Looking for new pool build system information

cskuse

Active member
Mar 23, 2022
31
North of Pittsburgh, PA
Pool Size
3500
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Hello! Glad to join this forum and expand our knowledge.
We have wanted to install a pool at our home since we built it and now is finally the time. After talking with a few pool installers, we decided to do it on our own due to the fact that they are all booked and for the cost of the bid we thought we could do it ourselves (we built our home ourselves). This would be our third pool, so we are are not total newbies.
After researching, I think that we are going to go with Royal Pools for our kit. They have more of the options we were looking for. Here is a rundown of what we want:
20x40 In-ground vinyl pool with safety cover (42” walls) and 6’ tanning ledge with steps and diving board (deep end will be 8’).
Where I run into a problem is trying to figure out exactly what pump, filter and automation system would be the best choice? What I had picked was the Hayward Aquarite S3 Salt system for 40k gallons, Hayward Tristar VS 950 pump, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge filter C3030. I have looked at all these systems from Hayward and Pentair but since I haven’t known anyone who has had one, I am looking for insight. Any advice would be appreciated. We will also have Hayward ColorLogic lighting. I chose the automation system because I wanted the ability to check the system without being physically in the location and that I can add on systems, like the heater down the road if we decide we want one. I’m not stuck on one system over another, so if there is one that is better than the other please give your recommendations!
 
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Hello ! Yes, if you're going for automation you definitely want all the equipment to "talk" to each other.

For that wonderfully large pool I'd suggest going with either Pentair or Hayward, with a salt system sized for 60,000 gallons. We always recommend going at least 2x the pool size and that's the largest currently.

@Jimrahbe is one who can give you exact idea for pumps and automation.

Maddie 🇺🇦
 
csk,

How big will your pool be? My guess is about 35K gallons or more... If that is true, then a 40K cell is on the small size. We always recommend that any salt system be rated for at least 2 x the volume of the pool.. In your location maybe 1.5 x the volume.

Do you plan on an auto-cover. If so that a smaller cell will work.

If you plan to have an automation system, then it makes sense that the automation, the VS pump and the salt system all be the same brand.

I'm pretty sure Haywards biggest cell is 40K, so that leaves Pentair's IC60.

I have three pools with 3 HP IntelliFlo VS pumps, EasyTouch Automation systems with internal salt systems and IC40 salt cells... and I love them.. They are perfect for me needs. That said, if I were to be building a new pool, I would replace the EasyTouch with Pentair's new IntelliCenter, which is a much better system. Buying an EasyTouch is like buying an old iPhone instead of the new iPhone XX. Both phones work, but who wants to buy old tech?

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Welcome! And congratulations, good luck with the DIY build. Great choice to DIY if you have the aptitude, otherwise, you end up like me and others on here who've been waiting, 6, 12, 18, 24 months to get started! Ditto on the suggestions/input already provided, you're going to end up with a great pool. If you haven't scrolled through some build threads, please keep us updated, use this thread, and include lots of pictures once you get started! Good luck!
 
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csk,

How big will your pool be? My guess is about 35K gallons or more... If that is true, then a 40K cell is on the small size. We always recommend that any salt system be rated for at least 2 x the volume of the pool.. In your location maybe 1.5 x the volume.

Do you plan on an auto-cover. If so that a smaller cell will work.

If you plan to have an automation system, then it makes sense that the automation, the VS pump and the salt system all be the same brand.

I'm pretty sure Haywards biggest cell is 40K, so that leaves Pentair's IC60.

I have three pools with 3 HP IntelliFlo VS pumps, EasyTouch Automation systems with internal salt systems and IC40 salt cells... and I love them.. They are perfect for me needs. That said, if I were to be building a new pool, I would replace the EasyTouch with Pentair's new IntelliCenter, which is a much better system. Buying an EasyTouch is like buying an old iPhone instead of the new iPhone XX. Both phones work, but who wants to buy old tech?

Thanks,

Jim R.
Thanks Jim! We do plan on having a auto cover on the pool (20x40) because we do not want to have to install a fence on our property. We live on 22 acres on top of a hill, so that is not what we want and would detract from our backyard patio. And hopefully the deer will stay out!

I will definitely look into the Pentair. I think both Hayward and Pentair are available through Royal Pool Supply. One of the pool installers we spoke with originally said Pentair was better and he didn’t like Hayward. I will check out their pricing tomorrow.
 
Hello ! Yes, if you're going for automation you definitely want all the equipment to "talk" to each other.

For that wonderfully large pool I'd suggest going with either Pentair or Hayward, with a salt system sized for 60,000 gallons. We always recommend going at least 2x the pool size and that's the largest currently.

@Jimrahbe is one who can give you exact idea for pumps and automation.

Maddie 🇺🇦
Thank you Maddie!
 
Thanks Jim! We do plan on having a auto cover on the pool (20x40) because we do not want to have to install a fence on our property. We live on 22 acres on top of a hill, so that is not what we want and would detract from our backyard patio. And hopefully the deer will stay out!

I will definitely look into the Pentair. I think both Hayward and Pentair are available through Royal Pool Supply. One of the pool installers we spoke with originally said Pentair was better and he didn’t like Hayward. I will check out their pricing tomorrow.
One more question, if I do go with the Pentair I know they have more add ons. Is there any you would recommend or any that are useless?
 

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You could stay with Hayward and get a circupool RJ60 SWG.. You would have to change the % manually about 3 or 4 times a year but that is nothing... You can turn it on and off from hayward automation..

I went with all Pentair equipment and Circupool SWG with Intermatic automation.. :)
 
Thanks Jim! We do plan on having a auto cover on the pool (20x40) because we do not want to have to install a fence on our property. We live on 22 acres on top of a hill, so that is not what we want and would detract from our backyard patio. And hopefully the deer will stay out!

I will definitely look into the Pentair. I think both Hayward and Pentair are available through Royal Pool Supply. One of the pool installers we spoke with originally said Pentair was better and he didn’t like Hayward. I will check out their pricing tomorrow.
So I went back to Royal Pools Supply's site and now I am even more confused. Here are my options that they sell with my kit:

Pentair:
Pentair Easytouch 4PSC-IC40 (40k) Salt System - $1638.00
or Pentair IntelliChlor IC60 Salt System w/ Power Center - $1518.00 (I am guessing this will have to have the added Easytouch system?)
Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pump - $909.00
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filter 420 Sq. Ft. - $1299.00
and I am guessing if I want the automation to my computer/phone I have to add on the Pentair Screenlogic2 Interface & Wireless Connection Kit 522104 for $579.00

Hayward:
Hayward OmniLogic - Swimming Pool Control System - $2933.00
Hayward AquaRite S3 Salt System 40,000 Gallon - $1789.00
OMNI PL 4 Relay Pool/Spa Control w/ WIFI & 940 Salt cell (40k) - $2500.00
Hayward AquaRite 900 Expert Line Salt Chlorinator - $1400.00
Hayward Tristar VS 900 Pool Pump 1.85THP 2" x 2.5" Unions - $1313.00
Hayward Tristar VS 950 Pool Pump 2.7THP 2" x 2.5" Unions - $1550.00
Hayward SwimClear Multi-Element Cartridge Filter - $1090.00

Out of those, which would be recommended for a 20 x 40 vinyl pool (with a tanning ledge and 8' deep) with a auto cover? THANK YOU! And please feel free to guide me! I am a total newbie on these kinds of systems. Our last pools were not ones that we built, but came with our home. And I also will mention that we do have dogs that may be in the pool.
Cari
 
Hello! Glad to join this forum and expand our knowledge.
We have wanted to install a pool at our home since we built it and now is finally the time. After talking with a few pool installers, we decided to do it on our own due to the fact that they are all booked and for the cost of the bid we thought we could do it ourselves (we built our home ourselves). This would be our third pool, so we are are not total newbies.
After researching, I think that we are going to go with Royal Pools for our kit. They have more of the options we were looking for. Here is a rundown of what we want:
20x40 In-ground vinyl pool with safety cover (42” walls) and 6’ tanning ledge with steps and diving board (deep end will be 8’).
Where I run into a problem is trying to figure out exactly what pump, filter and automation system would be the best choice? What I had picked was the Hayward Aquarite S3 Salt system for 40k gallons, Hayward Tristar VS 950 pump, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge filter C3030. I have looked at all these systems from Hayward and Pentair but since I haven’t known anyone who has had one, I am looking for insight. Any advice would be appreciated. We will also have Hayward ColorLogic lighting. I chose the automation system because I wanted the ability to check the system without being physically in the location and that I can add on systems, like the heater down the road if we decide we want one. I’m not stuck on one system over another, so if there is one that is better than the other please give your recommendations!
I am looking at building the same size pool tanning ledge but not all the automation. What estimate for the pool walls and equipment did you get if you don't mind me asking
 
I am looking at building the same size pool tanning ledge but not all the automation. What estimate for the pool walls and equipment did you get if you don't mind me asking
You can quote it yourself on their website. Just go to Royalpoolsupply.com and they have a configurer to pick what you want and price it out.
 
Jim worked through a lot and I’ll highlight that a 40K Hayward will be fine for your pool at that latitude and with an autocover. If Hayward, get the larger 2.7 HP pump. It’s more efficient at low speeds than the smaller one. And you’ll have longish runs at low speeds for your salt cell. Not sure what size the Hayward filter is but the bigger the better. Though autocover will help that.

But Jim or Casey’s gonna need to walk you through your other choices.
 
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If it were me I would go Pentair, Pentair has been great for all my equipment for 9 years now... :)

For Pentair, the easytouch is 20 years old and outdated and you really do not want it..

Pentair:
Pentair IntelliChlor IC60 Salt System w/ Power Center - $1518.00 This should come with the Intellicenter to run it, this is the one you want.. Call them and make sure it comes with the Pentair-IntelliCenter-i8PSIC60-Kit.
Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pump - $909.00 This is the 1.5hp but from searching the 3hp is almost impossible to find.. I have the 1.65 hp and it has been just fine for years, it will work great, you may have to run it a little higher but it will be fine..
Pentair Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filter 420 Sq. Ft. - $1299.00
 
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Thank you for everyone's input so far. After researching around even more I have more questions!

Just to go over our system again, it will be for a 20x40 vinyl pool with a auto safety cover. We live in just north of Pittsburgh. The pool is located is behind our home and will be shielded from the wind somewhat on the western side by a hillside wall (as you can see a bit in my profile photo). The pool is on a north/south radius. There are a lot of oak trees to the west of the pool. Only a pool (filtration system and lights - and possibly a heater down the road) will be connected to the automation system. We do have a stand-alone Hot Springs spa. So far we are leaning towards a Pentair system because that is what has been most recommended.

Here is what I have come up with:
Pump: Pentair VSF pump that can be selected with our kit (011056) - $1441.99
Filter: Pentair Clean & Clear Plus (420sf) - $1299.00
Sanitation: Salt water (not sure if we should go with 40 or 60 size with the auto cover)
Intellicenter: unsure
Lights: Pentair MicroBrite 12V LED Pool Light with White SP1408 Fitting - 4 total
Heater: We are not currently installing a heater, but still plumbing for one if we decide down the road that we want one. If we do get one, it will have to be a heat pump as we have no gas service to our property. We currently only have propane and would not want to use that for the pool.

The Intellicenter is where I run into issues. Since we have no spa hookup, I am guessing we do not need the actuators. Is that correct? Royal Swimming Pools does not even have the Intellicenter as an option. Only the Easytouch. Is there another place that I can order the Intellicenter from? I couldn't even find it in stock online. I know it is a trade item.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give!
 
Hello! Glad to join this forum and expand our knowledge.
We have wanted to install a pool at our home since we built it and now is finally the time. After talking with a few pool installers, we decided to do it on our own due to the fact that they are all booked and for the cost of the bid we thought we could do it ourselves (we built our home ourselves). This would be our third pool, so we are are not total newbies.
After researching, I think that we are going to go with Royal Pools for our kit. They have more of the options we were looking for. Here is a rundown of what we want:
20x40 In-ground vinyl pool with safety cover (42” walls) and 6’ tanning ledge with steps and diving board (deep end will be 8’).
Where I run into a problem is trying to figure out exactly what pump, filter and automation system would be the best choice? What I had picked was the Hayward Aquarite S3 Salt system for 40k gallons, Hayward Tristar VS 950 pump, Hayward SwimClear Cartridge filter C3030. I have looked at all these systems from Hayward and Pentair but since I haven’t known anyone who has had one, I am looking for insight. Any advice would be appreciated. We will also have Hayward ColorLogic lighting. I chose the automation system because I wanted the ability to check the system without being physically in the location and that I can add on systems, like the heater down the road if we decide we want one. I’m not stuck on one system over another, so if there is one that is better than the other please give your recommendations!
Hey there! My husband and I are currently doing an owner build of a Royal kit VERY similar to what you've described. 20x44 with autocover and full width tanning ledge steps.

We went with the Omni PL with the 40k salt cell because it has built in wifi, we can check it from our phones and didn't need the huge capacity of the omnilogic. I'm not sure about wifi capabilities of the other systems so that's something to think about.

Also did the 2.7HP VS Hayward pump, 4x colorlogic lights and the C7030 filter. Royal really tried to talk me down on filter size but the people here assured me you cannot have too big of a filter so it really just comes down to price. I'd rather pay up front and save myself time/money in the long run.

I've been told that the 40k cell might not be enough for our Texas pool but i'm hoping that with the VS pump and autocover, we can manage. Since Pentair has a 60k option you should probably consider going with that.

This is my first pool so I know nothing when it comes to the tech and specs but if you have questions about dealing with Royal, please let me know. (I also have a build thread going you could check out) So far everything has been great with them!
 
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The intellicenter is REALLY hard to find... and it can be overkill like you said...

The interesting thing I did not know is what @KfenTx said.. The Hayward Omnipl can connect to the pump, SWG and wifi and really that is all you need.. That big C7030 filter, 40k SWG and a 2.7hp pump and your good to go :)
 
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csk,

A 40K cell in your location and with an Autocover, will work just fine for you.

If you go with Pentair, I'd go with an EasyTouch or IntelliCenter that includes the salt system as a package. The package deals include an internal SWCG power center instead of an external box.

Find out if the EasyTouch that Royal sells comes with an IC40 salt system or not. If it does, that would work great.

Jim R.
 

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