Can you remove it, un-bypass it and use that space for the SWG ? If it's just sitting there to never be resurrected, it's taking up valuable real estate. If you ever chose to get a new heater, then plan on a *slightly* larger project to do more replacing for both.Currently there is no heater because it's a 1970's unit that doesn't function and stains the pool. It is bypassed.
PVC and fittings are pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things, say, compared to the SWG or heater costs.