Pureline PL1616 - Pump Plumbing; Pool Plumbing Best Practices; Check Valve Placement

Pump Plumbing
There are many different ways a pool pump can be plumbed due to space requirements, existing
plumbing, water features, etc... Due to these scenarios, we have listed some general best practices to
adhere to when plumbing a pool pump.
Pool Plumbing Best Practices
● It is best to use larger plumbing on the suction side of the pump, as this will allow the pump to prime
easier and put less stress on the pump resulting in longer pump life.
○ For example, use 2” plumbing on the suction side of the pump and then use a 2” x 1.5” reducer
bushing to reduce down to the 1.5” pump suction port. If you can only install larger plumbing on
the 12” of pipe going into the pump, then this is fine, as you will still see benefits.
● Use a minimum of 12” of straight pipe going into the suction port of the pump.
● Avoid the use of 90-degree elbows within 12” of the suction port or discharge port of the pump. The
fewer 90-degree elbows, the better.
● The use of two 45-degree fittings is better than one 90-degree elbow.
● If you are having problems with your pump keeping prime after the pump shuts off, then the use of a
check valve on the suction side of the pump will help with keeping the pump primed. Make sure the
check valve is not too close to the suction port of the pump. See check valve placement
recommendations listed below.
Check Valve Placement
1.5” Plumbing - Check valve not to be placed within 7.5” of pump suction port
2” Plumbing - Check valve not to be placed within 10” of pump suction port
2.5” Plumbing - Check valve not to be placed within 12.5” pump of suction port
Filter
Pump
Check Valve
3 Way Valve
12” straight pipe
Pump Discharge Port
Pump Suction Port
Ideal Installation
Filter
Check Valve Placement
• 1.5’’ plumbing, more than 7.5’’
from pump suction port
• 2’’ plumbing, more than 10’’
from pump suction port
• 2.5’’ plumbing, more than 12.5’’
from pump suction port
Suggested installation of pump is 12’’ above
water level.
The pump should not be installed more than
30’’ above water level.