When it comes to plumbing, most pool owners have one of two options:  rigid PVC (or polyvinyl chloride tubing) and flexible PVC.  There are a lot of similarities between the two, such as they both have the same chemical make-up, are cut and glued together using the same solvents and tools, and the joint feature the same PVC fittings.  However, there are some differences between the two which may affect your decision as to which to have installed with your pool.

As a rule of thumb, the flexible PVC piping should never be installed on any pool that’s being sunk inground – and here’s why:

• Termites (and possibly other bugs) will eat right through that flexible piping and render it useless within a year or so’s time
• Flexible PVC plumbing can be crushed or punctured far easier than rigid PVC pipe, which is important to consider as the plumbing will be underground and subject to a lot of changes in weight distribution (i.e. the earth it will be buried in will shift)

So Why Is Flexible PVC Plumbing Being Used?

Most professional pool contractors can only assume that those who’ll tempt using flexible PVC on an inground pool is due to inexperience and lack of education.  It’s also important for those who are shopping around for a pool contractor to consider the fact that flexible PVC does take less time, which may be why some less than reputable pool contractors and pool building companies opt to use this type of plumbing when constructing your pool (time is money, after all!).

The bottom line is that rigid PVC should be used whenever possible so as to prevent any potential problems that may come your way (unless you’re building an above-ground pool).  It’s far more durable, just as effective, and will help keep your pool in tip top shape for the next many years to come.

Shasta Pools is a Phoenix pool builder who provides a variety of services including swimming pool remodeling, commercial pool building, and pool service and repair. Since its establishment in 1967, Shasta has helped over 80,000 families realize their dream of pool ownership. By providing exceptional value, quality craftsmanship and superior customer service, the Shasta team continues to fulfill the corporate mission of astonishing and delighting their customers and exceeding expectations. You can learn more about Shasta Pools & Spas by visiting them online, or by connecting with them on Facebook or Twitter.