Thinking of switching to PVC for my AGP for next season - is there a compreshensive guide out there?

[Ticojpunk]

Is there a comprehensive guide that you all would recommend on planning and installing PVC plumbing to replace flex hosing for AGPs?

I've read and watched some things but they don't seem to answer my questions, particularly about what do at each end point, especially points that need to be disconnected during the winter. Skimmer box to pump, filter output to electric heat pump, inline chlorinator back to return jet, etc.

I've got three flex hoses currently.
My system is all 1.5" connections... Skimmer box -(flexhose)> Hayward pump/filter -(flexhose)> Aquacomfort heat pump -> Frog chlorinator (only use for vacations) -(flexhose)> return jet.

 

[Bill1974]

I don't know of a guide, but any plumbing that needs to be serviced or possibly take apart I use union with replaceable o-rings. Union cost a more but does make it easy to disconnect items and reconnect and not fight leak at hose clamps. Most only need hand tightening but occasionally a strap wrench is needed is the alignment is a little off.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yeah, three words ... unions, unions, unions. Lots of threads on the forum of people who shared their own conversion experience. Below are a few that I had. Different pools, but you get the idea.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Just make sure that long runs of PVC are properly supported with bracings that go down to the ground or attachments to pool’s frame. You don’t want your skimmer or bulkhead unions taking on a lot of torque from the weight of the water in the pipe. That’s a good way to cause a leak at the pool wall.

Use only SCH40 PVC pipe and fittings. Be careful at the big box stores as they often have DWV fittings in the same area as SCH40 fittings and they are NOT the same. Find some scrap PVC pieces and practice using primer and glue … yes, you need BOTH primer AND glue for proper PVC joining. This is a good starter guide in the TFP Wiki -

PVC Repair - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[98valkyrie]

I did this exact thing over the winter. Moved the equipment to a new pad, away from pool using 1 1/2” Sch 40 PVC. I bought Praher brand unions and Jandy valves from Inyopools. The have one side of the union which is threaded - a lot easier to pipe up and saves make up distance between fittings.
Check your pump installation information. Most require a certain number of pipe diameters from the pump before fitting or valves. Mine was 5 pipe diameters, so with 1 1/2” = 7 1/2”.
Here are some pics of the transformation.

 

[Ticojpunk]

Lots of good info in here, thanks folks. I think I'm beginning to gather what I need to confidently do this when I'm ready. Anyone do this mid-season, or probably best to wait until next spring right before I open for the season? I'd hate to run into issues and have downtime in the middle of the summer. The kids would never forgive me. lol

 

[98valkyrie]

Pic of the skimmer and return

 

[Texas Splash]

@98valkyrie , I like the fancy, high tech skimmer lid retaining system.

 

[98valkyrie]

Yeah, looks like the skimmer has been cobbled together over the years. Only thing that keeps most of the water in when the grands are swimming…. errr cannonballing etc.