Swimex equipment questions

[cptkirk]

After doing some research and trying out a unit, we've decided to include a Swimex pool in our new home plans. The pool will be in indoor conditioned space, covered when not in use, and holds about 2600 gallons. Surface area is approximately 8x18 feet. Pool will be used pretty much every day year round for an hour or so. Not much if any debris should find its way into the pool, which will be in a room dedicated to fitness. The pool equipment will in all probability be installed below water level, protected from the elements. Here is a list of the equipment that comes standard with the unit:

• Pump - Optiflow 1HP
• Filter - Clean and Clear 75 sq. ft cartridge filter
• Heater - Coates Model 12406ST 5.5 kW Electric Spa Heater

Is this equipment sufficient for the task? Anything you would replace with something else?

 

[Texas Splash]

A couple items to consider. Make sure your pump is either a variable speed or at a minimum a 2 speed. Definitely not a single speed. Also confirm how you plan to chlorinate. Adding liquid yourself as needed or by using a small salt water generator.

 

[flynwill]

and holds about 2600 gallons. Surface area is approximately 8x18 feet.

There is something off with your calculations. 2600 Gallons in 8x18 feet pencils out to an averaged depth of 2.5'

 

[flynwill]

Looking at the Swimex website I'm guessing that you are looking at the 400 OT model -- which is indeed 2600 Gal and about 18'x8' overall but the water surface is ~6'x12'.
Being inside I suspect the small filter will be just fine. I would second the recommendation for a VS pump, and a small SWG.

 

[cptkirk]

It's a model 500 OS. Yes, I quoted the overall pool size rather than the water surface, my mistake. The manufacturer doesn't recommend a SWG, though the reasons stated don't make sense to me. In any case, I'm not expecting that the chlorine usage will be very high given the conditions, so I will probably start off with "conventional" chlorination and see how that goes. I can always add a SWG later if I decide to go that route.

Let's assume the pump will be on a timer to run X hours a day. Why would a VSP be preferable if I'm not going to run at different speeds?

 

[Texas Splash]

Why would a VSP be preferable if I'm not going to run at different speeds?

It's all about energy savings, and in some states DOE rules. You want to run a pump at a low rpm for that reason, but there are some builders who still install a single speed energy hog that runs at a full 3,450 rpm. That's way too much. A VSP allows you to run at various speeds, but more importantly a nice low rpm of around 1,200. You might get a 2-speed if your installer still uses them that can be ran on low of about 1,750 rpm.

 

[cptkirk]

Thanks, understood. I doubt the standard equipment is VSP, but it might be two speed. Will investigate. Worst case I can eliminate the pump from the order and get credit, then have the installer sub in a different model locally. If there are sidewall water jets which run on a separate pump, I guess the same logic applies, although the usage on that pump would be limited compared to the filtration pump.