SWG install and frog removal - plumbing questions

[jbravacos3]

7th Pool season.
Finally installing RJ-60+ SWG to stop adding liquid chlorine.
Want to replace unused Frog, but it's tight to Jandy valve that is attached to elbow that drops into ground at the end of the pad.
Pad is above pool water level by at least 18"
My plan is to cut below the elbow, add a sleeve, raise the return line, place the swg & flow switch, then add a new valve, before the elbow.
Questions -
1. Is there an easier way to get rid of the frog?
2. Raising the return line, but keeping it below the filter out to help draining for winter freeze protection. Do I need to pay attention to this?
3. Can I just use a ball valve for the return rather than the Jandy?
4. What else am I missing?

Thank you

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
I think you can save the Jandy valve on the return plumbing. Cut the FROG out where it meets the fitting that slips onto the Jandy valve. Then take a heat gun and heat up that fitting that is slipped over the Jandy connection. It will take some prying but it will come off. Now you can connect back to the Jandy valve with new plumbing to the filter with the SWCG and flow switch. There are several YT videos to show how to use a heat gun to remove PVC fittings. I have done it and it not that hard if you are careful.

Worst come to worst then cut below the elbow. I would always use a Jandy diverter valve over a plain ball valve as a diverter valve has replaceable parts whereas a ball valve needs to be cut out if it fails.

 

[jbravacos3]

Thank you,

Appreciate it very much!