Here is all the pictures I have of how I hard plumbed my Intex Ultra frame 18' x 52" pool last year. I did this when I decided to add a Heyward wide mouth skimmer to the pool due to the fact that the stock skimmer Intex uses on this pool is useless ! I used 2" PVC mostly, except where I had to go up or down in size to attach to fittings throughout the setup. I installed 3 valves that I can turn off in order to service any aspect of the pump system. I also included 2 Union joints, one for the intake to the pump & one for the return. Just in case I had to remove any part of the pump system, I can do so. Those two have paid for themselves already this year. I used the original intake on the pool to add a fountain that I made out of PVC for the enjoyment of my Grandsons. It's not perfect but they all like it. I can turn it off when not needed as seen in the pictures. I also added a small 3/4" line capped off near the fountain line to supply water to a pool slide that I have not bought yet. That way I can put water on the slide from the pool so no one gets stuck to the slide ! I hope this helps ! Good luck ...
Pool Plumbing Pictures Slideshow by reaper1964 | Photobucket