Heater & pump/filter recommendations for Intex XTR Ultra Rectangular 24ft x 12ft

[NJSwimmom]

Brand new pool owner from NJ in process of installing our Intex XTR Ultra Rectangular 24ft x 12ft x 52in pool with sand filter and 12 mil solar cover. A few of the common Intex links in the forum are almost 10 yrs old or tough for a newbie to follow, so please let me know if you have best recommendations for a heater for this specific pool that would extend pool season from April to Halloween in NJ.(air temps average 45-60f for spring/fall) What pump/filter should I upgrade to if I want to use a robot vacuum and thru wall skimmer?

Current Progres on install: I had a 20 ft x 30 ft area in our backyard professionally leveled with a bobcat & transit to match lowest area of yard & ground is now very firm compacted NJ native sandy soil that I’ve let settle for 2 weeks. Not adding any type of sand/rock base. Spraying weed killer, then putting down a heavy tarp, then tarp that came with pool, then nine 4ft x 8ft 1/2 inch pink extruded foam base- seams triple taped with waterproof Gorilla tape Putting down 12x8x2 inch pavers level with the ground to support the uprights.
PS: My 17yr old competitive swimmer kid is going to use a swim bungee to train at home in this pool while all the NJ pools are closed!
Any recommendations on heater and filter/pump upgrade as described above much appreciated!

 

[sammckin]

I am in the process of installing a Pentair MasterTemp 125k btu natural gas heater on the same pool you have. Plumber is coming Wednesday to hook up the gas. I hope to be swimming next weekend if the weather cooperates.

 

[sammckin]

You can follow the thread: Gas heater for intex AGP?

I'm using the original pump/filter combo with an over the wall skimmer. I also use the intex pool cleaner, its technically not a robot but it does pretty well for the small price tag.

 

[jmcdtucson]

I'd recommend you consider upgrading the filter to the largest one Intex makes. They always under spec the filter on the pool. No hurry on this though - maybe you'll be satisfied with the basic model - it's a good pump.
Install a through the wall skimmer. This is a game changer for pool cleanliness.
I use a Dolphin pool cleaner. It's expensive, but it's the first one I've had that (a) works and (b) lasts more than a season.
I'd recommend solar heater, but I live in Arizona. Gas is probably more appropriate for your climate.
Good luck!

 

[sammckin]

I'm going to run the original pump and filter into the ground lol. Mine seems to do OK but I don't have anything to compare it to as it is my first one. When I upgrade the pump I'll cut in the skimmer too, I hear lots of great things about that mod.

 

[Pv2]

the newest version of the intex auto cleaner is pretty good, if you want to save a lot of money.

 

[chi-chi]

Following.