I am doing a total refurb on my pool and would appreciate as many suggestions as possible. The house was a recent purchase and I am doing a complete overhaul on the pool, mechanical, deck, coping, lighting, plaster, fittings, etc. While I'd like to use the best and latest, budget is definitely an issue.
I am located in New Orleans. My pool is probably 20 years old. Sometime in the past the plumbing was upgraded from 1.25†copper to 1.5†pvc. The current pump and filter are shot.
Current Setup: ~21k gallons (16x33, 3-7ft deep), 1 suction line from skimmer @ 1.5â€, 2 return lines @ 1.5â€, Polaris booster pump with Polaris return (Polaris 280), I have not found a main drain line and do not know if there is one (pool is currently a swamp so I cannot see the bottom).
The equipment is currently located in the middle of the patio. The previous owners thought that a large lattice work box was just the thing to hide it.
I disagree and will be moving pump, filters, etc. to a shed that I have constructed 36' away from the skimmer and returns. The ground in NO is flat, so elevation is not an issue.
I’d like to keep the design simple and I plan to have all new plumbing run (from skimmer and to returns) so that,hopefully, there will be no leaks when done. I prefer not to replace the current skimmer or add another skimmer. The current skimmer is encased in concrete so I doubt that changing the pipe size coming out is possible.
* If the skimmer outlet is 1.5", is there any benefit to upgrading to a larger pipe from the skimmer to pump?
Most of the contractors that I have interviewed recommend upgrading to 2†pipe for the returns and adding one return (for a total of 3). One recommended adding a suction line through the wall to supplement the skimmer.
Salt Generator: I plan on using the CompuPool CPSC26 (I had this model on my previous pool with no issues for 4+ years).
Pump/Filter: The PB is recommending 1hp Whisperflo/Triton II (tr100c). Is this a good match for this setup?
* I was actually wondering about a Intelliflo VS/tr100c, 2 speed superflo/tr100c, (or other pump/filter?) setup.
* Is an Intelliflo recommended/needed?
* Will the energy savings be significant (I think that my current cost for electricity is $0.04779 per kWh)?
* If Intelliflo is a good choice, and considering that I do not want the expense nor complexity of a control system, is the Intelliflo VF a better fit than the VS? (Obviously, I'd prefer the VS because it's cheaper, but do not want to ignore the potential electricity savings of the VF over time.
Lighting: Intellibrite 5g with controller.
I would love a water feature. I was thinking about adding 4 deck jets unless someone can recommend a less costly addition. If added, I was thinking about repurposing a 1.5 pump (with its own suction from pool wall). I already have the pump.
* However, I am wondering if the Intelliflo could handle the additional load considering the lack of flow on the suction side?
Again, I would prefer to avoid too many electronics, so I’d like to avoid a central controller based on cost and (my perceived) complexity. I would be sticking with mechanical timers plus the VS’s built-in timer or Intermatic T106M if going with a 2 speed pump, or ???.
Thanks!
I hope this is enough information because I do not have a history with this pool on which to rely.
I am located in New Orleans. My pool is probably 20 years old. Sometime in the past the plumbing was upgraded from 1.25†copper to 1.5†pvc. The current pump and filter are shot.
Current Setup: ~21k gallons (16x33, 3-7ft deep), 1 suction line from skimmer @ 1.5â€, 2 return lines @ 1.5â€, Polaris booster pump with Polaris return (Polaris 280), I have not found a main drain line and do not know if there is one (pool is currently a swamp so I cannot see the bottom).
The equipment is currently located in the middle of the patio. The previous owners thought that a large lattice work box was just the thing to hide it.
I disagree and will be moving pump, filters, etc. to a shed that I have constructed 36' away from the skimmer and returns. The ground in NO is flat, so elevation is not an issue.I’d like to keep the design simple and I plan to have all new plumbing run (from skimmer and to returns) so that,hopefully, there will be no leaks when done. I prefer not to replace the current skimmer or add another skimmer. The current skimmer is encased in concrete so I doubt that changing the pipe size coming out is possible.
* If the skimmer outlet is 1.5", is there any benefit to upgrading to a larger pipe from the skimmer to pump?
Most of the contractors that I have interviewed recommend upgrading to 2†pipe for the returns and adding one return (for a total of 3). One recommended adding a suction line through the wall to supplement the skimmer.
Salt Generator: I plan on using the CompuPool CPSC26 (I had this model on my previous pool with no issues for 4+ years).
Pump/Filter: The PB is recommending 1hp Whisperflo/Triton II (tr100c). Is this a good match for this setup?
* I was actually wondering about a Intelliflo VS/tr100c, 2 speed superflo/tr100c, (or other pump/filter?) setup.
* Is an Intelliflo recommended/needed?
* Will the energy savings be significant (I think that my current cost for electricity is $0.04779 per kWh)?
* If Intelliflo is a good choice, and considering that I do not want the expense nor complexity of a control system, is the Intelliflo VF a better fit than the VS? (Obviously, I'd prefer the VS because it's cheaper, but do not want to ignore the potential electricity savings of the VF over time.
Lighting: Intellibrite 5g with controller.
I would love a water feature. I was thinking about adding 4 deck jets unless someone can recommend a less costly addition. If added, I was thinking about repurposing a 1.5 pump (with its own suction from pool wall). I already have the pump.
* However, I am wondering if the Intelliflo could handle the additional load considering the lack of flow on the suction side?
Again, I would prefer to avoid too many electronics, so I’d like to avoid a central controller based on cost and (my perceived) complexity. I would be sticking with mechanical timers plus the VS’s built-in timer or Intermatic T106M if going with a 2 speed pump, or ???.
Thanks!
I hope this is enough information because I do not have a history with this pool on which to rely.
