New guy here...

[BlackGold]

This is our second above ground pool, first one being last summer. The first one was ruined (12×20 Coleman) because the cable for the cover ripped out one of the fittings after snow and rain pulled on it. Lesson learned.

Now, we have a Seaich 12x20 and I'm not seeing how the pump should be plumbed, as far as intake/outlet. It only has 2 holes for this....one up high and the other very low. Any idea which way to run the hoses? It came with a sand filter, if that helps.

Also, should we really put pavers under the u-shaped legs? We didn't on the previous pool and it really didn't seem to settle into the ground.

 

[HermanTX]

Now, we have a Seaich 12x20 and I'm not seeing how the pump should be plumbed, as far as intake/outlet. It only has 2 holes for this....one up high and the other very low. Any idea which way to run the hoses? It came with a sand filter, if that helps.

Welcome to TFP.
The pump suction should be connected to the upper port as that where skimmer should be located. The return to the pool should be at the lower port.

@Mdragger88 can help on the use of pavers and correct me if I completely misunderstood your first part.

 

[Mdragger88]

If it has no skimmer then you usually connect the suction to the lower port in the pool wall. This way you don’t risk sucking air if the water level drops.
The one thats for suction should have some sort of anti entrapment cover rather than looking like a jet.
If you can post some pictures that would be helpful- i am not familiar with that brand of pool.

For the intex type pools with U shaped legs they recommend using pressure treated boards instead of pavers as pavers have a tendency to crack under those.
If you don’t put anything they may eventually sink causing the pool to become unlevel/unstable. Ymmv but when that happens you must completely drain to resolve the issue.
Further instructions here

How to level above ground pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[BlackGold]

Thanks for the reply. I will take some pics this evening. Another problem is if I use the lower port for intake, there is no way to shut it off to service the pump and filter. Both ports look the same.

 

[Mdragger88]

Thanks for the reply. I will take some pics this evening. Another problem is if I use the lower port for intake, there is no way to shut it off to service the pump and filter. Both ports look the same.

I found pics of this brand pool & they look exactly like intex.
You can likely use an intex valve to accomplish this.

In the interim a plastic bowl placed over the intake may do the trick.
Some also come with a screw on winter cover that you can use.
If you’re using a cartridge filter pump you can also raise it above the level of the intake to prevent the flow of water. I used to keep a little table by mine for this purpose.

 

[BlackGold]

Here are some pics of what I have

As you can see, I have the intake at the bottom, outlet at the top. Also note the hose size.




This is what both fittings look like. It is solid, in that it's not a cover.



Outside view of outlet.



Front of owners manual, which doesn't tell you much.

The pavers are going to be removed this weekend. There is about a foot of water that needs to be pumped out first..

 

[Mdragger88]

Whether you use pavers or wood or nothing the bottom of the legs should be flush with the undisturbed ground that the pool bottom is sitting on - this means you need to sink any pavers or boards used into the ground so their tops are flush with the ground.
That connection is super low. Being as such, I would still want the return coming from the pump into the pool to be at the top. This is because adding liquid chlorine, granular cya via the sock method, or Muriatic acid should be done in front of a running return.
You should be able to source small pvc ball valves at any hardware store to put between your pump and pool on both the return & intake sides. Looks like perhaps 1 1/4” inch? I would put them closest to the pump/filter.
Until then when emptying the pump basket you’ll just need to work quickly - the hose looks very flexible, not sure if its long enough for you to raise it above the water line or not but that would slow the flow.