Valve for switching between main drain and skimmer

[KrisIL]

I'm in process of installing our 30' round above ground pool. I will hard pipe everything and install a main drain. Where I can purchase a valve that will be able to switch between main drain and skimmer? Can I just purchase it at my local hardware store together with all the PVC piping? Or I need to look at the pool supply stores?

 

[JasonLion]

Just about any hardware store will sell valves that you could use, but hardly any of them sell the kind of valve that you really want to use. If possible get a Jandy Never Lube three way valve, or one of the Pentair or Hayward clone valves. They are more expensive, but they are also much easier to use and more reliable over the long run than anything else you can get.

I would order such a valve over the Internet, but most pool stores will have them.

 

[KrisIL]

Great. My uncle showed me a valve on his pool. But he said they install it with the pool so he don't know where to get one. I will definitely order one online. Pretty sure it is cheaper then in the store

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Pentair or Hayward clone valves.

Can you point me to a specific valve? Post like a link here or something?

 

[Richard320]

You're doing the right thing by getting the proper valve now. With a three-way valve designed for pools, you can set it up to balance the flow between skimmer and drain, and possibly shut it off completely for when you need to empty the pump basket.

 

[JasonLion]

http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-PSV3S-2-Inch-Diverter-Material/dp/B002EL3YQU/
http://www.amazon.com/Pentair-263037-3-Way-2-Inch-Diverter/dp/B002FQJ2ZG/

 

[KrisIL]

http://www.amazon.com/Hayward-PSV3S-2-Inch-Diverter-Material/dp/B002EL3YQU/
http://www.amazon.com/Pentair-263037-3-Way-2-Inch-Diverter/dp/B002FQJ2ZG/

Jason you are the man. Thank You so much

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You're doing the right thing by getting the proper valve now.

That is what my uncle told me. He get the main drain also by advise from his neighbor. Who also told him to make sure they putting the right valve.

 

[KrisIL]

One more question is it better to get the threaded connection or glue in?

 

[JasonLion]

Glue in is better, far less likely to have leaks. There is the disadvantage that it is more work to change the plumbing around later, but leaking threaded connections are such a pain that it is best to completely avoid that risk.

 

[KrisIL]

Okay. Thank You

 

[jblizzle]

Note that for the Jandy valves, the Neverlube are black CPVC and the grey PVC are cheaper with less warranty. I noticed that one of those links was for a grey PVC valve will may be a little lower quality.

Also, the valves are sized with numbers like 1.5/2 or 2/2.5 ... the first number is the pipe size that will slip inside. I would suggest matching the valve to the pipe size you are going to use. If using 1.5" pipe, get the 1.5/2 valves. If using 2" pipe, get the 2/2.5 valves.

 

[KrisIL]

Note that for the Jandy valves, the Neverlube are black CPVC and the grey PVC are cheaper with less warranty. I noticed that one of those links was for a grey PVC valve will may be a little lower quality.

Also, the valves are sized with numbers like 1.5/2 or 2/2.5 ... the first number is the pipe size that will slip inside. I would suggest matching the valve to the pipe size you are going to use. If using 1.5" pipe, get the 1.5/2 valves. If using 2" pipe, get the 2/2.5 valves.

Okay. What do you recommend to use ? 1.5" or 2" or something else?

 

[jblizzle]

My pool runs with a single 1.5" suction and return line, although would move more water if the pipes were bigger.
Certainly would not hurt anything to use 2" besides a little added cost, although might be over-kill depending on your pump size and desired water flow rate.

 

[KrisIL]

Okay guys. I have this main drain Hayward WG1049AVPAK2 Drain it says the side outlet pipe size is 2" FIP. I looked online and found this adapter PVC 2 in adapter is it good for this application? I realized it says "for above ground". Can I buy it ? Or should I look for another one?

 

[jblizzle]

That adapter is not schedule 40 PVC. Just go to any hardware store and they will have the MIP to slip adapter you need. I have spent a lot of time standing in the aisles planning my PVC layouts.
Here is the Schedule 40 version: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mueller-...pter-436-020HC/100141272?N=5yc1vZbux2Z1z0u2la

 

[KrisIL]

That is why I ask first before I buy . As you previously mentioned 1.5" or 2" piping might be good , depends on the pump size. My pump is Hayward Perflex EC50 DE Filter Its says in the manual "For pump outlet use 1-1/2" PVC pipe or reinforced hose. For pump suction on ALL models, use 1-1/2" reinforced hose" . So is it better to go with 1.5" piping all the way? If Yes then I need to find 2" MIP to 1.5" adapter?

 

[jblizzle]

It really does not matter what size pipe you use. Using the 2" everywhere is fine and will lower the head loss.

If you went with 1.5" pipe, you would just use a 2"/1.5" reducer bushing in the same MIP/Slip 2" fitting.

 

[KrisIL]

I have not decide yet but I think I will go with 2". For the main drain it is better to get flexible PVChose or rigid PVC? Or it does not matter?

 

[jblizzle]

Seems that most people do not think that using flex underground is a good idea.

 

[KrisIL]

I'm asking because I was watching video on youtube where pro installer used flexible PVC

 

[jblizzle]

The "pros" use it because it is faster and easier to install. It also costs more. There is the advantage of fewer joints, BUT that does not help if termites eat through your flex.

There are quite a few threads about how people have issues with the flew (like it splitting) but not with the rigid.