Plumbing Threaded Connections

[charliem3850]

Hello. I am currently in the process of installing a 16x32 ft pool from pool warehouse by myself. The hole is dug, the walls are up, the stairs are set, and the concrete collar has been poured. The next step that I have been working on is to complete all of the plumbing but I keep getting hung up on the threaded PVC connections to the skimmer, returns, and main drains. Everything that I read about threaded connections is that they all seem to leak over time. I have researched and researched for the right way to install these parts but I cannot find a good and consistent answer that is going to prevent them from leaking. Even the manufacturers instructions do not include how to set the plugs and fittings in the skimmers. They give you the details on how to install them to the wall with the gaskets but no details on the threaded fittings.

I understand the use of the threaded connections at the pump for the ease of removing them, but I never plan to dig up my main drain. If threaded connections are prone to leak, then why are the manufactures providing them with threaded options?

What is the best plan for getting these set and to never leak? Everyone has a different opinion whether using PTFE tape, pipe dope, or tape and silicone. Is there a weld-solvent to use on these? Gluing to me seems like the best option if it will hold. There is a pool builder posting videos on Youtube that is using regular Oatley cleaner and cement to glue the threaded connections. There is also an article on the In The Swim website blog that is suggesting that PVC glue is OK. With all this, I cannot seems to find a consistent answer. I want the answer of installing it and never having to worry it is going to leak. Why would I want to dig up concrete?

I'm using Hayward main drains, skimmers, and returns. My pool is 16x32 and will have a vinyl liner. I'm half tempted to by options

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

For threaded PVC connections, this is the product my plumber uses on every job and they don’t eventually leak.

 

[JamesW]

The light looks low.

Is the panel upside down?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The article is a good place to start. I use pipe joint compound on threaded PVC fittings. On threaded fittings with O-rings, such as pump/filter unions, no sealant is used but the O-ring should be lubed with a silicone based lubricant such as Magic Lube 2.

PVC Repair - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JamesW]

Luminaires mounted in walls shall be installed with the top of the luminaire lens not less than 450 mm (18 in.) below the normal water level of the pool, unless the luminaire is listed and identified for use at lesser depths. No luminaire shall be installed less than 100 mm (4 in.)

 

[JamesW]

680.23 Underwater Luminaires. This section covers all luminaires installed below the normal water level of the pool.

(5) Location, Wall-Mounted Luminaires.

Luminaires mounted in walls shall be installed with the top of the luminaire lens not less than 450 mm (18 in.) below the
normal water level of the pool, unless the luminaire is listed and identified for use at lesser depths.

No luminaire shall be installed less than 100 mm (4 in.) below the normal water level of the pool.

 

[JamesW]

(6) Servicing.

Wet-niche luminaires shall be removable from the water for inspection, relamping, or other maintenance.

The forming shell location and length of cord in the forming shell shall permit personnel to place the removed luminaire on the deck or other dry location for such maintenance.

The luminaire maintenance location shall be accessible without entering or going in the pool water.

In spa locations where wet-niche luminaires are installed low in the foot well of the spa, the luminaire shall only be required to reach the bench location, where the spa can be drained to make the bench location dry.

 

[Bperry]

The light looks low.

Is the panel upside down?

It does look kinda low.

 

[JamesW]

Assuming a 42" wall, the light is about 28" below the top of the wall.

If you flipped the panel over, the top of the light would be about 7" below the top of the panel.

What light will be used?

 

[pjt]

I understand the use of the threaded connections at the pump for the ease of removing them

Will you install unions on your pump and other equipment?

I never plan to dig up my main drain

What is the best plan for getting these set and to never leak?

Consider deleting the main drain to eliminate the risk of a leak there.

 

[charliem3850]

The light looks low.

Is the panel upside down?

No the panel is not upside down. The panel wall are 48" and the hopper is 8' deep.

 

[charliem3850]

The article is a good place to start. I use pipe joint compound on threaded PVC fittings. On threaded fittings with O-rings, such as pump/filter unions, no sealant is used but the O-ring should be lubed with a silicone based lubricant such as Magic Lube 2.

PVC Repair - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Thank you for the article. This article provides opposite of what you use.

"Don't use Teflon tape, Teflon paste or pipe dope. Do use a sealant.Teflon tape, Teflon paste and pipe dope is intended for metal pipe and fittings. Metal to metal fitting joints are more difficult to tighten than plastic; the surfaces tend to gall without the aid of such lubricants as Teflon or pipe dope. Plastic fittings do not need this lubrication.When Teflon tape is wrapped around plastic male threads it adds to the strain and tensile stress. The tendency of most installers is to incorrectly wrap several thickness of tape around the male threads, increasing stain and stress further.Teflon paste and pipe dope, just like Teflon tape, make threaded joints slippery. Their use on PVC fittings can be an invitation to over-torque.When working with threaded plastic fittings do use a proper sealant. The right sealant for threaded joints is nonhardening, compatible with plastic and doesn't add slipperiness.A non-hardening compound is forced by water pressure into potential points of leakage, thereby performing a true sealing function. Tapes and hardening pastes permit a leak path to develop when a joint is backed off, mechanically flexed, or expands with rising temperatures."

 

[charliem3850]

Will you install unions on your pump and other equipment?



Consider deleting the main drain to eliminate the risk of a leak there.

Why delete the main drain when I can do it right the first time?

 

[JamesW]

The panel wall are 48" and the hopper is 8' deep.

That makes the top of the light about 32" below the top of the wall, which seems a little bit too deep to me.

It will magnify the imperfections in the shallow end floor due to the low angle.

Any imperfection will be highlighted by the light angle.

In any case, all that matters is if it passes code inspection and you like it.

 

[Bperry]

I’d use only glue joints underground.

 

[pjt]

Why delete the main drain when I can do it right the first time?

You simply don't need a main drain.

 

[charliem3850]

I’d use only glue joints underground.

PVC Glue? What kind/type?

 

[Bperry]

PVC Glue? What kind/type?

Specifically the slip fit PVC joints with primer and glue. I don’t mean just putting glue on threaded fittings.

 

[Bill1974]

I would not glue threaded connections, you are more likely to not get the fitting fully installed before the joint sets up. And if there is ever a need to service it down the road it will be a challenge or a new skimmer or return fitting. I have used teflon tape and pipe dope without any issue. Be sure to use products rated for PVC. Also don't over tighten fittings and split the threaded socket.

Also look over your fitting and make sure the threads look good. If there is a mismatch becuase they were not molded correctly, don't try to force them to works and get new ones (this is only on the male threads).