Acquired a pool, what's next?

Welcome to TFP! You’ll definitely want to get one of the recommended test kits. You really don’t want to rely on pool store testing.

To answer your equipments pad question, create a space that can accommodate future equipment upgrades.

Others will chime in shortly.

You have a lot going on.

Ozzz said:

replace the filter at the same time, the filter works, but its weeping, getting brittle

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I would accelerate anything you do with the filter. It is a pressure vessel. Anytime it is brittle, weeping, failing in anyway that involves the pressure vessel, is should be decommissioned and no longer used, or inspected and correct parts replaced. Bias toward new filter with older filters.

Ozzz said:

I believe i have a 120 sqft hayward filter, thinking of going for a 200sqft hayward swimclear or jandy of a similar size, or would the 150 be enough for minimal maintenance.

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On the size, get the largest you can afford. Smaller is more maintenance. Larger, like a 420 or 520 you likely can go a year without cleaning.

Ozzz said:

I dont currently have an equipment pad, just a few pavers (strategically?) placed, how big should i go, was thinking 4x5 feet?

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Again, the bigger the better. Having a small pad makes working on it just that more difficult. Sometimes people tape off an area in the garage and simulate equipment locations to determine the best size.

Ozzz said:

Would like to eventually automate, but dont want to jump on a new pump just yet, this is where where im torn between the tru-clear for SWG, and Pentair for an eventual pump replacement, ive been told the pump and SWG should be from the same manufacturer to make it all work happily together, thoughts?

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Lots to unpack here.
1) Tru-clear is not known for the best reliability. Jandy is at the bottom of the list. Hayward makes OK product, Pentair and Circupool are making the best products at this point in time. Yes, some have good luck with Jandy...or Hayward...just going off all the threads we see here.
2) If you do get a SWG, make sure it is at least a 20K cell (2x your pool volume).
3) As to pump, you have a single speed pump. They are very expensive to run. Any 2 speed or VSP that you get will payback in lowered electricity in a short period of time (1-2 years). Any pump you get, you need to match the pump to your service (115 or 230v), or upgrade your service if it needs 230v.
4) As to the VSP, there are a number of options. One pump family (Pentair intelliflo3) has an I/O board with relays that can turn SWG on/off, independent of SWG brand.
5) For the vast majority of other pumps, the primary option is automation. In this case, you want the same SWG and pump and automation brand.
6) There are other options...see this article. I have a CSR on my Pentair pump and Circupool RJ SWG. Works great.

Lots of the decisions are based on budget and amount of DIY you are willing to do...