Cell size, and a couple other newb questions

[SeanB.]

Our pool will begin construction in just a couple of weeks, after we close on our new home. Part of our package includes an Intellichlor SWG. My youngest daughter has pretty bad eczema so a swg was a no brainer for us.

I actually don't know what size cell it has but our pool will be on the small side, coming in around 13,500 gallons plus whatever volume a 7' spa provides. The smaller Intellichlor cell, acording to the Pentair site, is used for pools up to 20,000 gallons. Would this be considered enough of an oversize, or should I go up to the larger cell for up to 40,000 gallons - seems like that might be overkill? Moving into a new house, and building a pool is certainly a stretch on the budget, so I don't want to spend money just for the sake of spending.

TIA

PS Am I understanding correctly that the Pool Solutions test kits everyone keeps referring to are not currently available and won't be for some tmie? If so, aside from avoiding strips, what brand/ type should I look for? I'd like to start off on the right foot with accurate results.

PSS Is there a gallery here that I may have overlooked? I'd love to see pictures of members pools as well as add my own once construction begins.

[Davenj]

I have a Autopilot SWCG, so I don't know the cell sizes for Intellichlor. The general concensous is to go larger. The 40,000 gallon cell would be a good choice. Power setting would be lower and extend the life of the cell.

I believe a Taylor K-2006 is reccommended. I have Ben's kit, someone else will give you a more knowledgable answer.

The pictures of pool are located in the "Off Topic General Interest" section

[CanuckPool]

I have a new IG pool that is 14500 gallons with the IC20. We just had the pool guy put in whatever he recommended. So far we keep it at about 60%, I think we may even be able to go down to 40%. It does have a 100% mode where it shocks the pool for 24 hours, but taking some advice from these forums, I am shocking with bleach to save on wear and tear on the unit.

I guess if you can afford it, go with the bigger unit unless someone can come up with a better reason not to.

[waterbear]

PS Am I understanding correctly that the Pool Solutions test kits everyone keeps referring to are not currently available and won't be for some tmie? If so, aside from avoiding strips, what brand/ type should I look for? I'd like to start off on the right foot with accurate results.

PSS Is there a gallery here that I may have overlooked? I'd love to see pictures of members pools as well as add my own once construction begins.

The test kit is available as far as I know
http://www.poolsolutions.com/cart/ps234.php

The galleries are here
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/forumdisplay.php?f=152

There are three sticky threads for the gallieries....have fun!

[standfas]

I just completed a 21600 gal. pool. PB put in an IC20. I was not satisfied with the performance and am moving up to the larger cell. I spoke to a Pentair technician and was told that they both use the same power pack. I'm able to move up to the larger cell for an additional $50.

There some good photos on this website:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/pools/

[Socal_biker]

I just installed IntelliChlor SWCG yesterday, using the IC40 cell for my IG ~18K-20K pool. I'll finally know the gallon size when I refill it this time.

Price wise there isn't all that much difference between the IC20 & IC40 cells, so I went with the larger cell. I figured I could run it at a lower power setting than the IC20. It may or may not help with cell life also, running at the lower power setting.

I haven't run it yet, as I'm still working on remodeling and upgrading the pool equipment. I'm about 85-90% done with the remodeling, and hope to be filling the pool before this next weekend.

[Simmons99]

Our pool will begin construction in just a couple of weeks, after we close on our new home.

Before you sign a contract - check out the construction forum and cons forum to make sure you have your bases covered! Good luck!

[SeanB.]

Before you sign a contract - check out the construction forum and cons forum to make sure you have your bases covered! Good luck!

I've been reading over there and I have to say, it's not very reasuring. It seems like people can have drastically different experiences with the same builder so past experience may not be a good indication of future performance.

We have signed a contract, although we are still in our option period to back out, and I do feel comfortable with our builder. We started our research back in March and met with four different builders. We were close to going with Blue Haven but despite a reasonable package price, I just didn't feel comforatable with the salesman - could easily be selling used cars if you know what I mean. I didn't need a slick sales pitch, I needed honest advice and didn't feel like that was what I was getting. We're spending over 30k on this project, and I just have to trust my gut. After doing some extended research online, I have serious reservations about that compnay anyway.

So, we picked a PB with a very good reputation in the area and who built a pool for some friends of ours a little over a year ago. They have been very happy with their pool during that time and are going to be going back to the PB to install a swcg for them. We are going to take their lead and start with one.

It's one thing to get referals and talk to strangers, but I always feel more comfortable getting feedback from people I actually know and who know me and and what I expect for my money. Likewise, I'm careful about products or companies I recommend to friends because I know that they are putting their trust in my opinion.

Anyway, that's really all we can do. Now I just hope that our instincts are right and we chose well. The few questions I've had so far have been quickly answered by e-mail and the designer has been quick to answer his cell phone. Hopefully this is an indication of how things will be once they get their first payment and work begins. Either way, I'll be sure to check in often with updates and, no doubt... more questions.

[SeanB.]

Well, my choice in PB's was reaffirmed today. I asked our salesman about changing from the IC20 to the IC40 and he informed me that we would be getting the IC40. It turns out they don't even carry the IC20. As he said, and you all have pointed out, there is very little difference in cost and they just didn't see any reason to offer the smaller unit.

I hope this is an indication of things to come.