I am fixing to build my own pool. Never done it before but after doing a lot of research online and in forums like this, I think I can handle it. My pool will be an in-ground liner pool that is 18x44x30 true L shaped sport pool with a 12x12 Baja deck. All the components have been delivered and the dig starts in a couple of weeks. I bought a Hayward EcoStar variable speed pump and (2) Aqua Genie skimmers and 4 returns. I chose not to put in main drains because of their effectiveness plus recommendations not to. Also since this is a sport pool and the deep end in the middle is only 5.5 feet deep, I figure it would be good not to have them so people aren't stepping on them.
My pump will be located about 120 feet away from the furthest skimmer. I am going to run separate 2" suction pipes from each skimmer back to the pump. I figured 2" pipe because the connections on both the pump and the skimmers are 2" and read online that that is pretty much the standard size. However, I have read from several posts and some websites, that 2-1/2" or 3" pipe would be better, especially considering the distance I have from the skimmers to the pump. I will be using as few bends as possible and where I need them will be long sweeps.
Should I go with bigger suction pipe and if so what are the advantages? I emailed Hayward but they said they can't make recommendations because of liability issues. If going with larger pipe, how does the smaller connections on the pump and skimmers affect it?
I also would like to add a waterfall feature that needs a 2" pipe. Can the pump handle this additional load or do I need a separate pump just for it? If I need a separate pump, where do I pull the water from? The Aqua Genie skimmers have an additional 1.5" fitting that says in the instructions it is optional connection to the filter. Can I just connect to this or do I need to add a couple of wall suction ports?
Thanks so much for any help!
My pump will be located about 120 feet away from the furthest skimmer. I am going to run separate 2" suction pipes from each skimmer back to the pump. I figured 2" pipe because the connections on both the pump and the skimmers are 2" and read online that that is pretty much the standard size. However, I have read from several posts and some websites, that 2-1/2" or 3" pipe would be better, especially considering the distance I have from the skimmers to the pump. I will be using as few bends as possible and where I need them will be long sweeps.
Should I go with bigger suction pipe and if so what are the advantages? I emailed Hayward but they said they can't make recommendations because of liability issues. If going with larger pipe, how does the smaller connections on the pump and skimmers affect it?
I also would like to add a waterfall feature that needs a 2" pipe. Can the pump handle this additional load or do I need a separate pump just for it? If I need a separate pump, where do I pull the water from? The Aqua Genie skimmers have an additional 1.5" fitting that says in the instructions it is optional connection to the filter. Can I just connect to this or do I need to add a couple of wall suction ports?
Thanks so much for any help!
