Question for the pool guru's about pipes/fittings etc..

[mxrider29]

I have a 16x30 IG pool that was built in 1964. I believe all the lines are original and I have a leak in one of the suction lines. This weekend, I drained the pool below the fittings, ripped up my yard, cut a couple sections out of my patio and almost have access to the fittings, skimmer and lines. I have trenches dug out around my patio and into where my filter/pump are. I want to run all new piping and forget about the stuff that there and cut it out. My questions are...
1. What piping should I use, PVC?
2. What size, 2"?
3. Are the fittings for returns and suction lines universal? My openings are 1.75"
4. Are skimmers universal, I know there are different sizes, my opening is 5 x 5.25

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

[PoolDoc]

1. Hard S40 1.5 PVC -- no 'flex' -- to/from each fitting and fixture, bedded fine gravel. Bring the all to the pump location, and header then together using 2 x 1.5 fittings

2. 1.5" for the 'homeruns'; 2" for the header (joining pipes).

3. dunno

4. dunno

Ben

[waste]

#1 - Welcome to the Forum!

#3 - they ought be universal, but the size is 1.5" - maybe you made a typo?

#4 - you should match the new skimmer to the old one, the screw holes vary, even for the same sized skimmer. If you can, take the existing faceplate to the store when buying a new skimmer. (this isn't 'fool proof' but is a good start - the best way would be to find out the model number of the existing skimmer and order one that matches it)

[CarlD]

Ben's right: Flex isn't meant to be buried. Besides, hard PVC is very easy to work. I would also make sure no quick-connects are buried--that's a recipe for trouble. Glued fittings are best underground.

Carl

[mxrider29]

I went to the pool store and they had the fittings and ordered me a skimmer. I installed the fittings last night, I had to fab a plate to secure one of them as the metal is rotting away. I guess I'm going to just redo the 1.5" pipe with new PVC SCH-40. Is there any benefit to going to 2" or should I just stick with 1.5?