My First post/Question

[dirtymartini]

On Round vs. Oval, If you can fit a round, get round. They are simpler, cheaper, and there's less to fail.

We are looking at a 16X24 oval and a 24 round. I compared the square footage and with the 24' round it seems like we are getting a lot more pool for about $550 less money. Right now we are leaning towards the Doughboy "Desert Spring" 24' round. I have a $300 coupon and with buying the package you get the first five years 100% warranty.

[Watermom]

What size of pump and what type and size of filter comes with the package. AG pool packages are notorious for pairing a too large pump with a too small filter and that causes problems for many pools. In the case of pool pumps, bigger is not better.

[dirtymartini]

What size of pump and what type and size of filter comes with the package. AG pool packages are notorious for pairing a too large pump with a too small filter and that causes problems for many pools. In the case of pool pumps, bigger is not better.

The 24' round would have a 1.5 HP with a 175lb sand filter.

[Watermom]

That is not a good combination. Too big of a pump for this pool and not a big enough filter for it. Can you make any changes. A 3/4hp pump is plenty for this pool and if you can pair that with at least a 200 lb. sand filter all the better.

PoolDoc or Mark may have a better suggestion for pump/filter combo for your pool.

(I used to have a 24ft AG before I bought a bigger pool this year which is a 27ft AG with 54" walls -- about 18,300 gallons. I have a full-rated 1/2 hp inground pump. It was plenty big enough for the old pool and also my new pool. (I have a 300 lb. sand filter.)

[dirtymartini]

I will check on changing the pump size...I just stopped at another reputable pool dealer (been around for 47 years in our area) at looked at a 24' round Swim'n Play Mystic II and a Aquarian Nuance. Have you heard of these brands? Any opinions? They both have a stainless service panel. I had another pool dealer tell me to stay away from a pool with the stainless panel, that it would corrode where the stainless and regular steel meet???

[BigDave]

...I had another pool dealer tell me to stay away from a pool with the stainless panel, that it would corrode where the stainless and regular steel meet???

I'll bet none of his pools have SS service panels. In my experience, listening to salesmen bad-mouth others products tells you more about the salesman than the product.

[dirtymartini]

Does anyone have experience with Swim'N Play pools?

[dirtymartini]

Well, I think we have decided on a Doughboy Desert Spring 24' 54" round pool!