I decided to go ahead and purchase a Pentair IntelliFlo pump based on all of your suggestions. I don't have it yet, but I am trying to plan the install. I've worked with PVC many times but have never done much with pools. I feel that I have a decent understanding of what to do but am concerned about getting everything done correctly (lined up, correct fittings, etc).
These are some of the questions that I have. I know that some of these are very basic, so I apologize in advance.
1. I would like to use unions, so that the pump is easier to service/remove. Are there any suggestions for what I should get? If I'm reading correctly, they are not included. I've seen references to using high heat versions, but it sounds like these are more important for something like a heater.
2. I am thinking that I will first cut as close to the inlet and outlet as possible. I'm hoping to then dry fit the outlet connection and adjust the inlet accordingly. One thing that I'm confused about is the gray pipe on the inlet. Is this some type of heat resistant CPVC? Depending on the fit, I may have to cut this further back and also get rid of the spigot that is there. I've never used it and assume it's to drain water for when cleaning the pump basket? Can I glue PVC fittings to this CPVC with normal PVC cement?
3. Is tape alone sufficient for a good threaded inlet/outlet connection? I'm assuming that I should avoid any type of petroleum based sealants, but I wasn't sure about something like 100% silicone.
4. The inlet height of the old pump seems to match the inlet of the Pentair. I'm hoping that's the case, and that the new one isn't higher. At least if it's lower, I can raise it up slightly. This isn't really a question, but I'm curious if this is normally an issue.
Any other ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
These are some of the questions that I have. I know that some of these are very basic, so I apologize in advance.
1. I would like to use unions, so that the pump is easier to service/remove. Are there any suggestions for what I should get? If I'm reading correctly, they are not included. I've seen references to using high heat versions, but it sounds like these are more important for something like a heater.
2. I am thinking that I will first cut as close to the inlet and outlet as possible. I'm hoping to then dry fit the outlet connection and adjust the inlet accordingly. One thing that I'm confused about is the gray pipe on the inlet. Is this some type of heat resistant CPVC? Depending on the fit, I may have to cut this further back and also get rid of the spigot that is there. I've never used it and assume it's to drain water for when cleaning the pump basket? Can I glue PVC fittings to this CPVC with normal PVC cement?
3. Is tape alone sufficient for a good threaded inlet/outlet connection? I'm assuming that I should avoid any type of petroleum based sealants, but I wasn't sure about something like 100% silicone.
4. The inlet height of the old pump seems to match the inlet of the Pentair. I'm hoping that's the case, and that the new one isn't higher. At least if it's lower, I can raise it up slightly. This isn't really a question, but I'm curious if this is normally an issue.
Any other ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
