Pool pump / SWG upgrade; piping diameter question?

[motion732]

Hello,

Like many of you have already, I am looking to upgrade my system to SWG and a variable-speed pump. I expect to DIY.

The system order is: pump -> cartridge filter -> heater -> returns. Everything is 1.5".

I was going to increase everything above ground to 2" but the problem (?) is the internals of the heater look to be 1.5" and I'm not sure that's something that can be modified (or if I'd even want to).

So, is it OK to go 2" up to the heater then return at 1.5"? Or better to go to 2" -> 1.5" through heater -> back to 2" then back to 1.5" again for the returns?

Help/feedback is appreciated!

 

[Bperry]

Hello,

Like many of you have already, I am looking to upgrade my system to SWG and a variable-speed pump. I expect to DIY.

The system order is: pump -> cartridge filter -> heater -> returns. Everything is 1.5".

I was going to increase everything above ground to 2" but the problem (?) is the internals of the heater look to be 1.5" and I'm not sure that's something that can be modified (or if I'd even want to).

So, is it OK to go 2" up to the heater then return at 1.5"? Or better to go to 2" -> 1.5" through heater -> back to 2" then back to 1.5" again for the returns?

Help/feedback is appreciated!

Whats the reason for wanting larger pipes?

 

[motion732]

Whats the reason for wanting larger pipes?

I had read it helps with pump efficiency, additional flow, etc? Is it not worth the upgrade? It'd sure make things easier if I kept 1.5"...

 

[Bperry]

I had read it helps with pump efficiency, additional flow, etc? Is it not worth the upgrade? It'd sure make things easier if I kept 1.5"...

It wont make a difference.

Additionally, Its better to run a VS pump at the slowest speed possible that still does the job, skimming, heater, SWCG, all have minimums to work and so you can turn it up when using one of those that needs it and leave it slow for the rest of the time.

 

[motion732]

Thanks. That makes this easier then.

Now I'm here, any reason why I couldn't install the SWG in the flexible PVC coming back from the heater? Would that need to be off the ground / fastened to a pad or something along those lines?

 

[Bperry]

Thanks. That makes this easier then.

Now I'm here, any reason why I couldn't install the SWG in the flexible PVC coming back from the heater? Would that need to be off the ground / fastened to a pad or something along those lines?

Flexible PVC is not a great thing to use. It fails much more readily than standard sch40. If you wanted to upgrade that would be a better use of time/money.