Having a pool built and need advice

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voidpointer

voidpointer

Gold Supporter
Oct 8, 2020
540
Prosper, TX
Pool Size
19440
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Jandy Aquapure 1400
I'm sure you folks get a ton of these SVRS posts, judging by the number of search results I got on the forum. But I just want to make sure I'm making the right arguments to my pool builder. This is the pump they quoted me for:

E-Pump Jandy 2hp Var.Spd.SVRS
2 hp Jandy Stealth Pump

Pool is around 19,500 gallons. When I told my PB I don't want SVRS he sent me this:
Why don't you wanna pump with an SVRS? The SVRS is a vacuum release valve that way nothing can get stuck on top of the main drains. A lot of municipalities require them to pass inspection since it is for safety
Click to expand...
Am I right to avoid it? Or is it a brand-specific thing?
 
You don't need it and don't want a pump with SVRS. You are not giving up anything in safety. Your PB is misinformed to be polite.

Ask him to show you in writing what the requirement is in your jurisdiction.

Since December 2008 the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has required all drains sold in the US, and thus installed in new pools, to be VGBA compliant. These are safety drain covers that prevent anyone from being sucked onto the drain and entrapped. They are mandatory primary safety devices that should be installed on all new pools.

VGBA compliant drains either have two round intakes spaced at least 36" apart, a large square drain, or a wide horizontal drain. VGBA intakes can be placed on the pool floor or on a wall.

For more on Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act you can read Safety Drains VGBA - Further Reading
 
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VP,

Your pool builder is just trying to unload old stock at your expense..

I have a Pentair SVRS pump and it is the worst decision (pool wise) that I have ever made..

There is just no reason to have one if you have dual covers on your main drain.. Do not let your pool builder talk you into one, like I did.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Last edited:
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Thanks, I will continue to refuse this pump and get it in writing what the replacement is. I'm going to start a new thread for advice on other equipment on the pool that I might need to request a change for. I don't want to mix topics in this one. Thanks again everyone!
 
voidpointer said:
Thanks, I will continue to refuse this pump and get it in writing what the replacement is. I'm going to start a new thread for advice on other equipment on the pool that I might need to request a change for. I don't want to mix topics in this one. Thanks again everyone!
Click to expand...

It makes it easier for us to see the entire picture of your pool and equipment if you start one thread in Under Construction and keep all your pool and equipment questions there.
 
I wanted to dump the equipment/plumbing items listed in the quote for my pool that is currently still in permitting. I think we have time to make changes. I'm not an expert at all, so I don't know if anything here I should request a change for. Let me know if anything should be changed out. I'll put the pool info here:
General Information
Pool size - 40x26
Pool depth 1 - 3
Pool depth 2 - 5
Pool depth 3 - 4
Perimeter - 111
Square foot - 648
Spa size - 12x6
Spa perimeter - 61
Spa square foot - 32
Spa raised above pool (Inches) - 18
Internal area - 1,092
Average depth - 4
Gallons - 19,440
Click to expand...

I can tell you right now I already requested a change for the pool vacuum/cleaner. I don't know what model the new one is, but it's one that the builder suggested and said it would be better. I'll ask him for that and post it here when I get it. Also I know the pump says SVRS. I had another thread on the forum here for advice on that specifically, I am going to request a non-SVRS equivalent. I will post what that is here when I get it.

List is below. Note that the number at the end of each line is a quantity.
CUSTOM Pool Plumbing 1
Pool run from waters edge to Farthest part of EQ pad 46
Elite pool includes 25' run, 2- skimmers w/runs,1pump,1filter,1niche,10' pvc
up to 6 returns,2 drains, cleaner line, 1 valve,fill line,chlor,pad
2.5" Main Drain Suction Line, 2.5" Manifold at equipment
Extra pump(s) 1

Extra drain pots (set of 2) 1
Jandy never lube 2" x 2.5" valves 2
3/4" pvc per ft 75
1 1/2" pvc per ft 75
2" pvc per ft 0
CUSTOM Spa 1
6 jets, 2.5" Spa Drain Suction Line,air line,2 valves,remote pvc,niche &10' pvc,pad,fountain 1
Spa run from Waters Edge to Farthest part of EQ pad 100
Check valve for raised spa 90 degree 2

Equipment Units
E-Pump Jandy 2hp Var.Spd.SVRS 0
2 hp Jandy Stealth Pump 0
460 sq. ft. Jandy Cartridge Filter CV 1
400,000 BTU JXI Jandy Heater 1
2 hp QT Polaris air blower 1
Pool Only Pwr.Ctr. No Salt 1
IQ Aqua Link 6 Funtion Cell Phone Only 1
360 Multi-Color LED w/ 50' cord 0
Polaris 280 - Blue 1
3/4 HP Pool Cleaner Pump 1
Bottle Pure System - Ozone & Fusion 1
Pool Miser - Auto fills pool when needed 1
Blue Vac Pole, 18" Nylon Brush, Deep Leaf Net, 7 in 1 Test Strips 1
4" Deck Pour a Lids 14
4 Cases of acid 1
18in Jandy Sheer Descent 0
36in Jandy Sheer Descent 0
Pool Eyeballs (Black) 6
Spa Eyeballs, Spa fountains and bubblers (Black) - 1" 8
Deck Pour-A-Lid 2
Click to expand...
 
Ok I already posted it, I apologize. I assumed not mixing topics was preferred here. I will keep that in mind next time. If I'm able to move my other thread I will do so.
 
CUSTOM Pool Plumbing 1
Pool run from waters edge to Farthest part of EQ pad 46
Elite pool includes 25' run, 2- skimmers w/runs,1pump,1filter,1niche,10' pvc - 1 pump or 2?
up to 6 returns,2 drains, cleaner line, 1 valve,fill line,chlor,pad - What does chlor give you?
2.5" Main Drain Suction Line, 2.5" Manifold at equipment
Extra pump(s) 1 - What is the extra pump for? What model #?
Extra drain pots (set of 2) 1 - For what? Where?
Jandy never lube 2" x 2.5" valves 2


3/4" pvc per ft 75 - where is 3/4" PVC being used?
1 1/2" pvc per ft 75 - suction and pool plumbing should be 2" pipe and returns can be 1.5" or 2".
2" pvc per ft 0

You want to keep the water velocity below 6 ft/sec on the suction and below 8 ft/sec on the pressure side of the pump.[4]


Pipe Size6 ft/sec8 ft/sec
1.5"38 GPM51 GPM
2"63 GPM84 GPM
2.590 GPM119 GPM
3.0"138 GPM184 GPM


CUSTOM Spa 1
6 jets, 2.5" Spa Drain Suction Line,air line,2 valves,remote pvc,niche &10' pvc,pad,fountain 1
What size pipes for spa returns to jets?
What flow rate do you expect from the spa jets?
Will there be a dedicated spa jet pump for the spa jets?
Spa run from Waters Edge to Farthest part of EQ pad 100
Check valve for raised spa 90 degree 2

Equipment Units
E-Pump Jandy 2hp Var.Spd.SVRS 0 - Already discussed
2 hp Jandy Stealth Pump 0
460 sq. ft. Jandy Cartridge Filter CV 1 - good
400,000 BTU JXI Jandy Heater 1 - good - confirm your hosue gas service can deliver 400CFM or better
2 hp QT Polaris air blower 1 - good
Pool Only Pwr.Ctr. No Salt 1 - you are going to want a salt SWCG to generate chlorine although Texas builders resist them
IQ Aqua Link 6 Funtion Cell Phone Only 1 - Get iAqualink 8 so you have extra relays for future needs
360 Multi-Color LED w/ 50' cord 0 - How will the pool be lit for night?
Polaris 280 - Blue 1 - If you want a pressure side cleaner then the best one is the Polaris Quattro Sport. Or get a robot pool cleaner and eliminate the cleaner and boost pump.
3/4 HP Pool Cleaner Pump 1
Bottle Pure System - Ozone & Fusion 1 - Delete. Worthless.
Pool Miser - Auto fills pool when needed 1 - good. Will pool have an overflow drain?
Blue Vac Pole, 18" Nylon Brush, Deep Leaf Net, 7 in 1 Test Strips 1
4" Deck Pour a Lids 14
4 Cases of acid 1
18in Jandy Sheer Descent 0
36in Jandy Sheer Descent 0
Pool Eyeballs (Black) 6 - why black eyeballs? What color and type of finish is planned?
Spa Eyeballs, Spa fountains and bubblers (Black) - 1" 8
Deck Pour-A-Lid 2

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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Pool builder says the cleaner is Polaris Quattro. How do I choose between that or the robot pool cleaner you mentioned? I have no idea how either of them operate, which is better and why, and if there's benefit in having or removing the equipment required for the Polaris.
 

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Why is the Pure Bottle System worthless? What does it do? Why don't I want it? I'm trying to 1) understand more about it and 2) be prepared for push back from the PB.
 
voidpointer said:
Why is the Pure Bottle System worthless? What does it do? Why don't I want it? I'm trying to 1) understand more about it and 2) be prepared for push back from the PB.
Click to expand...

Texas pool builders love to sell “alternatives to chlorine” and “low chlorine” systems and they hate installing SWGs to the point of outright deceptive marketing. That pure bottle system is nothing more than an ozone system with minerals. Totally bogus. But PBs will swear on their mothers lives that it all works and you should stop listening to those kids on the interwebz sitting in their pajamas and just shut up and listen to the professionals!!

Alternative sanitizers and "chemical free" pools--The Truth!

Pool owners frequently seek out "Chemical Free" alternatives to pool water sanitization. Many claims in favor of these systems and methods have been made (usually by the manufacturers of such systems) often without adequate scientific proof of their efficacy. Let's take a look at them and see...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
Here are some pics of the pool plans I was told to submit to my HOA. Hopefully these help answer some questions. I did send my superintendent a list of your questions.

1634671064887.png
1634670905313.png
1634670941231.png
1634670980653.png
 
JoyfulNoise said:
Texas pool builders love to sell “alternatives to chlorine” and “low chlorine” systems and they hate installing SWGs to the point of outright deceptive marketing. That pure bottle system is nothing more than and ozone system with minerals. Totally bogus. But PBs will swear on their mothers lives that it all works and you should stop listening to those kids on the interwebz sitting in their pajamas and just shut up and listen to the professionals!!

Alternative sanitizers and "chemical free" pools--The Truth!

Pool owners frequently seek out "Chemical Free" alternatives to pool water sanitization. Many claims in favor of these systems and methods have been made (usually by the manufacturers of such systems) often without adequate scientific proof of their efficacy. Let's take a look at them and see...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
I don't even know what an ozone system is. Supposedly keeps the water clean as it runs through the pipes? Is it the chlorine itself / chemical balance that keeps the pool clean? I'm happy to tell him to take it out but 1) I still don't know what it does and 2) I won't be able to answer the "why" if he asks me.

EDIT: I see you provided a link, sorry, I'll read it.
 
voidpointer said:
I don't even know what an ozone system is. Supposedly keeps the water clean as it runs through the pipes? Is it the chlorine itself / chemical balance that keeps the pool clean? I'm happy to tell him to take it out but 1) I still don't know what it does and 2) I won't be able to answer the "why" if he asks me.

EDIT: I see you provided a link, sorry, I'll read it.
Click to expand...

I would sincerely suggest you read through TFPs Pool School before you make anymore decisions. I mean this in the nicest possible way but you clearly need to get some basic education in pool fundamentals or else you risk your PB saddling you with a lot of useless equipment. Once you hand in the last payment, he’s gone and you’ll just be another annoying customer to be ignored. They all tell you that they’re going to be your best friend in the world and they’ll be with you even after the build is complete and it’s all BS.
 
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Please don't think I'm being complacent or dumb on purpose. I plan to educate myself much more. But I expect that to be an ongoing, time consuming process. Given that my pool build is on a schedule already, I'm not going to hold off decisions until that happens.

I get a lot of help from folks here. That's enough to help me make decisions now, as I need them, and helps me learn in the process. We all learn in different ways. Will posting questions for quick decisions help me argue with my PB (not that I'm interested in doing so)? No it won't. I need to learn a lot more, read a lot more, and gain more confidence in my knowledge to do that. Your point 100% still stands.

Where I see the real value in learning this stuff is maintaining my pool next summer. Sure, it matters for the decision process now, not disagreeing with you. But that's not me "on my own" doing things by myself just yet. I realize it sounds like I'm just making excuses to be lazy/ignorant, but rather I'm just trying to find a balance while not being complacent. I wish I could have done this earlier before I signed a contract with my PB, but here I am.

I appreciate you being patient with me and certainly don't stop being frank! I'm not offended at all. Thank you!
 
voidpointer said:
Pool builder says the cleaner is Polaris Quattro. How do I choose between that or the robot pool cleaner you mentioned? I have no idea how either of them operate, which is better and why, and if there's benefit in having or removing the equipment required for the Polaris.
Click to expand...

I happen to like a pressure side cleaner. Many others here like their robot cleaners.

People criticize the pressure cleaners need for a boost pump and the electricity it uses as it runs a few hours a day. I leave my Polaris cleaner in the pool all the time and just remove it from the water when There are many guests in the pool. The Polaris is made to live in the water.

Most robot cleaners should not be left in the pool 24/7 although some folks do. The cleaners are have motors and electrical components that don;t do well when constantly left submerged.

Both types of cleaners need periodic maintenance. I suggest you browse the Pool Cleaner section and use Search to see what problems folks deal with.
 
voidpointer said:
I don't even know what an ozone system is. Supposedly keeps the water clean as it runs through the pipes? Is it the chlorine itself / chemical balance that keeps the pool clean? I'm happy to tell him to take it out but 1) I still don't know what it does and 2) I won't be able to answer the "why" if he asks me.

EDIT: I see you provided a link, sorry, I'll read it.
Click to expand...

Ozone Systems - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
ajw22 said:
CUSTOM Pool Plumbing 1
Pool run from waters edge to Farthest part of EQ pad 46
Elite pool includes 25' run, 2- skimmers w/runs,1pump,1filter,1niche,10' pvc - 1 pump or 2?
up to 6 returns,2 drains, cleaner line, 1 valve,fill line,chlor,pad - What does chlor give you?
2.5" Main Drain Suction Line, 2.5" Manifold at equipment
Extra pump(s) 1 - What is the extra pump for? What model #?
Extra drain pots (set of 2) 1 - For what? Where?
Jandy never lube 2" x 2.5" valves 2


3/4" pvc per ft 75 - where is 3/4" PVC being used?
1 1/2" pvc per ft 75 - suction and pool plumbing should be 2" pipe and returns can be 1.5" or 2".
2" pvc per ft 0

You want to keep the water velocity below 6 ft/sec on the suction and below 8 ft/sec on the pressure side of the pump.[4]


Pipe Size6 ft/sec8 ft/sec
1.5"38 GPM51 GPM
2"63 GPM84 GPM
2.590 GPM119 GPM
3.0"138 GPM184 GPM


CUSTOM Spa 1
6 jets, 2.5" Spa Drain Suction Line,air line,2 valves,remote pvc,niche &10' pvc,pad,fountain 1
What size pipes for spa returns to jets?
What flow rate do you expect from the spa jets?
Will there be a dedicated spa jet pump for the spa jets?
Spa run from Waters Edge to Farthest part of EQ pad 100
Check valve for raised spa 90 degree 2

Equipment Units
E-Pump Jandy 2hp Var.Spd.SVRS 0 - Already discussed
2 hp Jandy Stealth Pump 0
460 sq. ft. Jandy Cartridge Filter CV 1 - good
400,000 BTU JXI Jandy Heater 1 - good - confirm your hosue gas service can deliver 400CFM or better
2 hp QT Polaris air blower 1 - good
Pool Only Pwr.Ctr. No Salt 1 - you are going to want a salt SWCG to generate chlorine although Texas builders resist them
IQ Aqua Link 6 Funtion Cell Phone Only 1 - Get iAqualink 8 so you have extra relays for future needs
360 Multi-Color LED w/ 50' cord 0 - How will the pool be lit for night?
Polaris 280 - Blue 1 - If you want a pressure side cleaner then the best one is the Polaris Quattro Sport. Or get a robot pool cleaner and eliminate the cleaner and boost pump.
3/4 HP Pool Cleaner Pump 1
Bottle Pure System - Ozone & Fusion 1 - Delete. Worthless.
Pool Miser - Auto fills pool when needed 1 - good. Will pool have an overflow drain?
Blue Vac Pole, 18" Nylon Brush, Deep Leaf Net, 7 in 1 Test Strips 1
4" Deck Pour a Lids 14
4 Cases of acid 1
18in Jandy Sheer Descent 0
36in Jandy Sheer Descent 0
Pool Eyeballs (Black) 6 - why black eyeballs? What color and type of finish is planned?
Spa Eyeballs, Spa fountains and bubblers (Black) - 1" 8
Deck Pour-A-Lid 2

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
Here's the questions I sent the superintendent:
  1. There is a line that says " Elite pool includes 25' run, 2- skimmers w/runs,1pump,1filter,1niche,10' pvc". Is it one pump or two?
  2. For the line " up to 6 returns,2 drains, cleaner line, 1 valve,fill line,chlor,pad ", what does "chlor" give me?
  3. Line says "Extra pump(s) 1", what is this pump for?
  4. Are the "Extra drain spots (set of 2)" for the garden/landscaping area behind the pool to prevent water from pooling there?
  5. Where is the 75ft of 3/4" PVC being used?
  6. What is the 1 1/2" PVC used for? Can we make the suction and pool plumbing 2" pipe?
  7. For the spa:
    • What size pipes for spa returns to jets?
    • What flow rate for the spa jets?
    • Will there be a dedicated spa jet pump for the jets?
  8. What is the new filter size you are choosing for the pool?
  9. LED quantity says 0, I just want to make sure those are included. And if so how many. I remember James and I talking about lighting at night but not sure if he captured all of that.
  10. Will the pool have an overflow drain?
  11. Will black pool eyeballs match the color and type of finish we picked? Are there other colors that would match better?
Click to expand...
And his responses:
1. It includes 1 pump, but with the water features and and slide it will require a second pump to make everything operate as it should.
2. Chlor is short for Chlorinator
3.The extra pump is for the water features and slide
4. I believe the line your looking at says drain "pots" rather than spots. the drain pots are the main drain assembly. we use an extra one in order to remain compliant and for safety reason.
5. the 3/4 inch line is used as a fill line that will be connected to an automatic filler device
6. 1 1/2 lines are used as return lines for the pool and the suction will be 2 inch
7. the spa is plumbed in 2 inch and reduced down for the jets.
the flow rate all depends on what you have your pump set at. with it being a variable speed pump you can adjust the flow rate.
these are no a jacuzzi with jet pumps, these are a spa which operates off a circulation pump.
8. were going to be going from a CL460 to a CL580
9. on the pool plans that i have im showing 2 LED lights in the pool and 1 in the spa. I would like for you to consider adding a third one in the pool since it's such a long pool
10. All pools that i build, i make sure have an overflow drain, especially in this area. i do my best to hide them inside of a skimmer
11. i think the black would look great! However there are other options. We're somewhat limited in color choices. we have white, light gray, dark gray.
Click to expand...
I'll wait to respond until I hear back from you. Thanks for the help!
 
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