Pump Tolerance

[CoffeeBean]

Todd & Jennifer,

Pardon my glaring ignorance but where does one get the information on what parts to buy, what goes where, etc., when arranging a system with PVC fittings?

I always have these great ideas but when it comes to getting the appropriate parts I usually bomb. Just today I returned some stuff to our hardware warehouse because the idea for a hose hanger over my fence didn't work and the PVC elbows I bought to keep the waste hose from kinking wouldn't fit. They hate to see me come in. Their return policy is so paperwork intensive.

CoffeeBean

[jenpen400]

I found everything I needed at Home Depot. First look at your skimmer, return, pump and filter I think I had all 1 1/2 inch female threads on all components. So if you have the same you will need (6) 1 1/2 inch male pipe thread to glue on union. I used 2 ball valves (glue on) one after the skimmer and one before the return line. Next the quick disconnects (I used these so if I needed to service or move something I could do it without disturbing the rest of the plumbing) 1 went after the ball valves and 1 between the filter and pump. I used all 1 1/2 inch flex pvc I think It is called spa flex or tiger flex I bought 16ft and used 12ft. You will need PVC primer and glue as well as some thread tape for the threaded fittings. First wrap some thread tape around the threaded fittings and install hand tight snug them up with a wench but careful not over tighten them. Now the rest of the pieces I took some time to make sure the valves would be accessible. I basically worked from the skimmer to the return line cutting looking gluing. Try to leave 8" to 10" between fittings incase you have and oops you can cut the flex PVC and still have room to glue another fitting on. Your flow is best when slow gradual bends are used instead of sharp elbows. This page has some pictures to help identify the parts. http://pvcfittings.com/ Good Luck

[CoffeeBean]

Thank you so much. I'm going to give this a try for the next season. It's *got* to be easier than all these hoses and clamps. I've had the clamps fail at least twice now in the 2 seasons we've had this thing going. Got enough to fiddle with.

CoffeeBean