Recommended equipment for inground pools (Original)

[PoolDoc]

@JimK, Waterbear: Thanks for your input and criticism -- it was very helpful. I'd like to collect as many reactions as I can.

@Willx6: Chemical automation, based on sensor electrodes, is a bad idea for any pool not operated by someone with substantial technical skills. The electrodes do not maintain a stable signal response to the water chemistry: in other words, the signal varies over time, even when the chemistry remains the same. As a result, the units have to be regularly calibrated, and the calibration can be complex. Even worse, the ORP electrodes, used to control chlorine levels, do NOT measure chlorine at all. Instead, they measure the NET oxidizing potential of the water: (chlorine + other oxidizers including MPS) - (reducible chemicals, such as urine and many stain removal agents). Even more complex, on outdoor pools running with stabilizer, strong sunlight reduces the HOCl fraction of the measurable DPD chlorine. This means that the ORP controller will RAISE chlorine levels on sunny days, and LOWER chlorine levels on cloudy days -- a result that confuses the heck out of operators.

OK. With respect to chemical automation, I have a bunch of experience, and some data-based criticisms.

With respect to other automation, my objections are more personal, based on my own preferences, but here goes. Most of USEFUL (in my opinion) functions of automation controls can be achieved with much less complexity and expense and much MORE reliability using a multi-channel time clock. The things that can't be done -- like remote reporting, and using your iPhone to turn on your spa -- seem to be less than useful to me. How valuable is it to be able to turn on the lights or blower with your phone, instead of flipping a couple of switches as you walk toward the spa?

The one exception I can think of, is the ability to turn up the heat on a spa remotely. This would allow you to leave the spa low normally, but turn it up when you and your spouse plan a pleasant evening. But that's a life style issue: if YOU would benefit from that, then it's a benefit. But I'm guessing most people wouldn't actually use it.

There is one objective criticism to electronic controls and programmers: they are way too complex for many people, but those same people are often ashamed to admit it. People who are confused by their AV equipment, should not get electronic controls for their pools and spas! And there's a perfectly good reason that you can give people: just tell them that you realized that the smart choice was electromechanical controls that are cheaper and more reliable, rather than far less reliable 'gee-whiz' controls that local installers often can't service, and that manufacturer telephone support techs often don't understand!

[willx6]

Thanks, I will have a spa waterfall, two bubblers and some deck jets. Is the 3hp vs pump worth spending $1200 for.

[CarlD]

I would add to the discussion with two cleaners I have generally been delighted with:
First would be the Pool Blaster (formerly Pool Buster) rechargeable hand and pole vacuum. I'm on my second and I wouldn't be without it! It's great for spot cleaning or doing the whole pool without a hose. You can use it while you are swimming. It looks like a gimmick but I love mine!
Caveats: First--get the extra-fine filter as well. It's too fine for spring cleanup but gets dust and pollen the regular filter bag doesn't. Second--occasionally the battery-pack fails. If it seems to be running low fast and you're still under warranty, act to get it fixed (changing the battery/motor combo isn't hard, if you follow the directions). Otherwise the replacement cost won't be worth it.


Second would be a robotic cleaner. Personally, I've had great luck with Blue Diamond wireless remote model and far less with the Dolphin Dynamic because of reliability problems. It's really a set-it-and-forget-it gadget. Yeah, it cost more, but it also brushes the walls as it climbs them so you don't have to do more than spot vacuum and you don't have to brush the walls. In fact, one robotic cycle on all the brands is like one full water cycle by the filter and pump.