Rigid pvc pipe vs flexible pvc for inground pool plumbing

[newpoolbuild]

Hi all, run into some issues with plumbing with my inground pool install. I thought I discussed and insisted on rigid underground plumbing pipes because of all the discussion on this forum. So on the install date( today), surprise, its flex spa PVC hose 1.5". It's not specified in the contract. The PB says that's what he has been been using for all his pools and he will pad and fill with gravel to protect it. What should I do now? We are texting back and forth with the PB right now. Any suggestions?

 

[ajw22]

Flexible PVC is not as durable as rigid PVC. Long term you are more likely to have problems with it. Your PB will be long gone by then and doesn’t care.

Flexible PVC can also be chewed by termites. Use your favorite search engine with “flexible pvc termites” for more on that.

I would insist on rigid PVC.

 

[newpoolbuild]

Thanks. I don't understand it. flex is more expensive, now the PB wants to charge more money.

 

[ajw22]

Flex PVC is less labor for the plumber to circle around a spa. He has a lazy plumbing contractor.

 

[newpoolbuild]

Thank you. The PB had agreed to change to rigid PVC. keep my fingers crossed that the plumber knows how to do it right. Cuz they were saying that they have been working for this PB for 11 yrs and has always been flex PVC.

we had the same issue with the drainage pipe on the patio that was located right against the house foundation wall instead of 1-2' away, it looks better this way, but who wants water pitched right to the house foundation with all the algae growing up against the foundation walls. common sense tells you should pitched to a dip 1-2' away from the house so no water is sitting against the house. My husband let it go in fear that they would put it 1-2' away from the house but not regrade away from the house and make it worse.

 

[ajw22]

Post pics of the pool plumbing the way it is right now and let us see if there are any special issues with it.

 

[newpoolbuild]

Thank you. That’s very kind of you to remind me of that. Here are some of the pix. They went and bought some of the 1.5” pvc pipes and 3/4” grey pipes. And the purple glue

 

[newpoolbuild]

Do the concrete collar look ok? I think it rained rt after concrete was poured. That’s why there are big water holes in the concrete collar.

 

[ajw22]

No way would I accept that flex PVC pipes running to the bottom of your pool. You have a simple rectangular pool that solid PVC should be run all around.

 

[newpoolbuild]

Thanks to your guys insights. The PB had changed to rigid PVC pipes. Could you guys take a look at these pix, and make sure it’s done right? I am not too comfortable with dirt under the auto fill for support, I hope they fix it with crushed stone tomorrow. That’s what the PB told me today that he will put crushed stones under and above the pipes to protect it from settling movements. They twist tied electric conduits with the 1.5” pipes and tied to the pool wall supporting rods. Is that secure enough? Thx

 

[ajw22]

Are they going to replace the two flex PVC pipes in the deep end of the pool?

@jimmythegreek what do you think about zip tying the conduits to the PVC pipes? And dirt or gravel backfill to the pool walls?

 

[jimmythegreek]

The grey conduit is for electrical the white is plumbing. It's common to zip tie to the support but not a fan of too many together as gravel will not fill that void easily. One thing I notice is how little concrete he used for the collar. I'm guessing you dont have inspections where you are or an engineered plan for the town. Not a huge deal but steel wall pools usually spec 8" for the collar I couldnt get away with that here. Hopefully you have gravel in your contract for the backfill. The flex down to the main drains is typical nobody uses ridgid except some OCD guy around here that heat bends pipe. Dont need the drains anyway.

 

[newpoolbuild]

Hi @jimmythegreek thanks. he only put down 3" or at some areas less than that. our town don't inspect collar and plumbing. According to my PB that he padded sand under certain areas and backfilled with 3/4" gravel.

 

[wireform]

Make sure they pressure test before the pipes get buried and if it were me I'd follow the pipes to make sure where they connect up to the various places along the run makes sense as you took these guys out of their comfort zone with the pipe switch. There are many more glued joints then they're used to. Pool builders in my neck of the woods put a heavy concrete collar and leave the pipes exposed after the pool is filled with pumps running to monitor for any leaks.