Adding Solar Panels to PVC plumbing

[LindaGL]

My 18x36 AGP is hard plumbed with PVC. I have the ability to remove the pump via clamped connections on the skimmer side, but on the return side of the filter, *everything* is glued. That's the way it was installed.

I would like to add a couple of solar panels, but from what I have read, they need to go on the return side. That means I am going to have to cut the PVC and install some fittings.

While I am comfortable working with PVC in general, the thought of cutting the hard plumbing scares me. I guess I would just like to know if anyone has actually done it. And if I have to cut and paste, would there be any benefits to replacing the entire return run instead of just inserting fittings?

Any suggestions, recommendations, or just plain encouragement would be appreciated!

Linda
near NW Houston

[CarlD]

Sure, I've done it. The BIG thing with cutting hard PVC is making sure you leave LOTS of room on each cut end for your new glued-on fittings.

Yet even if you are too close to a fitting at worst you'll have to replace the fitting. I like to have my ball valves with threaded ends, then glue thread fittings to the PVC and use lots of teflon tape. That way, if I have to change the pipe or the valve, I don't have to change both. So simple fittings--Male and Female threaded ends--get glued on. Quick releases and ball valves are screwed to the threaded fittings.

PVC is cheap and easy to work with. But always clean and prime before gluing. Sometimes the primer does both.

And ALWAYS use Schedule 40 or above (Sched 80) on your pool fittings. Sched 40 is pressure rated. Regular fitting are not and are SOLELY for drains. Sched 40 fittings have longer glue areas--about 1.5" while regular drain fittings only have 3/4" (about). Sched 40 is available everywhere--I buy most fittings at Home Depot.

[cleancloths]

Have no fear, working with PVC pipe is child's play Just cut and glue. Use primer and then put cement liberally on both sides of the connection. Wait a few seconds then insert pipe into fitting with a twisting motion and press firmly and hold for about 10 seconds and you are done.

[Poconos]

The times I have had to cut pipe in-place, getting the cut straight can be tricky. A reciprocating (sawzall) saw lets you go slow and concentrate on getting a straight cut rather than the work of sawing the pipe. You can tie a string around the pipe and mark with a flo-pen to help with guiding the saw and making a straight cut.
Al

[CarlD]

If you have a small power miter box (ie, one you can carry) you can get clean cuts with that. But, not, of course, for in-place plumbing.

[tphaggerty]

One thing I would add, use at least the Medium strength PVC glue (normally comes in a BLACK can), not the all purpose (in a Red can). The black definitely holds better, but it does weld faster. Also, use the clear cleaner/primer, not the purple stuff (that can make for some really "pretty" installations).

For cutting very tight connections, you can buy a wire PVC saw, only about 5 bucks. It is very difficult to do real straight cuts with, but it can get in places that a normal saw won't. You can also buy fine toothed and/or masonary blades if you have a power mitre saw, these work very well. Clean the edges real well, sand paper works fine.

Clean, clean and clean again before using the glue!

I normally test all my connections (for length and fit, not for pressure) by coating the ends with the same silicone goop you use for fittings. This lets you try everything out before the final weld. BUT, you have to really clean the connections with the PVC cleaner before gluing.

On solar, if your panels don't include a bypass valve, you should plan on adding one. It makes fine tuning the flow through the panels much easier and also will allow you to do maintenance on the panels while the pool is running.

[CarlD]

And I ALWAYS use the purple primer...Because I want to be CERTAIN I have primed everything. Plus, if you need to have your plumbing inspected, you need the purple so the inspector sees it is fully primed.

Plus I use the blue flexible glue because it's supposed to be better for TigerFlex. I don't mind the colors. Besides, you can always paint the pipes.

Each to his/her own.

[Poconos]

What? Inspectors looking at the solvents? I guess I do have a definite advantage by living in Podunkville, PA. Inspectors need to GET A LIFE.
Al

[cleancloths]

Yes inspectors look for the purple - you could probably get away with using no cement, just purple primer - as far as the inspectors are concerned

[CarlD]

Yes inspectors look for the purple - you could probably get away with using no cement, just purple primer - as far as the inspectors are concerned

Never thought of that! But I'll bet you're right!

Up where Al lives, they send a black bear and a wild turkey in lieu of a building inspector! But where I live they send a pit bull! (at least the electrical inspector acts like one--bless him!)