Hi everyone,
We are looking to install a new in-ground pool in Austin, TX. We've received bids from several companies and have picked the one we wanted to go with. We were originally going to do a chlorine system w/ UV sanitizer, but after finding this site I think we are planning to switch to a SWG system. It seems like the vast majority on here don't think the UV system is worth it if it is an outdoor pool. Also, I see a lot of benefits to the SWG system. I realize it takes a little bit of work, but it seems less maintenance than the the chlorine alternative. I am a hands on person so testing and adjusting shouldn't be an issue. At this point, I'd like some general feedback about the SWG system components. I basically want to get an idea of cell size needed and opinions on the recommended equipment (this pool company uses Hayward equipment). The pool size is around 13K gallons, and they recommended a Hayward Aqua Rite T-Cell 3 (15,000 gallons). Pool will have sunshine most of the day (no trees in the backyard yet). I have read on this forum that something 2x the size of the pool might be better, so should I ask to upgrade to the T-Cell 9 (25,000 gallons)? The extra $200 seems worth it if I can reduce the pump run time. Can anyone comment on using a larger SWG cell vs. smaller one - what are the benefits (longer cell life? shorter pump run time?), any drawbacks besides addtional cost?
As far as the equipment, I'm assuming we need to get the Aqua Rite controller, the cell, and then the pool automation controller (they recommended the Hayward ProLogic). Any other major components needed for the SWG system? I was told the ballpark cost increase of going form a chlorine system w/ UV sanitizer + eCommand controller, to a Aqua Rite T-CELL-3 SWG system + ProLogic Controller would add about $2400 to the overall bid. Seems a little high to me just based on the standalone equipment costs after you pull out the UV & eCommand costs. Thoughts?
Regarding the TFP "method" - I've got some reading to do. I haven't gone through all the Pool School fundamentals yet, but will soon. Is the "method" explicitly outlined in the Pool School articles? Or is the combined knowledge from those articles generally referred to as "the TFP method"?
We are looking to install a new in-ground pool in Austin, TX. We've received bids from several companies and have picked the one we wanted to go with. We were originally going to do a chlorine system w/ UV sanitizer, but after finding this site I think we are planning to switch to a SWG system. It seems like the vast majority on here don't think the UV system is worth it if it is an outdoor pool. Also, I see a lot of benefits to the SWG system. I realize it takes a little bit of work, but it seems less maintenance than the the chlorine alternative. I am a hands on person so testing and adjusting shouldn't be an issue. At this point, I'd like some general feedback about the SWG system components. I basically want to get an idea of cell size needed and opinions on the recommended equipment (this pool company uses Hayward equipment). The pool size is around 13K gallons, and they recommended a Hayward Aqua Rite T-Cell 3 (15,000 gallons). Pool will have sunshine most of the day (no trees in the backyard yet). I have read on this forum that something 2x the size of the pool might be better, so should I ask to upgrade to the T-Cell 9 (25,000 gallons)? The extra $200 seems worth it if I can reduce the pump run time. Can anyone comment on using a larger SWG cell vs. smaller one - what are the benefits (longer cell life? shorter pump run time?), any drawbacks besides addtional cost?
As far as the equipment, I'm assuming we need to get the Aqua Rite controller, the cell, and then the pool automation controller (they recommended the Hayward ProLogic). Any other major components needed for the SWG system? I was told the ballpark cost increase of going form a chlorine system w/ UV sanitizer + eCommand controller, to a Aqua Rite T-CELL-3 SWG system + ProLogic Controller would add about $2400 to the overall bid. Seems a little high to me just based on the standalone equipment costs after you pull out the UV & eCommand costs. Thoughts?
Regarding the TFP "method" - I've got some reading to do. I haven't gone through all the Pool School fundamentals yet, but will soon. Is the "method" explicitly outlined in the Pool School articles? Or is the combined knowledge from those articles generally referred to as "the TFP method"?