The Ultimate Pool Options Guide

Single Speed Pumps: These pumps operate at a fixed horsepower and maintain a constant speed. Essentially, they function in a straightforward manner - they are either on or off.

Average Cost - A single speed pump is the cheapest pump in the pool market ranging from $800.00 - $1,100.00 depending on the size of the motor. 

Variable Speed Pumps: Unlike single-speed pumps, variable speed pumps are designed with maximum horsepower but offer the flexibility of adjustable speeds. They are equipped with fixed magnet motors, enabling them to operate at various speeds and potentially achieve up to 90% energy savings compared to single-speed pumps. While typically costing double or more than their single-speed counterparts, when properly programmed by a pool professional, they can recoup the additional cost in energy savings within two to three years. Additionally, variable speed pumps are built with fans at the motor end, which helps to keep them cool and extends their lifespan beyond that of single-speed pumps.

Pro Tip: Genuine Variable Speed Pumps seamlessly adjust speeds based on pre-set programs, either via the digital display on the pump itself or through an automation panel. If you find yourself manually pressing a button on the back of the pump to change its speed, it's not a true variable speed pump. Ideally, these pumps should be programmed to automatically shift speeds at least three times a day. Imagine the inconvenience of manually adjusting the speed three times daily then forgetting or just giving up completely — it would hardly be 'variable', would it?

Average Cost - A variable speed pump will typically sell for $1,500.00 - 2,500.00 depending on the size of the motor you need. 

In the realm of pool maintenance, three primary types of filters are commonly used: Sand Filters, Cartridge Filters, and DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters. Most pool contractors typically include one of these filters as a standard option in their 'base package'. To assist you in making an informed decision about which filter is best suited for your needs, here’s a concise overview of each type, complete with a list of their respective advantages and disadvantages

Sand Filters 

Sand filters operate by allowing water to pass through a bed of sand or, with advancements in today's technology, other high-end media such as glass. This process effectively filters out solids, preventing them from re-entering your pool.

Pros 

• Easy to clean the filter media. (Simply backwash the filter bed which will clean it.) 
• Cheapest Upfront Cost
• Cheap to replace the sand every 3 - 5 years

Cons

• Filter the least amount of debris per micron, compared to cartridge or DE
• Sand replacements can be tricky and somewhat messy. You may have to hire a professional. 

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters function by permitting water to flow through a pleated filter, akin to an air filter found in automobiles but designed for water filtration. This design efficiently captures impurities and ensures the purity of your pool water.

Pros

• Filter more solid debris than a sand filter 
• If oversized you will only have to rinse the filters 3-4 times per year

Cons

• Most expensive to purchase up front
• Most expensive media to maintain 
• Even if it is sized exactly to your pool size or smaller, maintenance will be a burden by rinsing the filters once every week to two weeks. 

De Filters or Diatomaceous Earth

A Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter for a pool is a type of pool filter that uses diatomaceous earth, a fine white powder composed of fossilized remains of diatoms, which are microscopic aquatic organisms.

Pros 

• The best filter of the three per micron rating
• A little cheaper in upfront cost than cartridge

Cons 

• Maintenance is a burden. The grids or fingers inside the DE housing must be backwashed weekly which can lead to a mess in your yard. A deep cleaning is required monthly. This involves removing the grids of fingers to rinse them completely clear of DE for a fresh clean start. 

Heaters

• Lifetime cost is the most costly of all three types. You'll always have to have DE on hand and the grids or finger will typically need to be replaced as they fail or every 5 years or so. 

Pro Tip: The human eye typically can't discern differences in water clarity based on variations in filter microns. When choosing a filter, consider your maintenance preferences. Are you someone who enjoys hands-on upkeep, or do you prefer a lower-maintenance option? Your choice of filter can greatly impact your pool maintenance routine and overall enjoyment.

Maintaining the sanitation of your pool water is a matter of personal choice, and there are several options available. You can opt for chlorine tablet feeders, automated chlorine systems like a salt cell, or chlorine-reducing systems such as UV and Ozone. Let's explore each of these choices along with their respective lists of advantages and disadvantages.

Chlorine Tablet Feeder

Chlorine tablet feeders consist of a tank that is typically installed in the pool plumbing system after the pool heater. These compact tanks are designed to hold chlorine tablets, which gradually dissolve as pool water flows through them. This controlled erosion of the tablets effectively disinfects the pool water by slowly introducing chlorine into the system.

Pros

• Cheapest upfront cost
• Typically included for free within a swimming pool contractors “base package”

Cons

• You must handle chlorine tablets
• You must manually adjust your chlorine output at the tank via a knob

Average Cost- This item should be on every pool builder's contract already as it's the bare minimum in sanitation. If not, depending on the model they should range anywhere from $200.00 - $600.00.

Salt Cells

A swimming pool salt cell is a specialized device integrated into a pool's filtration system after the heater. It works by utilizing electrolysis to convert salt (sodium chloride) dissolved in the pool water into chlorine gas, which acts as a natural disinfectant.

Pros

• No handling of chlorine tablets
• Salt cells are automated to produce chlorine at a specific percentage
• Basic systems can be affordable

Cons

• Fully automated systems are more expensive than a chlorine tab feeder and UV and OZone
• May take time to understand how it works
• You will need to replace the cell itself every 3-4 years for it work efficiently
• You can easily overdose your pool with chlorine if you do not pay attention weekly to your water reading

Basic Cell Average Cost - Basic salt systems should cost around $1500.00 - $1700.00 depending on plumbing and electrical needed.

Automated Cell Average Cost -  Salt cells paired with an automation system can vary dramatically depending on the type of automation you have. So once you figure out the automation system you want, factor in an additional $500.00 - $700.00 depending on the manufacturer, make and model.

UV and Ozone

A UV and ozone system for a pool is a water treatment technology that utilizes ultraviolet (UV) and ozone generators to disinfect and purify pool water. Here's how it works:

• UV (Ultraviolet) Disinfection: UV lamps or bulbs are installed within the system, and pool water is exposed to the UV light as it passes through. The UV light effectively deactivates or kills microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and algae that may be present in the water. UV disinfection is a powerful method for destroying pathogens and preventing their reproduction.

• Ozone Generation: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent produced by an ozone generator. In the system, ozone is introduced into the pool water. Ozone molecules react with contaminants and impurities in the water, breaking them down into harmless byproducts. Ozone also helps in eliminating organic compounds, reducing the demand for chlorine, and improving water clarity.

Pros

• Automated and doesn't need to be adjusted once set
• Cuts chlorine usage down 90%
• Kills Viruses, Bacteria and certain organics

Cons

• You still have to handle small amounts of chlorine tabs
• You will have to replace the UV Bulbs
• More expensive depending on the system in comparison to basic salt cells

Average Cost - UV and Ozone costs depending on the brand, make and model anywhere from $3,200.00 - $4,400.00

Automation

Swimming pool automation refers to the use of advanced technology and control systems to manage and operate various aspects of a swimming pool and its associated equipment. It allows pool owners to remotely monitor and control pool functions, enhancing convenience, energy efficiency, and overall pool management

Average Cost - Automation can get very complex depending on everything you want automated. On average for a basic pool you will see costs around $3,000.00 - $4,500.00. Remember as I said above if you add salt please consider at least $500.00 more.