Aqua Genie - are they great or terrible?

[vrCAVU]

I spoke with two sales reps yesterday, one said to "RUN AWAY" from Aqua Genie and another said absolutely recommended for my build. I've seen mixed reviews on these forms as well. My main concern is winterizing them with an autocover pool. I have not found (which may say something in and of itself) anything about winterizing instructions or videos for the AGs but I believe it's recommended to drop the water level and install special winterizing covers that block the inlet and return. I cannot drop the water level because the autocover stays on all winter it needs to be supported by the pool water so it doesn't rip off the coping from the weight of the ice and snow. I am concerned the returns will not seal the aqua genie (the return) with the winterizing covers and I'l end up with cracked plumbing while the water level kept at the appropriate level.

Does anyone have or know of people in northern states who have had great luck with these or should I reconsider? I really don't want problems or a ton of work in the future for making a bad call on something like this.

Thank you!

 

[mknauss]

A basic skimmer, or two if a larger pool, properly placed and properly balanced by home run lines to the pad, works better than any of the magic of these complicated devices.

With an Autocover on your pool, skimming is not a very important aspect to begin with.

 

[vrCAVU]

Thanks for the reply Marty. I forgot to mention that I am not going to install floor drains in my 8 foot deep end which was why the "magic" is attractive to me.

 

[mknauss]

I am not sure I understand the connection between no floor drain and the magic of the complicated skimmer? No floor drain is fine. They really do very little for the function of a pool. I assume you will be using a robot for cleaning.

 

[vrCAVU]

You're right, the floor drains really don't "move" the water much, the returns do that, but I do want good circulation. The sales pitch is that the AGs do a good job moving the water and the plumbing is easy with less holes in the wall. That's appealing for a new builder/pool owner. Is it worth it while taking into account the winterizing concerns or should or just plumb traditional skimmers and returns in attempts get the same movement the AGs claim to provide?

 

[mknauss]

You would not have any other returns? That is not good from a water circulation aspect.

I think with your winterization concerns, the fact you have an autocover, etc I would stick with conventional processes. With your size pool, a return on each wall is likely a good idea. The two skimmers, placed based on primary and secondary wind directions.

 

[vrCAVU]

I would have step jets and one additional return opposite the AGs. I had been leaning toward conventional but thought it worth at least asking in these forums one more time.

Thanks for your input!

I'll post a drawing of my proposed skimmer/returns/prevailing wind off Lake Michigan later in a separate post.