Is it required to use all CPVC after pool heater? What about polyethylene pipe underground?

[mikes112]

Is it required to use all CPVC after pool heater? What about polyethylene pipe underground? Is it based on temperature? So I guess the second Jandy valve in the bypass past the heater should be CPVC? And maybe a stupid question but why not insulate the pipe that goes from the heater too the pool as heat could be lost to the earth? I know the pool is open on top, but the earth has greater mass then the air above the pool.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

No, CPVC isn’t required and anything buried underground should be rigid SCH40 PVC, not polyethylene.

There were very old heaters once that had cast iron headers which required the plumber to add about a foot or so of copper piping before and after the heater to help transfer some of the heat away and protect PVC from melting. But those were old heaters. Modern heaters don’t typically require that.

 

[JamesW]

Is it required to use all CPVC after pool heater? What about polyethylene pipe underground? Is it based on temperature? So I guess the second Jandy valve in the bypass past the heater should be CPVC?

Jandy Neverlube valves are CPVC, but CPVC is not necessary.

Jandy Neverlube valves are a good choice for valves.

Ideally, the heater should shut off about 5 minutes before the pump does to dissipate any residual heat.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

anything buried underground should be rigid

What about those of us who live in earthquake country? Don't we want a little flex in the plumbing? (Not that I know what was actually buried 30 years ago.)

 

[cfherrman]

I don't think it will matter what your pipes are if the grounds shifts around a pool

 

[jimmythegreek]

Schd40 is all that's needed todays heaters are nothing like the old ones. The earth is a great insulator all on it's own. Biggest loss is at the heater itself, they are mostly 80% efficient. 20cents of every dollar of gas spent goes in the air not the pool

 

[mikes112]

I don't think it will matter what your pipes are if the grounds shifts around a pool

I asked because my existing pipes are polyethelyne and are flexible and are at least 10 years old and no cracks so far but new research says that chlorine can degrade them so just wondering what other people are using.
Thanks.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I wouldnt worry too much....I've worked on 35yo pools with polyethylene nd other than leaks and usual stuff the pipe was still fine. Older pipe is made stronger anyhow

 

[AusPhil]

It has been recognised that residual chlorine can impact the service life of PE pipes but with service life measured around the 100yr mark it may be slightly moot point generally.
Researching this i found this pdf to read https://www.pipa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/POP018.pdf?v=1582861953012 and noted that the pipe manufacturers in Aust at least are rating PE pipes for their chlorine resistance