How to Plumb an In Ground Swimming Pool

There's nothing quite like an in ground swimming pool on a hot summer's day. Installing an in ground swimming pool can not only offer relief from the heat, but add vale and beauty to your home. Plumbing an in ground swimming pool is a long process, and with time, you can do it yourself.

Instructions

The Pipes

1. Use flex pipe, poly pipe, or PVC when plumbing an in ground swimming pool.
   Lay the pipe behind the walls on top of the concrete pad. Spread some sand on top of the pad if it is rough. It's important not to stress or kink the lines when you plumb an in ground swimming pool as little as possible.

2. Buy at least 30 percent more than whet you need when you are installing an in ground swimming pool. The amount that you will need will vary according to the design of the pool's installation.

3. Chose the same pipe as you would for the skimmer's drain to make inlets. Make sure you have a line running from the skimmer to the main drain, then one from the main drain to the pump hose. If you have two pool skimmers, you would have a dedicated line for each.

4. Slope the suction line that runs from the pool to the pump to prevent the possibility of air lock. Keep that same slop when you install the skimmer line when you plumb an in ground pool. Use 2 inch lines if the filter and pump are beyond 50 feet from the pool.

5. Bend flexible pipe around the corners instead of using elbows.

6. Install more than one main drain when you plumb an in ground swimming pool. Tie them in with a T drain.

7. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the adapter to create a better seal when you screw it into the fitting. You can add joint compound as well. Make sure you use stainless steel clamps with poly pipe. Tighten the clamp's screws on "opposite sides of the pipe. If needed, you can heat the poly pipe to make it more flexible when you plumb an in ground pool.

The Filter and Pump

1. Connect the skimmer to the pump by attaching hose.

2. Install the inlets through the floor of the "filter house".

3. Fill the sand filter's tank with silica sand.

4. Make sure you have the proper voltage running to the pump motor. Generally speaking, 220 is the usual voltage needed for pumps for in ground pools.

5. Put together the plumbing for the in ground pool and the filter before you install the liner. You should also ensure that the filter works properly before putting any chemicals in the water.

6. Run the filter and the pump to make sure there are no leaks. If no repairs are necessary, put in the back fill.

Tips & Warnings

• In areas where frost is a consideration, support the pipes that run from the fittings with elbows that are 90 degrees, and run them below to the concrete footing. This helps to prevent breakage at the fittings.