main drain.
14. The vacuum lineis usually connected to the skimmer suction line and with its own
shutoff gate valve as discussed above.
15. Effective flowreversal is observedby feeling suction from the return line holes
and skimmers. In addition, water flow should be observable out of the main drain.
16. The proportioner valvecan be turned all the way to the right to allow all of the
pump’s intake suction to be directed to the skimmer line [or vacuum line] for cleaning purposes.
Mark the normal position of the proportioner valve pointer! This allows an easy “reset” after
vacuuming, backwashing or draining operations.
17. It is not usually feasible to simply plumb an inground pool in reverse flowsince the
pool may have to be drained to the bottom through its “main drain”.
NOTE: Aboveground poolscan be permanently plumbed for reverse flowby simply
using a pipe running over the edge of the pool and returning the water from the PCS1 into the
bottom of the pool. Aboveground pools do not need the flowreversal™ or proportioner valves
since their plumbing is simplified compared to inground pools.
18. Operation of the Bypass Valvecan be observed when the LX220 is switched on to
manual and back to off. Rotation stops when the valve reaches its predetermined electrical stops.
This is set internally by cams and micro switches.
19. Automatic drain downof the PCS1, in the off mode, can be obtained by installing
a solar drain down kit. This is available from SolarAttic, Inc and consists of a small 1/4” plastic
tube connected from the inlet line to the outlet line of the PCS1 at the support system and above the
check valve. Whether to install this is up to the installer. The PCS1 holds approximately 5 gallons
If a Polaris pool vacuum sweepis used [booster pump installed], it is recommended
that a drain down kit notbe installed unless a second sweep delay relay is used within the LX220
to control the operation of the booster pump. This second relay delays the startup of the booster
pump [4 minutes] until all of the air is out of the PCS1 eliminating any damage to the booster pump
from air getting into it.
Without a drain down kit, the PCS1, inlet and outlet lines will remain filled with water
[when the bypass valve is off]. This is accomplished via “suction” of the water. Installing a drain
down kit releases this suction and allows the water in both lines and the PCS1 to drain down via
the check valve in the return line.
20. When the PCS1 is first powered up, bubbles will be noticed from the main drain in
reverse flow [return lines in normal flow]. This is the air within the system being forced out. It is
21. If an automatic drain down kithas been installed, air bubbles will be noticed each
time that the PCS1 is restarted.
22. Leaving water inside the PCS1and pipes via suction [no drain down kit] helps
to keep flexible PVC pipe cooler. Flexible PVC pipe can sag at 150º F. With the PCS1 system,
these temperatures do not exist for prolonged periods.
23. In some cities, copper pipe may be required [local code] within the attic.
24. In some cities, the PVC pipes going to and from the solar system are required to be
painted flat black [local code].
25. Use of disconnect unions at the PCS1 are recommended for ease of service.
1. Flowreversal valve is in “NORMAL FLOW”
2. Water is taken off the bottom of the pool and from the skimmers
3. Water is returned to the top of the pool via return lines
4. 2-3 foot area around the main drain appears clean all the time
5. Balance of floor debris has to be vacuumed up
1. Flowreversal valve is in “REVERSE FLOW”
2. Water is taken from the return lines and from the skimmers
3. Water is returned to the pool via the main drain
4. 2-3 foot area around the main drain appears clean all the time
5. Balance of floor debris has to be vacuumed up
1. Place Flowreversal valve in Normal Flow
2. Use proportioner valve to direct more suction to the vacuum line
3. Water is taken primarily from the vacuum line and the main drain
4. Water is returned via the pool’s return lines.
5. Vacuum pool floor and clean towards main drain as usual.
6. Return Flowreversal valve to Reverse Flow when done.
7. Return proportioner valve to normal position for proper skimmer action.
1. Place Flowreversal valve in Normal Flow
1. Place Flowreversal valve in Normal Flow
1. Leave Flowreversal valve in “REVERSE FLOW” for optimum heating of the pool at all
times unless vacuuming, backwashing filter or draining the pool.
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