So, we wanted a pool.......We started at Wal-Mart.......

I'm into saltwater reefkeeping, so I know about water chemistry. I got to thinking, I wonder if some of the same tricks used in aquaria can be used on a swimming pool (i.e. baking soda to buffer pH), thus, I found poolsolutions.com and poolforum.com.

I'm starting to lean away from the wally world pools, and leaning towards a true above ground pool....

I've gotten a couple of quotes, but haven't gotten details yet. I'll post initial quotes and if you folks don't mind, tell me what you think....

1) 24' x 52" round Doughboy. 1 HP Pump, 16" Sand Filter (Not sure of the brand yet). Comes with ladder, "maintenance" kit, all hoses and fittings, etc. for $1999.

2) 24' x 52" Swim n' Play. Pretty much same kit, pretty much same price.

I'm waiting on detailed quotes for filtration details, but what do you think initially?

Hopefully, I can weasel my way into better pump/filter combinations (per reading on this site).

I saw that it was recommended to use the 1/2 HP Hayward pump with the 22" filter on pool solutions. Does this still hold true?

Learned the hard way in other hobbies to read before I waste money.