Why Plumbing Layouts Are the Backbone of Any Pool Project
Imagine investing in a beautiful new pool, only to find it doesn’t circulate properly, the heater isn’t getting enough flow, or leaks develop underground within months. These failures happen when plumbing layouts aren’t designed or installed correctly from the start.
At The Pine Plumbing, we work with general contractors and pool builders across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Bernardino County to lay out pool plumbing that works safely and lasts for years.
A Story: When Bad Pool Plumbing Became a Contractor’s Nightmare
Last year, a general contractor in Irvine called us about a luxury home build where another plumbing team had laid out the pool lines. The homeowner noticed low suction in their skimmer, air bubbles in return lines, and poor heater performance within weeks of completion.
We inspected the system and found:
❌ Incorrect pipe sizing restricting flow
❌ Poorly placed valves making maintenance impossible
❌ Inadequate main drain connections creating uneven suction
We had to jackhammer sections of brand-new concrete decking, re-plumb lines, and redesign the layout to fix the problem. It cost the contractor thousands in delays and repairs – all of which could have been avoided with proper planning from the start.
The Key Elements of Pool Plumbing Layout
Whether you’re building a residential backyard pool or a large commercial pool, these components matter:
1. Main Drain Lines
- Usually two main drains at the deepest part for safety and suction balance
- Must be spaced properly to prevent entrapment hazards
- Connected to the suction side of the pump with pipe sizes matching system flow
2. Skimmer Lines
- Skimmers pull debris from the water surface
- Installed at calculated locations based on pool shape and prevailing winds
- Piped directly to the suction manifold with valves for flow control
3. Return Lines
- Carry filtered, heated water back into the pool
- Evenly spaced to ensure proper circulation and temperature distribution
- Often require multiple returns for large or irregular-shaped pools
4. Pool Equipment Plumbing
Includes:
✔️ Pumps – Sized for volume, resistance, and intended use
✔️ Filters – Sand, cartridge, or DE, plumbed for easy backwash or cleaning
✔️ Heaters – Gas lines sized for BTU demand with proper venting
✔️ Chlorinators or salt systems – Installed after heating and filtration for maximum sanitation
5. Spa and Water Feature Lines
For pools with integrated spas, waterfalls, or jets:
- Separate plumbing loops with dedicated pumps
- Valves to isolate features when not in use
- Check valves to prevent backflow and equipment damage
Why Pipe Sizing and Layout Matter
Incorrect pipe sizing causes:
❌ Low flow rates
❌ Pump cavitation
❌ Heater short cycling
❌ Poor filtration
❌ Premature equipment failure
We calculate flow rates, friction loss, and equipment performance before installing any lines to avoid these costly mistakes.
Commercial Pool Plumbing – Even More Critical
For hotels, gyms, and apartment complexes, pool plumbing systems must:
✔️ Handle larger volumes and bather loads
✔️ Maintain health department compliance for sanitation and turnover rates
✔️ Include safety features like vacuum release systems for drains
✔️ Meet ADA requirements for accessibility fixtures
Our Process: How We Lay Out Pool Plumbing
1️⃣ Site Assessment
We visit your project site to review:
- Pool design and dimensions
- Equipment location options
- Existing utility connections
2️⃣ Layout Planning
We work with pool designers and contractors to plan:
- Main drain placement
- Skimmer and return locations
- Equipment pad layout for easy access and maintenance
- Gas line routing for heaters
- Electrical considerations for pumps and automation
3️⃣ Installation
Our team:
- Uses schedule 40 PVC for durability
- Pressure tests all plumbing before backfill
- Ensures proper slope on drainage lines
- Coordinates with electricians and masons for seamless construction
4️⃣ Final Inspection and Startup
We test the system under operating conditions to:
- Confirm flow rates meet design
- Check for leaks or air in lines
- Adjust valves for balanced circulation
- Start heaters and filtration to manufacturer specifications
Why Contractors Choose The Pine Plumbing
✅ Experience with pools of all sizes – Residential, commercial, and custom designs
✅ Team trained in pool plumbing codes and safety standards
✅ Clear communication with GCs for scheduling and inspection needs
✅ Licensed plumbers who stand behind their work
Gas Lines for Pool Heaters
Many builds require gas-powered heaters. We handle:
- Gas line sizing calculations
- High-pressure gas line installations with proper regulators
- Secure venting to meet safety codes
- Coordination with inspectors for approvals
Avoiding Common Pool Plumbing Mistakes
Some mistakes we’ve seen repeatedly on jobs we were called in to fix:
❌ Undersized pipes creating low flow
❌ Too many tight elbows adding friction loss
❌ Skimmers installed at wrong heights relative to waterline
❌ Return lines all on one side, causing poor circulation
❌ Gas lines run without proper shutoff valves or ventilation
These problems cause delays, failed inspections, and customer dissatisfaction.
Our Service Areas
We provide pool plumbing services in:
📍 Los Angeles County – From Malibu to Pasadena and Santa Clarita
📍 Orange County – Anaheim, Irvine, Mission Viejo, and more
📍 San Bernardino County – Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and surrounding cities
Working with The Pine Plumbing Means Peace of Mind
When you hire us for your pool plumbing:
✔️ Your project stays on schedule
✔️ Your plumbing passes inspection
✔️ Your equipment runs as designed
We know general contractors need reliable subs who keep jobs moving forward. That’s exactly what we provide.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing may be underground and out of sight, but it’s the foundation of any successful pool build. Don’t risk callbacks, angry customers, or failed inspections because of poor plumbing layout. Call The Pine Plumbing to handle it right the first time.
