Building a swimming pool advice

[tlbwriter]

What is cool decking?

 

[vegs1]

We've had an inground pool for about 5 years. We love it...however...

I'd go bigger if I could - we have a 16 X 32. Would not have a bump out (a kidney with an extra bump). Would stick to rectangular or regular kidney.

We didn't put in a slide or diving board and I've never regretted it. Too dangerous.

Jets in the step area.

We have 8 foot wide stairs. Love it. Would NEVER go smaller.

We have 2 lights...one at each end. Perfect!

Wish we'd had a sump put in underneath the pool (to drain water away from under the pool). We are on clay soil so the water doesn't drain and in the winter it comes up through the bottom drain and sits between the liner and the pool bottom. Causes wrinkles in the liner that we can't get out. I'd mention this to your pool builder to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

A hole for an umbrella in your concrete.

 

[semo233]

Also, if I had it to do over, I would find out or write into the contract what penalty there is if the construction is not completed on time. If I didn't pay on time, I'm sure there would be problems. The salesman talked about it maybe done for Father's Day. It was not done until the second week in August. Living in the Northeast, that means we have maybe one month to use it and pay through the nose to heat it!

 

[3mickeymom]

Yes, make sure your contract addresses payment and completion issues.Ours was promised for July 4th and we were not finished until the end of September. Also have a clause that addresses what will happen if you hit WATER when digging. We had to install gravel when we hit water and our contract stated that we would only pay a certain amount of $ and nothing more. Also,what happens if your pool doesn't pass your town inspection. Our Town was extremely picky. Our pool didn't and we had to pay to get our diving board removed because it was installed improperly(one inch over). Our town inspector also made us pay for cracked curbs and sidewalks because they said they were damaged by trucks during the installation. TAKE PICTURES of the curbs and sidewalks before pool construction. We had it in our contract that we would split the cost of the concrete damage so it must happen often.
Check with your Homeowners Insurance because some do not allow you to have diving boards or slides. Extra jets and skimmers make maintenance easier.We added one extra each. We have a heater and it does extend our swimming time (we live in NJ) but it is expensive. A friend just installed solar panels and she said they are great. I have no idea how much they cost. Salt water is great too. We wish we had a salt water clorinator. There is alot to research. We LOve Love love our pool. It brings family and friends together. Best of Luck to You

 

[beavismom]

Visit other people's pools and see what you like and what you don't. Stake out how big you want it to be because it is harder to visualize than you think and it is expensive to change once the contract is signed. If your contract obligates you to arbitration rather than being able to sue, know that it will cost you a minimum of $15,000. Check out your pool builder very thoroughly through every means you can. Get more decking than you think you want (and get whatever cool finish your pool company offers). Spring for the pebble finish. If you get a deep pool make sure there is an easy exit available on both sides of the pool.

 

[rantnnravin]

I can't stress enough the importance of researching the pool builder. Check their name on the better business bureau and also search the web for any complaints that other consumers may have lodged against them. We did not do this beforehand and learned the hard way After having problem after problem with them, I did the above searches and was horrified. Now whenever people in the New york/.long island area ask who did my pool i tell them to STAY FAR AWAY from Island Recreational.

 

[JNorris]

What is cool decking?

It is a special finish they spray on the concrete decking to make it cool to walk on.

 

[kathi29]

I can't believe it has been a year since we started building our pool. I'm not sure that I would change anything, so I have some general thoughts:

Salt generator is definitely the way to go. We have an insanely low chemical bill as compared to our above ground. About all we add is salt and muriatic acid.

Pool controls - we had a wireless control system installed. If you want electronic controls, wireless is actually cheaper to install for a new build. Ours controls lights, heat, jets, pump, and cleaner. The only thing it doesn't turn on is the slide.

We started out wanting a beach entry and modified that to a very shallow shelf that you could put a chaise on, or can be used by little kids as a splash zone.

Budget for some mosaics. You can't add them later, so do it right the first time

We have a 3M finish that is smooth smooth smooth. No tearing up feet or bathing suits. It is smoother than the finish in my neighbor's 10 year old pool.

We went with pavers for decking. If one breaks, we can replace it. They save us a bit on taxes because they drain. Plus it just looks a lot nicer. Get more decking than you think you need.

If you are having a concrete/gunnite pool, your design options are endless. We made some changes once the builder sprayed the outline. As long as I stayed within the linear feet I was contracted for, I was able to bump out the back wall, make the dip on the other side a little less. I also changed the entry steps at that point because it didn't look as good on the ground as it did on the paper.

We had a couple extra pipes stubbed under the pavers in case we decide to add any water features later. I wanted something but couldn't find anything that really excited me, so we left the option open.

Heh. I just thought of something I would change. I would get the automatic filler and overflow thing.

I'm glad we got a heater, but decided to try the new solar rings to see if it would save any money. I am happy to report that they are working pretty well. We need a few more - bought what it said to get for our size pool, but it isn't quite enough. The builder advised against solar heat because he has seen too many problems with it.

 

[meresandwillsmom]

Thanks so much for this info! We are planning on a pool and this will be a big help. I'm making a file. We are in the Memphis area. If any of you are around here, would love some suggestions for companies. Thanks again.

 

[wdwfan1]

Make sure your new pool has a main drain. My neighbor did not get one and her pool requires a lot more work than mine, and does not stay as clean.

 

[meresandwillsmom]

Anyone willing to post a picture of your pool with waterfall? That's what I would like if I can afford it.

 

[HappyTrouble]

Thanks!!!!!!!!! So much info. is needed in order to make sure a pool fits your family that I have been overwhelmed. So much to think about with options, equipment and such and I didn't know anything about pools so all your advice is Fantastic!!!!!! We do have friends with pools and are taking their advice alot!!!!!! But always willing to hear more....