How to install a vacuum gauge?

[catnip]

Babel, I too was interested in measuring my actual suction head and installed a vacuum gauge at the pump inlet. I drilled a hole and tapped a 1/8 inch female pipe thread in the side of the fitting that screws into the pump inlet. I chose to use a 1/8 inch fitting to minimize the structural impact on the PVC fitting. I screwed in a 1/8 inch brass nipple and then a 1/8 to 1/4 inch female brass adapter to match the gauge. If you don't want to leave the gauge permanently installed, just plug the hole with a 1/8 inch brass plug.

P.S. It's interesting to see how the suction head changes as you adjust the inlet valves from the skimmers and drain. You will also see the suction head decrease as the filter becomes loaded with dirt as the flow decreases.

[Blue Fish]

[QUOTE=catnip;46814] I drilled a hole and tapped a 1/8 inch female pipe thread in the side of the fitting that screws into the pump inlet. I chose to use a 1/8 inch fitting to minimize the structural impact on the PVC fitting.QUOTE]

Thanks so much for the info. Could you clarify the part about the "1/8 female pipe thread"? is this a pvc fitting that you screw into the hole you drilled?

Thanks again!