Well, did you inherit the pool from a move or did you build it? It might really be irrelevant as its probably the correct equipment either way.....although that's probably a debatable statement
. I would assume that you're not apt to have too much of an issue unless the pool is really big or deep....then this skimmer vac system will probably eventually become a pain. I don't have an isolated vacuum system, so I can't speak to those, but for the size of my pool (16'x32' and about 4' deep throughout) this is really just fine. I also have an auto-cover, so my pool doesn't get too terribly dirty anyway.
The biggest issue I've had with this setup is getting the vacuum working well. I have 2 skimmers and a main drain along with 2 returns. The skimmers and the main drain are all plumbed separately. For normal circulation, this setup works good....but for vacuuming, the pump is overwhelmed or more accurately....with all three intakes on, the vacuum is underwhelmed. I have to turn off the main drain and the skimmer that I'm not using for vacuuming. Before I do this, I can actually take the vacuum "plate" and pull it out by hand....the vacuum is that weak. After I get it right, the vacuum cleans well and I cannot remove it without relieving pressure somewhere else.
To get this done, it is a bit of a balancing act. I normally will put the vacuum into place, then go to the pump and shut down the main drain. Then I have to slowly shut down the skimmer that I won't be using. If I don't do this, the air in the vacuum hose will cavitate the system and I'll have to start all over. It took me two seasons to really get this down...but now its fairly simple. Just don't shut everything off and jam the vacuum into the skimmer or you might have difficulties.
If any of this is confusing, let me know and I'll try to help you. Glad that the pics helped you and good luck with this new pool.
If you haven't already....take the time to read "Pool School" and follow the system prescribed here on this site. I found this site as I was having my pool built. I wish I'd found it before I found my pool builder because he was a colossal disaster....however, I'm thankful that I found it before I had to completely take over the pool maintenance because it has saved me time, money, and headaches. My pool is almost always crystal clear, my water is almost always in great shape (chemistry speaking), and I really don't spend much more than $30-50 a month on chemicals (bleach and stabilizer). If it weren't for this site and the people here....I'd have been very good friends with the local pool store people. While they seem like nice people.....I'm better off not knowing them professionally
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I will say that the reduced time spent cleaning and maintaining the pool gives me more time to sit by it and drink beer......which kind of kills my savings.....but I guess I didn't build the pool to go to work with it!!
Good luck.
