New Build NW Arkansas

[Pantseatflyer]

This is the first of hopefully many messages about our new pool adventure!

Just made the big purchase today from The Pool Factory.

As you may have noticed I did not include a pump or filter. I was not really satisfied with the choices that were given. All of them had went a bit overboard on the horsepower and very few 2 speed choices. So with that being said, I'm going to search for a 3/4 to 1 hp pump (2 speed) with the largest filter I can afford. I also did not buy steps as I was not happy with the choices as well.

This year, I'm going to learn the 'science' of pool chemistry with Pool School and opt to treat with chlorine (BBB) and TFP test kits since the next three months or so with swimming will give me a good idea of upkeep.

After that, who knows... It may be an injection system or SWG.

Pics will follow this evening of the dig site, hopefully followed by more! Thanks all for your knowledge and help!

 

[zea3]

I think you made a wise choice going for the right filter and pump on your own. You can probably find some good deals since school will be starting soon.

 

[CaseyandScott]

Just my opinion, but I think you will be underpowering your filter by going with just a 1 hp pump. Old 24 ft pool had a 2 HP pump, which I thought was overkill. New 24 ft we out in this year had a 1.5 HP 2 speed pump, which I am not satisfied with. Take much longer to cycle water, vacuum pressure is significantly less, bottom of pool does not stay as clean, I have to brush and manually vacuum more because of debris and algae. I am thinking if switching back to my 2 HP pump.

 

[zea3]

Smaller, slower pumps provide more efficient filtering. CaseyandScott if you are having trouble keeping the pool free of algae it is due to insufficient chlorine, not the filtration system. If you would like to discuss this further please start a new thread and we will help you with this problem.

 

[Pantseatflyer]

It arrived! Can't say enough good things about The Pool Factory. I got this shiny new pallet this morn! Found out the FedEx driver grew up near my home and went to school with my neighbors!

 

[Smokeyhill]

Advice for the OP...check that foam cove. I regret using it in my new AGP from the pool factory. It's not nearly large enough and the seams are clearly visible. We are planning to replace the bland blue liner next spring and when I do, I'm nixing that foam cove and going with sand. I actually like my 1-1/2 HP pump, but I also have a large solar system and am planning to add to it. It definitely has good suction power when vacuuming. I didn't get it from the pool factory though.

 

[Pantseatflyer]

Got a great deal on an 'open box' pump today. It's the Pentair SuperFlo 1HP Dual Speed Pool Pump, 230V

 

[JohnFoe]

1HP dual speed pump is plenty good for 17k gallon pool

Great choice.

 

[Pantseatflyer]

So... Pool World has a $30 coupon off coupon I can use for a Hayward S244T 24"... this is the 300 pounder. Ends up being $319.

Would this filter be a good choice for my Pentair 1hp Superflo dual speed? (1hp. SF HP 1.25HP)

 

[zea3]

Yes, that pump should be fine with that filter.

 

[MrBfromNC]

I love my 1.5HP pump. It keeps everything clean with about 8 hours run time each day on my 24 foot pool. And the suction on my vacuum is excellent. Just my two cents worth. LOL

 

[CJadamec]

The 1hp superflo dual speed pump will far out perform the 1,5 hp Dynamo pump. The superflo pump is self priming and has a stronger pump curve than the Dynamo pumps. With the 24 inch filter that will be a very nice setup for your pool.

 

[Pantseatflyer]

The 1hp superflo dual speed pump will far out perform the 1,5 hp Dynamo pump. The superflo pump is self priming and has a stronger pump curve than the Dynamo pumps. With the 24 inch filter that will be a very nice setup for your pool.

Thanks! From Pentair's site, the superflo pushes out 45 g/min at low speed and 90 g/min at high. Based on my calculations, I can filter my 17k gallons in a little over 6 hours at low speed and based on our kilowatt hour cost in Arkansas, will cost me less than a dollar a day to run.. I'm sure high speed will be plenty to run a vacuum if needed. Now on to the Intermatic timer and 3 way switch.. more research...

 

[CJadamec]

Don't get caught up in turn over rates for pump run times it's really not useful. Just run your pump long enough to keep the surface clean. It only takes 30 min max to distribute chemicals pretty much regardless of pump size.

 

[Pantseatflyer]

Don't get caught up in turn over rates for pump run times it's really not useful. Just run your pump long enough to keep the surface clean. It only takes 30 min max to distribute chemicals pretty much regardless of pump size.

Thanks!! This is definitely a learning experience.

 

[CJadamec]

Stick with us here and you will have the easiest pool to maintain humanly possible. As always feel free to ask any questions you may have.

 

[Jphazen350]

Hello I live in Lowell and am looking at buy a saltwater LX 18x33x54 pool did you install your pool yourself or did you have someone do the dirt work and put it up. thanks

 

[Pantseatflyer]

Hello I live in Lowell and am looking at buy a saltwater LX 18x33x54 pool did you install your pool yourself or did you have someone do the dirt work and put it up. thanks

I'm going to do the install myself, but am hiring the initial dirt work. My ground is Farmington is way too rocky for me to attempt it without heavy equipment.

 

[Pantseatflyer]

I thought I would resurrect this thread to document my progress. Here are a couple pics of dirt work. We had to cut quite a bit out to get things level. Just because it looks level, doesn't mean squat! . I borrowed a laser transit! Big time saver!. We laid out our track, made sure everything was round at 27', marked the spots for our concrete pavers and then started from one paver to the next, using the transit and bubble level. I'm perfect all around a ring about 1 foot wide. I still need to level out the middle of the circle, but where the sides of the pool will be is dead level. I'm going in with the tiller and tearing down the high spots and hauling out the dirt. Lots of rocks!!

 

[mbuice]

Looking forward to your progress!