Building a pool

[BigN8]

Getting proposals to put a pool in the backyard. Any tips, tricks, advice? So far design will be a free form design, sport pool to allow for volleyball and basketball, spa at one in, a few water features, tanning ledge with bubblers, cast coping stone for edge (no rock), led lights, computerized system, salt pool.

 

[mraz72]

salt I hear is excellent

 

[Speedling]

Just don't go cheap or thin on anything concrete.

 

[AZDANSX230HO]

Get references and call them, then compare bids based upon the best references. We used to have a pool when we lived down in Phoenix, we had a Pebble Tec Finish in our pool, it looked awesome.

http://www.pebbletec.com/browse-our-products/pool-finishes/pebble-tec/

 

[BigN8]

I'm going with pebbletec

 

[itsdgm]

We put a salt water pool with spa and swim step in about 9 years ago. All pentair wireless controls, pumps, chlorination, heater, filter with handy valves. The pentair app works well, but every update is a PITA and usually required a firmware update for the controller too. A Variable speed main pump is a must (I'm sure that's standard equipment by now ).

Make sure to be very specific with your contractor on water depths for the pool, swim step, spa bench, etc. Also, be specific on spa jet heights and make sure to sit in the spa and check to see that the bench height/jet placement make sense during gunnite and definitely before plaster/pebble.

Look at several of your contractors finished work and talk with the customer to see their likes/dislikes and how they would improve it.

As far as finish, we went with Pebble Sheen. IMHO pebble tec was too rough, plaster is finicky if you want to drain it and do maintenance (can blister if left dry for too long). If you have a hill behind your pool or have a high water table make sure that relief valves are put in or the shell of the pool can float out of the ground if drained.

We're pretty happy with our pool and equipment. But like anything else, I'd do a few things different. Feel free to pm me and we could talk over the phone if you have any questions.

 

[BigN8]

Great advice! Thank you. I would not have thought to pay close attention to jet heights and the like.

 

[itsdgm]

Great advice! Thank you. I would not have thought to pay close attention to jet heights and the like.

Forgot to mention. These are kind of standard pool construction design items. Make sure that pool lights face away from house/deck (otherwise they blind you at night). Skimmers should also be located downwind. And make absolutely sure they're installing an auto fill and drain to keep water level constant.

I'll keep posting things as they come to me

 

[Zarrella]

Big fan of Diamond Brite finish. Consider a DE filter over a sand filter. Also don't go cheap on your tile selection. And finally the more pool deck the better.

 

[Zarrella]

Are you screening the pool? Also I would recommend a pressure side cleaner over a suction cleaner such as the Polaris line of cleaners.

 

[BigN8]

Forgot to mention. These are kind of standard pool construction design items. Make sure that pool lights face away from house/deck (otherwise they blind you at night). Skimmers should also be located downwind. And make absolutely sure they're installing an auto fill and drain to keep water level constant.

I'll keep posting things as they come to me

Dude! Good stuff, keep it coming. One of the options for the pool fill was to tap into the inground sprinkler system. This is what I am going to do. This way you can program that zone to run from the sprinkler control box in the garage. Say if we go on vacation I can program it to run every day for 15 minutes or something.

I just started the process so we have a long way to go, all these ideas are great info.

 

[Mainah]

Don't forget the covered swim up pool bar with grill and tv that is also up against the spa. Imagine soaking in the pool or spa while enjoying a draft beer from your bar and watching the game. Permanent vacation if you ask me.

 

[txav8r]

@BigN8 , the pool features and equipment has come miles since we had a pool that was about 8 years old when we bought a previous home. So my thoughts are old and not worthy I think. When we replastered and tiled, we considered the pebble tech and talked to many that were getting it. It is the way to go. For us on that older designed pool, it was more than we wanted to invest just to update that pool. A very good note on the LED lights, the are blinding just like in our boats...if you can see them. I wonder if they offer frosted lenses? As high tech as LED's have made lighting, with water magnifying them, seeing the emitting light itself may be less desirable. I was in a limo yesterday that had ceiling and wall LEDs and while the ceiling was nice, I got tired of seeing the lights on the opposing side of the car, as it was bright, even though the compartment itself was only dimly lit.

I am amazed @itsdgm at all the good ideas you have about the pool!

Good luck with the construction and planning, you guys will enjoy this!

 

[Zarrella]

The leds in my pool are not overly bright. I think that is done by design. I am amazed how well they light the pool. What ever pool finish you chose will be a major upgrade from the old Marcite choices.

 

[Speedling]

Just remember to invite us all over!

 

[itsdgm]

Dude! Good stuff, keep it coming. One of the options for the pool fill was to tap into the inground sprinkler system. This is what I am going to do. This way you can program that zone to run from the sprinkler control box in the garage. Say if we go on vacation I can program it to run every day for 15 minutes or something.

I just started the process so we have a long way to go, all these ideas are great info.

Our auto fill is on the pool deck located near the skimmer. From the deck it looks just like a skimmer, about 6" round cap. It is fed with a simple 1/2" pvc pipe and is essentially a float activated valve. Much like the older style toilets. So if the water level drops, it lets a little in. Our overfill drain is located in the skimmer and simply drains any excess water from the pool into a nearby deck drain.

Keep in mind that when it rains, if you don't have a way for water to leave the pool, it will eventually overflow. Also, if you go with a sprinkler timer to fill, you will still have to check the water level to see if it's over or under filling it. A float style fill and an overfill drain is a set it and forget it kind of thing.

Another thing that came to mind is solar heating. I'm not sure if you would ever need it in your area, but if you think there's a chance that you would have the plumbing put in now (for future) erode you pour a deck. Make sure that there's a pipe for flow to and from where the solar would go as well as a 3/4" pipe for the sensor.

 

[H2OBoy]

@BigN8 have you chosen a builder yet? The reason I ask is that most builders will only install a certain manufacturer's equipment, usually the "Big 3" (Pentair, Hayward, or Jandy). I am in the swimming pool industry as a national franchisor of service companies, and corporately we have relationships with all of the manufacturers. I am happy to lend some advice with any questions you may have. If you have not yet chosen a builder I can get you some recommendations as well. I have resources across the country I can reach out to. Feel free to contact me if you need anything.

Also, if you need someone to maintain or service your pool once installed, my Dallas location can help you out.

 

[Zarrella]

Isn't Dallas Ga a long way from Warner Robbins?

 

[H2OBoy]

Isn't Dallas Ga a long way from Warner Robbins?

Yes it is. I was referring to Dallas, TX, which is fairly close to where @BigN8 is. We have about 100 locations across the country.