About to build a IG pool......just a bit nervous!

[Watermom]

Hi and welcome. I am not a builder so am not going to be able to comment on much of your post. Just a comment and a question from me. Definitely go with chlorine. Don't let anyone talk you into doing Baquacil or any of the mineral type systems. Also, wondering what makes you lean towards a cartridge filter? Just curiosity on my part.

Hopefully one of our builder types will chime in here later today to offer any advice they can.

[PoolDoc]

Hi BS;

You might want to look at Ben Choi's site, www.howibuiltmyownpool.com

He build a pool himself after being active here for a year or so, and then started the website. The site is not actively maintained any more, but he kept meticulous records which you might find informative. He's also in the SW - Arizona - though I forget which city.

You've obviously thought about your pool from a technical view point; I'd encourage you to think about it from a user's point of view. For example, dark pools can look very dramatic, but will be significantly hotter. When I painted the pool the Camp Adahi Girl Scout camp on Lookout Mountain a dark "Viking Blue", the temperatures increased 4 - 7 degrees. That was a good thing, up there in that shady location. But if you are in, say, Phoenix you'll be gaining more like 6 - 10 degrees . . . and you may not want to have 100 degree pool in July!

That's just a start . . .

Ben

[B.S..]

Supermom,

I'm thinking cartridge because of lower maint in that there would be no frequent back washing. Though I may be wrong it is my understanding that the cartridge filter is not much more expensive but does require a bit less attention.

Pool Doc,

I'm in North TX and my pool spot would see about 3-4 hours a day of direct sunlight....would that cause heating issues? My wife is pretty set on a dark bluish color.

Thx!!!!

[PoolDoc]

3 - 4 hours of direct sun daily? Yeah, you can probably count on 6 degrees or more. Is that a problem? Depends on how warm you like your pool.

It will increase algal growth rates, so you'll need to stay on top of the chemistry.

Ben

[Manslick]

Hey B.S.

A couple of key words here have my red flag flying.
1. Automated cleaning device
2. Lower maint.

Both of these wish list items may seem like minor items now but when the pool is in you will find that they won’t deliver.

A pool takes time and a new pool owner can get in trouble fast, end up with a swamp and their post count soars.

As an experienced pool servant I know what can go bad if you leave things like “cleaning”, to robots, and assume a low maintenance device won’t need attention.

I am not trying to put you off at all. A pool is a wonderful thing but they need a lot of attention and care.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies in earnest when it comes to pool care.

From your OP I believe you are on the right track and doing all the right research in the planning and decisions department. But be prepared to spend the time to keep your new baby happy.

Best of luck.

[kelemvor]

Also, wondering what makes you lean towards a cartridge filter? Just curiosity on my part.

I'm curious to see if pooldoc or anyone has an opinion here. I could have sworn I'd seen him give praise to decent cartridge filters; but in general the forum mods seem to like sand/de? Is one really better than the other (intex cheapie cartridge stuff notwithstanding)?

[B.S..]

I'm not opposed to a sand filter if the maint is similar to a cartridge I've also not researched DE. I've used Diatomaceous Earth filters in my aquaria before and they were very effective. But I do like the notion of pulling a cartridge out of the filter cleaning it and putting it back in. Maybe I like the notion because of my many decades of keeping aquaria and it seems familiar.

I'm thinking that the dark color will stay though because while the pool will be used for swimming it will also be an integral design component of our back yard "living / entertaining space" and design/color are big issues to my wife. Me too to a point. But a bit warmer pool will be of benefit in early spring and late fall and will probably extend our swim season a bit too...eh?

I'm guessing by the post just above that there is a brand called "Intex" that is not too well respected....correct? What brands of cartridge filters are good quality? Also DE how does it work compared to sand and cartridge filters?

Thank you all so much for you valuable input and opinions.

[Manslick]

If memory serves, DE will filter blood. May be hype, I don’t know.

My DE filter was in place when I bought the house so I never knew any better. If does a fine job of filtering but there is a mess factor when back flushing or cleaning.

I started using an old bed sheet taped to the back flush hose to catch the old DE. I threw the sheet away but I recently heard that DE can be used to repel insects.

So, it could have a second life sprinkled around your foundation. Maybe that is what is in Seven Dust. Hmm..

[Shredhead]

Why no heat? Even in TX, that will severely shorten your season.

[aylad]

Why no heat? Even in TX, that will severely shorten your season.

I don't know about that--in Northwest Louisiana, our swim season is already late April through late September or early October, and I would think he's in a hotter climate than we are......

Janet