Pool vacuum hose...?

[VBMike]

Hi!

I've done a bit of Googling, and I can't seem to figure out whether or not swimming pool vacuum hose is suitable for drain line or if it would leech some kind of chemical. I've noticed that several of the shops sell short lengths of something similar for HOB overflows, but not sure if that's standard pool hose or if it's something special. I've seen people refer to "spa flex" hose, but I don't believe that's the same thing.

Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Do you know what it is made of?

 

[VBMike]

Do you know what it is made of?

Meh, I was hoping you knew. Haha

 

[kschweer]

Not 100% sure what it is made of but it should be reef safe. I would be hesitant to use it because of how the ends are attached on regular pool hose. They are almost screwed on and many times leak. The hose they shall for drains on tanks is fused together so less likely to leak

 

[jsker]

Good point @kschweer. The fix though is pvc cement. Unscrew the end and cement and let is dry.

 

[VBMike]

Thanks!

I wonder if hose clamps on a piece of it without the ends would work...

 

[jsker]

No, Monday I spent 4 hrs trying to fix a leak on my overflow with hose clamps, fittings, then finally used the pvc glue and the leak was fixed. You can use the hose clamps to hold it, but the glue seals it. It you are concered about taking it apart get a union and place it in the line for an extra $6

 

[VBMike]

Were you using the end pieces, or was that the raw edge of the hose?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

One concern could be if there is a metal coil inside the hose plastic, or if it is purely plastic. If there is metal inside it, a small hole through to the metal could be an issue.

 

[VBMike]

One concern could be if there is a metal coil inside the hose plastic, or if it is purely plastic. If there is metal inside it, a small hole through to the metal could be an issue.

Good call. I have some of it laying around, I'll look to see.

 

[Rob's Reef]

I would use the pvc flex line if you can get some to fit... I don't like those hoses and all the ridges inside, too many grooves for stuff to build up in...

 

[jsker]

Were you using the end pieces, or was that the raw edge of the hose?

I was using the raw hose, the ends did not fit my needs

 

[Rob's Reef]

This stuff...

 

[jsker]

I would use the pvc flex line if you can get some to fit... I don't like those hoses and all the ridges inside, too many grooves for stuff to build up in...

I would have used the PVC also but is was a bit pricey so I elected to use a $12.00 for 24 feet everbilt sump hose HD had by the sump pumps.

 

[jsker]

This stuff...

Yes that is spa line. If I had the extra money I would have use the spa line.

 

[VBMike]

Yes, the flex PVC is still pretty rigid and I don't know if it can make the bends I need it to. And jsker is correct that it's a little pricey.

 

[VBMike]

I would have used the PVC also but is was a bit pricey so I elected to use a $12.00 for 24 feet everbilt sump hose HD had by the sump pumps.

I saw that stuff, too, not quite the same thing I'm referring to. Other than getting a good seal, you haven't had any problems with it? How long have you been using it?

 

[Rob's Reef]

Yes it is pricey for sure. I didn't know you were going 24' ;p

 

[VBMike]

I'm not for this build, but 24' would be sweet for dealing with water changes on the other tanks!!

 

[jsker]

I saw that stuff, too, not quite the same thing I'm referring to. Other than getting a good seal, you haven't had any problems with it? How long have you been using it?

I
one week now, with out an issue. The guy in the plumbing department is a reefer and he used the same stuff on his tank.