Adding unions to Sand Filter

[MikeFL]

Time to deep clean my sand filter and after reading a few threads I believe it will be in my best interest to add 3 unions.

Hoping I can get some help:

1. Type and size of union?
2. Size of additional PVC to make the connections
3. Location of the unions
4. Same PVC primer/glue that I use on my irrigation system (first time messing with pool plumbing)

NOTE - in case you look at my signature with my pool info, this is a pool at my rental property (liner pool, Jandy SWG, Pentair pump and sand filter).

 

[Texas Splash]

Mike, you can get unions from a local hardware store or order online. I'll post an example below. They come in a variety of sizes, (1.5", 2", etc). Most of our plumbing is either 1.5" or 2". It looks like you have 1.5" at the filter, but look closely at the ends of a fitting like an elbow or coupler and you should be able to see the size. The size may also be on the side of the straight PVC pipes. Put the unions anywhere along the plumbing before the In & Out ports of the filter MPV, that way you can separate the union to remove the MPV assembly in the future. Yes, for glue, basically the same standard purple and clear will work. Lots of videos on YouTube if need a refresher. Just make a sketch, think it through, and have a few extra parts ready in case you need to re-do something.

If you have more questions just ask.

Amazon Slip Unions

 

[1poolman1]

Time to deep clean my sand filter and after reading a few threads I believe it will be in my best interest to add 3 unions.

Hoping I can get some help:

1. Type and size of union?
2. Size of additional PVC to make the connections
3. Location of the unions
4. Same PVC primer/glue that I use on my irrigation system (first time messing with pool plumbing)

NOTE - in case you look at my signature with my pool info, this is a pool at my rental property (liner pool, Jandy SWG, Pentair pump and sand filter).

1.5" high-temp unions would work well there (looks like 1.5" plumbing). Its good to get a new can of glue when re-doing pool plumbing. They are more reliable than trying to re-plumb with male adapters, or re-use what you have, especially on a rental property where you don't inspect as often as your home.

 

[98valkyrie]

Another way to go is with the high temp (Praher) unions. It looks like you’ve got threaded adapters on the pump and filter already. The Praher unions combine a great union with a male threaded fitting built in. Saves extra gluing and fittings. Here’s what I did when I replumbed my pump and filter.

 

[MikeFL]

Another way to go is with the high temp (Praher) unions. It looks like you’ve got threaded adapters on the pump and filter already. The Praher unions combine a great union with a male threaded fitting built in. Saves extra gluing and fittings. Here’s what I did when I replumbed my pump and filter.
View attachment 589972

Good idea - assume this is what you are referencing:

Another way to go is with the high temp (Praher) unions. It looks like you’ve got threaded adapters on the pump and filter already. The Praher unions combine a great union with a male threaded fitting built in. Saves extra gluing and fittings. Here’s what I did when I replumbed my pump and filter.
View attachment 589972

Is this the right kind? Unions - Praher 1 1/2" Mpt X 1 1/2" Slip | 150-906

Also is this as easy as using a hacksaw to cut the PVC and then using a coupler to join each side?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[MikeFL]

1.5" high-temp unions would work well there (looks like 1.5" plumbing). Its good to get a new can of glue when re-doing pool plumbing. They are more reliable than trying to re-plumb with male adapters, or re-use what you have, especially on a rental property where you don't inspect as often as your home.

Is this what you had in mind? Unions - Praher 1 1/2" Mpt X 1 1/2" Slip | 150-906

Also is this as easy as using a hacksaw to cut the PVC and then using a coupler to join each side?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[MikeFL]

Mike, you can get unions from a local hardware store or order online. I'll post an example below. They come in a variety of sizes, (1.5", 2", etc). Most of our plumbing is either 1.5" or 2". It looks like you have 1.5" at the filter, but look closely at the ends of a fitting like an elbow or coupler and you should be able to see the size. The size may also be on the side of the straight PVC pipes. Put the unions anywhere along the plumbing before the In & Out ports of the filter MPV, that way you can separate the union to remove the MPV assembly in the future. Yes, for glue, basically the same standard purple and clear will work. Lots of videos on YouTube if need a refresher. Just make a sketch, think it through, and have a few extra parts ready in case you need to re-do something.

If you have more questions just ask.

Amazon Slip Unions

Thanks for the feedback, per the other posts I might upgrade and install Unions with the male threading. Is a hacksaw going to be my best bet to cut the PVC? I have PVC cutter for the smaller irrigation pipe, thinking 1.5' will be too big for this tool.

 

[Texas Splash]

Is a hacksaw going to be my best bet to cut the PVC? I have PVC cutter for the smaller irrigation pipe, thinking 1.5' will be too big for this tool.

A hacksaw will cut it, but might be a little messy and those blades can twist on you resulting in a crooked cut. A PVC cutter like you one you use for irrigation provides the cleanest cut for sure. I've used a reciprocating saw many times, just need to be careful to keep the blade on a straight path. Be sure to have extra PVC and fittings just in case. It's relatively cheap and nice to have extra stuff available.

 

[PoolStored]

Hack saw can work, but it is a pain, and you need to clean up the edges.

I have and use this. Makes short, clean work of the pipes.

Amazon.com

 

[MikeFL]

A hacksaw will cut it, but might be a little messy and those blades can twist on you resulting in a crooked cut. A PVC cutter like you one you use for irrigation provides the cleanest cut for sure. I've used a reciprocating saw many times, just need to be careful to keep the blade on a straight path. Be sure to have extra PVC and fittings just in case. It's relatively cheap and nice to have extra stuff available.

That is good advice, thank you!!

 

[MikeFL]

Hack saw can work, but it is a pain, and you need to clean up the edges.

I have and use this. Makes short, clean work of the pipes.

Amazon.com

I am going to have to check my PVC cutter capacity as it looks similar to yours - thanks!

 

[98valkyrie]

Good idea - assume this is what you are referencing:

Is this the right kind? Unions - Praher 1 1/2" Mpt X 1 1/2" Slip | 150-906
I couldn’t get your link to work. Inyopools has them here- UNION, 1-1/2" MPT x 1-1/2" SLIP, HIGH TEMP (150-906) - INYOPools.com

If you are game and go for one of the paid memberships here, there are coupons to use at Inyo.

 

[1poolman1]

Is this what you had in mind? Unions - Praher 1 1/2" Mpt X 1 1/2" Slip | 150-906

Also is this as easy as using a hacksaw to cut the PVC and then using a coupler to join each side?

Thanks for the help!!

Yup, those will work. Any brand of high-temp pump union will.