Upgrading Pool Equipment Questions

[rjbergen]

As seen in my signature, I have a 21' x 48" round AGP, ~10,500 USG. It currently has a Hayward 1HP pump and a Hayward S180T sand filter. I'm interested in a complete equipment overhaul and have some questions.

First, let's ask the questions:

1. Can I use a variable speed in-ground pump with an AGP?
2. Is there any drawback to over-sizing the sand filter?
3. Is 1.5" PVC hard plumbing sufficient? I'd like 2", but it doesn't seem like AGP skimmers and returns are available with 2" ports.

Now, let's get some feedback and discussion on my new equipment plan.

I'd like to stick to Hayward products and have been looking at the following:
Hayward TriStar VSP SP3202VSP
Hayward S270T sand filter
Hayward H150FDN 150k BTU heater (Considering H200FDN or H250FDN)
Hayward AquaPlus PL-Plus Automation (includes T-CELL-15)
Jandy Never-Lube valves

 

[CJadamec]

VS pumps work just as well for Above grounds as they do for ingrounds.

No problems going big on filters with a 27" filter you might need to backflush once a season before you winterize.

Not a whole lot of difference between 1.5" and 2" pipe for an AGP with short plumbing runs to and from the pump and filter.

Get the higher output heater.

As for the equipment that all looks fine except for the SWG you want to get a cell rated for at least double the gallons you have. Which for you would mean a 20k-30k gallon rated salt cell.

 

[pooldv]

It takes the same amount of energy to heat your pool from temp A to temp B no matter which heater you use. The bigger heater will just do it faster.

 

[rjbergen]

VS pumps work just as well for Above grounds as they do for ingrounds.

No problems going big on filters with a 27" filter you might need to backflush once a season before you winterize.

Not a whole lot of difference between 1.5" and 2" pipe for an AGP with short plumbing runs to and from the pump and filter.

Get the higher output heater.

As for the equipment that all looks fine except for the SWG you want to get a cell rated for at least double the gallons you have. Which for you would mean a 20k-30k gallon rated salt cell.

The reason I was looking at 2" plumbing is that the pump, heater, and SWCG all accept 2" pipe. However, my skimmer and return are 1.5". I'm thinking I'll use a 1.5" to 2" adapter right at the skimmer and return and plumb the rest in 2".

My concern with the larger heater is whether or not my gas meter can supply it. Time to go take a look at my meter.

The SWCG cell that comes with the Aqua Plus is the 40k gallon T-CELL-15. It's not the extended life version though.