The Intelliflow comes in 3 flavors. Two have 8 preset speeds and the base model has 4.

I didn't see any mention of automation. Without automation, I like the VS-SVRS for its timers. Running a pool on low to save energy will leave the skimmers ineffective. The timers in the SVRS will allow you to set periods of higher flow for improved skimmer action. It will use less overall power than a two speed.

DE filters, when using DE substitute, will make your life easier as Ca. doesn't like DE and the cellulose substitute is biodegradable.. Backwashing in not a normally frequent event except in very dusty conditions. It will filter a finer particulate than cartridge or sand. A long backwash and rinse cycle can use up to 500 gallons but that would be pretty excessive, half that is more the norm.

WRT the coping, depends on what it's made of. If it's cast, it isn't stone but rather more likely either ceramic of concrete. Both are pretty durable. Soft sedimentary stones tend to weather poorly. They tend to be porous, trapping moisture. In cold climates, trapped moisture freezes and expands. In fact, many coping stone types are not recommended for cold climates for this reason. I have yet to see definitive proof salt anything to do with the use of these types of materials in my region. Freeze/thaw cycles OTH, have taken their share of such materials.

Marblite is a relatively soft material since the aggregate is marble dust. Quartz aggregates are significantly harder and more durable and longer lasting. They also cost more.

Not all cells are the same. Each of the major brands has had issues. Some persist. Hayward's still has control board problems, Jandy has power supply issues and Pentair had a couple spins of it's design before getting some significant issues worked out. Cells typically last about 8-10 thousand hours of use. The cell sizing plays a role. An 18.000 gallon pool should get a cell rated to 40,000 as opposed to a 20.000. The cells that are run near the maximum capacity will die significantly before the cells that is rated for a bigger pool. The cost is not a big delta so it makes sense to get the bigger cell. Replacement costs today run from four to seven hundred bucks, depending on where you buy and what you are buying.

LED lights all the way. Less energy, less heat, improved reliability, more colors. Halogens and incandescents will require bulbs periodically. LEDs won't. LED cost more but are worth it.

The Letro Legend is a proven commodity.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Scott,
Your response did help a lot. I got clarification on a couple of items. The coping is cast concrete so I think we're good. The pump is the IntelliFlo VS SVRS. My SWG is the IC-40 and my pool is 22,500 gallons.

With that in mind, does everything get a thumbs up? I was told that I would need to backwash the filter once a month. BTW, I live in Dallas so the cold isn't a concern.

Please let me know if there's anything we've overlooked or any advice you have. Once everything is done, I don't want to kick myself saying shoulda, coulda, woulda.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

Cold is always a concern. Even in Dallas, frosts happen.

As for when to backwash, it can be difficult to tell with a variable speed. You will need to do some testing/playing when it's built to determine when to B/W.

You should be fine.

Scott

Scott,
Thanks for your advice and guidance.

If the pool is quoted with a DE60 filter and IC40 SWG, would a DE72 and IC60 last longer?

Going with a larger filter and SWG would not extend the life of the equipment. First off I am pretty sure they stopped making the 72 SQ. FT. de filters and second the only reason you would need an IC60 is is you were building a pool 30,000 gallons or more. The salt cells themselves all have a 10,000 Hours life expectancy. So they are going to last about the same amount of time.

Good luck on the new build

Thanks fighting irish,
I see the S7MD60 and the S7MD72 on Pentair's website. I'll see if I can get the PB to throw in the 72 for the same price. I didn't know the IC40 & 60 were both rated for 10,000 hours. This is our first pool so thanks for your help. This website has been very helpful!