Basic Pool Plumbing Elements

Every single pool or spa has some basic pool plumbing elements. You need to know at least some things about them in order to be prepared in the case of needed repairs. Let us analyze the most common ones by tracing the path of the water. We will have skimmers, main drains and different types of plumbing. Water enters your system through a surface skimmer, a main drain on the floor or a combination of both.

Skimmers pull water into the system from the surface by using a skimming action. They pull dirt, leaves and more before they can get to the bottom of the pool, offering a suction line for vacuuming it. Most skimmers can be checked through a plastic or concrete top although there is also the situation in which you can analyze it through the opening facing the pool.

The main drains consist of one or more plumbing ports. At least one is necessary because it links a pipe to the pump. Another port should also exist as water can collect under the pool and create enough pressure to crack it. By using a new plumbing port this water can be sucked out and this eliminates the hydrostatic pressure that can appear.

PVC is the most common material used in pool plumbing elements. In this case you have plastic or metal pieces of pipes and plumbing connectors that join them together. Pipes act as males which are glued to female openings on the plumbing connectors. An alternative connection can be achieved by pipes with sides joining together through a screw system. In most cases, plastic pipes that are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are used and are manufactured in a diversity of sizes and strengths. Copper plumbing is also common but it is more difficult to repair and install, not to mention the fact that it is quite expensive. Copper plumbing is currently replaced with PVC, mainly because it will corrode as time passes. One may also encounter iron pipes that are coated with zinc, a combination known as Galvanized plumbing. Whatever the type of plumbing met, all have the same basis of installation.

To do a quick recap, the basic pool plumbing elements consist of skimmers or main drains and a pipe system that carries water around. Although it might seem as an easy system, it is not because while installing it you have to pay attention to drainage levels and that all is properly sealed. You wouldn’t want leaks appearing so attention is always needed.

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