Plumbing And Coping On Fiberglass...warning Many Questions :)

[RIco Laguna]

Bare with me please on these questions because I may not phrase the questions correctly, but any input you can provide even on just a few would help me make better and more informed decisions in my purchase. Plus it may be fun discussion for some of the pool geeks

Plumbing Questions

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-Are there any special considerations that need to be taken into account when plumbing a Fiberglass pool vs a vinyl, or concrete? I read some builders discussing some sort of ground water PVC tubing under the pool or backfill to protect against hydrostatic pressure (?) Im not sure I understand this one but is it something that should be done?

-What is the most efficient way to plumb your lines? I read that some builders tie all in at the skimmer then I read that it is better to have all straight runs to the pad...Can you briefly elaborate without too much mumbo jumbo (I like analogies ie, This is your brain, this is your brain on crack...hammer, watermelon...smash!)

-How many skimmers, main drains, and returns would be recommended for a 10-15,000 gallon pool?

-What purpose to valves serve in the plumbing design and what would you recommend?

-Thoughts on Flex PVC vs Rigid PVC, many builders either swear by one and scoff at the other....there doesnt seem to be anyone I have researched that recommends both...why?

-Any reason NOT to go with 2" plumbing all around vs 1 1/2?

-Will 2 Skimmers improve filtration, circulation, jubilation, emancipation on that same 10-15,000?

-Should I consider a Hayward Widemouth Skimmer?

Coping

- If I want to hide that ghastly looking bathtub lip, what are my options?

- I see more photos of fiberglass pools with a continuous deck that cantilevers right over and hides that lip, do I also have options to use some sort of 18" stone or brick coping as a border that transitions into the decking that all remains flush and still hides the lip?

-From a builder standpoint, what is the typical practice when doing a pool install, to install with the lip exposed over the concrete decking or to concrete over it?

-From a structural standpoint, is there a method that is any more secure than another?

-Does a stone/gravel backfill need to be compacted or compressed in lifts as it is being backfilled?

-Is it recommend to wait days, weeks, months, for backfill to settle in the ground before adding the deck or is that just a vinyl 'thing'?

I DID warn you all....thanks, your feedback will be most helpful

[pool tile]

I'll coment on 2 of your questions. I like the idea of 2 skimmers and no main drain. Check the regulations in you area before doing this. The practice is approved and is becomming popular in Florida. You can cantilever with poured cement, stone, brick or tile. The installer is the key to any of these things being done correctly.