New Pool Project...what Equipment Would You Buy?

[armstrr]

Hey guys and gals. we are finally ready to take the plunge (pun intended)!

we have started to get some quotes from pool builders for a 20 x 40 vinyl liner pool. most of these quotes i have noticed do not detail exact product models, so i started digging and doing research. please look below. if you were installing a new pool for yourself or replacing equipment, what would you use?

FILTER.so i think i want a cartridge filter, bigger is probably better for lower system pressure and time between filter cleanings. i notice that many manufacturers have several model lines of cartridge filter. for those of you with experience with these cartridge filters, are there some that you would recommend over others. any reasons why?

PUMP. most quotes just include a standard one speed 1.5hp pump. i am a bit of an energy natzi, and have read about variable speed pumps. the intelliflo family looks amazing, but i have heard that motor replacement parts are not available and some people are having failures just out of the 1 year warranty period. I see jandy has a variable speed pump and then there is ikeric and hybrid pumps. does anyone suggest one of these above the others?

SALTWATER or UV. two of the poob builders are pushing the UV system from Delta pretty hard, another suggests the Zodiac saltwater system. from some quick research, there is a lot of positive comments on AutoPilot salt water systems. What do you think of these options? any others you suggest?

LIGHTING. i really want to do this pool on the cheap, but i am aware that a lighting system is most easily included when the pool is built. is the hayward led system worth looking at? i believe they have a couple of of systems colorlogic 2.5 and 4.0. are these worth considering or is there a better system?

COVER. i plan to heat the pool with a home built solar system (and it will heat my shop in the winter...but that's a different story). i know that covering the pool saves a lot of heat. i wanted an automatic cover, but at $8k plus....yeeeeeeouch! and a solar reel at the shallow end (planning on a diving board in the deep end) would look horrendous. does anyone have any experience with the EZ cover from Aqua matic? it is basically an automatic cover without the automation. you use two poles, much like a ski machine. supposedly it takes 50-70 seconds to put the cover on or take it off. i really like the look of this system since it can be placed below deck...and therefore under the diving board and basically hidden from site. any comments or similar systems that are worth taking a look at.

POOL KITS walls/liners. I may just purchase a kit and contract the work out. i do have a friend who works for a pool builder, so this is a strong possibliity. are there any steel wall kits or internet sites that you recommend or are they basically all the same?

is 2" plumbing the best size to get the best efficiency?

are main drains worth installing?

what is a good automatic pool cleaner? the choices seem endless?

[txpoolguy]

I'll answer part of your question, leave the rest for others.

FILTER - Cartridge filters are great. No water loss from backwashing, no DE to buy, etc. Trade-off is you manually clean the filters every 3-4 months, depending on your debris load. 3-5 years out of a set of cartridges properly maintained - although you can get far more with careful maintenance. You also get 300, 400, 500 square feet of filter area, as opposed to 72 sq. ft. on largest DE filter. Don't use sand unless you're in the desert.

PUMP - lots of great options and variable speed pumps look sexy - not as much down the line. Huge initial cost & expensive to repair later. You'll get the same result from a properly sized 2 speed pump, far less expense involved.

SANITIZER - Go with salt. UV is a cute add-on, but won't completely sanitize as you expect.

LIGHTING - the Hayward LED is far and above the best. Not the cheapest, but you won't regret the purchase. The 2.5 revision is no longer available, you'll get the 4.0 which is an updated version.

Pipe Size - 2" piping is good, but you need to make sure the pump, piping and filter are all sized for each other. You'll probably have around 27,000 gallons when done, based on the 20x40 dimensions. 2" piping is good with a 1.5hp 2 speed pump and 400 sq. ft. cartridge filter.

MAIN DRAIN - this is being heavily debated, but is still standard in the industry. If it were my decision, I'd go ahead with one.

AUTO CLEANER - depends on the pool environment and yes, the choices are endless. If you don't have much large debris, I can recommend the Hayward Navigator for vinyl liner. It's what I have in my pool and I love it.

[polyvue]

I concur with everything txpoolguy suggested... but I would upsize the filter for a 27K gallon pool to 525 sq ft. I have a 425 sq ft cartridge filter on my 14K gallon pool and it requires cleaning once a year, at most. Other suggestions that may annoy your contractor but help the flow rate: a.) minimum 2" ID PVC throughout but install 2.5" pipe on the suction side; b.) separate suction lines (not tied together until the equp pad) for main drain (if any) and each skimmer; c.) looped returns (equalize pressure of return jets by encircling the pool); d.) install a dedicated line for cleaner --- even if you're considering a suction skimmer-connected cleaner or robot (you may change your mind later & it will be very problematic to install then); e.) install a booster if you anticipate going with a pressure-side cleaner - they just work better; and f.) talk to contractor about installing long-sweep 90s in lieu of standard 90 degree elbows wherever possible.

And prior to contract signing, think and then think again about how much deck concrete you want (room for walkways, patio furniture, bbq etc). More is better and way, way cheaper than doing it later. Check out the equipment configuration in my signature, below. If you have questions about any of the equipment on my pool, post back.

[armstrr]

thanks guys. so variable is not so great if a repair is required...i thought as much.

cartridge filter is a good idea...and 425 or 525 sf cartridge is not unreasonable. the hayward c4025 is a good one to go with, correct?

hayward colorlogic 4.0 is worth it. for a 40' pool, would i need to buy 2 systems or are they expandable piece by piece?

thanks for the advice on the individual plumbing suction lines and looped returns...makes total sense.

so no opinions on the EZ cover? i called them tonight and they were quick to pick up the phone, and down to earth people. all of my questions were answered. they said that the size i'm going for is pushing it a bit...ie it will take a little longer (2 min rather than 70 sec) and is a liitle harder to operate. they recommended an cantilever installation to minimize the drag on the system (and it sure looks better!)

salt is good, uv is not proven yet. any recommendations?

pool kit companies?

this is a great start. thanks again for the responses!

[txpoolguy]

One other thing that wasn't mentioned before & may be of value to you as you choose a builder... If you go with all equipment of one brand, you may be eligible for an extension of your warranties from one year up to three years on certain equipment, but you may have to ask about it.

HAYWARD C4025 or C5025 - will do well for even a very large pool and will handle larger pump sizes.

COLORLOGIC LIGHTING - will do very well. For more color intensity, you might consider installing two of the pool size lights, or several of the smaller spa size lights. Colors reflect very well on a white pool surface, but colored pool surfaces don't reflect the colors as well, so mlutople lights might help. Btw, this is with all color lights, not just Hayward.

COVERS - I don't do much with pool covers, so will refrain from commenting. Get recommendations from friends, family, coworkers, etc.

SALT - Goldline is owned by Hayward and is known as an industry leader in the Electronic Chlorine Generators (salt) and has a proven track record. You can likely get the extended warranty on this as well, including in a package.

COMPANIES - find a reputable dealer in your area. Check with BBB, family, friends, coworkers for references. I don't know where you live so I can't make any specific recommendations.

Good luck with your project!