Update to Plumbing Issues:
This could read as the confessions of a first-time plumber, but I will spare most of the details.
One, when plumbing vertically, it is extremely challenging to find any leaks downstream from the first one. Both of the leaks that I assumed were coming from the elbow joints were actually from my unions: one from the skimmer and the other at the pool return. This was remedied with more tape and a slightly tighter grip.
Two other leaks were coming from the two male to male threaded nipples I had at the filter. I solved these with some silicon. The pipe is attached with a union nut to the now silicone nipple, so the pipe is still removable. My back wash slip union was leaking a little bit too, and tape solved this one.
Lastly, the worst leaks were coming from the SWG attachment. I installed the AquaTrol HP and it came with a 2” and a 1 ½” adapter for either size plumbing. The actual SWG is a 2”, so the 1 ½” adapter inserts into the pipe and makes it to where the 2” union nut attaches it to the SWG. However, this adapter was extremely loose and the cement did not hold. I was actually able to break the bond when unassembling the unit (and yes, I used the primer). I think this attachment was made for flex hose and not PVC since it came with two clamps. I scrapped these fittings and went to Lowe’s to purchase a different attachment. I came back with a PVC fitting that went from an actual1 ½” inch to 2” and then used the included Hayward 2” tale piece and union nut provided with the SWG. That solution worked well.
Now it is a beautiful piece of art, except for some purple streaks running down a few pipes, but whose complaining.
Daniel