PVC Projects / Plans

Get Free PVC project ideas & plans from PVCFittingsOnline.com. You can make tons of things from PVC pipe and fittings. From kids crafts to indoor home uses, outdoor projects & more.

  • How Long Do Pool Filter Cartridges Last?

    Swimming pools are a ton of fun, but they're also a lot of work to clean and maintain. Luckily, thanks to pool pumps and filters, you don't have to do all the work and scrubbing yourself. Pool filter cartridges remove dirt and debris from your pool water as it recirculates through the filter via the pump. 

    However, pool filter cartridges see a lot of use and abuse and have limited lifespans. On average, pool filter cartridges last for one to two years, depending on how heavily you use your pool. With proper maintenance, a filter cartridge can even last up to three years!

    If you want to know more about pool filter cartridges and how to get the most use out of them, you've come to the right place. This article will examine how different things affect pool filters, maintenance tips, and tricks, and where to get the longest-lasting filters on the market. We'll also explain how to know when it's time to replace your filter with a new one. 

     

    What Exactly Does a Pool Filter Do?

    A pool filter works exactly like an air filter on a furnace, fan, or air conditioner. It works together with your pump filter to clean the water in your pool and to keep it that way. Here's what happens: 

    • Your pump turns on and draws water towards it.
    • Before water reaches the pump, it passes through your filter, which removes debris, dirt, and other particles.
    • The pump then pushes the water back into your pool.
    • This process repeats for as long as the pump is running, which means your water is constantly recirculating.

     

    Different Types of Pool Filters

    While all pool filters work by the same premise, there are different types that filter things differently. 

    Cartridge Filters

    Cartridge filters are the most common and effective types of pool filters. These filters contain pleated polyester material that traps particles as they pass through them. Cartridge filters are some of the lowest maintenance and longest-lasting filters on the market, as the cartridges themselves can last up to ten years, while each filter lasts two to three. Cartridge filters are also more affordable than their glass and sand alternatives. 

    Glass Filters

    Glass filters are very similar to sand and cartridge filters in how they operate. Rather than having pleated polyester, however, glass filters have a glass media. They can last for up to five years and are some of the most effective but expensive filters on the market. 

    Sand Filters

    Finally, you can also choose sand filters for your pool. Sand filters use a layer of sand to trap and remove debris and other unwanted particles from water. Sand filters can last up to ten years, while the tank that holds the sand can last up to 15 or 20 years. 

     

    Things That Put Your Pool Filter at Risk

    There are a number of things that can put your pool filter at risk and speed up its demise. In most cases, these risks are chemicals that you use to clean the pool, or that accidentally spill into it. 

    • Using too much chlorine during cleanings
    • Oil and petroleum products
    • Suntan or body lotion
    • Perfume
    • Using the wrong type of chlorine or impure chlorine

     

    Signs You Need to Replace Your Pool Filter

    The number of years a pool filter can last is simply an average and a rough estimate. Therefore, it's important to know what signs to watch out for that indicate your filter is nearing the end of its lifespan. 

    Frays and Tears

    Frays and tears in your filter cartridge are the most obvious signs that you should replace your filter. Frays and tears happen from repeated use when objects are constantly passing through the filtration material. 

    Crushed Pleats

    In addition to frays and tears, crushed or flattened pleats are another common sign of filter wear. 

    An Obviously Dirty Pool

    Your pool filters one and only job is to clean your pool water. Therefore, if your water is obviously dirty or discolored, your filter isn't doing its job. As such, you should replace it with a new one so that you can once again have clean pool water. 

    High Filter Pressure

    As water gets pumped through your filter cartridge, its exit velocity shouldn't be too different than when it entered. However, if your filter is dirty, water will have a difficult time passing through it and come out more forcefully than it should. Therefore, you can check your water's exit velocity from the filter to see if your filter is dirty or not. 

     

    Pool Filter Maintenance Best Practices

    If you want to get the most life out of your filter, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some things to remember. 

    Clean Your Filter Regularly

    In the same way that your filter is responsible for cleaning your pool, you're responsible for cleaning your filter. Remove and check your filter every other week for debris and buildup, and use a garden hose to wash it when necessary. It's also good to soak the filter in a cleaning solution made specifically for cartridge filters periodically. 

    Don't Run the Filter Non-Stop

    Most people mistakenly believe that you should run your filter non-stop. However, running your filter around the clock for no reason will only speed up its demise. Instead, hire a pool technician to help you understand when you should run your filter, how long you should run it, and at what speed. That way, your pool filter will do the maximum amount of good with the minimum amount of effort. 

    Don't Make Your Filter Do All the Work

    While your pool filter is the main agent when it comes to keeping your pool clean, it isn't the only one. You can ease the stress and strain on your filter by using your skimmer and chlorine correctly. Better yet, hire a pool cleaning professional to clean your pool every week or every other week. 

    Choose a High-Quality Cartridge Filter

    In addition to pool filter maintenance, you can get the most life out of your filter by purchasing high-quality ones. Unicell pool filters from PVC Fittings Online are some of the best and longest-lasting on the market. Rather than base their longevity on years, Unicell filters last for twelve to fifteen cleanings, which can be up to three years. 

  • DIY PVC Birdhouse

    Birdhouses are more than just quaint additions to your garden. They provide essential shelter for birds and offer a unique opportunity to observe wildlife up close. Read this step-by-step guide on how to create your own birdhouse using PVC pipe and other material from around your home!

    Designing the Birdhouse

    We took the time to create a birdhouse of our own design, but bird enthusiasts may notice one major feature that was intentionally excluded. Our birdhouse does not contain a perch. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game encourages people to avoid adding perches as they allow predators “better access to the eggs and young in the nest box”. This is not a guide on how to take care of birds, but we want to do our part to encourage safe wildlife practices. 

    Supplies

    Tools

    • Drill
    • Hacksaw
    • Cross cut Saw
    • Measuring tape
    • Pencil/Pen/Marker
    • Hole Saw bit

    Materials

    • 1 - 8 inches of 4" PVC Pipe (4" diameter)
    • 3 - 8” x 8” Wood squares
    • 1 - Epoxy
    • 1 - Exterior/Outdoor use Spray Paint
    • 1 - Clear Gloss Spray
    • 1 - File
    • 1 - Medium grit sandpaper
    • 1 - Eye Hook (screw or bolt)

     

    Step by Step Guide

    Preparing the Body 

    Step 1: Prepare the PVC Pipe

    Measure and cut 4” PVC pipe to roughly 8 inches in length with a hacksaw. We did most of the cutting with a hacksaw, which worked well, and finished with a crosscut saw. A circular saw will also work fine. 
    Tip: We suggest getting a longer PVC pipe and cutting it down to the appropriate length. This lets you have more room for errors and potentially enough PVC pipe left over for another project!

    Step 2: Roof Cuts on the PVC Pipe 

     For our gable roof, which looks like an upside down “v” shape,  2 mirrored cuts are made at 45° angle. Measure and mark your intended cut path on the PVC pipe using a pencil or marker. Then use a hacksaw to make your cut(s). Next, use a file to shave down any areas that may not be even.

    We encourage beginners to instead do a shed roof. This only requires 1 wood square and 1 angled cut on the PVC body  between 30° and 50°. 

     

    Step 3:  Add an Entrance Hole

    A standard size of an entrance hole for small birds is 1 1⁄2 inches in diameter. The hole size is dependent upon the type of bird you want to attract. Mark the entrance hole on the PVC pipe just below the roof. Use a hole saw bit and drill to cut out the entrance hole.
    Tip: Check the edges after cutting the hole. Use a file to smooth any sharp edges! Also, use resources such as this Birdhouse Size Requirements resource from the Ogden Nature Center to decide the entrance hole size you will need.

     

    Step 4: Sand the PVC Pipe.

    First, use a file to remove any sharp edges on areas cut in previous steps. Next, sand the entire outside of the PVC pipe. Scuffing the exterior will help with the adhesion of the paint. Use medium grit sandpaper during this process.

     

    Step 5: Paint and Protect the PVC Pipe 

    Paint the PVC pipe with your chosen color, and sure whatever paint you use is meant for outdoor use. Allow some time for it to dry. Next, add clear gloss for protection. Let the gloss dry completely before moving on!

    Preparing the Roof and Base

    Step 6: Cut Wood Squares for Roof and Base

    For the gable roof and base, cut 3 wood squares:

    • One 6’’ square piece for the base
    • Two 5” x  8’’ pieces for the roof

    The roof must extend over the entrance hole by roughly 2 inches to provide proper cover. Each piece of wood used for the gable roof should have 1 side cut at a 45° angle. That will be important to get the “v” shape. After adhering the wood pieces together at the 45° sides, it should be close to ~90°.

    Going the beginner route with a shed roof? No angle cuts needed! You just need one 10’’ square piece of wood for the roof and one 6” wood square for the base.

    Tip: Test the edges of all your angle cuts by placing the wood roof squares on top of the PVC body. The sides of the cut pipe should be relatively flat but do not need to be completely perfect. A few minor bumps and gaps will be good for ventilation but feel free to use your file to create a more perfect fit. 

     

    Step 7: Epoxy Roof Squares Together

    Use a quick setting epoxy to adhere the cut wood squares together to form the roof. We added a light coat of epoxy to the 45° angled edges and firmly held the pieces together. Once the epoxy is set, allow it to cure for the recommended amount of time.

    Tip: Epoxy should be used outside or in a well-ventilated area. We also recommend using a face mask to avoid inhalation of fumes. 

     

    (Optional) Step 8: Paint and Coat Wood

    Lightly sand the wood, paint/stain with a color of your choice, let it dry, then add a coat of clear gloss, then let it dry.

     

    Step 9: Place the Eye Hook

    Find the center of the roof ridge. File a small area until flat. Drill a pilot hole, then place or screw in an eye hook. If using an eye hook bolt, screw a nut on the underside of the roof to secure it.

     

    Assembly - Putting it all together  

    Step 10: Adhere Base and Roof

    Spread epoxy to the base where you intend to place the bottom of the PVC body. Then, place the PVC pipe on the wooden base and apply pressure until it sets. Adhere the roof similarly by spreading epoxy along the cut edges of the PVC pipe and placing the roof centered on the epoxied areas. Apply pressure until it sets and allow for the appropriate amount of time for the epoxy to cure.

    Tip: You only have a few moments to recenter the roof if it looks off so double check and move fast! 

     

    Step 11: Add String/Wire and Find a Good Branch

    Loop a string or wire through the eye hook and find a good place to hang your new birdhouse!

     

    Create Your Own

    Viola, you’re done! Not only do you get the satisfaction of building with your hands, but you have created a potential safe haven for the birds in your community. This project showcases how simple materials like PVC pipe, with a touch of creativity, can result in a functional habitat. Looking for more outdoor DIY projects? Check out our guide on how to build your own functional hydroponic garden to pair nicely with your new birdhouse! 

     

    ***follow our blog to learn more about our next project: DIY Bird Feeder! 

  • DIY Ring Toss Game Using PVC

    DIY Ring Toss

    Are you looking for a backyard game that the whole family can play? Ring toss is a classic game that’s as easy to make as it is to learn and play. Learn how to make your own ring toss set with PVC pipe and fittings using our detailed directions.
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  • How to Build a DIY Polish Horseshoe Set

    Man Holding Frisbees

    Polish Horseshoes is the latest game to hit backyards, tailgates, and barbecues. Want to join in the fun? Fortunately, polish horseshoes is easy to play, and even easy to make yourself, with just a few tools and supplies. We’ll dive into how to play the game and how to build your own polish horseshoe set with just a few simple steps.
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  • DIY Instructions for Building A PVC Bike Repair Stand

    Man Repairing Bike

    Riding your bike often requires the occasional tune-up or repair. If you don’t have a bike stand, you are likely making the job harder than it has to be. Here are instructions you can follow to build your own bike stand to help make repairs go smoothly.
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  • DIY Floating Basketball Hoop Made With PVC

    Young Boy Playing Basketball in Pool

    Pool toys can be super expensive, and the only thing worse than pricey pool toys is not having any toys to enjoy at all! We’ve put together instructions for you to build your own floating basketball hoop for the pool. All you need is some PVC pipe, PVC fittings, a pool noodle, a basketball, and a net!
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  • How to Construct a Carport Using PVC Pipe

    Constructed Car Port Using PVC Materials

    You might be surprised to learn that keeping a cover over your car is beneficial in many ways. Whether it's protecting the paint on your car’s sleek exterior or shielding it from acidic bird poo, you'll find there are plenty of reasons for wanting your car to have some extra protection as often as possible!

    The truth is, cars that spend half their life under a cover means they look good for about twice as long. Below we’ll take a look at how to build your very own carport using PVC piping.
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  • Using PVC Pipe to Move Heavy Objects – Problem Solving

    A Group of PVC Pipes used for Moving Items

    You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but you may need to use something similar, such as PVC piping, to move heavy objects. PVC pipes are strong and able to withstand a lot of weight without warping or breaking. This makes for a good tool for moving heavy objects when other tools, such as a dolly, are not available. This is often called pipe rolling.
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  • Make An Affordable Camping Cot Using PVC

    Camping Tent and Cots

    Whether you’re going with a group of friends or taking the family out for a nice weekend getaway, camping can be such a great experience. But, poor sleeping conditions can turn any camping trip sour very quickly. Individual camping cots can be a great solution to sleeping on the ground as well as avoiding the hassle of setting up an air mattress and making sure it stays inflated. You can build your own camping cot out of PVC Pipes and fittings.
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  • How to Build a Coyote Roller

    Coyote Roller

    Photo Courtesy of ccspca.com

    Whether you’re trying to keep the coyotes out of your yard or keep your dogs from escaping, this DIY fence roll bar known as a coyote roller will do the trick. We’ll list the materials you need along with each step explaining how to build your very own coyote roller.
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