Hi, welcome to TFP! You will be glad you joined us.
We just installed our AGP last summer and have really enjoyed it so far. I was uncertain as well, but it was my wife that wanted it the most. If you are unsure, then an AGP is a good place to start without having to drop big money on an inground.
Be sure to ask for specific model numbers for the pump, filter, heaters, etc and ask about the various options/upgrades they offer. The sizing of the equipment can be just as important to make the maintenance as easy as possible. Feel free to post the info here and ask questions. Ask as much as you need to. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that are more than willing to give you free, and more importantly, honest advice. You luckily have a chance to get it right, right from the start.
I would recommend thinking long and hard about how you plan to maintain the sanitizer level (chlorine). There are a few different ways, each with its own benefits. Don't let the salesman talk you into ozone or UV. Many here will say that they do not provide a significant benefit as a chlorine supplement is still needed. Most store will also try to sell you a tablet chlorine feeder (aka Frog). They sound very attractive, but do have issues of their own. Read this How to
How to Chlorinate Your Pool . It will help you understand the various methods. For that "Frog" option, I would say that it's not worth the money in my opinion. I would use that $350 and put it toward a salt water chlorine generator or a Stenner type chlorine pump. You can do a search for each on the site to get more information.
Yes, I did start with a cousin to the Frog, by a different mfg. As soon as I ran out of what the seller gave me, I realized at $20 a pop and one per week, if was going to get expensive. I started using liquid chlorine (bleach). The same amount of liquid chlorine is a small fraction of that cost and a better method.
Right after the pool was installed, I was so excited to get it running, I made the mistake of going to the pool store and buying a bunch of chemicals that the pool store recommended, only to find this gem of a forum 2 weeks later, reading & learning, and found that I didn't need 80% of what I just bought. Be careful with your other chemical choices. Read up on the general info in
Pool School and there is a section for
Construction .
As you are concerned about the chemicals around you, you should note that the TFP method in Pool School is all about only using what is absolutely necessary to keep a clean and sanitary pool.
Definitely go with at least a 2 speed pump. You will save on electricity this way. LS most of the time, with HS to clean or if you really need to get the water moving.
See if they have a demo of the ladder you are interested in. Make sure you would feel comfortable climbing in and out of the pool with it.
Take some time to browse around the forum and Pool School. Hopefully it will help you with your pool buying decisions.
That and all of that! THANKS!
