Inserting PVC shut-off valves into sections of 4 underground swimming pool pipes. Valves are 1-1/2" and 2".

Question

4 underground pipes going to/from the equipment. All I want now is to install a PVC shut-off valve in each pipe. Here's my gameplan. Turn off power; close valve at the equipment where water circulates to equipment; bleed the air from filter tank; pull the sweep out of the pool; remove skimmer basket and shove towels down both holes; plug off the 3 water outlets around the top of the pool; put a rubber mat over the top of the main drain in the bottom of the pool; cut each pipe and quickly insert towels to control water; install PVC shut-off valve (in on position) approximately 10' from pool equipment using wet/dry PVC cement (end of towels will already be threaded thru valve opening); pull out towles from pipe through opened valve; close valve; redo pipe connection on equipment side of valve using a compression fitting joining the two pieces of cut PVC pipe; turn on valve. Now I can work on moving the equipment later by shutting off valves. Any comments from the experts out there?

Answer 1

I would say this is going to be a disaster waiting to happen. Will work much better if you drain the pool to a level such that you don't have to mess with the water. If you are unwilling to do that, look into stoppers, drain plugs that you can buy/rent to stop the water. They make some that are inflatable for various size lines and do a good job. And don't put pressure back on the pipes until the PVC glue has cured for at least 30 minutes, longer the better.