The measuring and cutting that goes into a hard-plumb job can be daunting to some, but is actually quite simple once all the elements are assembled. Before we begin the hard-plumb aspect of installing your skimmer we must collect a few tools and supplies. Here's a list of the minimum tools necessary to do a better than average install:
- Tubing Cutter - Make sure it's maximum cutting diameter matches the largest pipe diameter you plan on using. A hack saw also works, but you should also use a miter box to keep the cuts, 90 degrees. (90 degree cuts insure a secure fit and subsequent watertight seal).
- Teflon Pipe Tape - This is used to seal threaded connections by wrapping around the threads on fittings prior to installation. NOTE: Pipe tape is only used on threaded connections, NOT TO BE GLUED!
- Purple Primer - This is a pre-treatment for PVC. Some folks call it purple dope. It softens and prepares the actual gluing surface for the final bonding. Use sparingly...it stains carpet and clothing BIG time!
- PVC Solvent (Glue) - This is the actual glue used to connect your plumbing pipe and valves. Apply over the purple primer then mate the joints firmly. Hold till the solvent sets, (usually 1-2 min). Once pipe and fittings/valves are joined... they are permanent!
- De-burring Tool - This simply removes the burrs that a hack saw leaves when cutting pipe. Tube cutters create a perfectly clean cut without burring! You can also use an emery board or fine grit sandpaper to remove these burrs. This is important as the burring can cause leaks in the joint after gluing!
Buy your pipe in the 10' lengths, it's much cheaper than having it "milled". Take it home and cut to the length(s) needed for your application. Millwrights are great folks but they often "over-compensate" on custom cutting. I learned this the hard way, besides, at $2.00 a cut, things can get $$$!
So, here we are. Skimmer, pipe and fittings, valves and tools. Let's go!!! Always remember that a hard-plumbing installation is permanent. The use of Tru-Union valves and fittings will increase the overall expense of your effort but will pay huge dividends later. Maintenance issues alone will make this point perfectly clear later!
One last point here: For every 90 degree elbow you install on your pump line going into the skimmer, add 1 ft. of "head-pressure" to the flow rating. Four 45 degree elbows equals 2' head pressure, etc. I used a flow meter, or flow indicator, to see how many GPH were actually reaching the venturi on my skimmer before and after an installation. Keep your pipe runs as straight as possible. "T" valves make tapping off return lines from the main pump a snap!
As I mentioned before, once the dope has been applied and the joint made, there is no going back! So how then, do you get the correct angles without wasting a lot of elbows and pipe? Simple! "Dry" fit the entire plumbing hookup once all the cuttings have been made. All this entails is fitting all the elements together, shifting and making all necessary twists and corrections BEFORE ADDING ANY PRIMER OR DOPE!
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