Planning an AG pool

[BigTallGuy]

Hi BethyM and Welcome to the Forum. I agree with Aylad. 2Hp pump is over 2x what I think you will really need.

Depending upon your location, end of the season will usually bring closeout sales and bargains. But those items can be what they couldn't sell to anyone else for a multitude of reasons. My advice is to know what you are shopping for and try not to settle for what's on sale. I would definetly look for a smaller Pump/Filter package.

FWIW, SWCG's work well in a Vinyl lined pool. $5k sounds a little pricey to me for 27' even with install. What part of the country are you located in? Post back with a break down of the costs by Pool, Filter, Labor etc. if you can and Brand names would surely help.

[BethyM]

Thanks for the response... Here's the breakdown on the pool package

27' Opera (54" Resin)
25ml Mystri Gold Beaded Liner
Appropriate Sized Sand Filter (26") and 2 speed (2hp) pump -- Still need to ask about the brands on these.
Deluxe Smart Step Ladder System
Leaf Net
18" Pool Brush
Vacuum Hose and Head
Telescoping Maintenance Pole
Thermometer
Backwash Hose
Floating Chlorinator
Chemical Test Strips
5lb Poolife cleaning tablets
4lb Poolife Rapid shock
pH Up
pH Down
Alkalinity Increaser
Poolife Stabilizer and Conditioner
Poolife algae bomb 60
Winter Cover
Solar Cover
Patriot Automatic Pool Vacuum
Foam Coving Included
Package Price: $3999 + 8% sales tax Install: $975

Pentair IC20: $999.99 - will include the salt

So, 5k is the pool and another 1 if I want the salt unit now - I will likely not pay their price for the SWCG and order it online.

I'm located in a suburb of St. Louis. I'm certain we want to do the SWCG even if we don't do it initially so that's why I've limited my search to the resin pools. Most stores don't even want to sell you a pool the minute you mention putting the swcg on there. I appreciate any and all feedback!!! Thanks guys.

[aylad]

Are those things in the package all bundled together, or did you pick out those particular things? I can tell you that the pool strips will be a waste of money. pH up is the same thing as Borax, which is MUCH cheaper. Alkalinity Increaser is the same as baking soda, which is also MUCH cheaper than the pool store will sell it for. I don't know about the Poolife algae bomb, but if it's not polyquat, then that's also a waste of money. What is the chemical ingredient in the Poolife rapid shock and the Poolife cleaning tablets?

Also,, when Pooldoc and Mas985(and some of the other equipment gurus) comment, I think they're going to say that a 2 hp pump is way too big for this pool, unless you really upsize the filter.....

[BethyM]

This is the package the store puts together - I kind of figured the pool chems were just extras... I already keep Borax on hand for ant bait and intend to use BBB in conjunction with the SWCG. I'll call and get info on the pump today as I know they are sometimes rated one way by marketing and another way by reality :-) Thanks for looking at it!

[BigDave]

I like the 26" filter but 2HP pump sounds too big. 2 speed is good. Get the specifics on the pump and filter so we can know what it really is. That wouls be a good price for that pool in my area. Consider the convenience of having the SWCG plumbed in and running without having to mess around with it yourself.

[BethyM]

BigTallGuy: This is a Vinyl lined pool -- It has Resin top rails, bottom rail, and resin coated steel supports. Is that what you mean? Are you guys using them on pools with steel rails as well? It's hard for me to understand how such a low concentration of salt can be a problem but the warranty verbage sure does make me shy away from the steel rails.

BigDave: I got the specifics! As for the SWCG, I like the IC20 from ease of use and being plumbed right into the system. The hang on SWCG are less expensive, but I see myself hollerin at kids to leave it alone a lot too!

OK, Pump and Filter specs....

Manufacturer: Water Way
Pump: PM2201-6 -- 2hp 2speed pump
Filter: 522-5371-6MH -- 400lb 26" sand filter
Includes a Waterport 6 way multiport valve on top

Thoughts?? You guys are awesome! Thanks!

[BigTallGuy]

BigTallGuy: This is a Vinyl lined pool -- It has Resin top rails, bottom rail, and resin coated steel supports. Is that what you mean? Are you guys using them on pools with steel rails as well? It's hard for me to understand how such a low concentration of salt can be a problem but the warranty verbage sure does make me shy away from the steel rails.

Yes, My bad, I'm sorry. I should have used the word Traditional Vinyl Lined pool. I have mine installed on a traditional Steel Walled, Steel Rail, Steel Vertical Supports 24' AG Pool. As Waterbear stated, I have my Pump and SWCG Bonded directly into the GFCI, and after two years of operation, I have not noticed ANY rust or corrosion on the steel components of the pool or anywhere else in the system. I am in Arizona and don't have humidity/moisture problems, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[BethyM]

I don't seem to be able to find the exact filter but he did say it's the large black 'egg' shaped one - So I assume it's the oval and not the round one.

Apparently, I'm the first person to ask for model numbers for the equipment. :-S

[PoolDoc]

He said "it's the large black 'egg' shaped one"?

Wow. Now there's a guy that knows his product! (NOT!!)