How the Blue Whale Skimmer™

Lowers hydraulic resistance

Saves electricity

Saves chlorine

Saves construction cost

Increases performance by 30%

More gallons per minute per kilowatt hours

The Blue Whale Skimmer™ Low Velocity Circulating System

A note from Manny Garcia:

Today, and days to come, swimming pools will continue to waste too much electricity, too much

chlorine, too much time cleaning and too long to complete one cycle through the filter.

Pressure gauges read too high, water whirlpools through skimmers, returns are too small, components

are placed in series restricting distribution and clarity and sanitation takes too long.

Measurements are not recorded. Flow rates, velocities, turnover rates, running times, kilowatts

consumed are left behind as blind items. The installation of a flow meter is nonexistent in any

residential pool. How does one know what has been built?

The Blue Whale Skimmer™ Circulating System at www.carrollwoodpools.com is the keystone to

energy efficiency and injects good science in reducing the hydraulic resistance. As the center point of

a sustainable plan that measures and records its parameters, The Blue Whale Skimmer™ Circulating

System is proud to join efforts with the Florida Energy Systems Consortium at

www.floridaenergy.ufl.edu.

Each circulating system uses less electricity, achieves clarity and sanitation quicker with less bacteria

and less chlorine demand. The designs are simpler, cost less, and performs better than systems with

twice the horse power. Baskets and filter grids will last longer and suction entrapment is nonexistent.

Two Blue Whale Skimmers™ directly connected to a 2.5HP (SHPM2.5) up rated pump delivers 130

gallons per minute. This is the first time that water features like sheer descents, hydro jets, hydro

swimmers and elaborate waterfalls have the ability to draw from an abundant safe source with such

low horse power. The source is slow and plentiful. No longer to use dangerous main drains as a

source.

The hydraulic resistance of a circulating system is lowered when the water conduits are expanded to

larger diameter pipes. This is especially notable in the suction side, where large port skimmers

accommodate the large diameter pipes. The results are a voluminous, slow moving flow of water,

easily accessible by smaller single speed pumps and performing 30% greater flow rate than pumps

twice the size. This is called a low velocity environment. A velocity of less than 3.6 feet per second is

the highlight of safety. Suction power is diminished in the skimmer without any fear a large pull of your

hand.

The world of low velocity swimming pool circulating systems presents many discoveries of new

products in the realm of energy efficiency. When the hydraulic resistance is lowered, the design of

circulating systems takes on a new physical and functional form. A host of new products present

themselves as well as the methods to make them. All low velocity circulating systems operate at low

pressures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1. THE THREE MODULES PAGE 1

Breaks down the system into three basic functional module.

PART 2. TRUISMS PAGE 2

Presents a series of axioms based on a good science foundation.

PART 3. SIMPLE MATH DEFINES ENERGY EFFICIENCY PAGE 3

Defines the simple math required to verify an efficient system.

PART 4. DESCRIBING THE BLUE WHALE SKIMMER™ PAGE 5

The keystone to energy efficiency.

PART 5. INSTALLATION PAGE 6

Quick Start Installation on three configurations.

PART 6. PERFORMANCE CHART FOR THREE LEVELS OF POWER PAGE 9

Provides data for each system

PART 7. HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOUR POOL IS AN EFFICIENT ONE PAGE 10

A practical procedure finding the actual velocity

PART 8. BALANCED SKIMMER FLOW PAGE 11

Several procedures that insure equal flow from dual skimmer systems

PART 9. A GRAVITY FEED SYSTEM PAGE 12

The safest highest performing vacuum/ pressure Gravity Feed System

PART 10. AFTER MARKET UPGRADE PAGE 13

How to modify an existing system for higher performance

PART 11. SUCTION ENTRAPMENT PAGE 14

One picture represents a 1000 words

PART 12. HOME PAGE 15

PART 1. THE THREE MODULES.

The components are very familiar to many. The primary pump, pipes, skimmers, filters, heaters, hydro

jets, cleaners, chlorinators, sheer descents, etc.

Three modules have been used to explain the system.

MODULE 1 is called the Acquisition Module. It acquires a bountiful, low velocity, safe supply of

swimming pool water by way of skimmers having large diameter ports (3” and 4” in diameter). This is

a suction line and requires a few rules to sustain and equalize the hydraulic resistance.

MODULE 2 is called the Pump and Filter Module. It is the section that determines the flow rate,

velocity, turnover rate, horse power and filter capacity. This module utilizes single speed pumps.

Single speed pumps are predictable, steady, inexpensive, and easy to make accurate, sustainable

measurements.

MODULE 3 is called the Distribution Module. It is a large diameter manifold that delivers the

appropriate gallons per minute to each component.

The diagram below describes the three modules as an actual configuration using an

uprated ¾ HP pump that draws approximately 1.2 kilowatts. It operates 8 hours a day

and cost less than $30/ month. The velocity is in the range of 3.5 feet per second and

delivers 70 to 75 gallons per minute. Specific hardware diagram are available to quick

start a system of your own.

PAGE 1

PART 2. TRUISMS

A belief of 9 axioms is based on good science towards the goal of energy efficiency.

1. Most of the debris (85%) resides within the top 4” of the pool surface. (Wind particles, organic, non-organic, rain, bird droppings, animal hair, dirt, poop, etc., etc.)

2. Swimming pool circulating systems are used to remove suspended particles that have fallen

from the sky and into the pool.

3. The removal capability of the circulating system must far exceed the input deluge of debris.

4. The circulating system traps particles, into a dark filter area, to achieve clarity, sanitation, chemical circulation and deliver a sufficient amount of water to the various components.

5. Increasing in the flow rates will:

Diminish bacterial colonization

Achieve quicker clarity and sanitation

Lower the Chlorine demand.

6. The hydraulic resistance of a water flowing system is fundamental to energy efficiency.

7. The hydraulic energy efficiency is determined by the measurements of the following parameters:

Flow rate in cubic feet per second

Velocity in feet per second

Turnover rate in hours and minutes

Pipe diameters in square feet

8. The circulating system is described as containing a single speed pump, a filter, skimmers, pipes, returns, and water features. All items are off the shelf.

9. An efficiency quotient is established by determining the values of the following parameters:

Flow rate in cubic feet per second

Velocity in feet per second (under 5 feet per second)

Turnover rate in hours and minutes (between 3 and 4 hours)

Pipe diameters in square feet (2.5”, 3” and 4” pipe)

Power consumed in kilowatt hours

Gallons per minute per kilowatts hours

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PART 3. SIMPLE MATH DEFINES ENERGY EFFICIENCY

(Computing the velocity of the system.)

The water flowing through a PVC pipe is directly proportional to its diameter. If the diameter of a pipe

gets larger, then the hydraulic resistance decreases and allows the flow rate to increase.

This relationship defines the velocity.

The numeric value of the velocity defines the efficiency of the circulation system.

Determining the Velocity:

Velocity is equal to the flow rate (Q) divided by the surface area (A) of the pipe.

V = Q/A

The Velocity (V) is given in feet per second (ft/sec)

The flow rate (Q) is given in cubic feet per second (ft³/sec)

The surface area (A) is given in square feet (ft²)

Normally, flow rates are described in gallons per minute, but since velocity is described in feet per

second, a conversion of gallons per minute to cubic feet per second is needed. (See chart to the right).

The chart below expresses the surface area of 5 pipe sizes

For example: 80 gallons = .178 ft³/sec = (Q)

The surface area of a three inch pipe = .051 ft² = (A) V = Q/A V = .178 ft³/sec = 3.49 ft/ sec. .051 ft²

Note: this exercise assume that a flow meter has been used to derive the flow rate in gallons per minute.

PAGE 3

GPM cu. ft. per sec

1 .00223ft³/sec

40 .089 ft³/sec

50 .111 ft³/sec

60 .134 ft³/sec

70 .156 ft³/sec

80 .178 ft³/sec

90 .200 ft³/sec

100 .223 ft³/sec

110 .245 ft³/sec

120 .267 ft³/sec

130 .290 ft³/sec

140 .312 ft³/sec

NOMINAL PIPE SIZE

INSIDE DIAMETER

AREA

1 ½” 1.61” .0141 ft²

2” 2.067” .0233 ft²

2 ½” 2.469” .033 ft²

3” 3.068” .051 ft²

4” 4.026” .088 ft²

Determining The Velocity (a different way)

While the derivation of the velocity may seem mathematically difficult, a simple reading of a flow meter in gallons per minute, one is able to quickly determine the active velocity by using the charts below.

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THE BLUE WHALE SKIMMER™ LOWERS THE HYDRAULIC RESISTANCE

It works like no other skimmer because it is designed to process up to 120 GPM.

The water flows slower but with greater volume.

Easier clean ability of debris from baskets.

Smaller pumps perform greater flow rates.

Electrical power is decreased.

Develops a lower chlorine demand.

PART 4. DESCRIBING THE BLUE WHALE SKIMMER™

The keystone to energy efficiency.

PARTS 1, 2, and 3 has useful information that must not be ignored however, field tested energy

efficiency systems are in place and working with great success.

CARROLLWOOD POOLS MODEL SPBWS & DPBWS

SINGLE AND DUAL PORT BLUE WHALE SKIMMERS™

(A LOW VELOCITY SURFACE SKIMMER)

Welcome to the world of low velocity swimming pool skimmers. The keystone to energy efficiency.

This low velocity skimmer is introduced as the keystone of energy efficiency for swimming pool

circulating systems. It is useful for both residential and commercial installations.

Made of ¼” ABS plastic sheets (ultra violet coated) Bonded with ABS ONLY 1707

Processed via thermal vacuuming and CNC machines

The ports are standard PVC 3” couplers by Lasco & Spears

Virtually indestructible

A natural design that prevents hydraulic hammering

Designed, developed and handcrafted in the USA.

All internal components like baskets and grids last longer

The baskets and weir (Aladin B 37 & B 38) provides large leaf capacity

Supports Gravity Feed Systems

Suction entrapment is eliminated forever

Field proven drawings contained herein are Ready to Use

PAGE 5

PART 5. INSTALLATION

There are three example configurations.

Energy efficiency begins with a low velocity, resulting in a path for water to flow with less resistance

and perform with less effort. Velocity measurements are vital in determining efficiency.

PAGE 6

1. Using One Blue Whale Skimmer,™ with One 3” coupler: (see System A)

Suitable for small pools in the range of 10 – 12,000 gallons

Performs in the range of 65 to 70 GPM using a ½ - ¾ HP pumps

Velocity is in the range of 5 ft./sec.

Low chlorine consumption.

Electric bill is less than $28/mo.

PAGE 7

2. Using Two Blue Whale Skimmer,™ each with One 3” coupler (See system below):

Suitable for pools 14-15,000 gallons.

Performs in the range of 70 – 80 GPM using a ¾ HP pump.

Velocity in the range of 5 ft./sec.

Low chlorine consumption.

Very large leaf capacity.

Distribution Manifold required Monthly Electric bill is less than $30/mo.

This example configuration is for a low impact swimmer system.

PAGE 8

3. Using Two Blue Whale Skimmer,™ each with Two 3” coupler:

Suitable for large pools in the range of 30,000 gallons

For a large pool with large water feature like (hydro jet swimmer or sheer descent)

Performs in the vicinity of 200 GPM.

Very large leaf capacity. Easy clean ability

PART 6. PERFORMANCE CHART FOR THREE LEVELS OF POWER CONSUMPTION

PAGE 9

A (3/4HP) PROVIDING 70 – 75 GPM

A (1 HP) PROVIDING 85- 90 GPM

A (1.5 HP) PROVIDING 110 – 120 GPM

PART 7. HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOUR POOL IS AN EFFICIENT ONE

Measuring the velocity on the suction side of a pump is as important as recording the miles per gallon on an automobile.

Low Velocity Means Good Efficiency

Install a flow meter to the suction side pipe connected to the pump. The red arrow points to the suction side of the pump. Insure that the flow meter is compatible to the size of the pipe. Start the pump and visually record the gallons per minute in the window of the meter.

The orange arrow points to 80 gallons per minute on the flow meter located on a two inch pipe. On the pink chart to the right: 80 gallons per minute indicates a velocity of 7.8 feet per second. The conclusion is that this system could use a bigger suction pipe. The velocity is too high. If the suction pipe is changed to a 2 ½” pipe then velocity will change favorably (lower) and probably be in the range of 5.4 feet per second.

The change in the flow rate will be noticeably greater which will provide an option to use a smaller pump or add more components to the system. The turnover rate will decrease and the running time can also be decreased.

PAGE 10

2” PVC pipe

PART 8. BALANCED SKIMMER FLOW Each skimmer is placed equidistant from each other to insure that they draws the same amount of water. Linear circulation, where the skimmers are opposite the returns, is the optimum configuration.

The plumbing configuration for a radius pool requires simple geometry. Many times when a radius

pool is excavated the center is lost.

FINDING THE CENTER OF A CIRCLE USING TWO CHORDS

Draw a circle of any radius.

Draw any two chords on the circumference.

Draw a Perpendicular Bisector on each chord.

The Perpendicular Bisectors intersect

at the center of the circle.

Setting the skimmers at 90 degrees apart will insure connecting the fittings at 45 degrees and 90

degrees.

PAGE 11

PART 9. A GRAVITY FEED SYSTEM

GRAVITY FEED SYSTEMS

Gravity feed systems have been in existence for many years and today commercial pools use this system frequently. For reasons unknown, these systems have not gained too much popularity in the residential swimming pool market place until the discovery of the Blue Whale Skimmer™, with its 3” and 4” side ports. MAJOR BENEFITS

No Suction Entrapment

Simple Design (Cost Saving)

Major Components Are Recycled

Multiple Use Of “Off The Shelf” Components

One System Fits Many

Low Profile

Lowest Frictional Loss

Largest Flow Rate, Shortest Turnover

The Blue Whale Skimmer as applied to a Gravity Feed System saves even more energy and increases flow rates. By its very nature, water is virtually transferred free from the skimmers to the retention tank.

PAGE 12

4” PVC PIPE

PART 10. AFTER MARKET UPGRADE

Energy efficient upgrades

The present skimmers of today can be modified to

utilize larger pipes that connect between the skimmer

and the pump input port.

This procedure includes exposing the pipe connections

to the existing skimmer and running a new 2 ½” pipe

from the modified skimmer to the new pump.

The figure to the right is a standard skimmer with 2”

ports. It has a bottom port with 2” pipe connected to it.

The conversion of the bottom port to a side port

eliminates three 90 degree fittings which is equivalent to

20 feet of resistance. Increasing the pipe diameter to a

diameter of 2 ½” will drop the velocity between 5 and 6

feet per sec. Your existing pump will increase at least 15

to 20 gallons per minute. Or if you choose you can

replace the pump by at least ¾ of a horsepower.

Just drill a 3 ½” hole in the back or side of the skimmer.

And add an adapter with a 2 ½” coupler. Information on the adapter and bonding

agent can be acquired via Carrollwood Pools Inc.

PAGE 13

PART 11. SUCTION ENTRAPMENT

The picture of a preteen, invited to swim in a neighbor's pool and spa. Unaware of the danger, she decided to lie down on the bottom of the spa. She came too close to the main drain and was pulled in by the tremendous flow of water. The picture shows an exact duplicate of the main drain lid, which is approximately 8 inches in diameter. No one really knows how long it took her to free herself from this entrapment, but she did, and we all are grateful for that.

ALL BLUE WHALE SKIMMER™ SYSTEMS DO NOT USE MAIN DRAINS

IN A SWIMMING POOLS NOR IN A SPA

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PART 12. HOME

And today a Blue Whale Skimmer™ finds its home in this lovely pool.

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