Jason,

Congrats on choosing to build a tool. As Mas has stated, I am putting in my 2 cents worth as well. Eljefe and I built our pools about the same time. I am plumbed with 2" throughout my pool and plumbed 2.1/2" in my spa. I was given a free upgrade on my pump (Northstar 3HP). Everybodies eyes popped out of their head when I mentioned that. However, I love alot of agitation in my spa and I made that perfectly clear to my builder from the get-go. I have heard alot of people talk of savings on electricity. I can turm my pool over 3-4 times within a 5 hour period. My electricity bill jumped about $90/ month when I first started my pool running it 12-15 hours a day. I am now down (winter time) to running it 3-4 hours a day with good water chemistry. My electricity bill is up about $30/month from average. I have compared to other neighbors with smaller pumps and there is not much of a difference between 1HP/ 2HP/ and my 3HP. Is my 3HP overkill?? Probably so, but I love my spa and I love the fact that all 8 of my jets are perfectly balanced. Good luck on your build and keep us up to date.

Divnkd101
22 x 36 Custom(21K gallons)
8' Spa
SWG
Polaris 280