Dennis, what do you find works best for quick disconnects on AG pools -- standard unions or something else?

I've used, at various times, 1.5" or 2" Fernco couplings for disconnects. Have you seen that? Do you know of any downside from using them?

What about slice valves vs. ball valves? The slice valves are more compact and are easier to use, but you can't thottle with them. Plus the Valterra's have zinc plated bolt/nut sets and I'm not sure how they stand up.