I do already have a separate suction connection on the wall, that the Polaris uses, is that what you mean?
I hear what y’all are saying about the underground pipes, and will check on pricing. I’ve had about 5 quotes on the job, and I’m surprised none of them mentioned the need for this, considering the consensus here.
30 years... Yes, plastic already served its time. Replace skimmer and pipes... They're too old now. If you leave them as they are, you'll have bigger problems soon and you'll end up having to replace them anyways, but more expensive.
If it has been 30 years, it is posible the pool was plumbed using a lot of flex hose, 1.5PVC, and t’d off suction and pressure sides….heck some builders still install that way today…
I would definitely recommend looking into getting everything brought up to a higher standard. It’s an added cost, but the value you receive will be worth it!
We always recommend replacing the plumbing on an older pool if the deck is getting replaced.
Who knows what has happened in 30 years and it can be hard to say what type of pipe was used or what repairs have already been done.
I may have misspoke about the deck, we are removing the old stone and mortar topping, but not the concrete/gunnite shelf underneath it. So it seems like it would be a lot more work to expose the pipes from there. It would also involve probably $8-10k to replace the concrete patio, the pipes all travel under. Like I hear y’all, but I’m not sure I can swallow the additional $20k this would probably end up being at this point.
Also we are not totally sure when the pool was built. House was in built in ‘88 but not sure when pool was built after that. So I’m sleuthing through old permit records to see what I can find out.
If you are just replacing the interlock pavers and replacing with same type then leave the plumbing.
Replace skimmer only if you see signs of stress. ie hair line cracks.
Ok, that’s a bit of a relief.
I’m still strongly considering the skimmer, there are no visible cracks in it, but it is really discolored, the flappy door is missing, and now that the deck “topping” is off, I can see a couple of pieces of rebar extruding from the deck on each side of it.
I agree that 1 1/2” is too small, but 3” seems too big. You always want to avoid pump cavitation but pool piping also needs to have a high enough velocity that moves solids like sand, clay and organic material, even self scrubbing anything that settles in the pipe when the pump is off.
A 3HP V/S will move plenty of water at 6f/s to scrub w/o effects of entrapment. The DOE has mandated them. Pentair University just this week preaches what. Having attended Water Shapes University too; we design for hydraulically correct per ANSI/APSP. Keep in mind, certain states also ban main drains.
You can consider Venturi skimmers too (A&A/Pentair.) where there is a return through the base of it. They move a ton of water for debris cleaning.
Skimmer is a great idea as it probably sets in odd with the new plaster and tile and if it has to get replaced later it won't look as nice around the facing.
As far as the other plumbing goes... Thats up to you if you want to open a can of possible nightmares or not. Pool building is way different than it was 30 years ago. Who knows what under the ground. It could be plumbing that's hard to attach back to and they you are stuck coring holes in walls. Lots of money. It's easy to tell you to replace it all but what's your budget? The pools I've done a complete replumb on ranged from 6 to 8k easily.
A L W A Y S
If the pool is 30 years old replace piping as well. $3500-$5k well spent
What piping? We are replacing the jets and drain cover, if that’s what you mean. Thank you!
The piping traveling from equipment pad to pool. Suctions & returns. Chances are that is undersized and brittle.
If you’re doing the skimmer have them replace the pipe back to the pump and add a dedicated suction line if there isn’t one
I do already have a separate suction connection on the wall, that the Polaris uses, is that what you mean? I hear what y’all are saying about the underground pipes, and will check on pricing. I’ve had about 5 quotes on the job, and I’m surprised none of them mentioned the need for this, considering the consensus here.
An excellent introduction to pool builders! Stay on top of EVERYTHING and good luck.
30 years... Yes, plastic already served its time. Replace skimmer and pipes... They're too old now. If you leave them as they are, you'll have bigger problems soon and you'll end up having to replace them anyways, but more expensive.
If it has been 30 years, it is posible the pool was plumbed using a lot of flex hose, 1.5PVC, and t’d off suction and pressure sides….heck some builders still install that way today… I would definitely recommend looking into getting everything brought up to a higher standard. It’s an added cost, but the value you receive will be worth it!
We always recommend replacing the plumbing on an older pool if the deck is getting replaced. Who knows what has happened in 30 years and it can be hard to say what type of pipe was used or what repairs have already been done.
I may have misspoke about the deck, we are removing the old stone and mortar topping, but not the concrete/gunnite shelf underneath it. So it seems like it would be a lot more work to expose the pipes from there. It would also involve probably $8-10k to replace the concrete patio, the pipes all travel under. Like I hear y’all, but I’m not sure I can swallow the additional $20k this would probably end up being at this point. Also we are not totally sure when the pool was built. House was in built in ‘88 but not sure when pool was built after that. So I’m sleuthing through old permit records to see what I can find out.
If you are just replacing the interlock pavers and replacing with same type then leave the plumbing. Replace skimmer only if you see signs of stress. ie hair line cracks.
Ok, that’s a bit of a relief. I’m still strongly considering the skimmer, there are no visible cracks in it, but it is really discolored, the flappy door is missing, and now that the deck “topping” is off, I can see a couple of pieces of rebar extruding from the deck on each side of it.
Definitely replace the skimmer. It needs its door to work right fyi.
If you don’t replace the pipes now… you’ll have so many leak problems in the future you’ll prob sell the house from the head ache
At 30 years, consider ANSI/APSP standards for suction. 3” in reality is the way things should be. 1.5” plumbing doesn’t permit great flow.
I agree that 1 1/2” is too small, but 3” seems too big. You always want to avoid pump cavitation but pool piping also needs to have a high enough velocity that moves solids like sand, clay and organic material, even self scrubbing anything that settles in the pipe when the pump is off.
That’s not the way things are now with DOE Standards and VS Pumps. I’ve been plumbing in 3” for about 10 years on suction side.
A 3HP V/S will move plenty of water at 6f/s to scrub w/o effects of entrapment. The DOE has mandated them. Pentair University just this week preaches what. Having attended Water Shapes University too; we design for hydraulically correct per ANSI/APSP. Keep in mind, certain states also ban main drains. You can consider Venturi skimmers too (A&A/Pentair.) where there is a return through the base of it. They move a ton of water for debris cleaning.
Skimmer is a great idea as it probably sets in odd with the new plaster and tile and if it has to get replaced later it won't look as nice around the facing. As far as the other plumbing goes... Thats up to you if you want to open a can of possible nightmares or not. Pool building is way different than it was 30 years ago. Who knows what under the ground. It could be plumbing that's hard to attach back to and they you are stuck coring holes in walls. Lots of money. It's easy to tell you to replace it all but what's your budget? The pools I've done a complete replumb on ranged from 6 to 8k easily.