When it comes to plumbing for inground pools and spas, one of the most important choices to make is the type of PVC pipe to use. Flex PVC and Schedule 40 PVC are two of the most common types used for pool installations, but each has its pros and cons. This post will dive into the differences between these two types of pipes, discussing their benefits and drawbacks, and provide real-world scenarios where the wrong decision was made.
What is Flex PVC?
Flex PVC (Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride) is a flexible alternative to rigid Schedule 40 PVC. Unlike traditional PVC pipe, which is solid and inflexible, Flex PVC can bend easily without the need for elbows or other fittings. It's made with a blend of PVC and additional compounds that provide flexibility and ease of installation.
What is Schedule 40 PVC?
Schedule 40 PVC is the standard rigid pipe used in a wide range of applications, from interior and exterior plumbing to pool installations. It's characterized by its solid, non-flexible structure and is typically available in sizes ranging from ½ inch to 12 inches in diameter. It is a tried-and-true material that has been used in the plumbing industry for decades due to its rigid characteristics and durability under pressure.
Although flex pvc is easier and quicker to install, there are inherent cons that can create extremely expensive repairs for pool owners in the future. The elastic nature of flex pvc allows the pipe to expand and contract with different water pressures and temperatures. This expansion will cause glue joints to fail. Flexible tubing is not rated for underground applications at all and cannot handle pressures exceeding 60 psi. Periodic water hammer will cause glue joints to fail, ultimately leading to expensive repairs. Lastly, flex PVC is not resistant to bugs. Termites in fact, find it easier to chew through flex PVC underground, rather than burrow their way around the piping. In order to achieve pvc bends that necessary when fittings cannot be utilized, a rated, sch. 40 pipe bender should be used. Ease your mind from future repairs, flex pvc should never be used in underground pool and spa plumbing.
Schedule 40 pvc should always be used for underground pool and spa plumbing due to its' rigid characteristics and strength under pressure. Schedule 40 PVC pipes are designed to withstand typical pressure requirements for most underground plumbing systems. The pipe has a pressure rating of 140 psi at 73°F, which is adequate for most pool systems. The inherent strength of Schedule 40 PVC ensures that the pipes will remain intact under normal operating conditions, even when buried underground. The pipe's ability to resist internal pressure and external forces ensures long-term reliability in underground environments, where soil movement and external stressors could affect other materials more significantly. Due to the various fittings necessary to install schedule 40 pvc, plumbing installation generally takes more time - leading to increased expenses in the short run. Although this can exceed general budgets, the headache from installing flex pvc can be forgotten when it eventually fails. Therefore, why take the risk? Stop your project if you see your builder using flex pvc.
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