Purchasing a new AG Pool. Need advice...

[Serapium]

So, despite being a newly registered user, I've been a huge fan of this site for years. I used the BBB method reliably for three years at my last house on my 15' AG pool, and loved how easy it was (and inexpensive). I never registered at that time because I was able to find all the answers I needed just from the web site itself.

Fast forward, and I've been without a pool in a new location for three years. My trusty 15' pool went with the last house. We're ready for something much larger. I'm looking at either 30' or 33' round AG, but am somewhat lost in the options. The last pool I had was a used pool when I bought it. I got it for $300 if I tore it down and moved it myself. As such, it was more of an impulse buy than anything. No thought went into filter, pump, liner, etc..... I just used what it had.

That said, to any of the pool experts here.... If you were going to buy a new pool, with all new equipment, what route would you go? Traditional BBB as recommended here, or SWCG?

Also, I know I don't want too big of a pump for my filter and have seen the equipment combination recommended elsewhere on this site, but is a single 1 HP pump really enough for a 33' pool? Would I be better off with the addition of another 1 HP pump/ skimmer to aid in circulation on the other side of the pool?

Thanks for any advice!

[Watermom]

I'm going to let someone else give you the equipment advice you are asking for. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and let you know that you aren't being ignored! Forum has been a little slower today. Probably because everybody is celebrating Mother's Day! Hang tight. Someone will be along.

[Serapium]

Thanks for the welcome, Watermom!

Still hoping for some advice on my questions above, plus some opinions on DE filters vs sand filters. If you were buying all new, which one would you choose?

[Watermom]

I would buy a sand filter but that is just my preference. They are by far the easiest to maintain. However, you will find just as many people who will tell you to buy a DE filter or a a cartridge filter. DE filters provide the best filtration. However, I have never had any issues with my sand filter not filtering well in all the years I have had a pool. All of the moderators on this forum have sand filters, too. My opinion is that I wouldn't want a cartridge filter because of the hassle of cleaning them. But, some of our members love theirs.

An SWCG does allow for less frequent "fooling with" your pool BUT most AG pool warranties are voided if you add an SWCG.

Others will chime in with their opinions, I'm sure. Hope this helps maybe a little.

[Serapium]

Definitely helps! Bonus is that I'm already familiar with sand filters. How about the pump question? I know I don't want to overpower the filter with too big of a pump, and in my 15' AG pool my 1 HP pump was more than enough to circulate water through the whole pool. A 33' pool is a much different monster. I know I'll have to run the pump much more often to achieve enough water turnover through the pump, but will a 1 HP pump even move enough water for adequate circulation all the way to the other side of the pool?

[PoolDoc]

A 1HP inground pump is MORE than enough for your pool: a 33' x 52" pool only holds around 22,000 gallons. Optimal MAXIMUM circulation is around 60 GPM, but you probably want more like 48 GPM.

A combination like this:

Hayward S244S Pro-Series 24-Inch Side-Mount 1-1/2-Inch Vari-Flo Valve Pool Filter @ Amazon
Hayward Super Pump 2-speed 230V w/Switch @ A1PoolParts

would work exceptionally well and be very efficient to operate. You would leave the pump on low speed except when vacuuming, backwashing, or cleaning up, and you would definitely want the smaller pump!

But, I'm not sure if you are planning to use an IG pump and filter.

[aylad]

If you're talking about 33' round, depth 48", then you're looking at about 25,600 gallons, which is roughly the same volume as my pool (mine is 18 x 36 rectangle). I have a 1 HP pump and 300# sand filter, and it works just fine for me.