Where to put plunger valves on new pool set-up

[newtopoolsga]

So the pool is up at last (Intex 14 X 42):


After 3 weeks of leveling - will see how it goes when we fill it. We bought the 16 inch Intex Sand filter. I am now sat in an array of hoses, plungers, inlets, outlets, etc. I have watched countless YouTube videos and read hundreds of threads on this board (the only way I have gotten this far).

The upgraded pump comes with a inlet valve which has the bigger fittings (1.5) to match:


I am going to cut the pool (!) to fit this through as the existing inlet is 1.25. So that will give me 1.5 back into the pool. Then I have the dual suction outlets - these are unfortunately also 1.25. I was/am willing to cut those holes to be bigger but it turns out the upgraded pump does not come with the 1.5 outlet strainer connectors (not sure if correct terminology). Also, does not come with the two 1.5 hoses I would need. So I believe I need to stick with the 1.25 strainer connectors for both outlets that came with the pool:


I would then use the hoses and t-junction that comes with the pool - and then connect the bottom of the t-junction to the 1.5 into the pump by converting the 1.25 bottom of the T to 1.5 using this B Adapter:

Will running these two 1.25 hoses into my larger filter (with the appropriate connectors) be a problem with volume of water flow to the pump?

Lastly, I also purchased 2 plunger valves:


I think I should put one on the inlet back to the pool (looks like will screw on to the 1.5 inlet that came with the upgraded pump). Is this correct? The plunger valves seems to be 1.25 so I would need to use the adapter to get it to connect to the 1.5 I am cutting into the liner. Would this make the larger 1.5 opening pointless (because the 1.5 hose from the pump would connect to the 1.25 plunger valve to then go back to the 1.5 strainer that I cut to fit?

If this is the correct place for this plunger valve, where should I put the other one? Directly at the pump to stop the flow from both of the suction outlets? Or perhaps on the suction outlet where I will install my over the wall skimmer?

Thanks in advance for any help and apologies for the long question! We are only going to be able to have this pool up for this summer (Covid/HOA restrictions).

 

[kellyfair]

I’m going to have to read through your post a few times, in steps, to make sure I understand what you are doing. But first, I want to say don’t cut anything until you have water in the pool, up to several inches below where you will be making the lowest cut. This will insure that your liner is already stretched before cutting, rather than after (Bad!)

Next, here is my set up, where I went with all larger fittings and flexible pvc for hoses. I also cut in a skimmer, which I understand you don’t want to do since you’ll be removing pool in a few months. Stay tuned for next post!

 

[kellyfair]

upgraded pump does not come with the 1.5 outlet strainer connectors (not sure if correct terminology). Also, does not come with the two 1.5 hoses I would need.

Ok, first question - did the pump come with any strainers or hoses?

 

[newtopoolsga]

Yes, the original pump came with 1.25 strainers and hoses. The bigger pump came with only 1 larger inlet connector. I think I saw one of your previous posts about filling with water before cutting so phew, you saved me there. I have bitten the bullet and cut the inlet port for the bigger fitting for the inlet. Looks like I now need to connect one of my plunger valves here?

 

[kellyfair]

Yep, you will connect the one plunger valve to the inlet - make sure you have all gaskets and o rings in place, and if you get a little dripping, use Pool Lube on the fitting.

 

[newtopoolsga]

It’s on!

Thank you! I think now I need to install the small strainers to the 2 inlets. I only have 1 plunger valve left. Should I put it on the leftmost outlet so that I can shut it off if skimmer (on rightmost outlet) needs more flow? Then the rightmost outlet I won’t have a valve (although can order one to add later).

 

[kellyfair]

That is what I would do. It’s also good to be able to close off everything if you need to do anything to the pump.

 

[Dadofthree74]

I’m going to have to read through your post a few times, in steps, to make sure I understand what you are doing. But first, I want to say don’t cut anything until you have water in the pool, up to several inches below where you will be making the lowest cut. This will insure that your liner is already stretched before cutting, rather than after (Bad!)

Next, here is my set up, where I went with all larger fittings and flexible pvc for hoses. I also cut in a skimmer, which I understand you don’t want to do since you’ll be removing pool in a few months. Stay tuned for next post!

View attachment 145404

Can you tell us about your T joint and how you did that. If you have posted before is there a link ? Looks like you cut one end of the flexible intex pipe and glued it to a 1 1/2 in T joint. Did you add anything between the T joint and the tubing? Thanks

 

[kellyfair]

Can you tell us about your T joint and how you did that. If you have posted before is there a link ? Looks like you cut one end of the flexible intex pipe and glued it to a 1 1/2 in T joint. Did you add anything between the T joint and the tubing? Thanks

I think there is a link somewhere, but it’s a couple of years old, at least!

That isn’t Intex, that is 1.5 inch flex PVC into a 1.5 inch T. Works just like regular PVC when you prime and glue it - forms a permanent bond.