We have an older gunite pool that was probably built in the 70’s. We are getting the old plaster chipped out and new plaster/tile added. The skimmer needs to be replaced as well. It is the only skimmer and is a Hayward SP-1096, which seems really small. There are two returns and no main drain. All the plumbing is 1 1/2”. The decking has been pulled up as well and is being replaced with new pavers. The filtration seemed fine the couple of years we used the pool since we bought the house. My questions are: should I just get the same model skimmer or get a bigger one but that would mean they would have to enlarge the opening? Should I also pay the extra expense and upgrade all the plumbing to 2” or just the suction line from the skimmer or would it be fine to keep everything 1 1/2”? We have someone doing the replastering but wanted to get y’all’s opinions before we meet with them next week to discuss everything. Thanks!!
Pool renovation
- Thread starter tray845s
- Start date
What would be the reasoning to change from 1.5” to 2” plumbing? How much extra $$ would it be?
I don’t have a quote yet on upgrading to 2”. The only reason is just the research I have been doing where people recommend it for better filtration and being more efficient. I would rather just keep everything 1 1/2” but since all the deck is pulled up I didn’t know if it would make that big of a difference.
It won’t make a bit of difference. One thing that WILL help though is a variable speed pump that you can turn the speed as low as possible and still do all the skimming and filtering that your specific pool needs. It’ll also save lots on the electric bill and reduce the noise coming out of your backyard.
Larger plumbing is only needed when maximum possible water throughput is needed. Bigger pipe=more water. If you had a bunch of water falls or a slide, maybe it’d help.
Great! Thanks for the reply. I do have a VS pump and it has helped a lot with our power bill.
Most people would never see any appreciable difference providing it was built to reasonable specs.
I'd recommend replacing the 70s plumbing if you're going through the rest of the trouble now. Not because there is anything wrong with it, but because you don't want to revisit this in 10 or 15 years. If it was built in the 90s/00s, I'd be entirely comfortable I could squeeze 30 more years out of it.
Once you've bit that bullet, then yeah. Put in 2 inch.
Sounds good. I’m not sure if the plumbing is the original or if it’s been replaced before so I will look into that. Thanks!
I missed the part about no main drain. Replacing any pipes in that case is much less painful. $