Hi...I have a 13500 gal IG concrete pool that came with the house...Currently have an old (noisy) single speed pump and a Hayward chlorine tablet feeder. I just put in a new Hayward cartridge filter as the old one had several cracks beyond repair. No attached spa or water features. There is a single main drain in the deep end, a skimmer topside and one suction point for the automatic pool cleaner, a Baracuda MX8.

For years Ive been wanting to convert to a salt system mostly because the chlorine irritates my eyes and salt pool water just feels softer to me. In doing my research, it seems that a salt system needs a little less day to day maintenance. I travel alot and often forget to tell the rest of the family to check the tabs in the pool, not to mention that I dont like the kids handling those tabs in the first place. As a result, the pool often gets green and takes days to clear up along with $$$ for swamp away and other stuff I have to go buy. Its been pretty frustrating.

I am thinking of the Pentair Intelliflow 3hp, (model 11018) or the Intelliflow VS or VF but am not quite clear on the differences other than the price??.. Looking on the website best I can tell is the higher end models have the safety feature and/or a GPM flow meter built in? My main concern is the variable speed as I am really interested in saving money on my elec bill but wondering if the GPM meter is worth it. Any other major features with the more expensive pumps in that line? Are these pumps HP overkill for my pool size and setup?

The salt generator I plan is the Pentair IC20 along with the right power supply module...From what I understand there is a flow sensor built in to these that only turns on the generator when there is enough flow. I suppose I could just dial up the RPM till I see the salt system indicate its working as set that as my low speed to run for most of the day but what about when I want the Baracuda MX8 to run? Do most people just leave the pool robot plugged in all the time and when it gets enough suction to run it goes about and then when the pump ramps back down it sits idle?

Am I correct in assuming that if the pump is turning water at lower speed all (or most of the day) and the salt system is working at that flow rate, the pool should, in theory stay cleaner with less time checking in on it every day?

Another main question I have is what about the mechanical timer I have there now to run the old single speed? Does that stay in and I still use that or does the new pump get constant power and let its own computer turn it on and off?

In summary, Id like to be able to have the pump run at a low speed just enough to have the top skimmer and bottom drain pulling water thru the system and leave the Baracuda MX8 attached and then when it ramps up to a high speed it provides enough suction to make the robot move for an hour or two and then go back to lower speed. All without having to touch the valves. Is this a realistic expectation or am I dreaming and just not understanding this right?

I forgot to mention that I will be installing all this myself. I am pretty handy and pretty much take on all my home improvement projects on my own. I just want to have a clear idea before I order these things and realize that the two products (new variable speed pump and Intelliclor IC20) are not a good system together.