Hello all,
My husband and I are about to become pool owners for the first time and I have dedicated a lot of time searching this site for answers to the many questions I have (he travels a lot for work, so this is my project and I am beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed).
I became fairly comfortable w/ the BBB method, but after finding the pool we wanted (an Intex Ultra 16x48) for super cheap on clearance today, I have decided to go ahead and invest in a saltwater system.
With this being said, before asking the questions I have, I need to mention the pool site is approximately 55 ft. from our outdoor outlet, which is just a standard outlet. We are currently renting our home and while of course safety is our #1 priority, we don't want to invest a lot of money running electricity out to the site, etc., nor are we able to given the fact we don't own the home.
My questions are:
1) Is the pump that comes with the pool (Krystal Clear, 1,500 gallons-per-hour, 110-120 volt) sufficient to attach to the saltwater system I am about to purchase, or do I need to upgrade to a nicer pump (sand filter?). If I just use this pump for now to save on initial cost, will it harm my saltwater system if/when it burns out?
2) I know there is a lot of debate concerning using extension cords on these pumps (I know you are really not supposed to). With that being said, I also know you are really not supposed to because people may use the wrong cord. If I were to get a contractors extension cord (water-proof with built in GFI), would this be okay to use to extend the cord of the pool pump to the outdoor (non-GFI) outlet?
3) I am confused about what I will be testing the pool water for if the saltwater system monitors the water and adds salt when needed. I saw some very nice testing kits mentioned when I was researching the BBB method. Since I am using salt, would I still use the same kit and test for the same things (I am guessing so since the saltwater is just another method of adding chlorine).
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
My husband and I are about to become pool owners for the first time and I have dedicated a lot of time searching this site for answers to the many questions I have (he travels a lot for work, so this is my project and I am beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed).
I became fairly comfortable w/ the BBB method, but after finding the pool we wanted (an Intex Ultra 16x48) for super cheap on clearance today, I have decided to go ahead and invest in a saltwater system.
With this being said, before asking the questions I have, I need to mention the pool site is approximately 55 ft. from our outdoor outlet, which is just a standard outlet. We are currently renting our home and while of course safety is our #1 priority, we don't want to invest a lot of money running electricity out to the site, etc., nor are we able to given the fact we don't own the home.
My questions are:
1) Is the pump that comes with the pool (Krystal Clear, 1,500 gallons-per-hour, 110-120 volt) sufficient to attach to the saltwater system I am about to purchase, or do I need to upgrade to a nicer pump (sand filter?). If I just use this pump for now to save on initial cost, will it harm my saltwater system if/when it burns out?
2) I know there is a lot of debate concerning using extension cords on these pumps (I know you are really not supposed to). With that being said, I also know you are really not supposed to because people may use the wrong cord. If I were to get a contractors extension cord (water-proof with built in GFI), would this be okay to use to extend the cord of the pool pump to the outdoor (non-GFI) outlet?
3) I am confused about what I will be testing the pool water for if the saltwater system monitors the water and adds salt when needed. I saw some very nice testing kits mentioned when I was researching the BBB method. Since I am using salt, would I still use the same kit and test for the same things (I am guessing so since the saltwater is just another method of adding chlorine).
Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!