Puis-je mélanger du PN10 et du PN16 ?

Oui, à diamètre extérieur identique, les pièces se collent ensemble. Mais votre circuit n'est coté qu'au niveau de son élément le plus faible. Un tube PN10 reste PN10, même avec des coudes PN16.

Le PN16 fait-il perdre du débit ?

Légèrement, car sa paroi plus épaisse réduit le passage : 42,6 mm contre 45,2 mm en diamètre de 50. Sur un circuit court, l'écart reste faible. Sur de grandes longueurs, faites plutôt vérifier le diamètre.

La pompe à chaleur impose-t-elle du PN16 ?

Non, pas d'après les documents que nous avons consultés. La notice d'une pompe à chaleur Mr. Silence demande des tuyaux rigides, des raccords de 50 mm et un by-pass, sans imposer de classe de pression. Vérifiez toujours la notice de votre modèle.

Que veut dire la mention sous pression sur un raccord PVC ?

Elle désigne la gamme prévue pour des circuits où l'eau est poussée par une pompe, par opposition à la simple évacuation. Vérifiez la classe PN sur le tube et sur le raccord.

Combien de temps attendre avant de remettre en pression ?

La fiche de la colle Griffon T-88 indique de ne pas solliciter l'assemblage pendant 10 minutes. Ce délai concerne l'assemblage : suivez l'étiquette de votre colle pour la remise en eau, surtout par temps froid.

Illustration : tuyaux PVC, vannes, pompe et filtre dans un local technique de piscine

November 11, 2026 L'équipe Foudebassin.com · 7 min de lecture

Swimming pool with pump, filter and heat pump: PN10 or PN16 pressure PVC?

For a pool with a pump, filter, and heat pump, PN10 pressure PVC is suitable in the vast majority of cases. PN16 is not mandatory: it mainly offers a thicker wall and a wider margin. The real limit of the circuit is rarely found in the pipe, but rather in the filter. Here is how to decide.

15 mmax pool pump head, or about 1.5 bar

1.5 barmax pressure of an Aqualoon filter sold here

60 °CPVC-U, Durapipe, and Griffon limit

What PN means

PN stands for nominal pressure. The number gives the pipe class, in bars: 10 for PN10, 16 for PN16. As always with PVC, this value is understood at 20 °C. The Durapipe technical guide recommends reducing the operating pressure by 5% for every 10 °C above 20 °C ambient, and does not authorize use beyond 60 °C or below 0 °C.

The difference is seen in the thickness. In our shop, the 50 mm PN10 pipe measures 50 x 2.4 mm, and the 50 mm PN16 pipe measures 50 x 3.7 mm. The outer diameter remains the same: it is the inner diameter that changes. There are also lighter series, such as a 63 x 2.4 mm pipe in PN 7.5.

Product sheet dimensions, calculated inner passage.

What pressure in a pool

Ten meters of water column represents about one bar. However, the Aquaforte Touchscreen VSP pump sheet indicates a maximum discharge head of 15 meters, which corresponds to about 1.5 bar, valve closed. Even adding a margin, we are far from 10 bar.

The pressure gauge on your filter indicates the actual pressure, which depends on the filter, its clogging, and the length of the circuit. On a classic residential installation, it remains far from the pipe class.

The filter, on the other hand, holds much less. The Aqualoon 6.5 m³/h filter sheet indicates a maximum operating pressure of 1.5 bar. Read this value carefully on your device. A PN16 pipe will not make your filter more resistant.

The allowable pressure is read on each element, not just on the pipe.

What the heat pump changes

A heat pump does not push the water. It heats it as it passes, and it is the filtration pump that ensures the flow. It therefore adds a resistance to the circuit, without creating pressure.

The requirements are mainly practical. The manual of a Mr. Silence heat pump asks:

rigid pipes, because the fittings must not bear the weight of flexible pipes;
50 mm fittings;
a connection length of 10 meters maximum;
a by-pass, whose setting ensures the passage of water: in this manual, the E3 alarm signals a lack of flow.

The temperature does not pose a particular problem either: the water of a heated pool remains very far from the 60 °C limit of PVC-U. Our article on the heat pump for pool explains its use and operation.

Do not go further than the manual. Each heat pump has its own flow and connection requirements. The electrical connection and the refrigeration circuit are the responsibility of a professional. Have your diagram validated before gluing.

PN10 or PN16: how to choose

PN10 is enough for a classic, visible circuit, in a technical room. It also offers a slightly larger passage at the same diameter.

PN16 is justified when you want more margin or a thicker wall, for example on a difficult-to-access section or that you never want to reopen. This choice is a matter of caution and not an obligation.

In both cases, look at each piece. Griffon T-88 glue is indicated up to 16 bar, i.e. PN16. The Econo-Line ball valve is PN16 up to 63 mm, but its sheet specifies that the 75 and 110 mm models are PN10. A circuit is always worth its weakest piece.

Choose the diameter first, then the class. A diameter that is too small weighs more heavily than a bad choice between PN10 and PN16. Also limit elbows and fittings, because they slow down the water, and keep the technical room close to the pool as much as possible.

Properly gluing the circuit

A leak comes more often from the installation than from the pipe class. The glue sheet gives the limits to respect.

Cut straight and deburr. A chamfer tool prepares the end of the pipe.
Clean the pipe and the fitting with the Griffon Cleaner PVC remover.
Glue both surfaces, with a glue adapted to rigid PVC, at more than 5 °C for the T-88.
Assemble without waiting, then do not stress the joint for 10 minutes.
Wait before refilling with water, according to the glue label.
Provide removable fittings and valves around the pump and the heat pump, for maintenance and winterization.

The references

PVC Pipe 50 x 2.4 mm PN10Length of 5 m, Kiwa mention.See product PVC Pipe 50 x 3.7 mm PN16Length of 1 m, for more margin.See product Griffon T-88 GlueRigid PVC, up to 16 bar and Ø 160 mm, according to the sheet.See product Econo-Line Ball ValvePN16 from 25 to 63 mm, PN10 in 75 and 110 mm.See product

Send us your diagram, the pump and the heat pump planned: we will check the diameters with you.

Have my circuit checked

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix PN10 and PN16?

Yes, with the same outer diameter, the pieces glue together. But your circuit is only rated at the level of its weakest element. A PN10 pipe remains PN10, even with PN16 elbows.

Does PN16 lose flow?

Slightly, because its thicker wall reduces the passage: 42.6 mm versus 45.2 mm in diameter 50. On a short circuit, the difference remains small. On large lengths, rather have the diameter checked.

Does the heat pump impose PN16?

No, not according to the documents we have consulted. The manual of a Mr. Silence heat pump asks for rigid pipes, 50 mm fittings and a by-pass, without imposing a pressure class. Always check the manual of your model.

What does the mention under pressure on a PVC fitting mean?

It designates the range intended for circuits where water is pushed by a pump, as opposed to simple evacuation. Check the PN class on the pipe and on the fitting.

How long to wait before putting back under pressure?

The Griffon T-88 glue sheet indicates not to stress the assembly for 10 minutes. This delay concerns the assembly: follow the label of your glue for refilling with water, especially in cold weather.

Sources and references

Last updated: November 4, 2026.

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