Newbie

zea3 said:

If you don't have water use restrictions or restrictions on where you can discharge pool water a large sand filter is probably the easiest filter to use and maintain. You will waste more water when backwashing the filter but as long as you keep your chemicals balanced you won't need to do a lot of backwashing.

A cartridge filter is nice and takes up less area on the equipment pad if space is an issue. You will have to occasionally open up the filter to remove and clean the cartridge (hose it off). Again keeping the water balanced cuts down on how often it must be cleaned.

If you have a lot of leaf/vegitation debris or live in a dusty area you may be cleaning the filter more often regardless of which type you choose.

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Thank you. I discovered pool enclosures and am wanting to purchase one to help keep debris/leaves down to a minimum. But I'm trying to determine if it'll actually help to keep the heat in.

zea3 said:

An unheated, solid wall pool enclosure won't do much if anything to keep the water warm. An enclosure with screened sides will cut down on the amount of debris blown into the pool. Either type of enclosure will likely keep the pool cooler due to the shade it provides. A solid walled enclosure will need to be vented to allow the pool to outgas properly.

You can look into adding a heater if you want warmer water and to extend the swim season.

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Thank you. I'm also thinking of getting a natural gas heater. I feel like there's a lot that I'll need to get started. I'm looking at a pool package from propools.com. But, after reading so many posts on different websites, I've decided that I want to buy my pump and heater separately and now I have to figure out the type and brand for each.

zea3 said:

You'll need to decide if you want to have an automated system or if you want to operate it manually. There are people on this site that are more experienced with automation that can help you make those decisions.
@Jimrahbe

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Thank you

Hello Everyone,
This is the package I've decided on. I've seen so many different posts about VS, bigger size, cartridge, sand, DE and various hp. I am trying to determine what pump to get for this setup. Can someone help me to figure this out, please?
Laguna 16' x 24' Oval 52" Sub-Assy (Pool Frame) for CaliMar Above Ground Pools | Resin Top Rails

16' x 24' Oval 52" Rio Pattern 15 Mil Liner | 3000 Series - Standard Duty (SD) | Beaded Liner | 6-2416 RIO

CaliMar® / Doughboy Bead Receiver Kit for 21' & 16' x 24' Pools
HII Beige Color Tone Deep Design Wall Skimmer with Return Fitting
Ocean Blue A-Frame Swing-Up Ladder for Above Ground
HII | Ocean Blue Smart Timer | 5-980100 | HII Timer
Smart timer is a simple to operate, 24 hour display equipment timer.
HII | Shut-Off PVC Valve | Male x Female Threads | Union Disconnect
HII | Backwash Hose | 1-1/2" x 25' | Blue | 5-5725-501
HII | Stainless Steel Hose Clamp | 1.25" to 2.25"
HII Above Ground Large Pool Maintenance Kit | For Pools Larger than 24'

Includes 36' Vacuum Hose, 3 Piece Telescopic Pole, Leaf Net, Pool Brush, Vacuum Head and Thermometer.
HII | Premium Deluxe Floating Chlorinator | 5-CHLOR

Hi Everyone,
I wasn't sure if I should edit or remove my introduction post. However, I've finally decided on what I want and hope the best for my continued therapy. I've purchased a Master Spas Trainer 15. I now have to find or decide on an enclosure. So I've put off my delivery date. Any ideas or suggestions are welcomed.