Silicone hoses

[ncl]

Hello all,

I was curious whether I could use silicone 1.5in. hoses like used in the automotive field for coolant hoses and in other manufacturing situations. Reason for this is they are very pliable and hold their shape well. Also they come in many different sizes or bulk and can be cut to fit. Most of my setup is rigid piping but I want to use hoses for the transition from pool to my underground lines to filter. I used hoses last year but one was too long for application and the other i bought bulk from ACE hardware and is not very pliable and getting it into position is a pain. It is only an 18in connection for the skimmer and the pool return is about 28-30in. distance. Most pool hoses i see are 36in length. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Having the details of your pool in your signature will help us comment if using the hoses is advisable. See What we need to know to answer your questions

Pics of your equipment and where you want to use the hoses may help also.

 

[Fuldo]

Soft pliable plastic is generally not used for high pressure, especially in large sizes; it simply doesn't have the pressure rating. Reinforced flexible tubing is often used (usually polyester braid) but care must be taken to choose one that is compatible with the fluids involved and should be UV resistant to avoid degradation from the sun if used outside. Silicone probably isn't a good choice, it is not considered resistant to chlorinated water and I suspect UV exposure would be a problem. Tygon makes some flexible tubing that would likely work well but you're not going to find it at your local hardware store.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Using it on the return is probably fine, but keep in mind that on the skimmer there's a possibility of it being under a slight vacuum at times (think suction side vacuum) so it'll likely collapse.

 

[cfherrman]

Use hot water out of the tap

 

[sktn77a]

I think both the temperature and pressure of an automotive cooling system are higher than a swimming pool. Nevertheless, I wouldn't use an automotive radiator-type hose for my pool. Tried and tested is good for me!

 

[cfherrman]

My BMW does 29 psi, which is over double typical cooling pressure, my Ford diesel does under 13 irc, and my Toyota van does 11 psi which is a typical pressure.

Automotive hoses don't have the sun beating on them, not all automotive hoses won't collapse under vacuum, some also need a spring band for pressure.