Installing a return in a vinyl lined concrete pool

[7jx7]

I didn't turn up much using the search function so here it goes......
16 x 32 concrete pool that's getting a new liner. I want to install 2 nicheless lights on the short wall in shallow end since the pool does not have any light right now. So I need 2 return fittings. Questions:
1. How large of a hole?
2. Use Sched 40 pvc pipe?
3. Do I used just hydraulic cement to fill around pipe in wall? If so will it even stick to the pvc??
4. Is there anything I need for a water stop?

I'm not coming up with much on the net. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

Good questions.
Let's ask @jimmythegreek and @1poolman1 for their ideas.

 

[1poolman1]

Most nicheless lights thread into 1.5" fitting. Hydraulic cement or pool plaster fix kit.

Custom Molded Products Water Stop Adapter Fitting | 1.5" FIT x 2.5" Socket | White | 25575-600-000​

 

[7jx7]

Most nicheless lights thread into 1.5" fitting. Hydraulic cement or pool plaster fix kit.

Custom Molded Products Water Stop Adapter Fitting | 1.5" FIT x 2.5" Socket | White | 25575-600-000​

Thanks. 3 follow ups: (pic of wall attached)

1. Size hole to bore? 4" or is that too much?
2. So just core drill, then hollow out a bit at the liner side of the pool wall to create a cone shape for the water stop. Then fill around the line with Hydraulic cement?
3. What is supporting the return line in the wall so it doesn't move? I know for fiberglass it's like a nut that tightens to the back of the wall. In my case with concrete, is it just the backfill with cement that's doing all of the support?

Sorry, but hey if it's not done right the first time...you know of how that goes.

 

[1poolman1]

You're attempting something that is done by builders. Don't know thickness of your wall. In most pools, the plumbing is supported by the fill in the trench and the gunite. Except where the water stop fitting goes, the hole should be just large enough for the pipe to fit through. That will give it the best support.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Exactly as 1poolman1 stated. Use a core drill with a little room for fill material around it. The support comes from the pipe thru wall and back fill.

How thick is the pool wall?

 

[7jx7]

Exactly as 1poolman1 stated. Use a core drill with a little room for fill material around it. The support comes from the pipe thru wall and back fill.

How thick is the pool wall?

I don't know the wall thickness, I figure I'll find out when I cut the concrete deck and excavate. Does that matter besides the length of bit needed?
As far as the water stop now it seems to make sense. Bore a hole about size of pipe (I'll use sched40 pvc) then widen the hole a bit on the inside (liner side) of the wall so the water stop butts up to the smaller diameter then plug with Hydraulic cement?

Appreciate all of the input btw.

 

[jimmythegreek]

I just noticed you said liner pool. If you are using a liner you will need a gasket return fitting to seal against liner.