Potential New Pool Owner - Questions Before Starting To Get Quotes

[ajd123]

• What size heater do I need for this pool (BTUs) if it is 8’ deep in the deep end?
• Is 8’ deep enough for diving or should I go deeper?
• Is 6 return inlets enough for this size pool?
• Where should these be located around the pool?
• Should each inlet be homerun to the equipment?
• Are two skimmers enough?
• Should they skimmer be home run to the equipment?
• Is 2 main drains enough for the pool?
• Should each main drain be home run to the equipment?
• Where would you place the 4 lights in this pool?
• Should we install a sump well drainage system w/ weeper tile around the pool to reduce the chance of groundwater pushing the vinyl?
• Should we put a bubbler on the sun deck?
• Do you think we should add a small 6’ bench in the deep end for sitting / getting out of the pool (don’t like the look of a ladder).
• What is your opinion of adding a pool filler (to top the water up when necessary)?
• If I pour a concrete pad for the pool equipment next to the house, what size (roughly) should this be to accommodate the pool equipment?
• What should a typically warranty be (e.g. 3 years parts / labor)?
• How deep should the tanning shelf be (water coverage) and do you think the step system in the picture will work well (don't want the liner coming off, on the first step there is not much water holding it down)?
• Elephant cover: how much coping / interlock do I need around the pool to accommodate. We plan on leaving grass around the pool. Good or bad?
• What type of filter: sand, DE or Cartridge (Cartridge requires no backwash)?
• If backwashing, should I have drain pipe sent to back of property (forest)
• Is Pentair good equipment?

 

[ajw22]

• What size heater do I need for this pool (BTUs) if it is 8’ deep in the deep end?

The more BTU's the better. 400K BTU gas heater if you have natural gas available.

• Is 8’ deep enough for diving or should I go deeper?

Diving pools need a specific profile to be certified as a DIVING pool in the US. Otherwise, the pool is labeled NON-DIVING. See the attached document from SR SMITH.

• Is 6 return inlets enough for this size pool?

Overkill. 3 or 4 are fine.

• Where should these be located around the pool?

What direction is the prevailing winds relative to your pool diagram?

• Should each inlet be homerun to the equipment?

Yup.

• Are two skimmers enough?

Yup.

• Should they skimmer be home run to the equipment?

Yup

• Is 2 main drains enough for the pool?

It is one main drain with two inlets for anti-entraption.

• Should each main drain be home run to the equipment?

One run to equipment for the MD

• Where would you place the 4 lights in this pool?

Depends on skimmer and return placement.

• Should we install a sump well drainage system w/ weeper tile around the pool to reduce the chance of groundwater pushing the vinyl?

Depends on your ground water situation. That is a case by case decision.

• Should we put a bubbler on the sun deck?

Nope

• Do you think we should add a small 6’ bench in the deep end for sitting / getting out of the pool (don’t like the look of a ladder).

Yes

• What is your opinion of adding a pool filler (to top the water up when necessary)?

You are not in a high evaporation area. They can be problematic.

AutoFill - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

• If I pour a concrete pad for the pool equipment next to the house, what size (roughly) should this be to accommodate the pool equipment?

The bigger the better. How much room do you got?

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

• What should a typically warranty be (e.g. 3 years parts / labor)?

For what? Pool? Equipment? Deck?

• How deep should the tanning shelf be (water coverage) and do you think the step system in the picture will work well (don't want the liner coming off, on the first step there is not much water holding it down)?

Dunno.

I don't see a step system.

• Elephant cover: how much coping / interlock do I need around the pool to accommodate. We plan on leaving grass around the pool. Good or bad?

Dunno what an Elephant Cover is.

Lots more dirt and grass will get in the pool.

• What type of filter: sand, DE or Cartridge (Cartridge requires no backwash)?

Large cartridge filter.

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

• If backwashing, should I have drain pipe sent to back of property (forest)

No backwashing with a cartridge filter.

• Is Pentair good equipment?

Great equipment!

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[PoolStored]

• Is 2 main drains enough for the pool?

On a vinyl pool, I would OMIT main drains...way to many issues to deal with and they are unnecessary.
I'd avoid the autofill. I'm just south of you in Ohio and wouldn't use it. Better in arid areas.
Allen has you covered on almost everything else...

Dunno what an Elephant Cover is.

Mesh safety cover...the one they advertise with an elephant on it...

 

[YippeeSkippy]

• What size heater do I need for this pool (BTUs) if it is 8’ deep in the deep end? I dun'kno nuffin 'bout heaters. Sorry!
• Is 8’ deep enough for diving or should I go deeper? Yes, 8' deep is good for a diving board. I sure wish *my* pool was that deep!
• Is 6 return inlets enough for this size pool? Yup, assuming they're placed well.
• Where should these be located around the pool? You want them so tat they move water, and surface water towards the skimmer.
• Should each inlet be homerun to the equipment? That's the ideal way. It protects you in case something happens to one line, you'll still have an available line.
• Are two skimmers enough? 2 or 3, but you want them placed so they take advantage of the normal breeze/wind direction in your yard as well as water current in the pool.
• Should they skimmer be home run to the equipment? Yup
• Is 2 main drains enough for the pool? 1 or none is the common way. You could decide to skip it altogether and use a sump/trash pump when you want to drain water out.
• Should each main drain be home run to the equipment?
• Where would you place the 4 lights in this pool? Just my opinion- One on that tanning shelf for sure. Another on the short end shallow side. The others evenly spaced on the wall *not* facing patio/house.
• Should we install a sump well drainage system w/ weeper tile around the pool to reduce the chance of groundwater pushing the vinyl? Depends on your ground water situation
• Should we put a bubbler on the sun deck? Most folks seem to.
• Do you think we should add a small 6’ bench in the deep end for sitting / getting out of the pool (don’t like the look of a ladder). Yes.
• What is your opinion of adding a pool filler (to top the water up when necessary)? A nice feature to have, but optional.
• If I pour a concrete pad for the pool equipment next to the house, what size (roughly) should this be to accommodate the pool equipment? Bigger than you think....more is always handy. A light too.
• What should a typically warranty be (e.g. 3 years parts / labor)? As much as you can get but so many go out of business they may not be wort much?
• How deep should the tanning shelf be (water coverage) and do you think the step system in the picture will work well (don't want the liner coming off, on the first step there is not much water holding it down)? Hmmmm? Can't say?
• Elephant cover: how much coping / interlock do I need around the pool to accommodate. We plan on leaving grass around the pool. Good or bad? Grass can be a nuisance when run up to the pool as clippings *always* find a way in. Mess! Coping is another area people always wish they had more. Minimum of 4' is a safe start.
• What type of filter: sand, DE or Cartridge (Cartridge requires no backwash)? Cartridge. Buy BIG so you can go longer between cleans.
• If backwashing, should I have drain pipe sent to back of property (forest) Mine is piped into a dry creekbed, others take it to the street or sewer line.
• Is Pentair good equipment? Very.

Maddie

 

[ajw22]

On a vinyl pool, I would OMIT main drains...way to many issues to deal with and they are unnecessary.

In a heated pool with a deep hopper for diving the main drain helps with circulation in the hopper.

 

[ajd123]

Thanks everyone for the great replies.

Coping will be 10-12''. I will then add another 36'' of interlock around the pool. Where we live, the interlock can easily run $25sf (labor and material) so the cost of more hardscape can end up being more expensive than the pool when completing large areas. Sucks, but cant afford to complete 3,500 of interlock for $87,500. I feel like this might be a problem that I will regret later with kids running across the grass and into the pool. Will the skimmer be able to handle this or am I asking for trouble?

Why are you opposed to the bubbler on the sun deck? Are they headaches? Break easily?

With respect to the first step onto the tanning shelf (very little water holding down the vinyl) and the 2nd step from the tanning shelf into the pool, what are some other options?

We are in Ontario so rules on diving might be different.

Oversized cartridge is a great suggestions for longer intervals between changes.

I really don't know the direction of the prevailing winds, but hopefully 6 return inlets should allow me to create a nice system to direct water at the skimmers. I did not realize this was the purpose / how the system worked. Thanks for the info.

Think we will have the companies quote with the sump well. Although ground water is not an "issue" it is really difficult to know how a heavy rain might effect the liner. Safer and relatively cheap to install now for piece of mind.

For the equipment pad we have lots of room. Could easily make it 120'' x 60''. Don't want it to be overly big / an eye soar. It will be placed against the side of the house.

For the lights was thinking 1 on each short side and two on the long side shining away from the house.

Given the climate, seems like the water filler is not necessary (we are in southern Ontario)?

In a heated pool with a deep hopper for diving the main drain helps with circulation in the hopper.

Totally makes sense. I am assuming the "problems" have to do with leaky main drains? Is there something else?

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I am assuming the "problems" have to do with leaky main drains? Is there something else?

Or something clogging it...or a cold freeze breaking it? Its a PITA to fix a main drain under all that cement.

 

[ajd123]

Or something clogging it...or a cold freeze breaking it? Its a PITA to fix a main drain under all that cement.

If it breaks and the repair is too expensive, would I be able to just leave it broken since it is "not required"?

 

[Bperry]

If it breaks and the repair is too expensive, would I be able to just leave it broken since it is "not required"?

You’de have to seal it since broken would mean a leak. And hopefully you find the leak before all the water escapes into the surrounding soil.

 

[ajd123]

This was an equipment list I put together in 2022. Has anything changed or been upgraded or does everything still look guide for today?

PUMP	Pentair Intelliflo VS: IntelliFlo® Variable Speed® High Performance Pool Pump - TradeGrade
FILTER	Pentair Clean & Clear Cartridge System: Clean & Clear® Plus Cartridge Filter- TradeGrade
HEATER	Pentair 400,000 BTU master temp natural gas heater: MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heaters - TradeGrade
SALT SYSTEM	Pentair Intellichlor salt system: IntelliChlor® Salt Chlorine Generator - TradeGrade
ROBO CLEANER	Pentair Prowler 920: Prowler 920 Inground Robotic Pool Cleaner
AUTOMATION	IntelliCenter® Control System -TradeGrade

 

[Skelly_GSR]

Or something clogging it...or a cold freeze breaking it? Its a PITA to fix a main drain under all that cement.

My pool isn't even finished yet and the main drains are already a PITA. In fairness the issues have been self-inflicted.

New DIY IG Pool Build Pittsburgh PA

You may want to brace the walls with some 2x4's over the winter. We have been having mild winters with little snow pack but you never know when weather revert back.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Skelly_GSR]

• What size heater do I need for this pool (BTUs) if it is 8’ deep in the deep end?
• Is 8’ deep enough for diving or should I go deeper? My in-laws have an 8' pool. 8' is plenty for diving off the patio deck.
• Is 6 return inlets enough for this size pool? I did 6 total for my pool. 18x36x8' (L shape). 4 are on the walls, 2 are bubblers on the tanning ledge.
• Where should these be located around the pool? As others have responded, let the wind direction take priority on location.
• Should each inlet be homerun to the equipment? Yes
• Are two skimmers enough? Yes
• Should they skimmer be home run to the equipment? Yes
• Is 2 main drains enough for the pool? If you are doing main drains, two is a requirement.
• Should each main drain be home run to the equipment? No, you have 1 run to the pump and Tee the line at the main drains. Research how far apart they need to be, there is a minimum distance required.
• Where would you place the 4 lights in this pool? I've read most people suggest placing them so they aren't pointed at the house and/or primary seating area.
• Should we install a sump well drainage system w/ weeper tile around the pool to reduce the chance of groundwater pushing the vinyl? If you have the terrain on your side, consider a gravity drain on top of your concrete collar to shed any water. I was able to do this with my pool. Any water will drain to the woods behind my house.
• Should we put a bubbler on the sun deck? I have young kids, I really wanted to make sure our pool had these. They are cheap to add, its only pipine for the water and air lines.
• Do you think we should add a small 6’ bench in the deep end for sitting / getting out of the pool (don’t like the look of a ladder). I added corners in my deep end so two adults could sit in each corner. I was hesitant to do a full width bench because kids will be most likely diving and I didnt want someone to jump in not knowing theres a bench there. So I only did the corners. See my build post for what they will look like (didnt pour concrete yet).
• What is your opinion of adding a pool filler (to top the water up when necessary)? I ran a water line near my pool equipment to top off when needed.
• If I pour a concrete pad for the pool equipment next to the house, what size (roughly) should this be to accommodate the pool equipment? Bigger the better.
• What should a typically warranty be (e.g. 3 years parts / labor)?
• How deep should the tanning shelf be (water coverage) and do you think the step system in the picture will work well (don't want the liner coming off, on the first step there is not much water holding it down)? I believe I targeted 12", I can confirm when I get home.
• Elephant cover: how much coping / interlock do I need around the pool to accommodate. We plan on leaving grass around the pool. Good or bad? My FIL has a similar cover, I believe the straps extend around 2" past the pool coping. So at a minimum, you will need 2' of concrete/pavers around the pool.
• What type of filter: sand, DE or Cartridge (Cartridge requires no backwash)? I went with a huge sand filter. If you have the means to easily backwash, people seemed to recommend going with sand.
• If backwashing, should I have drain pipe sent to back of property (forest) Yes. Mine ties into my gravity drain
• Is Pentair good equipment? Yep

I'm in the process of building my pool, I answered above for the items that I could. See my build here: New DIY IG Pool Build Pittsburgh PA

 

[ajw22]

PUMP	Pentair Intelliflo VS: IntelliFlo® Variable Speed® High Performance Pool Pump - TradeGrade
FILTER	Pentair Clean & Clear Cartridge System: Clean & Clear® Plus Cartridge Filter- TradeGrade
HEATER	Pentair 400,000 BTU master temp natural gas heater: MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heaters - TradeGrade
SALT SYSTEM	Pentair Intellichlor salt system: IntelliChlor® Salt Chlorine Generator - TradeGrade
ROBO CLEANER	Pentair Prowler 920: Prowler 920 Inground Robotic Pool Cleaner
AUTOMATION	IntelliCenter® Control System -TradeGrade

Pump - Intelliflo3
Salt System - IntelliChlor Plus with IC60 cell
Install an automated heater bypass - Heater Bypass - Further Reading

 

[Dambra]

Thanks everyone for the great replies.

Coping will be 10-12''. I will then add another 36'' of interlock around the pool. Where we live, the interlock can easily run $25sf (labor and material) so the cost of more hardscape can end up being more expensive than the pool when completing large areas. Sucks, but cant afford to complete 3,500 of interlock for $87,500. I feel like this might be a problem that I will regret later with kids running across the grass and into the pool. Will the skimmer be able to handle this or am I asking for trouble?

Why are you opposed to the bubbler on the sun deck? Are they headaches? Break easily?

With respect to the first step onto the tanning shelf (very little water holding down the vinyl) and the 2nd step from the tanning shelf into the pool, what are some other options?

We are in Ontario so rules on diving might be different.

Oversized cartridge is a great suggestions for longer intervals between changes.

I really don't know the direction of the prevailing winds, but hopefully 6 return inlets should allow me to create a nice system to direct water at the skimmers. I did not realize this was the purpose / how the system worked. Thanks for the info.

Think we will have the companies quote with the sump well. Although ground water is not an "issue" it is really difficult to know how a heavy rain might effect the liner. Safer and relatively cheap to install now for piece of mind.

For the equipment pad we have lots of room. Could easily make it 120'' x 60''. Don't want it to be overly big / an eye soar. It will be placed against the side of the house.

For the lights was thinking 1 on each short side and two on the long side shining away from the house.

Given the climate, seems like the water filler is not necessary (we are in southern Ontario)?


Totally makes sense. I am assuming the "problems" have to do with leaky main drains? Is there something else?

Also in Ontario here and will be building our vinyl pool this spring.

Going with the drains.

I think public rec pool rules regarding diving are 2.5M (8.2ft) - but check with your insurer possibly?

We were considering shelf, but opted to remove it and have more swimmable area - instead we went with a bench the full length of the pool.

 

[ajd123]

Pump - Intelliflo3
Salt System - IntelliChlor Plus with IC60 cell
Install an automated heater bypass - Heater Bypass - Further Reading

Something like this for the Bypass valve?

Pentair Smart Heater Bypass Kit - 462048

Pentair MasterTemp & Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm Smart Heater Bypass Kit - 462048 - Compatible with ALL Pentair Heaters: 460792, 460793, 460730, 460731, 460732, 460733, 460734, 460735, 460736, 460737, 460805, 460806, SR200NA, SR200HD, SR200LP, SR333NA, SR333HD, SR333LP, SR400NA, SR400HD, SR400LP -...

poolproductscanada.ca

 

[ajd123]

The more BTU's the better. 400K BTU gas heater if you have natural gas available.



Diving pools need a specific profile to be certified as a DIVING pool in the US. Otherwise, the pool is labeled NON-DIVING. See the attached document from SR SMITH.



Overkill. 3 or 4 are fine.



What direction is the prevailing winds relative to your pool diagram?



Yup.

Yup.

Yup

It is one main drain with two inlets for anti-entraption.

One run to equipment for the MD

Depends on skimmer and return placement.


Depends on your ground water situation. That is a case by case decision.

Nope

Yes

You are not in a high evaporation area. They can be problematic.

AutoFill - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

The bigger the better. How much room do you got?

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

For what? Pool? Equipment? Deck?



Dunno.

I don't see a step system.



Dunno what an Elephant Cover is.

Lots more dirt and grass will get in the pool.


Large cartridge filter.

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

No backwashing with a cartridge filter.

Great equipment!

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

1) What Pentair Cartridge system would you suggest for "oversizing" it? Clean & Clear® Plus Cartridge Filters
2) The largest one I see is 150GPM.
3) Should I buy and extra cartridge to keep on hand for easy swaps?
4) Can I clean the cartridge myself?

 

[ajw22]

1) What Pentair Cartridge system would you suggest for "oversizing" it? Clean & Clear® Plus Cartridge Filters

You are building a big pool.

Have you figured out the gallons of water you will have to filter and heat?

Get the CCP520.

2) The largest one I see is 150GPM.

GPM does not matter. Your pump is not going to be pushing that flow.

3) Should I buy and extra cartridge to keep on hand for easy swaps?

Your choice.

4) Can I clean the cartridge myself?

Sure.

Cartridge Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

Something like this for the Bypass valve?

Pentair Smart Heater Bypass Kit - 462048

Pentair MasterTemp & Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm Smart Heater Bypass Kit - 462048 - Compatible with ALL Pentair Heaters: 460792, 460793, 460730, 460731, 460732, 460733, 460734, 460735, 460736, 460737, 460805, 460806, SR200NA, SR200HD, SR200LP, SR333NA, SR333HD, SR333LP, SR400NA, SR400HD, SR400LP -...

poolproductscanada.ca

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/parts-sheets/heaters/pentair_heater_auto_bypass_valve_replacement%20_kit.pdf

There is not much in the kit, and you can probably buy the individual parts cheaper.

 

[ajd123]

Regarding the bench in the deep end. Should we just do one off the the side (in the corner of the pool) or have it run the entire length of the deep end?

 

[Newdude]

We went with an 8ft bench on the patio side. When it's just us, we'd rather look at the backyard than the house. With company 2 people can sit sideways with their legs fully extended and chat with folks on the patio.

Irs a little akward to use to get out because it's a really big step, but it does work and we prefer it 100X over the ladder we had at the old place. Just not having to take it out and store it every winter is worth it. Then it looks much nicer also.