Adding a spa to our existing IG pool

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T

teich

Gold Supporter
Aug 18, 2020
22
Santa Rosa, CA
Pool Size
29000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
We have an existing 15' x 50' ~29,000 gallon pool. It's about 30 years old now, with the plaster showing some age. The decking around the pool is looking it's age, and the location of the current equipment pad is... sub optimal. So as projects do, what started as a simple 'hrm, maybe we should get a spa' has turned into a big project. We're in the planning stages right now. We've found a local contractor, and aiming to start work in October 2021.

Here's an overhead shot of the pool. I marked what we're planning on doing physically.C539DCF0-DDE0-4B7A-AD2C-358C1B235923.jpeg

I'm thinking we'll also add a SWG. Replace our aging and frustrating DE system with a cartridge (local regulations are DE are super restrictive).

We need to add some heater. I've been debating between a regular gas heater, and the Pentair hybrid ETi. We are planning on installing a fairly large solar electric system, and frankly would just rather burn less gas. BUT, I haven't read enough about the hybrid to know if it's a mistake or not. Anyone actually have one and have opinions?

Any key things we should be looking at or considering at this stage? If you've done a replaster + repipe, etc project, anything you wish you knew, asked, or thought about beforehand?
 
Oooh.. I like it. .. This seems like deja vu all over again. I did a pool pad remodel in 2005. I relocated the whole pad so it wasn't in the middle of my yard (like you are doing) and while I was at it I replaced everything on the pad: replaced my aging DE with a cartridge filter, replaced my aging gas heater with a newer one, took out the busted Ozone//UV gizmo and added an SWG,.. So YES! this sounds cool!

I don't think I have ever seen a reno that added a spa.. they usually get taken out. But YEAH! I like mine. I think I would recommend a gas heater just because they are better at brute force heating than a heat pump or solar. I use mine to heat the whole pool in the winter at least once or twice a year. I couldn't do that with solar. Some people use solar and assist it with a gas heater. There are lots of options. I see you are in SR, I'm in Sac so we have similar weather-ish.

On the SWG, make sure you get one that is rated twice the size of your pool. And with a 30K gal pool there is really only one that is rated at 60K, the RJ-60's. And if you are looking at adding automation, look at the systems that will integrate it for you.

It looks like your deep end is in the middle, yes? Are you adding any water features? like a sheer descent or water fall? I always wish I had a seat under my water fall .. for some reason the kids like to sit under it.

You will get lots of suggestions from the forum..
 
Yup, deepest in the middle. Original folks thought they would put a net across it and play. When we bought the place they said they _never_ did that. :)

For heaters, the hybrid one I'm considering is both gas and electric, so I was thinking it would be best of both worlds. We'd keep the solar you see in the upper left for shoulder season, have the heat pump for those times it just needs a little help (like right now actually), and the gas for when we want to turn it on for christmas or whatever.

Good call on the SWG. I wasn't aware of the 2x goal. I'll look into the RJ-60.

No plans for a water feature. I don't think our landscape works too well for that - having the pool below ground all around is really nice for the flow of the land and space.
 
yea, and I see you have a cover too so that could get in the way of a shear descent water feature.. but there are other water feature things like those deck squirty things are fun.

Are you planing on adding automation? I think once you decide on that, you will have a more definite path toward a SWG that will work with it.

I don't know anything about the hybrid heaters, someone else will have to chime in on that. I figured out that you already had solar when I read your other thread.

Do you know if they are going to put in a passive Venturi jets type bubbler in the spa or a blower?
 
100% will be doing automation. Already have an existing 5 year old or so Pentair easy touch system. Will see if I can reuse or need to replace for new features. Wi-Fi/phone control is a key requirement. 😀

likely if we stick with Pentair will go the ic60 route.
 
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teich said:
likely if we stick with Pentair will go the ic60 route.
Click to expand...
Perfect!..
looks like your VS pumps are new enough... (I'm going by the equipment pad pics in your other thread).. I see you have a pool sweep booster pump and what looks like a Polaris sweep in the pool. this also might be a good time to switch to a robot. That would be one less line you have to replumb. ;)
 
For decking and coping we’re debating between Outdoor Earth | Milestone in moon white or a light limestone. I think we’re leaning towards the manufactured product, but would love opinions Or other thoughts.

Waterline going with a tile likely this one: Artifact - Pure Silk
not sure on pool surface yet. Trying to figure out what level of pool finish to go with - our kid complains about getting his feet scratched up on the current one, so something smoother for sure.
 
Started getting my equipment list together. Would love any feedback or suggestions:

Equipment

  • Pump: use existing VS 3050
  • Controller: use existing easytouch. Maybe. It’s from 2011, may need the upgrade. Also only 4 channels.
  • Cleaner: use existing Pentair Warrior SE Robot
  • SWG: Pentair IC60
  • Heater: RayPak 407A? - $2,700 vs $3,000 for pentair
  • Filter: Pentair CCP420 (or bigger one?). Or non pentair brand?
  • Control
    • ScreenLogic2 - $550
    • is4 spa-side remote - $300
    • easytouch wireless controller - $700
  • Optional:
    • 2 - 4 magicstream? Just because they look cool
    • Lighting? No idea what we should do here.
 

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Ditch the 'Control' items and upgrade your ET to an Intellicenter. Cost will be a wash if not a bit cheaper.
 
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It appears the upgrade systems are not all that readily available. So you would have to look into that.

Many of us have used Polytec Pools in Las Vegas as a source of parts and equipment. Give them a call and see what they can do.
 
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