Things You'll Need
Tape measure
4 male PVC connectors
4 quick-disconnect unions
Teflon tape
PVC pipe
Hacksaw
Sandpaper
Aboveground pools usually come with a filter and hoses when you purchase them. However, the hoses are flexible plastic hoses that will become brittle and crack after too much sun and chemical exposure. Your options are to replace the hoses with the same quality, and repeat the process every few years to hard plumb your filter. Hard plumbing is the act of replacing the flexible plastic hoses with the hard plastic PVC piping commonly used in plumbing.
Step 1
Measure the size of the input and outflow pool hoses. The average diameter size is 1 ½ inches, but it is important that these are the right size. Ideally, you want to purchase male connectors that will slide through from the inside of the pool outwards to provide the PVC a threaded end to screw onto.
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Step 2
Insert the male connectors into the input and outflow hoses of the pool with the threaded ends pointing outwards. Wrap the threads with Teflon tape and attach a quick-disconnect union. This will transition from threaded ends to smooth.
Step 3
Attach elbow connectors to the quick-disconnect unions with the elbows pointing downwards.
Step 4
Measure from the elbow to the ground and subtract the length of another elbow piece. Cut a piece of pipe to this measurement with the hacksaw. Sand the cut edges around the outside of the pipe. Repeat for another piece of pipe for the other connector.
Step 5
Apply PVC glue to the pipe and insert it into the elbow connector. Hold in place for about one minute to make sure the glue holds. Repeat on the other piece coming from the pool.
Step 6
Apply glue to the bottom of the pipe and attach another elbow piece with the elbow pointing towards the pump and filter. Repeat on the other piece coming from the pool.
Step 7
Measure the distance from the elbow to the base of the pump and filter, and cut a piece of pipe this distance. Measure from the other elbow connector to the base of the pump and filter and cut a second piece of pipe for this distance.
Step 8
Sand the pieces and apply PVC glue to the ends. Insert the ends into the elbow connectors and hold in place for a minute.
Step 9
Apply PVC glue to the other ends of these pipes, and attach another elbow connector with the connector pointing up towards the intake and outflow of the pump and filter.
Step 10
Wrap the threads on the pump and filter ports with Teflon tape, and attach male PVC connectors to the ports. Wrap these threads with Teflon tape. Attach a quick-disconnect union to each male connector.
Step 11
Attach elbow connectors to the quick-disconnect unions with the elbows pointing down.
Step 12
Measure the distance from the elbow connector on the port to the elbow connector at the base of the pump and filter, and cut a piece of pipe to this measurement. Sand the ends and apply glue to both ends of the pipe.
Step 13
Insert the pipe into the elbow connectors and hold in place for a minute for the glue to set. Repeat with the other port on the pump.
Tip
Allow the PVC glue to dry the maximum recommended time before turning the pump and filter on. When you do turn it on, check carefully for leaks and plug them with additional PVC glue.
Warning
Keep track of which line you are inserting into which port. The intake of the pump needs to connect to the outflow of the pool. Reversing these lines could cause damage to the pump and filter.