Perfect setup

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sh4unz0r

sh4unz0r

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Jun 14, 2013
12
Scottsdale, AZ
My parents just got a new house in Mesa, AZ. The existing setup seems to be about 10-11k gallons eyeballing it, 2 pumps, one going to a DE filter, the other going to a fountain and pop-up cleaner system. They are moving here from a much colder location, so the pool will be a lifeline for them in the Phoenix summers.

The CH is >500 and I haven't tested CYA yet, but my guess is it is high since there was a floating chlorine puck dispenser in there. So I am thinking a full drain/refill is in order and maybe an acid wash for what appears to be some scaling. All the pop-ups appear to work as far as I can tell but I have a lot to learn still with regard to that system. Right now when the filter pump turns on it blows dirt out of one of the returns for about 3 minutes. So, I definitely have some issues to fix. But I am also tempted to scrap it all and start over as much as possible.


So. My question is, if you were going to remove all the existing pump/filter setup, what would you install? The maintenance needs to be easier. Because they are not getting any younger. I'd be interested in installing the optimal filtration system, and probably a salt cell.
 
sh,

I am a highly biased Pentair guy.. I like to say that the other brands are almost as good... :cool:

But in reality all the major brands are about the same.

I would suggest a variable speed filter pump to reduce the electrical costs.

A VS pump also works well with a SWCG as you have to run the pump longer to maintain your chlorine level.

If you are thinking about automation, it is always best to use the same brand for the pump, SWCG, and automation system.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
 
Jimrahbe said:
sh,

I am a highly biased Pentair guy.. I like to say that the other brands are almost as good... :cool:

But in reality all the major brands are about the same.

I would suggest a variable speed filter pump to reduce the electrical costs.

A VS pump also works well with a SWCG as you have to run the pump longer to maintain your chlorine level.

If you are thinking about automation, it is always best to use the same brand for the pump, SWCG, and automation system.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
Click to expand...

Hey Jim,

As far as brands go, I do not really have any loyalties. I am interested from a filtration perspective in sand vs DE vs cartridge. I have sand and it is easy and seem to do a good job. I read through the DE backwash/clean tutorial and I am fairly certain that is beyond my parents. I know nothing about cartridge but I have heard good things. Also based on your signature, your SWG is sized >2x the pool size, which was my thought also. Do you have a picture of your pump/filter setup?

As far as automation, one thing I would be interested in. I always see mechanical timers for pool equipment. I would be curious if anyone has used a timer that can be hooked up to a SmartThings or Wink home automation system to give a lot more control over timing. I would love to put in place a pump schedule that accounts for temperature to try and have it automatically run longer on hotter/sunnier days and shorter on other days based on an estimation of chlorine burn off.
 
sh,

I have a pretty simple set up, just a pool and waterfall wall, no spa or fancy stuff...

Here a pic of my equipment pad...



The equipment is inside a shed attached to the side of my house...



My automation system sits next to the shed under an the roof overhang..



I have a cartridge filter because of the city code were I live. I like DE filters but have never used a sand filter.

From my point of view there is little difference, maintenance wise, between a DE and cartridge filter. I have both.. my home is cartridge, but I have two DE filters at rent houses. I only break them down and clean them twice a year. Since I got variable speed pumps, I never backwash the DE filters any more. In both cases you get wet and it takes me about the same length of time for either type.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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