Looking to buy our first pool.. Wondering about pricing and options..

[JimK]

I probably should add, people brag about getting a great deal, but not about the stupid mistakes they make. (Me too! I still haven't told the story of the 300,000 gallon pool I turned purple, while 200 people were swimming in it!)

As a result, you tend to hear from your friends and buddies when they save money by doing it themselves, or buying it themselves, but not so much, when it all goes sour. This tends to make DIY or BIY projects sound better than they are.

We see it all the time here, where a poster will be actively posting, till it finally becomes clear even to them, that THEY were the ones that screwed up . . . at which point they disappear from the forum.

Information flow is such an interesting topic (to those of us with philosophical inclinations).

Ok, Ben. I've heard mention of this story several times through the years. I think it is finally time that you spill! Whatdya think, people? We wanna hear this story, right???

Yes! I want the hear this story.

Maybe after the 4th . . .

Patiently waiting...hehehe.

[tbird2340]

So I still need to know what fittings I need.. I got six of these, (2) 6' x 1 1/2" hoses, and (1) 1 1/2" hose.. Don't I need some other stuff in order to have shut off valves etc??

The 6 fittings are for: 1 on skimmer, 1 on pool jet, 2 on sand filter, and 2 on pump.. One of my 6' flexible hoses will go from skimmer to pump, the other 6' will go from sand filter to pool.. Then a 3' flexible hose will connect the pump and the filter together.. Is that right?

Where do I add the gate valves and what fittings do I need to do so??

Really sorry but I swear my local pool places are morons.. I asked both my local store and Leslie's what I need to connect my pump/filter since I bought them separate.. Both looked at me like I was speaking Greek..

[BigDave]

You'll need one more 1.5" NPT to 1.5" hose fitting for a backwash hose and you'll need a backwash hose.

Valves are optional but are real handy for doing maintenance on the pump and filter. I have a ball valve on the suction and return sides so I can shut off the water from the pool and clean the pump strainer etc. Unions or Quick-connects make it easy to remove equipment for winter storage or maintenance - I believe hrsdennis linked a True Union ball valve earlier in this thread - this is a valve that has unions built in on each side.

[tbird2340]

Pool being installed today.. They said the 3' corrugated flexible tubing I got to go from the pump/filter isn't what I should use..

Looking in the PDF of the filter it shows to get a 33" vinyl hose (SX201Z1 BUT it says that is for a

18", 21", and 23" system

.. What am I supposed to get for this monster 27" filter?? I can't find jack on their website or documentation..

Thanks

[tbird2340]

I'm sure they sell vinyl tubing at lowes and what not.. Anyone know what kind I need to get? Is it 1 1/2" ID?

Thanks!

[BigDave]

In post #53 hrsdennis suggested flex PVC piping, PVC fittings, glue and thread sealant.

[PoolDoc]

Surprisingly, what appears to be good quality flex is available on Amazon:

1.5" White PVC Flex
1.5" Black PVC Flex

2" White PVC Flex
2" Black PVC Flex

You glue PVC flex just like PVC hard pipe using standard PVC fittings, with one VERY IMPORTANT difference: the pipe tends to slip out of the fitting, so you must hold it in place for 60 - 90 seconds. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bad joint.

Connecting it to your existing gear is something you'll have to work out.

[tbird2340]

Thanks.. Right now I just have (2) 16" x 16" x 1" cement pavers with the pump on one and the filter on the other.. Do you think I need to secure them down and if so how would you recommend doing so?

Thanks