Cover equipment to extend life?

[JimK]

My solution years ago was to have quick-connects everywhere in the plumbing but especially on the pump and filter inlets and outlets. The pump has a 230v twistlock plug in an weatherproof outlet. Pop the two quick-connects, unplug the power cord, unscrew the banding ground, drain the pump, and put it in the basement.

Proper planning greatly reduces your closing time.

I wish I would have known about this site and gotten this advice when we had the pool installed in 2004.

I'll definitely keep this in mind should we ever redo the plumbing. The only issue is space is really tight so adding disconnects to the existing plumbing is near impossible.....it would likely require staring over from scratch.

[CarlD]

I wish I would have known about this site and gotten this advice when we had the pool installed in 2004.

I'll definitely keep this in mind should we ever redo the plumbing. The only issue is space is really tight so adding disconnects to the existing plumbing is near impossible.....it would likely require staring over from scratch.

Think about it. PVC is very easy to work, that you should be able to create space to relieve the problem. I "upgrade" my plumbing and pipe runs frequently, to fix problems, to respond to adding an included deck, to adding an SWCG.

[JimK]

Think about it. PVC is very easy to work, that you should be able to create space to relieve the problem. I "upgrade" my plumbing and pipe runs frequently, to fix problems, to respond to adding an included deck, to adding an SWCG.

I've never done any PVC work...so naturally I'm a bit hesitant. If you ever find yourself in SE VA and want to do some pool plumbing work for fun, let me know...lol.

[CarlD]

I've never done any PVC work...so naturally I'm a bit hesitant. If you ever find yourself in SE VA and want to do some pool plumbing work for fun, let me know...lol.

Sure...if I'm ever in that part of the state (lived in Alexandria for a decade). But PVC is seriously easy to work. YouTube and, I think Home Depot/Lowes have videos. Try a few joints for practice.
Steps are simple:
1) Use only Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 fittings.
2) Cut to length (Hack saw, Sawzall, two-handed cable saw, Power miter box and brush of the shavings.
3) Use PVC cleaner (yellow can) to clean the pipe back about 1 1/2". Clean the fitting as well
4) Use Purple PVC primer on the pipe and fitting evenly.
5) Use PVC glue (either clear or blue) in white can on both pipe and fitting, thin, even layer.
6) Insert pipe in fitting all the way in. Give a 1/4 turn and turn back to desired position (with angle fittings). Should be hard quickly.

That's it! Simple as pie to work.

[JimK]

Sure...if I'm ever in that part of the state (lived in Alexandria for a decade). But PVC is seriously easy to work. YouTube and, I think Home Depot/Lowes have videos. Try a few joints for practice.
Steps are simple:
1) Use on Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 fittings.
2) Cut to length (Hack saw, Sawzall, two-handed cable saw, Power miter box and brush of the shavings.
3) Use PVC cleaner (yellow can) to clean the pipe back about 1 1/2". Clean the fitting as well
4) Use Purple PVC primer on the pipe and fitting evenly.
5) Use PVC glue (either clear or blue) in white can on both pipe and fitting, thin, even layer.
6) Insert pipe in fitting all the way in. Give a 1/4 turn and turn back to desired position (with angle fittings). Should be hard quickly.

That's it! Simple as pie to work.

Thanks for the tips and encouragement.

[CarlD]

Typo: Changed 1) to read "Use only Schedule 40....." instead of "Use on Sch..."

PVC is incredibly easy to work and Schedule 40 is good for pressure lines (don't ever use fittings not marked Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 on any line that has water pressure. Non schedule fittings are only for drains where there's no pressure, like sink drains). It's not good for hot water lines either--there you have to use CPVC but I don't know where it's used in the US. We don't use it in NJ.

[JimK]

Typo: Changed 1) to read "Use only Schedule 40....." instead of "Use on Sch..."

PVC is incredibly easy to work and Schedule 40 is good for pressure lines (don't ever use fittings not marked Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 on any line that has water pressure. Non schedule fittings are only for drains where there's no pressure, like sink drains). It's not good for hot water lines either--there you have to use CPVC but I don't know where it's used in the US. We don't use it in NJ.

Thanks Carl.

It's this type of knowledge I lack that can get me into trouble. Should I decide to replumb I know who to ask for guidance.