New build - advice on pool equipment

[apg1428]

Hello! We are finally going to start the pool construction next month and I'd appreciate your feedback on the proposed equipment. Thank you!

• The pool is to be 18 FT x 49 FT, and 3 FT. to 5 FT. in depth with (2) skimmers, (1) split main drain, (1) autofill, and (3) LED white lights.
• Spa to be 7 FT. 10 IN. x 7 FT. 10 IN. with (8) jets and (1) LED white light.
• Pool Cover Inc Infinity 4000 series cover
• Pool equipment to include:
  • (1) MasterTemp 400k BTU Heater
  • (1) Pentair CCP 520 Cartridge Filter
  • (1) Intelliflo XF Filter Pump
  • (1) Intelliflo XF Spa Jet Pump
  • (1) Spa Jet Blower
  • (1) Polaris Pool Cleaner with Pump
  • (1) Intellicenter I8PS Controller with (1) Pentair Load Center
  • (1) Intellichlor IC40
  • (1) Indoor Keypad
  • (1) Four Button Spa Side Remote
  • Lights to be Pentair Microbrites

The PB is also offering an add on Green Sanitation Option which we don't think we will go for: Install (1) Pentair Intellichem Chemistry Controller ORP/PH and (1) 15 gal. Stennar Tanks with peristaltic pumps. Install (1) Pentair Bioshield UV Sanitation.

 

[HermanTX]

With the IntelliCenter, you should have full access via your phone app. So not sure why you need the 4 Button Spa side remote. it is just something that will break.
I would question the Polaris cleaner and pump. That is a pressure side type cleaner. I would prefer if it the PB put in a suction line for a suction side cleaner and use that as a back up to a robot cleaner.
The pressure side cleaner with a booster pump just runs up your electric bill and no better than a suction side cleaner or a robot.
The pumps, large cartridge cleaner, 400BTU heater and IC 40 are good. For the size of pool, you should seriously consider the IC60. Also the IC40 or 60 is all you need for sanitization - no need for any UV gimmicks.
The IntelliChem has given problems to some members - search the forum for their concerns.

Pool depth at 3ft is really shallow. I would suggest minimum 3.5ft.
Have the 2 skimmers independently plumbed back to the equipment pad.
Only use Jandy type Diverter valves - not the PVC ball valves - on the equipment pad plumbing

 

[pjt]

3 FT. to 5 FT. in depth

3' is extremely shallow. I'd suggest 4' for the shallow end.

(3) LED white lights

That won't be enough for a pool that size. Do you have a diagram of your pool?

(1) MasterTemp 400k BTU Heater

Install an external bypass

Polaris Pool Cleaner with Pump

Get a robot instead. Cleans much better at a tiny fraction of the operating costs.

Intellicenter I8PS Controller with (1) Pentair Load Center

Make sure it has the built in SWCG transformer.

Intellichlor IC40

What's the estimated volume of your pool? Based on dimensions, the IC60 is probably a more suitable cell.

• Indoor Keypad
• Four Button Spa Side Remote

With IntelliCenter, you can control everything with your phone. A keypad and remote simply aren't needed.

Pentair Microbrites

Do you want colors or are you happy with white?

The PB is also offering an add on Green Sanitation Option which we don't think we will go for: Install (1) Pentair Intellichem Chemistry Controller ORP/PH and (1) 15 gal. Stennar Tanks with peristaltic pumps. Install (1) Pentair Bioshield UV Sanitation.

You don't need or want any of that. Save your money.

 

[ajw22]

With the IntelliCenter, you should have full access via your phone app. So not sure why you need the 4 Button Spa side remote. it is just something that will break.

The spa side remote is convenient for the rest of the family and guests to adjust the spa while in it. Spa users may not have access to the phone app, bring the phone by the water, or use the phone with wet hands.

I would question the Polaris cleaner and pump. That is a pressure side type cleaner. I would prefer if it the PB put in a suction line for a suction side cleaner and use that as a back up to a robot cleaner.
The pressure side cleaner with a booster pump just runs up your electric bill and no better than a suction side cleaner or a robot.

I think a pressure side cleaner can be long term less expensive than robot cleaners that seem to need replacement every few years. The Polaris cleaner can live in the water when the pool is not being used unlike robots that need to be hauled in and out of the water. And the Polaris does not clog the filter with pool debris it picks up.

The IntelliChem has given problems to some members - search the forum for their concerns.

Pentair IntelliChem - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

What is the “Indoor Keypad”?

Get the IntelliCenter bundle that includes the integrated SWG Poer Center, an IC40 cell, and two IntelliValves. See if your vendor will swap the IC40 for a IC60 for an upcharge.

Pentair Microbrite lights have reliability issues and fail after a few years.

Pentair LED Pool Lights - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[apg1428]

3' is extremely shallow. I'd suggest 4' for the shallow end.


That won't be enough for a pool that size. Do you have a diagram of your pool?


Install an external bypass


Get a robot instead. Cleans much better at a tiny fraction of the operating costs.


Make sure it has the built in SWCG transformer.


What's the estimated volume of your pool? Based on dimensions, the IC60 is probably a more suitable cell.


With IntelliCenter, you can control everything with your phone. A keypad and remote simply aren't needed.


Do you want colors or are you happy with white?


You don't need or want any of that. Save your money.

Here is a plan and a section

 

[apg1428]

Thank you so much, everyone. This is extremely helpful!

 

[pjt]

Here is a plan and a section

Looks good. I like the swim lane on the long axis of the pool. Make sure all the lights point away from the house or main seating area. Definitely suggest 4' for the shallow part of the pool. Pool main drain is optional.

 

[ajw22]

Main drains in the pool floor are not needed in a 5’ deep pool.

How many returns will you have?

Where will the skimmers and returns be placed?

Where will the pool lights be placed?

Skimmers should be placed into the prevailing winds and returns placed on opposite side from the skimmers.

 

[apg1428]

Very useful feedback and great questions to ask the PB! Thanks so much!!!

 

[markdpratt]

Besides the other great advice, my only suggestion is to pay attention to the steps going down into the pool. Make sure the rise per step is not too great for “older” pool users to navigate. Our PB told us that 12 -14” rise stairs are allowed in pools, but those were not comfortable for us to navigage. We had our PB install 7 -8” rise steps (which are normally code for interior house stairs) going from our tanning ledge to the pool.

Good luck.

 

[wireform]

Pool main drain is optional.

Since this is a new build I'd have it. It's another option on the suction side of the pump to keep the water circulating if for some reason the water is below the skimmer level or temporarily you don't/can't use the skimmers.