New Pool Owner Equipment Questions

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O

Optics

Member
Mar 3, 2023
11
Atlanta, Georgia
Pool Size
22500
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hello TFP'rs,
I recently purchased a home that came with a pool, a very new experience for both a first time homeowner and now pool owner. I have continued to use the previous owner's pool maintenance crew for $250 monthly, they skim, vacuum, and "balance chems" (I think it's just chlorine tabs), I have recently been looking into taking this over soon enough as I get slowly situated with the system. They are also recommending a changing of sand for $500, as it could "lead to algae in the water" which sounds more like a chemical problem rather than filtration. I will be ordering a test kit as recommended by the forum and slowly transition off within the next few months.

I am posting here for some questions I have regarding next best steps in terms of pump and potential equipment changes. I have noticed that running the pump consumes a good bit of energy, and after reading through a few threads on here have come to the consensus that a VS pump would be beneficial in allowing me to run it 24/7 on lower rpms for turnover + circulation/skimming. I am stuck deciding if:

1. Is this even worth it? My energy company offers no rebates and electricity runs $0.13 kWh (for now).
2. Aside from the energy perspective, I'd like the idea of having the system running at all times, lower RPM's majority of the time with higher scheduled in for chems/swimming use etc. Is this beneficial, I've also seen conflicting opinions on this. Are there benefits to this?
My research has led me to two pumps: The Pentair Intelliflo3 VSF and the Superflo VST, Ideally seems like the larger Intelliflo is better as it can be run at a slower rate while moving more water, however I have seen that the Superflo is essential a drop in replacement for my current pump. My plumbing is 1.5" if this makes any difference. I've also looked around at sand filters off of the spook by my pool maint. crew, it seems as if the one I have now is fine, but the larger the better, plus I have a hard plumbed exit to a ditch/drain away from the property. Would it make sense exploring this as well? I realize I may be overthinking all of this as nothing is broken and in dire need of replacement, but my curiosity has me wondering.

Sorry these questions may be over asked, but I am excited to finally put this thing to use after closing in October, and would also like to make it as easy to maintain solo as much is possible!

Current setup:
22-29k gallon pool (unsure of exact #) 1 skimmer, 1 drain, 3 return jets
Vinyl liner
Hayward Super Pump 1HP
Cristal Flo T-240BP-1
CMP Powerclean ultra tab in line chlorinator
I've attached photos of my setup, it seems VERY simple - no heater, no swg.
Thanks in advance!
 

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Welcome to TFP! :wave: I'll start this thread with a few simple notes as others will follow I'm
sure:
1 - Dump the pool service. Everything they are saying is junk and taking your $$$.
2 - Test your own water with a TF-100 (link in my signature) or Taylor K-2006C test kit. You'll be glad you did, No more pool store junk or service. IMO, the TF-100 is a better value.
3 - Yes to changing the pump. That single speed is an energy hog. Some people may find a 2-speed, but they are becoming much harder to find with today's DOE regulations. A VSP is most likely your best bet, but the good thing is there are many more to chose from and various prices.
4 - Running on a low rpm 24/7 is perfectly fine. I do the same, but don't worry about water turnover. That's not a requirement for good water maintenance.
5 - If your filter vessel is not leaking, it's probably fine. New sand? Maybe, if the previous owners added junk to the water like floc. At some point you can open it up from the top and inspect the sand. If you decide to change it, it's a weekend DIY thing.

Lots more feedback to follow. Be sure to bookmark our Pool Care Basics page. It has everything you need.
 
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O,

Routinely changing sand is a Scam.. Not needed 95% of the time.

I have three simple saltwater pools, no heater no spa, and they all have 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps that run 24/7. Two of the pools have 1.5" plumbing. For me it is the perfect set up. I am generating a little chlorine all the time and skimming all the time.

Cost to run my pump 24/7 is less than $20 bucks a month and my pump is an older one. The new ones are even more energy efficient.

I have a large cartridge filter and clean it twice a year. Cartridge filters have dirt simple plumbing with no multiport valve to go bad or leak.

And.. good job on understanding that algae is a chemical issue and not a filtration issue. :goodjob:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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Jimrahbe said:
O,

Routinely changing sand is a Scam.. Not needed 95% of the time.

I have three simple saltwater pools, no heater no spa, and they all have 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps that run 24/7. Two of the pools have 1.5" plumbing. For me it is the perfect set up. I am generating a little chlorine all the time and skimming all the time.

Cost to run my pump 24/7 is less than $20 bucks a month and my pump is an older one. The new ones are even more energy efficient.

I have a large cartridge filter and clean it twice a year. Cartridge filters have dirt simple plumbing with no multiport valve to go bad or leak.

And.. good job on understanding that algae is a chemical issue and not a filtration issue. :goodjob:

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
Hey Jim, would going SWG be beneficial to me in terms of ease of maintenance? I've been checking out CircuPool products and it seems very straightforward on adding to a system.
 
O,

I am a big fan of saltwater pools. The only downside to saltwater pools is the initial cost and that you might have to run the pump longer to generate the chlorine your pool needs.

I jokingly say that I'd rather fill my pools in with dirt as have them not be saltwater pool. :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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We were in the same boat when we bought our house two summers ago. We just replaced the old (LOUD) 1hp single speed pump with this: CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 1.5HP | CMAR15VS1.5

Super quiet, a direct swap and price was really appealing. Easier to justify than it was to spend like $2k to replace a still-working pump, had we gone with pentair, etc.
 
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Jimrahbe said:
O,

I am a big fan of saltwater pools. The only downside to saltwater pools is the initial cost and that you might have to run the pump longer to generate the chlorine your pool needs.

I jokingly say that I'd rather fill my pools in with dirt as have them not be saltwater pool. :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
Click to expand...
Sounds good, thanks for the replies. I am now wondering if the intelliflo3 is overkill, my current Hayward Super Pump might be using 115 or 230V, in the case that it uses 115, what does the upgrade path look like for going intelliflo3? It seems like the Superflo VST is more plug and play. I am not opposed to the higher upfront costs of installation for the Intelliflo (especially if I look to add more to the system), I just want to make sure I think this through properly.
 
Optics said:
Sounds good, thanks for the replies. I am now wondering if the intelliflo3 is overkill, my current Hayward Super Pump might be using 115 or 230V, in the case that it uses 115, what does the upgrade path look like for going intelliflo3? It seems like the Superflo VST is more plug and play. I am not opposed to the higher upfront costs of installation for the Intelliflo (especially if I look to add more to the system), I just want to make sure I think this through properly.
Click to expand...
Look for rebates from your electric company. The pool stores may know of that. When I purchased my IntelliFlo Pump I got $350 rebate from electric company and another $300 in store credit from the local pool store which was used for basic chemicals such as muriatic acid, stabilizer, etc. over time. So a list price of a pump may have some incentives based on your area. It may apply to different pumps and mfgs so no need to be focused on just IntelliFlo. March through May tends to be the better months for "deals", at least that is what I have seen in the Houston area.
 
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P,

So at least you know you have 240 at your equipment pad and most likely that is what your current pump is running.

My theory on VS pump sizing is that bigger is better.. :mrgreen: The bigger the pump, the slower you can run it a still move a lot of water. The slower you run it the cheaper it is and the quieter it is. A VS pump is really a variable Horsepower pump. You just adjust the HP to what you need.

I should also say the a smaller VS pump will work, it just doesn't agree with my theory... :)


Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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welcome O

First, decide on your CL strategy, then tell the pool main company "adios". WOW !!! I might be out of touch, but $250/mo !!!!! That's $3000/yr and $6000 of you annual pay. If you live in that house for 10 yrs, that $30,000.00 bucks or 60 GRAND pay...completely off the charts crazy. And in the winter months. they are doing nothing.

You need 5 chemicals:
-Baking soda [$2-3 bucks for a 4lb box]
-Muriatic Acid [$15 bucks for 2gal 2-packl]
-Calcium [I use 95% calcium carbonate, 50llbs for $25-30bucks-lasts yrs]
-Chlorine [either bleach or SWG] - in either instance, firing the pool comp will pay for itself very soon
-CYA - some people buy CYA crystals and put it into their skimmer. I buy the tabs and they come w CYA, which your pool is probably loaded w CYA. I use them when needed to raise CYA in the 30-50PPM range...it's also a good way to supplement CL additions, esp if you use bleach.
-TF 100 pool testing kit

Next thing you absolutely need to do and this will save your filtering system is buy some hair nets for your skimmer basket. they cost $10 for 100, and since you only have one skimmer this will last your 2-3 yrs for sure AND help reduce the need for flushing your sand filter. You have a lot of trees there and I can only imagine the pollen.. this keeps it from ever getting into your filter. Just do some searches on the forum and you'll get links to exactly what you need.

Good luck...tstex
 
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@Optics

I'm glad you like it. :goodjob:

I've said this many times, but it is not just a story, it is true...

My IntelliFlo pump runs most of the time at 1200 RPM. When the pump was new, I actually had to touch the pump to make sure it was still running, it was that quiet. That was about 8 years ago and it is still very quiet..

I suspect that your new IntelliFlo3 is even more quiet.

Now if we could just get you to dump that tab feeder... :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Alrighty folks on to the next project here. My pool builder notified me of a filter for sale on FB marketplace, on paper it seems like a great upgrade but I am unsure. The 'new' filter would be a pentair triton II TR-100. I see the label on it showing a date of 2017 - how long do these last? Is this a worthwhile upgrade?
Post says:
"Gently used 30” sand filter with multiport valve included. Works great, customer upgraded to cartridges. Two available. Retails for $1600+"

Thanks again.
 

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Optics said:
Alrighty folks on to the next project here. My pool builder notified me of a filter for sale on FB marketplace, on paper it seems like a great upgrade but I am unsure. The 'new' filter would be a pentair triton II TR-100. I see the label on it showing a date of 2017 - how long do these last? Is this a worthwhile upgrade?
Post says:
"Gently used 30” sand filter with multiport valve included. Works great, customer upgraded to cartridges. Two available. Retails for $1600+"

Thanks again.
Click to expand...
If you spend any money - upgrade to a cartridge filter- just like the seller did.
 
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Optics said:
I figure since I already have hard plumbing out to a site off property, it is fairly easy to backwash. Open to other types, I have looked at the CCP520 as well.
Click to expand...
Connect that drain line to your plumbing and can use it to drain some water from your pool if needed. If you plan to drain the whole pool then best to hook up a submersible pump but to drain off a couple of inches due to rain - you could use that drain line.
 
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