Want to get rid of Intex valves, How can I make this work?

[JeaniB]

So,.I'm frustrated. I had to replace one Intex valve at the beginning of this season as it was leaking. Now a second valve has an air leak. I want to replace both valves with double union ball valves. https://www.lowes.com/pd/AMERICAN-VALVE-PVC-SCH-40-1-1-4-in-Socket-PVC-Ball-Valve/1000339541#

How can I get these attached to my pool? I want to get rid of the cheap clear tubing that clamps on. This is what I have in mind, but I'm not sure how to do it!

 

[scout123]

On my intex, the two intakes/strainers that go into a T with one hose going into the pump ...that hose was a 1 1/4. I capped off one of the strainers (well, I'm actually using it now for my solar panel) and then I cut a bigger hole in my pool where the other one was and bought a 1.5 strainer off ebay (might have been a hayward). I did the same with they eyeball return so I don't use clamps at all. All my tubes and connections are 1.5 and screw on. I don't know if this helps at all. I'm sure there will be others along who have hard plumbed and can give more information.

 

[Bama Rambler]

You can replace the suction fitting and valve with a standard skimmer, and replace the Intex return fittings with standard eyeball wall fittings. Both of those will connect with either regular PVC pipe or hose. Then you can use whatever valves you choose.

 

[RonsPlc]

You can replace the suction fitting and valve with a standard skimmer, and replace the Intex return fittings with standard eyeball wall fittings. Both of those will connect with either regular PVC pipe or hose. Then you can use whatever valves you choose.

^^^ What He Said ^^^
I converted mine over to regular through the wall fittings.
I still use the Intex skimmer, because I like to run my water a bit on the high side.
I'll take some pictures tonight when I get home.

 

[chayne]

this is what i used

Amazon.com: Hayward SP1023 1-1/2-Inch FIP Inlet Return Fitting with Locknut and Gasket: Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com: Hayward SP1023 1-1/2-Inch FIP Inlet Return Fitting with Locknut and Gasket: Garden & Outdoor

smile.amazon.com

i used this gasket to mark the hole, then used a sharp xacto blade and made my cuts. then i used a regular pvc 1.5" screw on 90 with slip on the other end. then i took it all 1.5" pvc pipe. i installed a hayward widemouth skimmer a few years ago.

 

[RonsPlc]

As promised... Here are some pictures.
This is the hose going into the pump.

This is the return to the pool from the filter

This is the one I capped off.

This is the inside of the pool going to the skimmer.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[JeaniB]

Thank you so much! A few questions. I have the Ultra XTR and the sides of my pool are slightly bowed and move when there is a lot of splashing in the pool. I purchased two double union ball valves that are big and heavy! I’m concerned about them pulling away from the side of the pool! My warranty expires the end of this summer so I guess I need to talk myself into cutting my pool. I am assuming the larger return won’t pull on the sides as much? I would also like a wide through the side skimmer. I am assuming if I install one I can plug my current outlet? This is what I have so far.

 

[RonsPlc]

With this being year number 2 for you and your pool, I would be looking at replacing the Intex hoses for some regular ones (1.5" throughout).
The Intex hoses are cheap, and rarely last more than 2 years before they start to split.
That is why when I installed this pool, I cut the 2 smaller nipples out, and installed REGULAR through the wall fittings so I could go to easy to find 1.5" PVC. I discovered that the bulge in the pool side where the nipple sticks out is the perfect size for the hole that I needed for the regular pool fittings. I used a #10 scalpel blade.
I was also concerned with the motion of the walls during any type of rough play, therefor I did not opt to do hard plumbing all the way to the pump, and will keep using hoses to allow for it.

With the type of union/ball valve you have, I think I would be placing them closer to the pump than the pool, but you will have to keep a close eye on the hoses leading to them. If they start to leak, you have no way to shut off the flow of water, and your pool will drain until the level goes below the point that the hose goes into the pool.

 

[JeaniB]

Thank you RonsPlc.
I replaced the 1 1/4 hoses with 1 1/2 over the last few days after I chickened out with the pvc. I wasn’t real happy with the dark blue tubing in my previous photo, as I had to glue and clamp to get it to stop leaking. Maybe I bought the wrong one? I just ordered the Hayward wide mouthed skimmer. It looks like the skimmer comes with a 1 1/2 return. If I understand this I will be able to plug my 1 1/4 inlet once the skimmer is in place. My huge valves are sitting in the ground outside my pump. T pool project for a while!
Thanks again for the help.
I’m hoping this is my last pool project!

 

[rickyrich1271]

Today at 7:38 PM

• Add bookmark
• #10

First let me say when your current intex goes bad save all you’re fittings you may need them in the future. I I never thought the government would regulate that there had to be two suction inlets. Please watch your small children in the pool . So it makes it hard to use any over the wall skimmer , vacuum and now you have a crappy T fitting and some really cheap hose to deal with. Closed one inlet off by using a B fitting and a cap. Also used a B fitting on the live inlet for a season . With the B fitting you can use the Intex hose With the large nut.

 

[rickyrich1271]

Well like I said I used that B fitting setup last season on the suction side. This Season I cut that black piece out and used a large inlet in for more flow I had this lying around it is an Intex part from an older pool. I would say to put the rubber seal against up to the hole for suction and trace the inner part of seal. Cut it out with an exacto knife . I would think if you put a peice of wood behind it it will be easier to cut

Quote Reply
Report •••