I thought about that since I did it before. But then some part of the pipe that is connected to the return pump will be in water....hmmm...only some part. Therefore I don't need to order 15' of 3/4, just 2'. And I don't need to order the 1". Thanks! That'll save me some fish money.If you're talking external pipe, historically I've just bought white pipe and used black krylon fusion spray paint.