Flex hose return and overflow plumbing

[albert_dao]

Some points from a professional installer:

• Don't use it if you want a clean looking install.
• So far as ease goes, that probably has more to do with your plumbing experience than the material -- I can plumb with rigid and fittings just as fast as I can with flex.
• Use a pump with sound dampening feet/pad and noise shouldn't be an issue.
• The fluid dynamics of your plumbing is almost not worth your consideration given how good powerheads have become.

In summary, if you're proficient with rigid plumbing, flex is a waste of your time and money.