Is your Pool Plumbed Properly?

Many pool builders skimp or rush through the plumbing. If it’s done wrong or looks like junk, no one will be happy. The client won’t be happy when the pool isn’t performing up to standard, and as a plumber, you’ll be out there spending countless hours reworking and fixing your rush job.

Ideally, you want to use straight lines and have everything symmetric. It’s more appealing to the eyes and helps water flow, but it’s not always possible. So, in this blog, we go over how to know if your pool is plumbed properly.

The Basic Tenets of Swimming Pool Plumbing

As water moves through pipes it creates friction, slowing it down. Just like the air against your car as you drive down the road.
Excessive use of 90-degree elbows will hinder water movement and slow things down.
Using a 45-degree elbow slows the water down a little but not as much as a 90-degree elbow.
You can go faster down a straight pipe but must slow down at a bend, and even slower for a corner.

Each time the water slows down due to friction or an elbow, the less water you are moving through your filter and sanitation system. Pools without variable speeds pumps should have their water turn over once every 6 hours. If your pool isn’t doing that today, then chances are you have a pool plumbing problem.

What Your Pool Plumbing Shouldn’t Look Like

This is a prime example of what pool plumbing should not look like. If your plumbing looks like this, it’s time to call a professional.

Some things that you could ask your pool installation professionals to do to improve your pool’s efficiency and plumbing are as follows:

Main drains aren’t plumbed to the skimmer
Each return line gets a dedicated line, not plumbed together. This makes them easier to fix or replace years down the road. It also makes for better water pressure throughout the system.
Water features, especially fountains, all get dedicated lines with valves. That way you can dictate exactly how much water gets to each water feature.
Use actuator compatible (diverter) vales for future expansion.
Unions are put on the pump, filter, and heater for easy access and repair.
Each suction line gets its own valve, which helps for suction-based auto cleaners.

Products to use for Effective Pool Plumbing

Swimming Pool plumbing doesn’t have to be brain surgery. You can’t go wrong if you always use products rated for swimming pools. Here are some tips we’ve picked up over the years that will help you build great pool plumbing out of the gate:

Use professional-grade products only. Products from Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, or any other hardware store are fine for a temporary repair, but they will dry out and crack over time leaving you with teardrop leaks.
When using threaded fittings, do NOT glue them. Only use top-rated Teflon tape with magic lube or silicone. The seal will be better and last longer.

Give us a call. You won’t be disappointed!

When in doubt, give us a call at Terry’s Plumbing! As your reputable plumber in Pittsburgh, we can help you with your plumbing-related issues. Call today at 412-364-9114.