New Pool Construction by Owner - Equipment help!

[PoolDoc]

Builders almost always think it's "cool" when the property owner spends more money. Just keep in mind that many builders don't even like pools, or have one themselves!

There are situations where a VS pump is a good choice -- but a small simple IG pool in Miami is not one of those. And the additional savings from a VS pump, compared to a well-chosen 2 speed is far too small to justify the $500 price difference, much less the $200 for a surge protector and the reduced service life!

[Lsanc]

Got it. I'm sold on the 2 speed then. With respect to pricing, my research led me to some $700 2 speed pumps. Am I looking correctly? When you have a chance, doesn't have to be now, please see if you can share actual models of the pump you recommend.

[PoolDoc]

Here's an equipment list for you. Please note that the Pentair item will not have much of a warranty, if you buy it. Also, I'd STRONGLY recommend that you not buy and store ANYTHING. If you buy directly from Amazon, you have a 30-day return window (sometimes, 60 days), which is EASY. After that, you have to deal with manufacturer warranty policies, which is usually HARD. For the same reason, on bigger items always try to buy directly from Amazon, rather than 3rd party sellers, even if they are a bit cheaper.

Take a look, and tell me what you think.

Pump, SWCG, controller:

Hayward SP2607X102S Super 1-Horsepower Max Rated Dual Speed Pool Pump
Hayward AQR15 Goldline AquaRite Electronic Salt Pool Chlorinator Control Box w/ 40000-Gallon Cell
Intermatic PE653RC Wireless Control System for Variable Speed and Two-Speed Pumps

Pool Vacuum:

Polaris Vac-Sweep 280 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner
Zodiac K14 Sand and Silt Bag Replacement

Filter system:

Hayward S310S Pro-Series 30-Inch Side-Mount Pool Sand Filter
Hayward SP0710X62 Pro-Series Vari-Flo Replacement 1-1/2-Inch Control Valve Assembly with Gauge

--OR--

Hayward S244S Pro-Series 24-Inch Side-Mount 1-1/2-Inch Vari-Flo Valve Pool Filter

Possible features:

Pentair 640122 IntelliBrite 5g Color Spa Light, 100-Feet, 120-Volt
Zodiac 1203003 Sheer Descent Waterfall with 6-Inch White Extended Lip
Zodiac Sheer Descent manual

[Lsanc]

I just wrote a long reply but it didn't post...let me do this again:

Questions:

1) I read that Hayward pump needs 1.5" intake and outlet pipe. Is that good? I was planning in running all plumbing 2". Should I just use a reducer? I was under the impression 2" was the way to go.

2) sand filter size? Price diff between 30 and 24 is small. Should I just go for the biggest?

3) color changing led pool light...yay or nay?

[PoolDoc]

Piping hydraulics and their interaction with the pump are somewhat complex. In general, you won't hurt yourself with 2" pipe . . . but ironically, if you keep your system simple enough, some special design elements may be needed. Contrary to what most people think, pumps overload on high flow, not high pressure.

Look through the equipment list above and the associated costs. They include a link to a Pentair LED light . . . but I'm not ready to recommend those. LED lights *should* last a long time, but Amazon reviews, and reports here, suggest that far too frequently, they fail after a short time. I need to find out why. It may be voltage surges.

Look at the 'Sheer Descent' too. That's an attractive feature option for a small pool, but it MUST be on a timer: running a waterfall more than a few hours per day will screw up your chemistry, because of the constant aeration. The Intermatic timer listed will allow you to run the pump HIGH/LOW/OFF, co-ordinate with the Polaris ON/OFF, and operate a small water feature, like the Sheer Descent (ON, when the pump is on HIGH). However the wiring is too complex for most non-industrial electricians, and must be drawn out in advance for them. Also, use of a complex timer (with electronics) MANDATES installation of high-grade surge protection.

The starting place for you is to assess the pool layout, and what features are important to you . . . and how much budget room is left over, once you have the complete shell and inground plumbing. Once you've done that, you can look at final equipment and feature selection.

Let me remind you again: Pentair equipment is NOT an option if (a) you buy the equipment yourself and (b) the warranty matters.

[Lsanc]

Thanks Ben. Just sent you a PM via gmail.

[Watermom]

A bigger filter is always better.