Upgrade pipes

[jmagoulas]

Hello TFP! Looking to do a weekend project in preparation of my new ECOStar SP3400VSPVR pump. I currently have a 1HP Super Pump single speed going to 2 returns and 1 skimmer. All piping including pad is 1.5" flex white pvc. I was looking to do some digging which would be pretty easy as it was a hack job and not deeper then 2" from surface currently. Want to change to 2 or 2.5" rigid sch 40 piping depending on what you guys think. Currently there is only 1 pipe to the filter that is tee for both returns. Going to run a single pipe for each return to a 3way valve. Thoughts? Also my biggest question is I will be about 6' from the skimmer basket and return lines that I will start either my 2 or 2.5" rigid sch 40 piping. So in other words 1.5" pipe will still be coming off each return and skimmer for about 6' where I will then transition to the 2 or 2.5" rigid piping and continue throughout. Is this okay?

Thanks as always for any input!

 

[jblizzle]

Go bigger where you can. Even with 2.5" pipe from the single 1.5" skimmer, you may not want to be running that huge pump anywhere near high speed.

I would not hurt to run 2.5" on the suction side and then use 2" after the pump ... even leaving separate 1.5" pipes to each return would likely be fine.