6000-907 Sundance Spas Jacuzzi - Aqua-Flo Circulation Pump 240 VAC 6540-210 PVC Couplings 2" Slip 6540-265 PVC Elbow 45 Degrees 2" Slip 6540-420 PVC Flex Pipe Hose 2" inner diameter (ordered by the foot)Swimming Pool Plumbing: Rigid PVC vs. Flexible PVC, Which is Better? Visit any online pool and spa forum and you'll find that a leak is one of the most frustrating experiences a pool owner can have.  Finding, fixing, and not to mention paying for a leak will make anyone want to pull their hair out!  Needless to say, a pool builder needs to use the best installation methods and building materials available to prevent leaks along with all the bloody consequences that follow.  Today I want to turn our attention to the most fundamental component of a pool's plumbing:  Polyvinyl Chloride tubing....or PVC pipe.  There are two primary types of PVC pipe used in residential inground pool construction today:  Rigid PVC pipe and Flexible PVC pipe.  Let's compare these subterranean tubes to determine which you would rather have under your pool patio.

What Rigid PVC and Flexible PVC have in common: What makes Rigid PVC and Flexible PVC different: So far, we can basically see that we have a choice between a pipe that is stronger and more difficult to install verses one that is weaker and easier to install.  All things being equal, I'm going with the one that's easier to install!  But alas, things are never quite that simple, are they?  Flexible PVC pipe is much easier to install, but should never be used on an inground swimming pool....period! Why Flexible PVC pipe should never be used on an inground pool: 1.)  Several years ago while attending a seminar on inground pool plumbing the instructor passed a small section of pipe around the room.  When it finally came around to me I was astonished!  It was a piece of 2" flexible PVC pipe with dozens of tiny holes in it.  My first thought was: 'What the heck?'  Then the instructor said one word....."Termites!"  Flexible PVC pipe is simply not suitable for underground use, but don't take my word for it:

Kuriyama of America, a large distributor of flexible PVC states:Spa Hoses (flexible PVC pipe) can be damaged by rodents or insects, including termites. Spa Hose should not be used underground in areas infested by termites.  Our warranty does not cover damages caused by them...This product warning shall be given to every purchaser of Spa Hose. has this at the bottom of their flexible PVC page: "Note: Spa Hoses can be damaged by rodents or insects, including termites." Do I even need to ask if you have termites?  Does it really matter?  Why would you take the chance?  The more appropriate question is:  Why would a pool builder take the chance? 2.)  Flexible PVC pipe is much easier to puncture or crush than rigid PVC pipe.  It's simply not as strong, and considering all the pressures exerted on underground pipe, strength is a good thing!  I have seen "flex pipe" crushed and punctured both during construction and while working in a yard with existing pipe in the ground. 

Anyone digging in a back yard needs to use caution, but personally, I would feel much more comfortable digging in a backyard that I know has rigid pipe versus flex pipe. So Why is Flexible PVC used on Inground Pools? Although the swimming pool contractors that use flexible PVC on inground pools are in the minority, they are out there.  Maltese Puppies For Sale In Virginia BeachI believe and hope it's because they don't know any better.  Used Furniture Stores Westerville OhioThere's no doubt that it saves time, and we all know that time is money.  House And Lot For Sale Tacloban City 2012The real question is: ‘Will you have it in your back yard?'  Needless to say I wouldn't and neither will any of my customers! 

The last thing we need is to feed the termite population and waste our time finding and fixing leaks!  Please feel free to comment below and don't forget to subscribe to our blog before leaving.  Starting up your new Hot Spring Highlife or Hot Spring Highlife NXT hot tub is not as overwhelming as it might seem. We realize you may see conflicting information, especially if you are getting tips and advice from the Internet. It’s important to remember that not all hot tubs are made to function in the same manner, so please call your salesperson if you have any questions about starting up your hot tub for the first time. If you have well water (private or community) we strongly recommend using a pre-filter attachment on your water hose to reduce and eliminate problematic minerals from entering your hot tub. Please take the time to read thru the following instructions before starting to fill your new spa and refer to the section below, Hot Tub Water Care Guide, for how to properly balance your new spa’s water! 

Watkins Manufacturing Corporation does not recommend that the spa be filled with “softened” water, as this may damage the spa’s equipment. IMPORTANT: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation does not recommend that the spa be filled with “softened” water, as this may damage the spa’s equipment. IMPORTANT: Be sure that the Smart Jet diverter valve(s) is in the “3-O’Clock” position (see illustration on diverter valves in Owner’s Manual) before priming the pump for the first time. Balancing your hot tub water should not begin until your spa is heated to the desired temperature.  As your water heats up, pH and Alkaline levels may change, so it’s important not to rush through the startup process. Once your hot tub has achieved the desired temperature, you may test the spa water for the first time with your test strips. Simply dip the test strip in the water and then pull the strip out of the water and line up the colored pads on the strip to the back of the bottle.

Make a note of what your readings are before adding any chemicals to the water. Ideally, your spa’s pH should read between 7.2-7.6 ppm and the Alkaline should be between 80-120 ppm. If you have an ACE SALT SYSTEM installed on your new Hot Spring Spa, please scroll to the bottom of this page for a link to view Hot Spring’s YouTube Videos. They will offer you an easy step-by-step guide to using your new ACE SALT SYSTEM. Important: If you have high calcium and lime levels in your water or if your water is very hard, you might want to use the Vanishing Act treatment prior to adding any chemicals to your spa. This will eliminate harmful deposits from forming in your equipment and keep your clean and clear! You are now ready to use your new hot tub!!! A few things to remember… After each use: we recommend adding one tablespoon per person of the Oxidizer after each use while running a “clean cycle”. This will help keep your water fresh and clear by removing organics.

Weekly: If using Chlorine as your sanitizer, add 1-2 tablespoons weekly while running a “clean cycle”. Test your water for pH and Alkaline levels and adjust if needed. Monthly: Clean your filter, even if it looks clean, at least once a month. This will remove all organic and mineral build up and will help keep your water fresh and clean. Just rinse it with a hose on a high power nozzle to release all undesirables. Quarterly: Replace your Nature 2 Silver Ion Mineral Cartridge. These have a finite lifespan of four months and should be refreshed 3 times a year. Clean your spa cover to remove any mildew and apply a protective coat of CoverShield to the top of the cover. Drain and refill your spa as needed. For most customers, this is once every six months. But’s not unusual to go a little longer if you water is looking good and performing well. Plan to do a drain and refill once a year, at the minimum. ***IF YOU HAVE AN OZONATOR installed on your spa, it is not unusual for your “FCL” or Free Chlorine levels to read at “0” on your test strip.