Converting 15' Round Intex to Hard Plumbing

[PoolDoc]

Don't try to connect hard pipe to an Intex.

There are some vacuum adapters you can use, possibly something like this

Intex Vacuum Tube Adaptor

However, I am NOT recommending that, because I'm not sure it's what you'll need, or even if you will need it. Also, I hate to see a $9 shipping charge with a $9 item -- that's not a ripoff necessarily, but I'd rather find a better way.

I'm going to be setting up a couple of Intex pools in the next week or so, and will be using them to test different products.

This vacuum system is being marketed for Intex pools, but it has mixed reviews and sounds fairly fragile:

Skooba Pool Vacuum Kit

A more standard vacuum set up can be adapted to an Intex pool; if there's not something being sold, I'm sure I can work something out at Lowes:

Poolmaster 27514 Classic Full View Triangular Vinyl Liner Vacuum
Hydro Tools 8365 8- to 16-Foot Adjustable Fluted Premium Fluted Telescopic Pool Pole, White
Hydro Tools 1-1/4-Inch Diameter With Swivel Cuff Pool Vacuum Hose

Unfortunately, I can't be any more definite than that, yet.

[PoolDoc]

combined similar threads.

[ATC_NH]

Pool Doc,

Can you elaborate on not hard plumbing an Intex? I have seen several posts on here that appear to have sucess...

My biggest concern is the point, where the plunger needs to be adapted to fit the pool..... it is a compresssion type adapter and is very loose..... I can take a picture when I get home and post.....

[PoolDoc]

I think you could do it, without problems . . . at first.

But an Intex pool moves easily, and hard pipe doesn't. That is going to create a stress point that will either tear the pool or break the pipe. I think fixing whatever is wrong with your existing Intex connection point might be a better plan. If you can get through on their phone lines, Intex has apparently been pretty good about replacing components that have a problem, often not even asking that you return the old component. I'd try that, first.

Consumer Service: 1-800-234-6839
Special Summer Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00am-5:00pm PST; Saturday 7:00am-3:00pm PST
Online Store: http://www.intexstore.com
Main site: http://www.intexcorp.com

By the way, thanks for the subscription!

[ATC_NH]

You are welcome. For all the free advice, its the least I can do!

You bring up a very good point...... Maybe I will abandon the hard plumbing....

Here is another idea...

The pump came with intex ports, that fit the include hoses and plunger valves.... just not the pool... I am thinking about just cutting the liner (it is reinforced where the cuts will be)... and using the following ports (not sure if that is the right word).... They have gaskets and all...


connector 1 by atc_nh, on Flickr


connector2 by atc_nh, on Flickr

[ATC_NH]

Here is what I am trying to eliminate.... basically, its a rubber sleeve with a plastic pipe inside.... The plunger requires an adapter which uses a nut to compress around the rubber sleeve.... It is not tight at all and the slightest movement cause it to slip.... Only a matter of time before it falls off and I loose my pump
I am going to cut all that out and replace with the fitting from my above post.....


Untitled by atc_nh, on Flickr


Thanks again for all the help!

[BigDave]

Are you planning to dump your water or wait 'til the end of the season?
I think your plan should work so long as all your cutting is in the reinforced section of the wall and you snug those new ports up tight. I'd use teflon tape just to make it eaisier to turn the nut.

Measure twice, cut once.