Hi ya! Congratulations on the new pool. It looks fantastic. It's amazing how white plaster can turn so blue. Lots of green plants around the perimeter will push the water color a bit towards the aqua you like. It's the sky that makes the water blue, so plants can have a bit of influence, too. Or you could paint/plaster/stucco those block walls and add color there, as well.
Did you clear up about the SWG? That little box isn't a place holder, it's a check valve to prevent water from backing up the wrong way. I have one just like it, right about where yours is. Once you get the water moving you'll see it gurgle in the valve's clear cover. In my setup it's just before the SWG. Depending on your model, they might be able to squeeze both the check valve and the SWG in that space. It'll be close. Did the plumber not know about the SWG? He'll have to cut that valve out and move it back. The rub will be if there's enough room to use the PVC coupler he'll need to reuse that valve. Or he might need to redo the elbow and union coming off the heater. He'll figure it out. Have him make room for the SWG when he fixes his goof on the filter. He can throw that work in as part of his "Sorry 'bout that." for the filter fumble. But I'm curious, are there not obvious "in" and "out" type marking on that filter?
Your friend, the one that made fun of you for metering your water, you send 'em to me!! We'll have a little chat. I think that's the most brilliant thing ever. Of course, I did the exact same thing, so I might be a bit biased!
I actually tried to sell the idea in a few other threads, but nobody bit. Glad to hear it's not just me!! I happened to have one layin' around, ready to go into another project, so I went to Lowes and bought a couple adapters to attach it onto my fill hose. That's why my signature reads "12300" instead of "12K" because it's
exactly 12300! Well, give or take a few gallons. I think you'll find knowing your volume to the gallon will really help in your pool water care. I recently replumbed my pool's autofill plumbing. My only regret is that I didn't plumb in a permanent water meter. I'd like to know how much water my pool was using. Some municipalities credit sewer bills if you can prove how much water goes into your garden or pool instead of the city's sewer system.
When my (now x) pool guys saw me setting the meter up for my fill, they were fascinated by it and wanted to know where I got it! I'm scratching my head why pool builders don't offer one, like, on loan or something, for all their customers' initial fills. What a great add-on service that would be, and a great head start to proper pool care and water balancing. But what do I know...