I'm also thinking about cutting the liner to install the larger fittings with a full pool. I just got the 633 cartridge filter pump and the SWG for my 12'x36" Easy Set. From all that I've read on this site, it is quite easy to cut and install the new fittings. I've found threads where people simply cut the holes and hurried to throw in the new fittings without substantial loss.
This is a hybrid of most promising methods and is a two person job. It involves:
- first removing the in-the-pool strainer and/or return fitting,
- then having your helper hold a "flat rimmed bowl" over the inside 1 1/4" black tube in the pool. When you remove the exterior hose, you should, theoretically, only lose the amount of water contained in the bowl.
- Then, using the rubber washer from the new 1.5" fitting as a template, trace a circle with a sharpie of the inside diameter of the new hole (presumably 1.5") you are going to cut in the liner.
- Take a deep, confidence inspiring breath and cut this out (will obviously include the existing black tube) with an exacto knife, razor blade or utility knife.
- Place your new fitting into/around the new hole with your rubber washer
-Now the quick hands part: Pull the bowl and thread on the new interior fitting (strainer/return).
If the posters on this forum are to be trusted, then it can be done with the loss of only a couple of gallons of water.
I am absolutely no expert, just repeating what I've read. I am hoping to get this done this weekend. I'll post how it goes.
-*- Thanks to Comawhite for the flat rimmed bowl and a confidnence inspiring explanation of how to do it, and Racerboy for posting a successful and uneventful "cutting my intex pool" thread. -*-