I'm an irrigation specialist for a local community college. I think the PVC is very durable stuff if you're talking about the commercial grade versions. Make sure you ask for 200 PSI rated pipe at whatever diameter you select....it's significantly thicker walled (and they do make it in 1"). If they don't have it at the place you want to buy it, then try somewhere else until you find it. You might even have to go to a commercial wholesale irrigation store to get some (most places will let the layperson still purchase).

The only drawback might be the inside diameter....the thicker walls are sacrificed by the ID because the fittings are measured to fit the OD.

One more suggestion....make sure you pre drill to a size not too much less than your screw diameter, but definitely a little smaller so as to make it a snug fit. If your screw is sloppy in the PVC part of your project....it might start working out the hole even larger from constant flexing.