I never had a pool and plan on purchasing an in ground pool. I read numerous threads which were very helpful to aide my decisions. I want to ensure that I understood the advice that I have read and demystify some of the advice (?) I received from the pool company's (PC). Below is what I plan on purchasing along with a few questions.

Base pool
- 18x36 in ground pool (3ft - 8ft in depth) with radius corners
- Around 24K gallons (at least that’s what they told me)
- Steel construction
- Pool located in Long Island NY.
- Plan on operating it from June to around September

Liner – Merlin pool liner: 28 mill liner on sides and 20 mil liner on floor

Does it make sense to put 20mil liner on the floor? PC said it easy to install the 20 mil on the floor and will not bunch up. He said he had no problem putting in 28m all over but they usually didn’t do it. My thought is thicker is better. Any thoughts?

Filter - Hayward DE Filter DE 3620

PC company did not advise a cartridge filter saying its to hard to maintain. However, I read on the forum which leads me to believe anyone of the filters does an adequate job with some trade offs. I choose the DE because I have several trees near by which I assume will dump numerous little particles in my pool. I understand backwashing the DE leaves a white residue but I have can dump the back wash into a cess pool which is already on my property. Is there any chance the residual DE from the backwash will clog up my pipes to the cess pool? I think the pipes are very large in diameter. Also, is it safe to dump DE into a cess pool? Any thoughts?


Pump - Hayward DE 1 1/2 HP single speed SP2610x15

I have been reading the forum where it recommends a dual speed pump. Since, I don’t really understand how long to run a filter or when I’m not sure of the economic benefit. Are there any statistics on how much this will save over time? Also, when do you run it in lower speed versus full speed? I think the cost difference is around $100.

Heat Pump - Teledyne AE2500

PC recommended the Teledyne AE2500 (115K BTU) but there is also a AE3000 (131K BTU). Which heat pump is recommended for a pool my size? The cost difference is around $400.

Auto cleaner - Polaris 360

Is it good for a pool of my size? One PC told me don’t ever get a self propelled unit for a pool. PC recommended a booster pump with any auto pool cleaner. Should I stick with this model or go with something else that requires a booster?


Salt Chlorinator - Polaris Auto clear Plus

Reading the forum this seems like a good way to go. Is this model recommended?

Light - Hayward Color Logic

Looks cool in brochure and the wife likes it. PC said it works great. Any comments?


Floor – sand

One PC said I should use a sand base mixed with cement to avoid all the foot prints in the pool. Another PC said sand is better because of the softer bottom. Any thoughts?


Any help the forum can provide will be greatly appreciated.