Potential issues with galvanized or cast iron plumbing

[QPSUtah]

Was contacted by a customer who wants a new equipment set. The pool is closed for the winter, but looking at the equipment room, it appears the equipment is connected to galvanized 1 1/2" plumbing (see pictures). The customer is telling me they were told by the pro who used to maintain/service the pool that the underground plumbing is cast iron and that you can't connect new equipment to cast iron plumbing.

What limitations would there potentially be with cast iron and/or galvanized plumbing? Issues with a salt cell chlorine generator in either case? Assuming the plumbing is 1 1/2" throughout, and pump flow and programming is set up correctly, any other concerns with either material for plumbing long term? And given the above ground plumbing appears to be galvanized, is looking at the main drain in the pool the best bet to see the plumbing material used there?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bperry]

Was contacted by a customer who wants a new equipment set. The pool is closed for the winter, but looking at the equipment room, it appears the equipment is connected to galvanized 1 1/2" plumbing (see pictures). The customer is telling me they were told by the pro who used to maintain/service the pool that the underground plumbing is cast iron and that you can't connect new equipment to cast iron plumbing.

What limitations would there potentially be with cast iron and/or galvanized plumbing? Issues with a salt cell chlorine generator in either case? Assuming the plumbing is 1 1/2" throughout, and pump flow and programming is set up correctly, any other concerns with either material for plumbing long term? And given the above ground plumbing appears to be galvanized, is looking at the main drain in the pool the best bet to see the plumbing material used there?

Thanks in advance!



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You’re kinda joking right? The pictures you posted are full of leak patches on the pipes. There’s some potential concerns for sure.

 

[QPSUtah]

You’re kinda joking right? The pictures you posted are full of leak patches on the pipes. There’s some potential concerns for sure.

Not really joking, hence the question. Most everything above ground would be replaced. The leak fixes are around valves. But are you suggesting if that is leaking, that the in-ground plumbing is also likely leaking? What is the expected life of in-ground galvanized or cast iron plumbing?

 

[Bperry]

Not really joking, hence the question. Most everything above ground would be replaced. The leak fixes are around valves. But are you suggesting if that is leaking, that the in-ground plumbing is also likely leaking? What is the expected life of in-ground galvanized or cast iron plumbing?

Kinda depends on the environment. The life of galvanized piping in Ca homes is about 25 years. If it’s buried under ground, I might expect it to be less than that. Even in 1975, PVC pool plumbing was the norm. That must be really old plumbing.

 

[QPSUtah]

Copper plumbing should be no problem with a SWG. Cast iron plumbing could be a problem. Many pool heaters have copper heat exchangers.

How many gallons in your pool? We recommend you get a SWG whose generating capacity is is 2X your pool volume.

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What is the potential problem between cast iron plumbing and SWG? I was contacted by a customer who wants new equipment, and I was going to suggest a SWG, but came across this post that I could be a problem. Plumbing is galvanized coming out of the ground but she was told it was cast iron underground to the pool (pool is closed for the winter, so can't look at the drain plumbing from inside the pool right now).

 

[Newdude]

Test the existing salinity. It may have alreadly long been a salt pool, or close enough to not be a 'new' issue if you switch.

 

[JamesW]

Show the inside of the pipe.

Make sure that any contract specifically excludes any warranty related to the plumbing.

Make sure that you specifically note that the galvanized plumbing can fail at any point and that you are not responsible regardless of whatever equipment you install.

Also, require weekly chemistry tests that you can do or verify.

 

[QPSUtah]

Show the inside of the pipe.

Make sure that any contract specifically excludes any warranty related to the plumbing.

Make sure that you specifically note that the galvanized plumbing can fail at any point and that you are not responsible regardless of whatever equipment you install.

Also, require weekly chemistry tests that you can do or verify.

Thanks James. When the pool opens up, I'll see if we can get a better view of the pipe.

Would you have concerns about running a liquid chlorine feeder in metal plumbing as well?

 

[JamesW]

In my opinion, cast iron is going to be an issue with any type of equipment.

I do not think that there are any really good choices.

How old is the pipe?

Let's get a look inside the pipe.