PVC flex tube became brittle and with a corrugated interior

[RuiP]

Hi

This is how I found the interior of a PVC flex pipe connected to the bottom of a skimmer:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CkmMmrFUTUWrKYwY8

When it was new, it had a smooth interior surface, right?
In addition, the tubing was very brittle: I was able to break in half, by hand.

It's a 8 year old pool, with chlorine treatment, and water heated to around 30ºC (86ºF)
What can cause this to the tubing?
- Too much heat? Max temperature was probably 34ºC (93F) (average during summer 30ºC/86ºF; around 15ºC/50ºF during fall/winter).
- Too much chlorine? At times the pool spent a few months without water circulation; and that tube was connected to a skimmer with the chlorine tabs.
- Subpar material/tubing?

Thanks

[mknmike]

I’m going to guess high concentrations of Chlorine broke down the polymers. I don’t know.

You know PVC (if not the correct kind) will get brittle when exposed to sunlight. Right? PVC electrical conduit is rated for UV light, but white PVC drain pipe is not.

I have some white 1.5” flexible PVC purchased about 15 years ago for a project I never did, and I recently started using it for draining the pool to the driveway. I guess I used it once. Other than that, I have no experience with flex PVC.

[Teapot1]

I'm not going to guess, if the chlorine tablets were in the skimmer(s) these are very acidic and with no water moving will quickly acidify the water leading to a classic pipe degradation. Pucks sould go in a floating dispenser

[NancyDorna]

Thanks for sharing the photos; it really helps in understanding the situation. It's definitely concerning to see the interior of the PVC flex pipe like that. Based on the information you've provided, there could be a few reasons for this. Although it was never higher than 34oC (93 F), the heart could have affected the taking over time. And too much chlorine when the pool wasn't being used could be a factor. It's also possible that the material/tubing was subpar. They have a wide range of high-quality pool equipment and products, and their team is knowledgeable and helpful. Hope this helps!

[Teapot1]

Under normal situations this seldom occurs but when people put tabs in their skimmers and the system is not running 24/7 this is quite common. If you use pucks/tabs put them in the floating dispenser meant for the job. Often its pool companies that say its ok to put tabs in the skimmer, anyone guess why? Ignorance is one answer, $$$ repairs is another.