New diy pool equip help

jimmythegreek

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TFP Expert
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In The Industry
Aug 10, 2017
4,051
Morris Cnty NJ
I am self installing a 14x30 steel vinyl lined pool end of next month. I'm happy w what I got and the deal but I am not happy w my pump. I had to take a pump in package deal so I upgraded for 640 to a Hayward ecostar vs pump. Didn't read the reviews online rly and the diff in price came in about 900 total cost to me. I did not get a SWG yet and also need a heater. I was going to do all Hayward there's a lot of them in my neighborhood and friends pools but older stuff. The Hayward heater has mixed reviews too I like it for the cupro nickel xchanger. My thought is to sell the ecostar on eBay for close to cost maybe eat some if i have to and go pentair or ? This is a basic pool 3.5 to 6' no spa or features around 11k gallons. My head hurts from all the reading and keep going back to having the big 3 be same brand to talk 2 each other. Raypak seems very well liked I'm leaning towards the 266k ng cupro unit. I also thought about just doing 2 speed unit or a diff Hayward and trying to return pump I have now it's new in box 2 months in garage and maybe use diff towards the equip I need. They only carry hayward mainly so limited w the pump xchange on their brand. Idk if im a gambling man enuff to hope im one of the good pumps. Any advice is appreciated not sure of automation or if I even need it. Thinking robot for cleaner. Thanx
 
jtg,

As far as equipment talking together, you only have to consider the Automation, any VS pump, and any SWCG... For these three items I would use all Hayward, or all Pentair, or all Jandy..

All heaters can be configured to work with just about any automation system. And of course the filter needs no communication link.

Having the same brand of equipment only applies if you have, or are planning on having, an automation system. If you do not have automation you are free to mix and match whichever brands you like.

In your case you do not need automation.. in simple pools, like ours, it is more for fun than a requirement... :p

As far as your Hayward pump goes, that is up to you.. While it is true that some failures have been reported, I suspect that the vast majority of them work just fine.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
 
Thanks Jim. Seeing u have a simple pool setup too can u give me an idea as to what's involved w the daily rituals u do. I'm gonna have a swg and a heater I've read u need a timer on the swg to turn off. Does the swg control box like the Hayward do this or is this a feature of automation. Never had a pool b4 and it's mostly for wife and kids she's a teacher off all summer. I work long hours she's pretty smart but not sure what's involved in daily care w pump timing etc. Thanx for any insight u can offer
 
jtg,

If you have a Variable Speed pump, and do not have an automation system, then you will need a timer to control any salt system.

I love my saltwater pool... I spend about an hour, or less, on pool maintenance each week.. This includes:

Cleaning the skimmer baskets..
Testing the water and adding any chemicals to balance my water.
Turning on my Robot cleaner and/or cleaning its filters..
Adding water (when required)
Sweeping off the steps (because the robot can't do stairs)
Scooping out the rare leaf that finds its way into my pool..

The real key to having a carefree pool is to always maintain your FC to CYA relationship per this chart... [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA] Having a SWCG makes this very easy to do...

Let me put it this way... If I can do it, your wife can easily do it... :p

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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