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Guest
Thanks in advance. I am new to these forums and just located this one. I posted in another forum and got zero responses, so I am hoping for better results here.
I have had inground pools my whole life in PA and CA. Now that I live in WA, I cannot justify the cost of an inground, so I have been looking at AGPs.
I want to install the pool in an area that gets heavy winter snow (Cle Elum, WA). The snow load for the roofs is 135 pounds per square foot. The snow can get about 5 feet deep. I am planning on winterizing the pool. This usually involved lowering the water below the skimmer and blowing the lines for ingrounds and installing a winter cover with floating supports, is it the same for AGPs? Or Should I drain the pool completely?
I wanted to know if this snow is an issue for AGPs. I know that AGPs are everywhere on the east coast, so cold and snow should not be an issue. What type is going to be best for this type of weather. I am leaning to extruded aluminum (Esther Williams) for the strength. As well I like the idea of being able to bring the dirt right up to one side since this works nicely in saving me to build a snow bearing deck next to the pool.
The issue is what Brand too? I see the Esther Williams are about $8,000 with the lowest I saw at $5,500 for the millenium 15 by 30. I was hoping to find a good $2,000 pool to fill this immediate need, but from what I read it is a headache to keep repairing/replacing the pools every 3-5 years.
Also, what about the base. I prefer a permanent base. I have seen the gunite type recommended, but that requires the blowing equipment to install. Will a concrete slab work too? I really don't want any settling issues and figure the solid slab is the best way to ensure this.
I am definitely planning on going with a pad under the liner with coping material versus sand. Relatives had this in the past and it was just problematic. I see geotechnical and assume it is the industrial grade landscape frabric used for such things as roads. The foam sounds like it will not be as resilient. Kind of like the pad under your carpet getting compressed over time.
I also plan on doing the DE filter system. Having used it in the past with inground it really is the best. I have not found any stainless steel tanks though. They seem to all be plastic/resin now. Stainless Steel ones last forever. What about the HP? Is 1 HP sufficient for a 15x30?
Which automatic cleaner type is better on AGPs, suction or pressurized?
I plan on using a SWC system. I like Ozone/Nature2 for my spa, but not sure about for an AGP.
Also looking at the solar heating. Had FAFCO panels back in 78 on our inground. It really WORKED and extending the swimming season. We could keep the water at 82 automatically and even cool it down at night if it got too warm.
Sorry to ask so much as a newbie, but I wanted to get real feedback. Reading all this stuff on the web can be overwhelming. I am a spa/pool novice so I will try to contribute in those areas.
I just discovered the BBB method. If you read the ingredients on the spa/pool chemicals you will see they are the same as those in the common products used in that system. Never thought to look there. Although the concentrations may differ, it sounds more economical.
I have had inground pools my whole life in PA and CA. Now that I live in WA, I cannot justify the cost of an inground, so I have been looking at AGPs.
I want to install the pool in an area that gets heavy winter snow (Cle Elum, WA). The snow load for the roofs is 135 pounds per square foot. The snow can get about 5 feet deep. I am planning on winterizing the pool. This usually involved lowering the water below the skimmer and blowing the lines for ingrounds and installing a winter cover with floating supports, is it the same for AGPs? Or Should I drain the pool completely?
I wanted to know if this snow is an issue for AGPs. I know that AGPs are everywhere on the east coast, so cold and snow should not be an issue. What type is going to be best for this type of weather. I am leaning to extruded aluminum (Esther Williams) for the strength. As well I like the idea of being able to bring the dirt right up to one side since this works nicely in saving me to build a snow bearing deck next to the pool.
The issue is what Brand too? I see the Esther Williams are about $8,000 with the lowest I saw at $5,500 for the millenium 15 by 30. I was hoping to find a good $2,000 pool to fill this immediate need, but from what I read it is a headache to keep repairing/replacing the pools every 3-5 years.
Also, what about the base. I prefer a permanent base. I have seen the gunite type recommended, but that requires the blowing equipment to install. Will a concrete slab work too? I really don't want any settling issues and figure the solid slab is the best way to ensure this.
I am definitely planning on going with a pad under the liner with coping material versus sand. Relatives had this in the past and it was just problematic. I see geotechnical and assume it is the industrial grade landscape frabric used for such things as roads. The foam sounds like it will not be as resilient. Kind of like the pad under your carpet getting compressed over time.
I also plan on doing the DE filter system. Having used it in the past with inground it really is the best. I have not found any stainless steel tanks though. They seem to all be plastic/resin now. Stainless Steel ones last forever. What about the HP? Is 1 HP sufficient for a 15x30?
Which automatic cleaner type is better on AGPs, suction or pressurized?
I plan on using a SWC system. I like Ozone/Nature2 for my spa, but not sure about for an AGP.
Also looking at the solar heating. Had FAFCO panels back in 78 on our inground. It really WORKED and extending the swimming season. We could keep the water at 82 automatically and even cool it down at night if it got too warm.
Sorry to ask so much as a newbie, but I wanted to get real feedback. Reading all this stuff on the web can be overwhelming. I am a spa/pool novice so I will try to contribute in those areas.
I just discovered the BBB method. If you read the ingredients on the spa/pool chemicals you will see they are the same as those in the common products used in that system. Never thought to look there. Although the concentrations may differ, it sounds more economical.