Spa Flex

[dwdenny]

Ok I decided that when I drill my tank(when the hole saws get here) I will be using spa flex as the drains and return lines. I am assuming that you can use regular PVC primer and cement or is there a special primer and cement to use. Also I was at HD and they have some but not the 2" I need so I will have to run by the local pool place and get some there. But the stuff and HD was not very flexable does it get a little easier when at normal house temps or do you have to work it into the curves you need.

[pilot_bell777]

It stays hard to work with! LOL

What is did was used a hose barb fitting of the correct size and then worked it on. I don't even have hose clamps on mine and it doesn't leak a bit. PITA to get on the hose barb though. Not sure if they make the hose barbs that big, sure you find them online, but maybe not at HD. I'm using the 1 1/2" Spa flex on my tank.

[dwdenny]

well I was thinking of using it to try to keep from using 90 and 45 elbows as much as possible that is.lol I will be using 1" for the overflow and return from sump so much easier to work with probably. I have a 2" bulkhead for the CL drain to the pump but I dont want to put a reducer to 1 1/2" then reduce again at the pump to 1" would like to stay 2" as long as possible.

[pilot_bell777]

See if you can find a 2" hose barb fitting, sure they are out there. put that on your bulkhead for the drain, and then run the spa flex to where you want to go.....you're not making any 90s or corners or anyting for the drain are you????


Instead of spa flex just use 1" braided flex tubing for the returns. Works jsut as well and it is easier to bend and work with! LOL

[LoneStar]

Normal PVC primer and glue works with the Spa Flex. You can glue any type of pvc fitting on it. Its the same OD as normal PVC pipe.

[mathias]

I use hose clamps on mine and work like a charm these are a must I didn't have one and had a small swimming pool later that night :)


we live and we learn

[dwdenny]

See if you can find a 2" hose barb fitting, sure they are out there. put that on your bulkhead for the drain, and then run the spa flex to where you want to go.....you're not making any 90s or corners or anyting for the drain are you????


Instead of spa flex just use 1" braided flex tubing for the returns. Works jsut as well and it is easier to bend and work with! LOL

For the drain from the bulkhead for the CL I was planning on one 90 just as it comes off the bulkhead as I dont have a lot of room behind the tank only about 8" whick if(big if) I calculated right should give me plenty of room. As far as the returns and drains from the Calfo no I was planning on a gentle curve from the flex tube down to the sump then back up to the tank. The pumps have MPT fittings guess I could use a threaded barb fitting with hose clamps for the braided stuff and as well for the sap flex. Just never worked with it so I am unsure.

[pilot_bell777]

Ah....its easy....go speand an extra $100 on stuff you don't need, then bring it home and figure it out. Its no hard....LOL

[captexas]

Spa flex is better in that it provides an easier curve (reduces head pressure) for the liquid going through it instead of having a hard 90 elbow. That doesn't mean it will make a 90 bend in less space though. And as 2in. spa flex is pretty big, it will take up some room making that bend. You might try using a 45 PVC elbow and then gluing the spa flex to it to reduce the space taken up or if you are really limited on space behind the tank, attache a 90 PVC elbow to the bulkhead and then glue the spa flex to that. Even going that route still makes it easier to get the drain to your sump down below.

As far as gluing versus using hose barbs, it's up to you. I have used spa flex on hose barbs and once they are on, they don't come off unless you cut it with a razor knife which is a real pain if you need to disconnect or replace the tubing, especially crammed between a tank and a wall. On my next tank I will use spa flex glued to PVC union connectors to make it easier to remove for cleaning or changing the setup in the future.

[dwdenny]

I was thinking for the 2" that will go directly to the CL pump so a 90 PVC elbow probaly wont be to bad here as the intake for the pump is 1". For the Calfo I think I will be able to plumb without the 90 but might have to use a 45 will have to try it out once I get the tank drilled and bulkheads installed. I was thinking also of putting a ball valve on right after the 90 on the 2" then a union so that I can cut off the water and clean the pipe all the way to the pump then a union at the pump as well. Is there a better way to do this or am I even clear on what I want to do here.