New to forum with questions

We just purchased a new 15’X30’, 54” deep AGP pool and also purchased everything to get it up and running. After the purchase I researched what we bought and have some questions. I have had pools before so I have some experience but still a novice.
1) We purchased an upgraded pump 1.5 HP with two speeds. The filter is a 110” cartridge type but I’m thinking of changing to a sand type. I realize the cartridge will filter smaller particles but I don’t like purchasing a new filter at $100 plus every couple of years let alone the frequent disassembly and cleaning of filter. I had a sand before and never had problems. Pool hasn’t been delivered yet, so still have time to change my mind. FYI, we live in country so no problem back flushing.
2) Included in the package is the Aqua Smarte chlorine / mineral dispenser. After reading here I will NOT have that system installed. I was thinking about a chlorine generator but expensive and not sure I will have the flow I need with the pump on low and if I have to have the pump on high it will defeat the purpose of the two speed pump. Suggestions?
3) Also included in the package is a auto pool cleaner called a Barracuda. Anyone have one? Any good?
Thanks, great forum.

Hi,

Your pump is a big one for your size pool--you'll definitely have to run it on low speed the majority of the time, especially if you get a sand filter--too strong a pump on a sand filter will blow sand and other debris back into your pool, and you don't want that. I'm sure one of the equipment guys will chime in with comments on that shortly. What type of filter you get is really up to you and how much work you put into it. I'm a sand filter fan, myself. The cart filters do get smaller particles, but if you feel like your sand filter isn't getting the fine enough stuff, you can always throw a handful of DE in through the skimmer, and it will coat the sand to help it catch smaller particles. That's what my 3 co-mods do with theirs, and nobody has any complaints, so far!

I think you're smart to leave out the mineral dispenser--anyway they'll let you return it for credit against the SWCG?

I don't have a Barracuda, there have been lots of posts around here about them. You can use the google search feature linked in my sig to search the forum for other posts about them, although until your registration is completed, you'll have to log out to see the results. Once Ben upgrades your membership, logging out will no longer be necessary.

Welcome to the forum!

Is it too late to get a smaller pump? Many AG pool packages have "upgraded" pumps and people think it sounds like it would be better to have the bigger pump but in reality, a bigger pool pump is not usually better. If it is not too late, I'd switch it to a smaller one if I was you. I would think that a 1/2hp or no bigger than 3/4hp is enough for this pool. Like Jan said, one of the equipment gurus will hopefully chime in here with a more specific suggestion

Thanks for the feedback.

I like the pump having two speeds basicly for the cost savings in electric and the pump is almost silent on low. It will be run on low speed all the time except at cleaning. I contacted them yesterday and they can't change to a sand filter because I would have to loose the two speed pump because the cartridge filter and pump are sold as a package and can't be seperated. I guess i can live with the cartridge filter.

AYLAD; I would like to go the route of a SWCG but a lot of cost difference between a cheap Intex and everything else. It also sounds like the current Intex SWCG is a step down from the prior model. I'll probably take a wait and see on that one. I just know I don't want the AQUA SMARTE.

membership upgraded. -ben