ay yi yi!

[Kingston]

Hello all! I've been reading so much and have too much information in my head - I'm overthinking everything about the equipment.

We're in the midst of a hybrid owner build/DIY and it's moving along pretty well, saving a lot of $'s and plaster scheduled for May 23rd. I'm just stuck with the equipment end of it, what to get, costs, pros vs cons, time vs money, etc...
Details:
- 32x16 inground concrete pool
- Approx 13,500 gallons
- 7ft sunledge across width with stadium stairs
- deep end 6ft to waterline
- 2 skimmers - 2" pvc
- 4 returns - 2" pvc looped together teed to 1.5" through walls
- 2 bubblers in sunledge controlled separately
- 3 deck jets controlled separately
- SR Smith Light package: 3 Kelo along length facing away from home, 2 treo in sunledge wall pointing at bubblers, 2 micros on stadium steps (I like lights)
- Jandy valves to control everything
- Triton PS robotic pool cleaner
- Weekly pool service
- This is an adult pool, mostly lounging and cocktails

Here's where I'm stuck:
- Pentair Superflow vs Intelliflow
- Pentair TR100 sand filter
- In line automatic Salt Generator (SWG)
- Do I need a separate expensive controller or can add that later? We work from home and are here all day, no big deal to monitor pool/make adjustments but also no big deal to spend a little more to make life easier.
- Anything else we need besides a cocktail? It's almost 5.
- Of course the electrical work will be subbed out to a licensed electrician.

Thank you for your help! I'll update our banner & will provide pics when the pool is completed. Can't wait!

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

Intelliflo.
Cartridge filter. Nothing that needs backwashing here in drought country.
Plastic cups for cocktails.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

In line automatic Salt Generator (SWG)
- Do I need a separate expensive controller or can add that later? We work from home and are here all day, no big deal to monitor pool/make adjustments but also no big deal to spend a little more to make life easier.

You really need to decide now if you want automation. It's not gonna be cheap, but having everything wired and set up now is likely cheaper than having a full auto system installed later. If you go Pentair, you'll get a better warranty on a bundled/professionally installed system.

The SWG is easy enough to add in the future, probably at a lower cost. But if you decide to automate, you want your SWG to be compatible with the automation system. In my opinion (and probably everyone else around here), an SWG is a must. Make sure it's rated for double the pool volume.

The IntelliFlo is a better pump than the SuperFlo. It will run quieter and more efficiently. I love my Quad DE filter, but the trend now is to go with a big cartridge filter.

The way a pool is plumbed is as important as the equipment itself. Study up on how to set up control of plumbing on skimmer(s), main drains and returns. You want as much independent control as possible of each component.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

One other thing...consider a fill line connected to softened water.

 

[Kingston]

Thank you for the info and prompt response!

 

[Poolnerdgrandma]

It's $$$, but with all the bells and whistles, I think you're going to want automation, and as others have said, it's cheaper to do now