Should I Convert From Hose to PVC

[phatsk8311]

Hello all. I have a dilemma and want to get some input. I have a 16’x48” Intex pool to which I just added a 16” Intex sand filter and has and still is running a SWG. I have a Hayward skimmer on the way to replace the cheap Intex skimmer. Because of this, I am contemplating converting everything from hoses to PVC pipe. Based on my rough calculations, I’m looking at somewhere between $150 and $200 in plumbing supplies, which includes the construction of a spray bar. So my question to the group, is it worth spending the money to hard plumb everything. In reality, I don’t have issues with the hoses, other that the 2 1.25” outlet hoses that I usually replace once a year (maybe $10 a year for these). My 1.5” hoses have been going strong for many years and I have a surplus of them from replacement pumps, SWG, vacuum, etc over the years. Is there any benefit besides making it “feel” more permanent, which it already is. I know I can do the skimmer and even a spray bar without a full plumbing job. Thanks in advance for your honest feedback.

Edit: As a second question, when I hook up the skimmer, should I keep the 2 existing 1.25 inlets hooked up in the loop, probably throttled back to all more flow through the skimmer, or should I plug them up and leave them out of the equation.

 

[kimkats]

Does your pool move at all when the water starts moving from hard playing in the pool? If so then NO hard pipes. We don't want them to break from the movement.

 

[phatsk8311]

Does your pool move at all when the water starts moving from hard playing in the pool? If so then NO hard pipes. We don't want them to break from the movement.

I don’t think it does, but I can’t say I’ve paid enough attention to give a definitive answer, but will look at it. That’s a good point I never considered. Assuming the answer is no it doesn’t move, what is your thought on hard piping versus leaving as is with hoses?

 

[kimkats]

Me? Hard pipe all of the way.......I have dogs and cats and critters and a husband so someone is always hitting the pipes for one reason or another. Make sure to have valves under the return and skimmer so you can just shut those off if you need to work on the equipment. Make sure to use unions on either side of all of the equipment so you will not have to cut any pipes down the road.

 

[Brett S]

The round intex pools tend to have less wall motion than the rectangular ones, which can move quite a bit. There is typically still some wall motion even with the round pools, though.

When I hard plumbed my intex pool I used the intex hoses to connect the pool to the PVC, so that allows for flex when the pool wall moves.

 

[dban1955]

I have a 30' 54" round and was not real happy with hoses that came with the pool. I talked to a plumber friend and he suggested flexible PVC, best move I ever made.
Living in central Illinois I have to unhook everything in the winter. real easy to put back together in the spring and the PVC lets the water flow through without any restrictions.