It is hard to believe that any good quality builder is using flex pvc for there main runs back to equipment.It is easier for them at this stage,but it can become a nightmare in future years.

Congrats on your pool! Very cool idea about wrapping it as a "present" under the tree! What the PB is telling you about the concrete is true, there are admixtures available that are mixed into the concrete at the batching plant that will allow placement in cold weather. It's hard to verify whether they used them without looking at the batch tickets, but if they are a local contractor I'm sure they know the routine. Concrete does most of its curing in the first 7 days, so if at 7 days it looks OK with no chipping or spalling then it's safe to say you'll have no problems with it.

poolmd

Thx for comment. I followed up with my PB and he said that he has used the flex pvc for more than 5 years, especially on free form pools with no problems or complaints. His feeling was on free form like ours where there are so many connections/joints needed that there was an increased probability of them being weak spots. His opinion was that flex pvc offers safer solution. Am I missing something?

Lots of leaves on that grass equals lots of leaves in the pool. Good thing you got the sweep. Cool dog!. Good luck keeping that guy out. He's already picking his diving spot!

Hydraulicly, pvc flex is not very effeciant because of the spiral nature inside the pipe, but the largest problem we have seen is collapsed suction lines (no way to repair), and we have started running into pools that have termite infestations that love to munch on the soft flex pipe (can we spell l-e-a-k......)

i saw that too Poolmd - aint that some Mickey Mouse stuff, lol. I love it -- "Best Quality in Town!"

to the lady with the pool - yes, you can certainly solve joint leaks at installation

"pressure testing"

WOW! All that flex pipe is making me nervous! See this older Gardenweb discussion.

Here is a link that might be useful: Older Flex Pipe GardenWeb Discussion

One of the biggest problems with flex is that it is not rated to be used underground. For above ground spas it is fine! Sure its harder and a little more expensive to plumb round pools and spas with rigid PVC but a "quality" plumber can do it and mine does on every pool we build.

I have also seen builders use flex in the dam walls of spas for the jets which is just as big a problem.

Good luck!!!

The use of flex is common in my area (Monmouth County, NJ). In areas that are heavily wooded, hard pipe is preferred to remove the threat or termites. Hard pipe is more expensive, glue joints do let go over time sometimes (more than you might think) and using flex removes glue joints on long runs.

When I plumb a skimmer, I use hard pipe for the 1st 5 feet or so. It's more resistant to damage from trichlor tabs that may be placed in a skimmer.