New pool owner wanting to convert to salt chlorination system

[waterbear]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are in the process of buying our first home (we close March 30th!) and the pool (and related equipment) are as old as the house (1983.) The pump is a 1 hp which I understand is illegal to install in new pools now. (?)

I believe you mean a 1 speed pump, not a 1 HP pump. It could be any HP rating which is different from the motor speed. New installations in many localities now requre by code either a 2 speed or multi speed pump since they are more energy efficient (and also provide better filtration) by running them for a longer time on low speed. High speed is still needed for for cleeaners, water features, vacuuming, solar, etc.

So, I would like a new pump to save on electricity costs.

IF the 'wet end' of the pump is in good condition you can often just replace the motor with a two speed motor for a lot less than a new pump.

Also we have been researching salt chlorination systems.

If it is an older pool make sure that the equiipment (ladders, light niches, plumbing, etc) are compatible with salt systems. Some older equipment is not going to be and could corrode or be otherwise damaged.

Oh, and the pool has manual solar panels for heating.

Nothing wrong with solar heat! However, if you do upgrade to a 2 speed or multispeed pump you might look into a solar controller that would automatically switch you into high speed when the solar kicks in since many solar installations will not operate properly on low speed.

We have never owned a pool before and really don't know where to start. Can anyone give any advice based on the info I just provided? Should we get a new pump and salt chlorination system at the sometime? Is there something else I'm overlooking....like also getting all new pipes or something? The pool is quite large..I'm not sure how many gallons though (maybe 20k?)

Hope this helps but, as PoolDoc said, do not replace any equipement just yet. First post the pics and follow the 5 steps he outlined!