SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Hi and Good Day!! I have purchased a home w/an existing sprinkler system. We are now installing an inground pool and I have had the back yard part of the system 'capped-off'. I am now told by the pool contractor that the wire needs to be pulled up as well. Not a problem. I just do not know what type of wire I should replace the existing wire with. How do I determine what conducror wire I need? 18-2, 18-4......also, is it a good idea to splice into the existing wire and connect new wire? My situation is, that the controller is on one side of the house, and the valves are on the opposite rear side of the house, so the wire (after the pool installation) will run from the front rt of the home, around the rear of the yard and up 1/2 way up the other side of the home. I live in Florida in a 1 year old home, so the lot size ie 60x125. Not a great distance. Any quick and easy suggestions? Thanks!!!