New setup: What to buy? - Filters, sanitizers, steel wall or resin for partial in-ground?

[SummerSwim]

Hello! New here, but I have been reading a lot here today, and for about a year around the web and FB groups. I still have SO many questions! This is going to be long. I type 90 wpm and am detail-oriented. Thank you ahead of time to anyone who reads this all and responds!

I'm so glad to have found this forum. I originally had decided on salt because I don't love chlorine on my skin and hair. I wouldn't say I have an allergy, but it does irritate me more than others I'm around when swimming. Anyway, then I changed to wanting an ionizer after visiting a pool store. I found this forum today, and now I'm on board with liquid chlorine and daily testing!

POOL
We have a sloped yard with a 1-2' drop. I'd like to do a semi in-ground pool so we don't have to make a retaining wall on the high side. I'm currently debating the 24'x54" Saltwater LX Round Pool and the 24'x54" Saltwater Aurora Round Pool.

• I do not plan on having a saltwater system.
• Is ~$1,800 worth the resin walls on the Aurora? I want longevity, but don't want to blow my budget unnecessarily either.
• I've seen here where others have used roofing paper on the LX/8000 steel sides before backfilling. Is that and the LX pool good enough?
• We are in northwest Ohio and get some pretty high winds regularly. (Enough that there's a massive wind turbine farm nearby.) The pool will have some protection from the west and north, but will get full southerly winds in the winter.
• Our soil is clay as this area was developed from a drained swamp way back when...we've begun the leveling process already as it will take extra effort with the clay.
• We'll have the appropriate amount of mason sand brought in--we have an "in" there with a friend, and we have a sub-compact tractor to move it in. Is that the best option? Or should we do something else?
• I plan on getting the foam cove, wall foam, and liner floor pad. I've read mixed things on here about the cove and wall foams.

FILTER/PUMP
I'm leaning towards the Hayward XStream 100 Cartridge Filter System 1-HP Power-Flo Pump. I'm very open to suggestions there though. I'm not a huge fan of the idea of a sand filter for reasons like having well water with some iron and iron bacteria, the chance of sand in the pool with not completing the backwash correctly, time lost in backwashing and rebalancing the water, etc.

• I'm not worried about the electricity cost itself in relation to the pump, as we have solar for our house. My only concern is the best setup for water maintenance, and not an exorbitant cost. This setup is already pushing my dollars, but I'm considering the big picture also.
• But, I'd like to be able to program it and access it from my phone. Can something like an outdoor Wyze plug be used? Or is that a no-no?

SANITIZER
If using liquid chlorine, is this necessary? Do you just pour the chlorine in the pool? Or does it have to go through a delivery system?

SOLAR COVER
The Pool Factory one says it is 12 mil. I've seen cheaper 8 mil and 10 mil ones elsewhere.

• How much of a difference does the thickness make in warmth, longevity, and weight?
• I have a teenage son who will help with it each day but it would be nice if he could do it by himself. But I also don't want it to give out after the first season.

Phew, I think that's it for now...Thanks again!!!

 

[kellyfair]

As an owner of the saltwater Aurora, I’m going to totally come down on the side of going all resin if you can. You may actually want to switch to saltwater generator at some point, but even more importantly, moisture is what causes rust, not salt. You do not have to worry about rust at all with a resin pool. I bought mine fully intending for it to be the only pool I will ever need!

 

[kellyfair]

Liquid chlorine can be added directly to pool. Pour in slowly in front of return, so it mixes well.

And you didn’t mention a very important piece of equipment: a test kit! Strongly encourage you to check out TFtestkits.net, and look at the TF Pro. It has everything you need, and easy to follow instructions.

 

[SummerSwim]

Liquid chlorine can be added directly to pool. Pour in slowly in front of return, so it mixes well.

And you didn’t mention a very important piece of equipment: a test kit! Strongly encourage you to check out TFtestkits.net, and look at the TF Pro. It has everything you need, and easy to follow instructions.

Ohhh yes. I should have mentioned I found a pinned post with the recommended types and have one in my cart!

 

[SummerSwim]

As an owner of the saltwater Aurora, I’m going to totally come down on the side of going all resin if you can. You may actually want to switch to saltwater generator at some point, but even more importantly, moisture is what causes rust, not salt. You do not have to worry about rust at all with a resin pool. I bought mine fully intending for it to be the only pool I will ever need!

I have a feeling this is the side my husband will be on also after I tell him the price difference! And our yard is only ever one of two things....bone dry or a soaked sponge! It doesn't flood, but takes a long time to dry out after good rains.