New build - Recirc pump question

[Program333]

In the middle of building a new home. It is a decently wide ranch. We would like a recirculating pump to our master shower which is actually not super far from the water heater. We’re just impatient.

The “kids’” room is on the other side of the house - roughly 90’ from the water heater. One of the kids is in college and the other will be there in just over a year. So their bathrooms will not be used a lot after that.

The plumbers are wanting to put in a recirculating pump that serves our bedroom and both kids bathroom on a single pump. That seems inefficient to me as we would be serving hot water to their bathrooms even though they won’t be used. Am I thinking of this right?

Would it be a huge deal to NOT use a recirc pump to their bathrooms? Should we get a second pump for that room on a timer we can shut off?

Also, any issues with using recirc pumps with a well and water softener? I see some people online saying you should t, but then not saying why other than it might leak back and use more salt.

Appreciate opinions.

 

[havasu]

Is the plumber planning on something similar to a Grundfos pump, and adding sensors to the seldom used bathrooms? I don't see a problem since those sensors only cost about $40 each.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Install couple gas tankless heaters close to the demand and you will not need a circulation pump and you’ll have a back up source of hot water if one fails giving you time to shop the best price for replacement/repair rather than being in a hurry because you have no hot water.

 

[Rossando]

Recirculating pumps and systems are designed for this application. When plumbing these in you always put the recirculating line on the hot side of the furthest fixture. This allows the hot water to move and by adding a sensor or timer this will make it more efficient. You could do multiple return lines but the rule of thumb is just one that way it pushes hot water throughout the whole system. Talk to them about multiple return lines and adding in a shut off valves at strategic locations would be more $$ but adds flexibility.