New Build - Las Vegas NV - Owner/Builder

Just about to start plumbing and trying to figure out where the returns should be. I'd love some feedback on this one -

I'm trying to avoid returns in the RBB wall as there is a ton of dirt back there and will make trenching pretty difficult. I'm wondering about the functionality of doing returns on 3 out of the 4 walls in this configuration (red circles). If I put the returns on these walls, I can run the pipe in a trench set back from the BB -

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Can't thank everyone enough that has helped so far! What an amazing group of people and knowledge. I'm super grateful!
 
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Where is your skimmer going to be? I have a couple of ideas.

Need to know the prevailing wind direction for optimal location of skimmer, then proper return line locations can be determined.
I feel like you guys may have already answered my question.... I was thinking more about water circulation rather than the returns pushing the water towards the skimmer.

Anyway, here's the skimmer, depicted in orange. Also showing prevailing wind now.

Thank you!

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Thats the correct area for the skimmer, just move it slightly closer to the corner.
Water circulation will be fine without returns on the RBB wall due to the spillways on that wall.
Are you planning on looping the return lines?
Thank you, that makes sense.

I had originally planned on a loop, but read a write up on this site that stated it wasn't as beneficial in a pool as some might expect.
 

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The return on the deep end I would put closer to the RBB so it can push the water down that wall to the other return to move it along. I wonder how hard it would be to put a return right at the corner of the RBB wall in the shallow end to push stuff out of the corner? Just thinking out loud here.
 
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And digging is..... complete!! What a huge project that was! I don't know how much we saved by doing it ourselves, but it was definitely a ton of work.

I used my string lines to check depths. Everything is within an inch or so. I feel pretty good about it! I hit it with some water and the jumping jack also.

Tomorrow, I'll install the main drain lines and skimmer to get ready for rebar crew on Saturday.

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Plumbing questions -

The forward (toward the pool, right side of picture below) port on the bottom of the skimmer.... is that optional? Or required? And what in the heck is it for? Just a clog bypass maybe?

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Here's a view of the inside of neighbor's skimmer just after install. The pipe coming vertically out of it... I'm guessing its just there for pressure test? And gets cut out after?

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Thank you TFP!!!
 
In my area the forward pipe is required to be plumbed to the main drains as in the pictures.
Yes, it’s to keep the plumbing system in a pressurized loop during construction and typically is not cut and removed until plaster. This will let you know if any of the plumbing has been compromised.0BA01326-E3CC-4E89-A2D5-26D5D198E91C.jpegDF208701-6C95-4CEA-9D55-13C7F6322606.jpeg10C87105-67E8-44EB-B915-111652B54891.jpg
 
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It's best to plumb the main drains all the way back to the equipment pad (home run). Same with the skimmer port. This provides better flexibility for adjusting skimmer/main drain flow.

The port in the skimmer closest to the future water can be easily plumbed as an equalizer port. The opening for this equalizer port opens to the pool and is usually 18" to 24" below the water line. Having a functioning installed float valve is required for proper function of the equalizer port.

If not using the port closest to the pool water, that port needs to be blocked off with a PVC pipe plug.
 
+1 on what is given by @proavia
If your local codes allow it - your skimmer(s) and main drain should all be independent lines back to the suction side of the pump.
At the equipment pad - make a manifold to join all the lines so you can test & hold pressure on them while shotcrete is being applied. Also join in the return lines to that manifold for testing.
 
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Question - on the Pentair plastic light niches, what is the best way to set them in position for shotcrete? The instructions show some dimensions and the rebar wire ties, but what's the best way to position them so they end up flush with the shotcrete?

My neighbor used all nicheless LEDs, so I wasn't able to watch this part of the process.

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Also, what is this bonding fitting/bushing called? It doesn't look like any fitting I've seen before -

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Thanks TFP!!
 

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