Pool fountain with valve for switching between jet and fountain by corsara

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

I wanted a fountain, so I designed one and also a valve to allow me to switch between jet ciruclation and fountain. The assembly attaches to a standard pool jet. Please see the following video to understand how it works, video is best than just writing explanations here: https://youtu.be/eHzg6lwoskg
Here you can see it in action (in fountain mode): https://youtu.be/X9eyqNJj4Go
The bracket you see on top is a loose fit, it just prevents the assembly to put unnecessary pressure to the pool wall screws since the water pushes the thing back. It acts kind of like a spacer thingy. You can go without it if you want, but I prefer it.
For the top spray nozzle, I initially created a much more complicated design, which allowed me to turn a ring (printed in place) and select one of 3 different spray patterns. Unfortunately, with clearance between parts of 0.4mm, water was leaking. With clearance 0.2mm---I was not able to separate the two parts after the print. Hence I decided to stick with a single static spraying pattern.
What you need: a piece of 3/4" PVC pipe (determine length between pool jet and water level, you want the spray fountain to be above the water level). In the assembly video I've already glued the valve to the pipe, and intend to do so with the nozzle. Alternatively, you can just use some screw, it will hold it alright. It's a tight fit anyway, as you can see in the "in action" video, it didn't shoot the sprayer out at all (still, I will glue it).
I'm happy with how it turned out, because even when you change the valve for standard water circulation, a little water gets into the pipe and into the nozzle, keeping it cool (I printed this in PLA and don't want it to melt in the sun). The only thing that is not cooled is the above the water part of the bracket.
One interesting after-effect is when I remove the plug completely. Then we have water coming out of the jet, as well as from the fountain, but not as strong. Gives a nice ambiance sound :)
Any questions, please ask in the comments section, I'll be happy to answer since this creation of mine is my favorite I've done so far. My kids totally love it too! PLEASE POST A PICTURE IF YOU MAKE ONE, I'D LOVE TO SEE HOW IT LOOKS IN YOUR POOL!