Ok guys, I've read all of the pages of this thread, and in others, where you say DIY isn't ever going to match commercial dollar wise, but I'm still skeptical. I can get 100' of poly pipe from Home Depot for $60.
1-1/2 in. x 100 ft. IPS 100 psi NSF Poly Pipe-X2-150100100 - The Home Depot
My pool is not typical. It is an inground vinyl, but the plumbing reminds me of an above ground pool (which I kind of hate, but that's another story). There is a skimmer housing overhang type thing built out of deck material and positioned into the concrete so that it hangs over into the water. This decking contains the skimmer and a return jet, which do all of the water moving for the pool. there are no drains, other jets, or anything. The PVC is 1.5" all the way, about 15' from pool to pump pad. All that to say I've got a very short plumbing path.
I don't see why I couldn't just take that 100' of poly pipe, plumb it into my return line after my filter, and use valves to divert the water up into the poly pipe when I want solar on. The poly pipe I hoped to coil up on the roof of my pump cover, or find somewhere for it. Still kind of working this plan out.
In my mind, if I don't break up that 100' of pipe and try to put a bunch of joints in it, then leaking shouldn't be much of a problem. I'm adding 100' to my plumbing system, but with such a short run to begin with, I don't think that would be a problem either.
So why shouldn't I go this route and instead spend what looks like $2k or better at solar direct?