Cassandra.org
Background
This project was needed to correct a few mistaken made during the Pool Pad Reconfiguration Project. The mistakes included:
- I used cheap valves with brittle handles.
- I did an inferior pipe patch due to a mistake when assembling some unions.
- I did not properly support a PVC pipe.
Broken pre-filter valve handle
Patched chlorinator connection
Bowed booster pump suction line
Blue handled valve on suction line
The acute issue and the impetus for the project was the main suction line valve handle breaking and needing to pay a pool repair person to replace it. The handle broke and left sharp edges and then eventually broke to be unusable. Since I did not have good way to fully stop the water from the pool in the suction line, I figured a professional would have some tricks to solve this.
However, that same type of valve was using in other places in the pool equipment plumbing and it was not to only one whose handle broke. I learned from the repair person that red handled ones I installed were known for being poor quality. He installed a replacement blue handled valve and claimed to never have seen a blue one with a broken handle.
New full union CPVC valves
This got me to do some research and I found an even better solution that the blue handled valves. The best solutions involved using a full union valve that is serviceable. If the valve leaks, you can fix it without having to cut pipes and redo the plumbing: you just replace the seals. Further, CPVC is better quality and longer lasting that a regular PVC valve.
More Problem Pictures
Broken return line valve handle
Broken return line valve handle (closeup)
Check valve closeup
Chlorinator patch and booster line
Broken valve handle closeup
Booster pump suction and return lines
Fixing
Dimensions for new chlorinator unions
PVC pipe
Water trickle to prevent sucking air
First cut into return line pipe
First pipe cut
Assembly for check valve to return
Assembly to replace patched connection
Assembling new check valve run
Union valve closeup with booster return line
Final Result
Final result - view northeast
Final result - view east
Final result - view southeast
Final result - view south
Final full union valve closeup
Final return lines closeup
Final return lines closeup (alt)
Booster pump sunctionn line valve