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PVC Pool Pipe Dimensions

PVC Pool Pipe Dimensions

Many people have questions on what size pool pipe they have. You would think that 1-1/2″ pipe or 2″ pipe would measure 1-1/2″ or 2″ but that would be too easy. I thought the easiest tool to help determine your pool pipe size would be a few pictures along with dimensions. I hope this helps!

1-1/2" pvc pool pipe1-1/2" pvc pipe fitting 2" pvc pool pipe2" pvc pipe fitting2-1/2" PVC Pool Pipe

author avatar
Patrick Paroline

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43 responses to “PVC Pool Pipe Dimensions”

  1. Justin Avatar

    I have a question about piping my new pool. I will have a 1 main drain, 1 skimmer, and 1 return. It is a 30 ft 54 inch deep above ground pool. What would be the best PVC hard pipe size to use. I was thinking of running 1.5 inch pipe from the skimmer and the floor drain. Upsizing to 2 inches at the pump, 2 inches out of the filter back down to 1.5 inch return. I would do all 2 inch piping but I can’t find a 2 inch skimmer. And I’m unsure if you can fit or find a 2 inch return.

  2. TTAJOSH Avatar

    I have two – 2” suction lines that go to a Hayward 3 Port 2-2.5” Diverter Valve then converts over to 2.5” pipe as it enters the pump. Will I get a 2.5” flow rate potential of 75 GPM after the pump?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      If the diameter of the 2″ side of the valve is only 2.067, then you are limited to 2″. The smaller opening creates a pinch point, so if You have 3″ pipe section,t but join that with 1.5″ adapter, the flow through that section is only top out to the 1.5″ pipe rating.

  3. Ray Avatar

    I purchased an RX clear sand filter and am having a heck of a time finding the right union thread to fit it. I have tried everything and have had no luck.
    Hayward 1 1/2 is too big. Standard 2″ is just too small. A flexible pvc hose that’s supposed to connect pump to sand filter was too small and the wrong threads.

    This is the exact same male thread connector that interconnects between my filter/waste switch on my pump and my cartridge filter that i’m replacing.
    The outside of the threads measures exactly 2 5/8″ The threads are the same spacing as 1 1/2″ pvc pipe thread except they are kind of Saw tooth in profile.

    Any idea what i could purchase? I was looking at Waterway Plastics 806105082145 2.5 in. Pump Union Assembly so i can plumb into 2″ pvc but i just don’t know about these threads.

    Thank you so much.

  4. Ernesto Avatar

    Thanks for your reply.

  5. Ernest Avatar

    Hi, I have 3/4 pipe size at the supply and 1-1/2 for the suction side with a 3/4 hp pump, can I replace pump to 1hp. Cartridge filter.

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      Probably not, because the 3/4″ supply line is likely too small to accommodate a 1 HP. Also, is this an Intex pool? If so, their pump ratings are not standard. So their 3/4 HP pumps are not as powerful as a standard above ground pool pump.

  6. Nasser Avatar

    Hi Matthew, what’s the best pipe size for 20,000 Galon pool, with Variable speed pumb, heater, UV.

    -Would it be a good idea to have the Pulled water pipes toward the Pump larger in size, ex 3 inch than the Pushed water toward the inlets 2 1/2 inch. ?

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      It depends on what your pool equipment is set for. Is your pump, filter, and heater set up for 3 inch pipe or are they the new standard of 2 inches?

      It wouldn’t make sense to run 3″ inch pipe to equipment that is only 2 inch.

  7.  Avatar

    Hi Matthew, what’s the best pipe size for 20,000 Galon pool, with Variable speed pumb, heater, UV.

    -Would it be a good idea to have the Pulled water pipes toward the Pump larger in size, ex 3 inch than the Pushed water toward the inlets 2 1/2 inch. ?

  8. Matthew Simmons Avatar

    Donna, there are two ways to figure this out. First, look on the pipe, there may be writing on the side of the pipe, that states the pipe size. The other would be comparing your pipe measurements to all those pictures up in the article.

    1. MCC Avatar

      Hi Mathew, I want to have a 15X34 rectangular pool built, how can I figure out how many ft of pipes I will need?

      1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

        Create a diagram of the pool, your backyard, and where the equipment is going to be. Note where the skimmer, main drains, and returns will be set in relation to the pool equipment. Make detailed measurements and account for changes in level, like the depth of the main drain to the pump. This will give you a rough estimate.

  9. Donna DiFonzo Avatar

    We have a clog in the pipe that leads from the simmer basket intake (in ground pool) to the pump.
    A pool company tried using a hyrdoflush , but failed to unclog the pipe.. They suggested getting a drain company or plumber with a camera to identify the clog. Roto Rooter and some other local drain companies do have a camera; however, they can only go into a 2″ pipe. The drain company that we hired claims our pipe is only 1 1/2″ in diameter. But I am not sure I trusted him as he was very inexperienced. How do I find out how wide our pipe is?Thank you. Donna

  10. Chris Avatar

    Hi I have purchased a pool in Spain and have found
    One of the skimmers is not connected to the other( no pipe) the pipe work is 2″ but I can’t get a screw thread
    Connector to fit bottom of the skimmer it’s either too
    small or too big , any ideas please

    1. Matthew Simmons Avatar

      So are you just looking for a threaded connector? If so you should be able to get that from a plumbing store.

      If I am off base, please clarify what you are needing.

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