Salt system? Ozonator? Two-speed pump? Thinking about having a pool installed...

[kevink619]

Hope this helps.

Thanks PatL34, CarlD, bparks, cwstnsko, and waterbear. I really appreciate the advice from all of you here.

From reading your replies, the consensus seems to be that a salt system, two-speed pump, and solar are definitely worthwhile options, the ozonator is of little value, and the Nature2 is of questionable value.

As for the solar heating system, I was fairly certain that, indeed, it would work very well here in San Diego. I don't plan on getting a gas heater as it never really gets too cold here.

One clarification: As my backyard is rather small, I plan on installing the solar panels on the roof. Will the two-speed pump be able to make use of the low speed when pumping the water up to the (single story) roof and through the solar collectors? The contractor we're most likely going to go with is planning on installing a Pentair IntelliFlo pump. Judging from the specs, this seems like a NICE and very energy efficient pump.

Now we just need to decide if we can afford the expense of almost doubling the balance of the 2nd mortgage on our house... We both REALLY want a pool, but paying off the expense will mean that we'll have WAY less extra cash to spend on other forms of entertainment, vacations, etc. Of course, with our own pool, we probably won't feel the NEED to go AWAY on vacations as much. Decisions, decisions...