Hello,
Last summer I brought home a 9 x 18 Intex Ultra pool with it's basic canister filter and the Intex salt water system. The kids and I were ecstatic. My husband was less than ecstatic, but after a season of fun...he is coming around. I loved watching and listening to my kids and all of their friends splashing it up. I loved cleaning out the filter every day...less. So. I'm ready to enjoy this pool myself this year which means I need to break free from filter servitude. I have been floating around all these posts, looking at all these great systems. I've made all kinds of calls to the local pool stores, researching what I need to make this summer effortless and I am overwhelmed. It's up to me to figure out the deep mysteries of converting this big grey bathtub into a swimming pool. I don't speak "pool", I have no experience with pipes, fittings, skimmers, valves, and frankly...I'm afraid of screwing up. I need someone to hold my hand and walk me through this step by remedial step.
*I am planning on ordering this filter and pump unless you all tell me not to! It is essentially a 3/4 hp pump. My pool holds a little less than 5,000 gallons of water. The pool companies I have spoke with tell me I need a 1 to 1.5 hp pump but I think they just want to sell me those because they have them in stock. Is it the right size?
*From reading, it looks I will have to make modifications in order to install it. Holy cow. There is so much I do not know. Step by remedial step please.
*Do I use pvc? My kids don't float sedately in the pool..they jump and kick off the sides. They jump from the trampoline into the pool. So, should I stick with flex hoses? Will my intex hoses stand up to the bigger pump action? Can you even use their hoses with a hayward pump?
*Can I still use my Salt Water System?
*Can I still use my vacuum set up that came with the pool? Should I get one of those Hayward creepy critter auto cleaners?
*Do I need an in wall skimmer? Pool store guy says I won't need a skimmer at all. But, like the rest of the world I have trees...with leaves? The floating skimmer constantly breaks free from the side due to my "not sedate" children.
*How about an extra return? The pool is pretty small..is it necessary?
*How about the fancy pvc spray returns? Is that just for fun? I saw Charlie R's set up. I wish you were my friendly neighbor.
I have more questions but I don't want to alienate you all right away. I assure you, that although I sound completely inept...I can do this. With your help.
Thank you!
Last summer I brought home a 9 x 18 Intex Ultra pool with it's basic canister filter and the Intex salt water system. The kids and I were ecstatic. My husband was less than ecstatic, but after a season of fun...he is coming around. I loved watching and listening to my kids and all of their friends splashing it up. I loved cleaning out the filter every day...less. So. I'm ready to enjoy this pool myself this year which means I need to break free from filter servitude. I have been floating around all these posts, looking at all these great systems. I've made all kinds of calls to the local pool stores, researching what I need to make this summer effortless and I am overwhelmed. It's up to me to figure out the deep mysteries of converting this big grey bathtub into a swimming pool. I don't speak "pool", I have no experience with pipes, fittings, skimmers, valves, and frankly...I'm afraid of screwing up. I need someone to hold my hand and walk me through this step by remedial step.
*I am planning on ordering this filter and pump unless you all tell me not to! It is essentially a 3/4 hp pump. My pool holds a little less than 5,000 gallons of water. The pool companies I have spoke with tell me I need a 1 to 1.5 hp pump but I think they just want to sell me those because they have them in stock. Is it the right size?
*From reading, it looks I will have to make modifications in order to install it. Holy cow. There is so much I do not know. Step by remedial step please.
*Do I use pvc? My kids don't float sedately in the pool..they jump and kick off the sides. They jump from the trampoline into the pool. So, should I stick with flex hoses? Will my intex hoses stand up to the bigger pump action? Can you even use their hoses with a hayward pump?
*Can I still use my Salt Water System?
*Can I still use my vacuum set up that came with the pool? Should I get one of those Hayward creepy critter auto cleaners?
*Do I need an in wall skimmer? Pool store guy says I won't need a skimmer at all. But, like the rest of the world I have trees...with leaves? The floating skimmer constantly breaks free from the side due to my "not sedate" children.
*How about an extra return? The pool is pretty small..is it necessary?
*How about the fancy pvc spray returns? Is that just for fun? I saw Charlie R's set up. I wish you were my friendly neighbor.
I have more questions but I don't want to alienate you all right away. I assure you, that although I sound completely inept...I can do this. With your help.
Thank you!