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What Equipment Do I Need for a Swimming Pool?

Everything you need to build, maintain, and love your custom pool setup.

Dreaming of sunny afternoons poolside – until you realize you have no idea what equipment you actually need? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re planning a backyard oasis or just trying to make sense of what goes into keeping a pool running smoothly, the list of “must-haves” can get overwhelming fast.

If you’re a homeowner in Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming who wants a custom-built pool that’s beautiful and easy to maintain, this guide will give you the clarity (and confidence) to take the plunge.

We’re breaking down exactly what pool equipment is essential and what premium upgrades can turn your space into a luxury retreat.

What We’ll Cover

  1. The Must-Have Gear Every Pool Needs
  2. Upgrades That Make Pool Care a Breeze
  3. How Much Does Pool Equipment Cost?
  4. Maintenance Tools That Save You Time
  5. Luxury Pool Add-Ons You’ll Love
  6. FAQs About Pool Equipment
  7. Conclusion & Next Steps

The Must-Have Gear Every Pool Needs

If you’re building a new swimming pool, here’s the baseline gear you’ll need to keep things clean, safe, and swim-ready.

Filtration System

Essential pool equipment including pump, filter, and chlorinator

Every pool needs a circulation system to remove debris and keep water clear.

⇒ Pump: Circulates water through filters and heaters

⇒ Filter: Choose from cartridge (low-maintenance), sand (budget-friendly), or DE (highest clarity)

Sanitization System

This keeps your water safe and bacteria-free:

⇒ Chlorinator or Salt Cell Generator

⇒ UV or Ozone Purifiers (bonus: reduces chlorine demand)

Heating System

In the Intermountain West, heating extends swim season dramatically:

⇒ Gas heater: Fast and powerful

⇒ Electric heat pump: Efficient in warmer months

⇒ Solar heaters: Eco-friendly (great in sunny Utah summers)

At Intermountain Aquatech, we recommend starting with a well-matched pump, filter, and chlorination system – and building from there.

Upgrades That Make Pool Care a Breeze

Robotic pool cleaner and automated pool control system on mobile

You’ve got the essentials – now here’s how to make pool care faster and more enjoyable:

⇒ Automation System: Control pumps, lights, temperature, and more from your phone

⇒ Robotic Pool Cleaner: Set it and forget it – cleans floors and walls

⇒ LED Lighting: Long-lasting, energy-efficient, and available in color-changing options

⇒ Automatic Covers: Keep debris out and heat in with a single switch

These tools save you time, energy, and future maintenance costs.

How Much Does Pool Equipment Cost?

A common question we get: “What’s all this going to cost?”

Here’s a general price range for key categories:

Equipment Typical Cost Range
Pump & Filter System $1,000–$3,500
Chlorination System $400–$2,000
Heater (Gas or Heat Pump) $2,000–$5,000
Pool Automation $1,200–$3,000
Robotic Cleaner $700–$1,500

 

Cost-saving tip: Opting for high-efficiency pumps or UV systems may cost more upfront but reduce utility and chemical expenses over time.

Maintenance Tools That Save You Time

Pool maintenance isn’t difficult when you have the right tools.

Swimming pool pumps, heaters, and filters displayed with cost indicators

Must-haves:

  • Telescopic pole with interchangeable heads
  • Manual vacuum or automatic cleaner
  • Skimmer net
  • Wall brush
  • Water test kit or digital monitor

Optional but smart:

💡 Ask about our Caldera® Spas Water Care kits and Bioguard® chemical bundles – trusted by hundreds of local pool owners.

Luxury Pool Add-Ons You’ll Love

If you want more than “just a pool,” here are the features Intermountain Aquatech clients consistently rave about:

These elevate your pool from backyard feature to show-stopping escape.

Why You Can Trust This Advice

At Intermountain Aquatech Pools & Spas, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming design personalized aquatic spaces, and we’ve seen firsthand which equipment stands the test of time.

We use and recommend trusted brands like Pentair®, Hayward®, Caldera® Spas, and Bioguard®, ensuring your setup delivers durability, beauty, and performance.

Ready to start planning your perfect pool?

Book a free design consultation with our team, and we’ll walk you through every piece of equipment and how it fits into your vision.

Get a Free Estimate Today »

FAQs About Pool Equipment

Saltwater systems are generally lower maintenance and gentler on the skin, but they cost more upfront. We install both based on your needs.

Absolutely. With proper equipment and a simple routine, many homeowners do. Or, we offer professional maintenance plans.

Depends on filter type:

  1. Cartridge: every 2–3 years
  2. Sand: every 5 years
  3. DE: annually (media change) with grid cleaning

Your Pool Plan Starts Here

Choosing the right equipment isn’t just about buying parts – it’s about building a system that works together, fits your lifestyle, and lasts for years.

At Intermountain Aquatech, we help homeowners just like you create pools that are as easy to maintain as they are stunning to look at.

Explore more ideas in our Pool Learning Center

Or contact us to start planning your backyard escape.

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