This is the type of surge protector that I am using for some extra protection just in case the pump dies. The pump is connected to the master outlet.

This is how easy it is to drain / flush / refill the tub:
When I was leak testing I only filled up the water to just above the return. Then later I flushed all that water out by connecting a hose to the return bulkhead like you see in the picture.

8 days later

2 week update: The water is still clean and clear with me just adding 1oz of 35% H2O2 one time. I decided that the next time I drain the tub I'm going to shorten the tube going from the pump to the filter housing. I don't like how the lid rubs against it when I open it, so I'll shorten it a bit. Hopefully I can pull it off without adding a 90 degree fitting. Otherwise, no problems. I lowered the humidity in my garage which helped eliminate most of the condensation.

5 days later

Interesting data: I added one 45 degree PVC fitting on the tube going from the pump to filter housing. I wanted to stop the cooler lid from rubbing on the tube when I opened and closed it. From adding that one fitting my flow rate seems to have reduced a bit to just over 5GPM.

I also took this opportunity to add silicone sealant to both sides of by bulkhead rubber gasket. My bulkhead nut appears to have loosened up over time and I had a slow leak through the bulkhead gasket to the outside of the cooler. I would recommend adding silicon to your bulkhead gasket.

How is the 1/4hp chiller holding up? Any regrets not getting the 1/2hp? Amazon is sold out at the moment, but i was going to buy when they got back in stock.

    Ecupirate 3010 BTU/h is plenty. It barely runs and costs less than $10 a month in electricity. I really don't even need this much heat removal capacity. Anything more powerful would be a waste of money.

        6 days later

        wintermute one more question. How are the fitting holding up on sealing? Just got the chiller in yesterday and was wondering if I should stick with the barb fitting they provide or go your route. I have flex pvc tubing on the way.

            From looking at your pictures, did you get a small segment of 3/4” pipe and use those to make all your slip connections at your unions and then used the flex pipe on the other side of the unions?

              My bulkhead was positioned ~10" down from the top of the cooler. It could be positioned higher or lower if desired depending on if you want it above or below the water line. Don't forget that when you get in the cooler the water level will rise up.

              a month later

              I am mirroring this build (thx!), and am having trouble figuring out both what these fittings are for, and where to find them to buy. Are you able to provide links by any chance?

              • 3/4 MPT x 3/4 MPT OR 3/4 MPT x 3/4 Slip (bulkhead to union)

              • 1 x 3/4 FPT Union

                alman111

                • 3/4 MPT x 3/4 MPT OR 3/4 MPT x 3/4 Slip (bulkhead to union)

                  • This is the connection from the bulkhead outside the tub to a union. I actually forgot to buy this online and picked it up at local hardware store. I added product links to the original post.

                • 1 x 3/4 FPT Union

                  • This is just a female threaded union as opposed to a slip fit union. This connects to the nipple above. I changed out the other side of the union to be slip fit. You can do this easily by buying an extra 3/4 slip fit union. The fewer threaded connections the better.
                  16 days later

                  are you using pvc glue and primer in the slip fittings from the unions to the flex pipe as well?

                    CoMac Yes, the flex tubing is glued directly to the PVC fittings. When you apply the glue and push the tubing into the PVC fitting do not twist the tubing or fitting at all.

                      12 days later

                      Sanitation update: I was able to go 2 months just fine maintaining 100ppm H202. I wouldn't push it much longer without replacing the water. This is better than expected!