Hey All, long time lurker, first time poster.. I'm beginning a reno on an 18x36 inground... Liner finally ripped in a corner. Its an older pool, the coping could use replacement (aesthetically) so replumbing as well.. My contractor has quoted me 1.5" plumbing, but by doing lots of reading online, sounds like 2" or 2.5" is more common now? The pool currently has 1 skimmer, 2 returns and a main drain (that connects to the skimmer). The builder has said that he prefers not to replace the main drain, so I will only have one suction point.. Should I be concerned about this? My neighbors redid their pool 2 years ago, with a different contractor, and they did the same thing, without issue (No Main Drain).. Should I insist on a second skimmer if I go without a main drain? Is 2 returns fine? I may add a third if I splurge on stairs.. Should I insist on upsizing the plumbing or is 1.5" ok? One other note, I was thinking of having the contractor plumb in a line for a future water feature (sheer/brick waterfall).. Should this have its own return/pump, or is there a suitable way that I could have it fed from an existing return? The few videos I've reviewed online said that these style of water feature look good but are hard to winterize and often end up with issues. TIA and sorry for the scatter-brainededness and rambling of this post, equal parts excitement an dread... lol.
renovation consideration questions
- Thread starter tbell_1
- Start date
Most older pools have 1.5 inch returns to the pool. So that should be fine. However, suction is normally 2" or larger depending on the distance from skimmer to pump, etc.
Also, plumbing 2" at the equipment is easier as most equipment, filter, pump, SWCG, etc are set up with 2" or 2.5" connections.
Having only 1 skimmer is workable. Why doesn't PB want to replace the main drain? Is it because of the liner integrity?
Also, plumbing 2" at the equipment is easier as most equipment, filter, pump, SWCG, etc are set up with 2" or 2.5" connections.
Having only 1 skimmer is workable. Why doesn't PB want to replace the main drain? Is it because of the liner integrity?
liner integrity, just another hole in the liner at the lowest point.... It is more work too, but if I insist he will replumb it, on my dime of course..
One skimmer and no main drain sounds like asking for trouble. If the lone skimmer gets clogged or the water level drops below it, you'll have a problem. Personally, I think I'd go with 2 skimmers, making it a little safer to omit the main drain.