
Hi all,
Husband and I are newbies when it comes to pools, but we're thinking about having one built. Hubs doesn't want to be maintaining it and would just pay to have someone do it, but I have control/trust issues and I also don't want to dish out that expense if we don't have to. So, maintenance will fall primarily to me. However, we have 2 kids under the age of 4 and are planning for a 3rd next year so anything I can do to make that easier would be great.
Because of that, I was considering a SWG. I prefer the feel of SWG pools, but I'm not sure if that's an absolute or if the traditional chlorine pools I've been in were not managed well.
When I asked about SWGs, PB said he doesn't like them for a variety of reasons: they keep the pH high so you're either adding MA or you're adding chlorine, they're a pain to clean and they're expensive and always break down, they create a lot of business for him but he's busy enough that he doesn't need extra. He said once we got used to the pool we'd learn that we need to add 6 tablets every 2 weeks (just as an example) and pressure wash the filters around the 4th of July-- easy peasy. He also said something about "his system" and minerals like copper? Can't remember exactly.
I know the tablets aren't recommended because of CYA buildup. Would this be an issue with our relatively short pool season in PA? Also maybe important to note that we are considering eventually covering the pool.
I have decision paralysis/fatigue at this point and need someone to tell me what to do. Any help is appreciated.