Pump Replacement Plumbing Question

[DFS12]

I am replacing an old single speed 2HP pump (Purex Ultraflow) with a Haward Ecostar VS Pump, the issue I am facing is the new pump is 26.1" in length requiring a 3" min clearance at the rear of the pump for air movement and a 5x the diameter of the inflo pipe for the horizontal line going into the pump on the suction side.

That makes the overall length required to be 39.1" however I don't have that distance between where the current skimmer lines come in and the house.

My thoughts are 2 options:

1. I could dig up the plumbing and make a 45 out away from the pump and up to vertical and 90 to make up the distance required

2. Rotate the pump 90 degrees from its current position and have one of the horizontals of the skimmer line longer than the other before meeting the valve then have the 10" of 2" pipe to the pump.

I will have to cut all existing plumbing between the spider valve and skimmer lines either way.

Don't know what the best method would be to optimize flow. I would rather go with Option 2 but would do whatever is the correct way regardless of labor.

It won't let me post pics but I can email to help visualize my set up.. Thanks to all who help.

[PoolDoc]

You can post pictures by putting on Flickr, Picasa, Photobucket, etc (no porn hosts, please!) and using the image button to link to them.

. . . Or your can email them to poolforum@gmail.com, and I'll get them posted.

[DFS12]

Pictures Sent

[PoolDoc]

pictures posted.

[PoolDoc]

Looks to me like the easiest solution might be to dig up the suction lines in front of the pump, and see if you can cut and re-connect those so they are farther from the wall.

You're still going to lose the Pentair 3-way, since it's been close coupled using glued joints.

Good luck!

[PoolDoc]

Looking at your #2 option above, you can reduce flow restriction by doing as you say, but replacing the 3-way with (2) PVC ball valves on each line. Make the turns to the right (facing the wall) with an ELL on the left hand line and a TEE on the right hand line. 3-way valves invite a trainwreck connection which introduces substantial flow restriction at at full flow rates from both pipes. The trainwreck (or bullhead) layout can be used for ALTERNATE flow without problems.

[DFS12]

Thanks can you use the standard Ball Valves you can buy at Lowes or do you need special grade valves.

Thanks