My First post/Question

[dirtymartini]

I don't know anything about Buster Crabbe pools so can't help you there. As far as oval vs. round --- maybe think about which one would best fit the space in your yard where you plan to install it. Personally, I've always had round pools. Maybe you'll get some other opinions about this.

While you are in the planning stage, I want to make a couple of suggestions to you. Go ahead and order a good test kit before your pool is up so you'll have it from day one. The one we recommend is the Taylor K-2006 or 2006C which you can get through the testkit link in my signature below. Also, do a lot of reading here on the forum and also on our sister website www.poolsolutions.com. (Until your registration is completed, you'll need to log out to be able to see the rest of the forum.)

That's what worries me about Buster Crabbe pools, there is not a lot of information out there about them. I know this may open a can of worms but what's better, steel or aluminum? I read a big long thread about it but there didn't seem to be any conclusion.

[PoolDoc]

I can't help with the DB vs BC question, but your membership is upgraded. -ben

[dirtymartini]

I can't help with the DB vs BC question, but your membership is upgraded. -ben

Thanks PoolDoc!

[BigDave]

On Round vs. Oval, If you can fit a round, get round. They are simpler, cheaper, and there's less to fail.

[dirtymartini]

On Round vs. Oval, If you can fit a round, get round. They are simpler, cheaper, and there's less to fail.

We are looking at a 16X24 oval and a 24 round. I compared the square footage and with the 24' round it seems like we are getting a lot more pool for about $550 less money. Right now we are leaning towards the Doughboy "Desert Spring" 24' round. I have a $300 coupon and with buying the package you get the first five years 100% warranty.

[Watermom]

What size of pump and what type and size of filter comes with the package. AG pool packages are notorious for pairing a too large pump with a too small filter and that causes problems for many pools. In the case of pool pumps, bigger is not better.

[dirtymartini]

What size of pump and what type and size of filter comes with the package. AG pool packages are notorious for pairing a too large pump with a too small filter and that causes problems for many pools. In the case of pool pumps, bigger is not better.

The 24' round would have a 1.5 HP with a 175lb sand filter.

[Watermom]

That is not a good combination. Too big of a pump for this pool and not a big enough filter for it. Can you make any changes. A 3/4hp pump is plenty for this pool and if you can pair that with at least a 200 lb. sand filter all the better.

PoolDoc or Mark may have a better suggestion for pump/filter combo for your pool.

(I used to have a 24ft AG before I bought a bigger pool this year which is a 27ft AG with 54" walls -- about 18,300 gallons. I have a full-rated 1/2 hp inground pump. It was plenty big enough for the old pool and also my new pool. (I have a 300 lb. sand filter.)