I have a 18 x 40 foot pool built in 1968 that appears to need the copper pipes replaced. This was recommended by one of two plaster companies that I asked for estimates. Considering pebble sheen.
My last plaster job was only 12 years ago but the plaster looks terrible now. Man spots missing plaster. Green cast to plaster which I am told is from the copper lines. I did have a leak in the suction line by the filter and was able to solder on a mail fitting and transition to pvc to the pump.
The questions are...
1) Is it really time to repipe?
2) I currently have 1 1/2 pipe. The recommendation is to go with 2 1/2 pipe to a new skimmer . A separate line would go to a new vacuum port (which I don't currently have). I have a very large skimmer and need it due to a massive amount of leaves....the new plastic skimmers look very small. Should I replace the skimmer with plastic or can I just pull in a new pipe? I am in quake country and am concerned about the strength of patches to the old gunite.
3) Drain pipe is an issue. Company wanted to plug it off but I am concerned about circulation issues. I have seen many posts on this issue and there doesn't seem to be a definite answer. Would it make sense to leave the drain copper but cut in a bypass value below where it T's under the skimmer?
4)What about returns? Currently have 2 1 inch returns. There are 2 other returns around a long seat in the deep end. There is a value in the deck that appears to bring in air into those lines. Crude jetpool? I would eliminate those. Is two returns enough and what is the proper placement?
It is a big pool it runs pretty well on a 1 hp pump and a 48sq foot old purex smbw2048 cast aluminum filter. The filter looks very old but my pool guy says they don't make them like that anymore so why replace. Equipment is only 7 feet away from skimmer.
Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.
My last plaster job was only 12 years ago but the plaster looks terrible now. Man spots missing plaster. Green cast to plaster which I am told is from the copper lines. I did have a leak in the suction line by the filter and was able to solder on a mail fitting and transition to pvc to the pump.
The questions are...
1) Is it really time to repipe?
2) I currently have 1 1/2 pipe. The recommendation is to go with 2 1/2 pipe to a new skimmer . A separate line would go to a new vacuum port (which I don't currently have). I have a very large skimmer and need it due to a massive amount of leaves....the new plastic skimmers look very small. Should I replace the skimmer with plastic or can I just pull in a new pipe? I am in quake country and am concerned about the strength of patches to the old gunite.
3) Drain pipe is an issue. Company wanted to plug it off but I am concerned about circulation issues. I have seen many posts on this issue and there doesn't seem to be a definite answer. Would it make sense to leave the drain copper but cut in a bypass value below where it T's under the skimmer?
4)What about returns? Currently have 2 1 inch returns. There are 2 other returns around a long seat in the deep end. There is a value in the deck that appears to bring in air into those lines. Crude jetpool? I would eliminate those. Is two returns enough and what is the proper placement?
It is a big pool it runs pretty well on a 1 hp pump and a 48sq foot old purex smbw2048 cast aluminum filter. The filter looks very old but my pool guy says they don't make them like that anymore so why replace. Equipment is only 7 feet away from skimmer.
Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.