Updating Pool Equipment

[Poolnovice2022]

We just purchased a home with an older in ground pool. The pool is around 18k, is plaster, and has an adjacent spa (see the photo). Currently there is a Pentair WhisperFlo pump, Pentair FNSP 48 filter, Mini Max NT 400 heater (inoperable), an Eco Matic ESC 36 salt generator (also inoperable), a spa air blower, three water features on the back wall (also inoperable), and an Intermatic timer (see photo). The timer, filter, and pump are working but who knows for how long.

We plan on replacing the heater and SWG. I thought since we are doing that, maybe it would be a good idea to update the plumbing as well, to maximize efficiency. (The brick behind the raised bond beam in the back is cracked and will need to be replaced. We are exploring removing that raised bond beam in the back, to enhance the view and make the back level with the patio, but that may be more appropriate for another thread). I am looking for suggestions on not only what components we should purchase but also if a change in the layout of the plumbing would help with space and water flow. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you plan on staying in the home for sometime, it may be worth the investment to do it right. It's easy for me to spend your money, but you should at least think about full automation and new equipment. Minimally, if you're gonna upgrade the SWG and heater, you definitely want to upgrade the pump as well. A variable speed pump will result in significant energy savings. A large cartridge filter will reduce maintenance and mess and still clean the pool effectively. If you do have thoughts of upgrading, you want to purchase equipment from the same manufacturer. Pentair is among the best.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

By replacing the equipment and re plumbing at the same time by the same person will work to your advantage.

 

[Poolnovice2022]

If you plan on staying in the home for sometime, it may be worth the investment to do it right. It's easy for me to spend your money, but you should at least think about full automation and new equipment. Minimally, if you're gonna upgrade the SWG and heater, you definitely want to upgrade the pump as well. A variable speed pump will result in significant energy savings. A large cartridge filter will reduce maintenance and mess and still clean the pool effectively. If you do have thoughts of upgrading, you want to purchase equipment from the same manufacturer. Pentair is among the best.

Thank you for your reply. This is the last home we will purchase, then again, we said that about the last two homes too. I appreciate your recommendation for Pentair equipment, I will keep that in mind when it comes time to shop. I also appreciate your advice to upgrade not just the components that aren't operating. We may have an opportunity to have a friend who is a contractor help us purchase and design a new system (just what's on the pad, nothing underground) but to save, I may to do some of the install myself. I have both DE and cartridge filters and, quite frankly, preferred the maintenance of the DE system over the maintenance of the cartridge system. I'm leaning toward the Pentair Quid DE cartridge system, but haven't decided yet. Regardless what components we choose, we would like to reconfigure the plumbing on the pad to make it more efficient, if possible. Thank you again for your message.

 

[Poolnovice2022]

By replacing the equipment and re plumbing at the same time by the same person will work to your advantage.

I appreciate your recommendation. I think once we decide what system we want and how we want it configured (I see alot of opinions online as to how best to configure a system), we will do as you said and do it all at once. As I stated elsewhere, I may end up doing some of the work myself, that would enable us to spend more on the components. Thank you for your message.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I'm leaning toward the Pentair Quid DE

I'm very happy with mine...over 7 years old and still on the original internal filters.

Make sure to select a SWG system rated for at least 40,000 gallons.

 

[Poolnovice2022]

I'm very happy with mine...over 7 years old and still on the original internal filters.

Make sure to select a SWG system rated for at least 40,000 gallons.

Thank you for the recommendation. Would you recommend the Circupool RJ-45+ SWCG? I say that because I noticed in your signature that your pool is similar to mine (as in gallons, attached spa, etc), except much nicer and newer

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Would you recommend the Circupool RJ-45+ SWCG?

Yes. It's a popular brand with out members and carries a strong reputation. As I mentioned earlier, If you plan to automate, it's generally best to use equipment from the same manufacturer. Pentair SWG's work best with Pentair automation.

 

[Poolnovice2022]

Yes. It's a popular brand with out members and carries a strong reputation. As I mentioned earlier, If you plan to automate, it's generally best to use equipment from the same manufacturer. Pentair SWG's work best with Pentair automation.

I had automation on two prior pools and I have an Intermatic T104 on my present pool. I recall only ever using the automation a handful of times to turn on and off the spa remotely. I was probably home at the time and could have walked a few feet to turn it on and off manually. I don't plan on having extra lights, fire, or water features. As much as I like the idea of automation, I am starting to think I don't need it.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

As much as I like the idea of automation, I am starting to think I don't need it.

That makes sense. There are many different forms of automation. Take a look at the low budget automation link in my signature. Mine is somewhat of a DIY automation for dummies system. There are more complex DIY automation systems that utilize Raspberry Pi and Arduino systems. By not marrying yourself too a proprietary automation system, you can select the components of your choice for manual control. You can always add automation in the future.