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...best way to steam clean carpeted stairsThis product warning shall be given to every purchaser of Spa Hose. best carpet cleaning extractors has this at the bottom of their flexible PVC page:pool in las vegas with sharks "Note: Spa Hoses can be damaged by rodents or insects, including termites."carpet cleaning software ipad Do I even need to ask if you have termites?  carpet cleaning vancouver pricesDoes it really matter?  which best buy steamer 2012

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.  I believe and hope it's because they don't know any better.  There's no doubt that it saves time, and we all know that time is money.  The 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.  We are proud to offer one of the largest pool and spa parts departments in the Pittsburgh area. With over 5,000 parts from more than 10 different manufacturers, we’re sure to have just what you need. We even stock those hard to find and discontinued parts you’ve been searching for. Not sure what you need? Our staff specializes in pool and spa repair, and can help you find just what you need to get your pool system running efficiently again. When you visit Valley Pool and Spa, you can be sure that your time is never wasted. We maintain a full stock so that we’re sure to have what you need when you need it. And if for some reason you come into the store and can’t get what you need, we’ll have it shipped to your door in 4 days or less!

We also offer pool equipment repair services on-site for your convenience. Our repair staff is highly trained and experienced in pool equipment cleaning, servicing and repair. For expert advice and service you can trust, bring your pool pump or automatic pool cleaner in to one of our three Pittsburgh area locations. For the widest selection of pool and spa equipment in the Pittsburgh area, visit one of our three convenient locations. We offer a huge selection of equipment from over 10 pool and spa equipment manufacturers, including Hayward, Pentair, Waterway and Jandy. Our range of filtering systems, heaters, chlorinators, cleaners, solar heaters, and lighting are fully stocked year-round to offer you the best selection. Whether you have an in ground or above ground pool or spa, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right solution for your needs. Featured Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filtering Systems DE systems offer the cleanest, most bacteria free, sparkling water then any other type of filtering system.

Valley Pool & Spa recommends DE systems in most swimming pools! Featured Filter Cartridge Filtering Systems Filter Cartridge pool filtering systems offer tremendous ease of use. Just like a car air filter, every swimming season you just replace the filter cartridge! You can even keep your filter cartridge clean with a special cleaner so you can get up to three seasons out of one cartridge. Sand pool filtering systems are a very reliable and lower cost alternative to the other two types. Sand systems also offer ease of use! Every pool season all you have to do is replace the special filter sand contained inside the tank. All filtering systems are available in our North Versailles, PA, Greensburg, PA and Monroeville, PA locations. Stop by today to talk to one of our equipment specialists to find the right filter for your pool. Every system is on display and we have over 100 systems in-stock at all times throughout the season. No one in the Pittsburgh area stocks more swimming pool filtering systems then we do!

Featured Natural Gas & Propane Heaters Natural gas and propane heaters offer a wide array of options for heating different size pools. These types of heaters generally cost less up front than electric heat pumps, but cost a little more to operate on a regular basis. Electric heat pumps are quickly becoming the more popular choice in swimming pool water heating. No fuel lines to run and more efficient heating make a heat pump a great choice. ll pool heaters are available in our North Versailles, PA, Greensburg, PA and Monroeville, PA locations. Stop by today to talk to one of our equipment specialists to find the right heater for your pool. Every heater is on display and we have over 50 heaters in-stock at all times throughout the season. No one in the Pittsburgh area stocks more swimming pool heating systems then we do! Auto pool cleaners are definitely the way to go! Imagine just dropping in the cleaner, hooking up the hose or plug, and just walking away. Choose from a wide variety of different lighting systems for above and inground pools.