New Pool Build - Early Planning Stages

[Dambra]

Hi everyone, new to the forum and world of pools.

Purchased a new house with the intention on getting an inground pool constructed in the spring of 2025.

Have met several pool builders, received quotes, information, etc.

Leaning towards the following setup, but would appreciate any comments or feedback:


Based out of Ontario, Canada

Vinyl

Saltwater System

15x30' and within this a 6x15' tanning ledge (add 3' for steps, leaves about 21' for swim area? - might have room to stretch length a few feet...)

Depth - TBD - 3.5' to 6'? Thoughts?

Automatic Pool Cover

Cartridge Filter

VS Pump

Bigger heater (350-400K BTU)

Possible bubblers in tanning ledge?

2 lights, but add more or to tanning ledge?

Waterfall feature/wall or stay away?


Appreciate all your comments and suggestions.

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jimrahbe]

D,

When I built my pool I just 'had' to have a water feature wall with 3 small waterfalls..

It was cool for about 10 minutes and then I found it to be just in the way.. Many things that originally look like they would be cool, turn out to not be as cool as people thought they would be...

I suggest that you ask yourself, "Why am I building a pool?" and then only install what will make that happen..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Dambra]

Thanks Jim!


Any thoughts on size of pool and depths? Or other general comments on what I am considering?

 

[RLP]

2 skimmers, no waterfalls, no main drains, no lights. Keep it simple.

 

[Jimrahbe]

If your deep end is only 6' then you won't be diving.. I have what is called a 'sports pool' so it is 4' at each end and 6' in the middle.. So you can play volleyball etc..

I too would not have a main drain, if I could do it again.. I have two rent house pools, without any operating main drains, and it is impossible to tell...

Two skimmers, not on the same wall.

A 3 HP VS pump... My 3 HP IntelliFlo runs 24/7 at 1200 RPM most of the time.. Costs me less than $20 bucks a month to do that. You would have to run at 1500 or so with a heater, but still cheap to run.. You can always turn a large VS pump down, you can't turn a small VS pump up...

I have yet to hear anyone say "My pool is just too big"...

I am not a fan of 'tanning ledges', as it just takes that much space away from the pool.. That said, many here love them, so I am an outlier..

Saltwater is the only way to go.. Your cell needs to be about 2 x the volume of the pool...

Love large cartridge filters..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pjt]

I would also recommend 2 skimmers and no main drain.

Depth - TBD - 3.5' to 6'? Thoughts?

3.5' is a bit too shallow. 4' is a good depth for the shallow end.

6' is an awkward depth since it's too deep for people to stand, but too shallow for diving, etc.. I'd suggest 5' or commit to a true deep end.

2 lights, but add more or to tanning ledge?

Make sure the ledge has lighting. Make sure the pool has plenty of illumination.

 

[PoolStored]

Vinyl

Great!

Saltwater System

The best decision you will make

15x30' and within this a 6x15' tanning ledge (add 3' for steps, leaves about 21' for swim area? - might have room to stretch length a few feet...)

As Jim indicated, this is totally personal preference. My SO loves to float...no tanning ledge for me. I also have Grand Kids and they just wouldn't use it.

Depth - TBD - 3.5' to 6'? Thoughts?

I have all ages, grandkids 1-8, kids 20-29 and adults. Everyone likes to "jump in the deep end," which is 8' You really need to think about the swimmer and what they would like. As @pjt said, 6' is an odd deep end depth.

Automatic Pool Cover

This is also a personal preference item. I personally would not like it. I'm in NE Ohio, they are a pain to deal with in the winter. A recent thread on autocover and winter. Closing Fiberglass Pool - First Timer

Cartridge Filter

Get the biggest one you can get.

VS Pump

Get the biggest you can find. Pentair Intelliflo, Hayward Tristar 950 etc. You want a high head pump. Do NOT get a pump with SVRS.

Bigger heater (350-400K BTU)

Get the biggest you can get. A BTU is a BTU...a smaller heater will consume the same amount of gas as a larger heater to heat the pool to the same temp. I only use the heater when I need to heat the pool.

Possible bubblers in tanning ledge?

Eh...again, personal preference on how you will use the pool.

2 lights, but add more or to tanning ledge?

Again, TOTALLY personal preference. I have one light and NEVER use it. If you like the ambiance, then go for it! If not simpler is lower maintenance.

Waterfall feature/wall or stay away?

Waterfall and feature wall are again totally personal preference. I would not want one because the aeration would cause constant pH rise. I want to manage water chemistry as little as possible. Aeration causes pH rise and the need for acid additions. There are those that like the soothing sounds of a waterfall; If you are willing to deal with the acid additions, go for it!

 

[Dambra]

2 skimmers, no waterfalls, no main drains, no lights. Keep it simple.

2 skimmers, no waterfalls, no main drains, no lights. Keep it simple.

What is reasoning behind no main drawing and only skimmers? Appreciate the suggestion to keep it simple, however I think we would want some lights for sure.

 

[Dambra]

If your deep end is only 6' then you won't be diving.. I have what is called a 'sports pool' so it is 4' at each end and 6' in the middle.. So you can play volleyball etc..

I too would not have a main drain, if I could do it again.. I have two rent house pools, without any operating main drains, and it is impossible to tell...

Two skimmers, not on the same wall.

A 3 HP VS pump... My 3 HP IntelliFlo runs 24/7 at 1200 RPM most of the time.. Costs me less than $20 bucks a month to do that. You would have to run at 1500 or so with a heater, but still cheap to run.. You can always turn a large VS pump down, you can't turn a small VS pump up...

I have yet to hear anyone say "My pool is just too big"...

I am not a fan of 'tanning ledges', as it just takes that much space away from the pool.. That said, many here love them, so I am an outlier..

Saltwater is the only way to go.. Your cell needs to be about 2 x the volume of the pool...

Love large cartridge filters..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks a lot for the reply and information.

What is the reasoning behind two skimmers and no main drain?

As far as size, might be able to stretch to a few feet in length (yard limitations with patio we are hoping for). However, we are debating orientation of pool. Parallel or perpendicular to house. Backyard space from exterior wall to rear lot line is 54’ and width is 44’. We want to leave ample patio space and of course have setbacks of 4’ on property lines. I can try to include a sketch here shortly of proposed ideas.

Tanning ledge - my wife wants it and we have little kids so I would imagine it will get plenty of use, however will eat away at swimable length of pool. Leaves me with me 20-25’ depending on final length. Which also will impact depth as we would prefer gentle slope to deep end at most.

 

[Dambra]

I would also recommend 2 skimmers and no main drain.


3.5' is a bit too shallow. 4' is a good depth for the shallow end.

6' is an awkward depth since it's too deep for people to stand, but too shallow for diving, etc.. I'd suggest 5' or commit to a true deep end.


Make sure the ledge has lighting. Make sure the pool has plenty of illumination.

Thank you!

So maybe a 4’ to 5’ run across the pool?

Is 5’ deep enough for the kids or others to jump in? Of course no diving. Problem is we cannot really commit to a true deep end as the length of “swimmable” pool area will be +/- 21’ after the tanning ledge/steps.

As for lights, if it’s 30’ pool, you think 3 lights are suffice? 1 on ledge, and 2 others along same wall in swimmable area? More?

Any thoughts on bubblers on ledge?

 

[Dambra]

Great!

The best decision you will make

As Jim indicated, this is totally personal preference. My SO loves to float...no tanning ledge for me. I also have Grand Kids and they just wouldn't use it.

I have all ages, grandkids 1-8, kids 20-29 and adults. Everyone likes to "jump in the deep end," which is 8' You really need to think about the swimmer and what they would like. As @pjt said, 6' is an odd deep end depth.

This is also a personal preference item. I personally would not like it. I'm in NE Ohio, they are a pain to deal with in the winter. A recent thread on autocover and winter. Closing Fiberglass Pool - First Timer

Get the biggest one you can get.

Get the biggest you can find. Pentair Intelliflo, Hayward Tristar 950 etc. You want a high head pump. Do NOT get a pump with SVRS.

Get the biggest you can get. A BTU is a BTU...a smaller heater will consume the same amount of gas as a larger heater to heat the pool to the same temp. I only use the heater when I need to heat the pool.

Eh...again, personal preference on how you will use the pool.

Again, TOTALLY personal preference. I have one light and NEVER use it. If you like the ambiance, then go for it! If not simpler is lower maintenance.

Waterfall and feature wall are again totally personal preference. I would not want one because the aeration would cause constant pH rise. I want to manage water chemistry as little as possible. Aeration causes pH rise and the need for acid additions. There are those that like the soothing sounds of a waterfall; If you are willing to deal with the acid additions, go for it!

Thank you very much for your response! Appreciate all the information.

Pool cover - definitely would consider a different cover for winter.

Ledge - my wife wants it and also have little kids who I would imagine would make use of it. That being said, it leaves me with +\- 20’ of pool left which leads me to the next topic of depth…

Not sure I can still have a shallow and then true end without a huge slope with the remaining length.

 

[Dambra]

Great!

The best decision you will make

As Jim indicated, this is totally personal preference. My SO loves to float...no tanning ledge for me. I also have Grand Kids and they just wouldn't use it.

I have all ages, grandkids 1-8, kids 20-29 and adults. Everyone likes to "jump in the deep end," which is 8' You really need to think about the swimmer and what they would like. As @pjt said, 6' is an odd deep end depth.

This is also a personal preference item. I personally would not like it. I'm in NE Ohio, they are a pain to deal with in the winter. A recent thread on autocover and winter. Closing Fiberglass Pool - First Timer

Get the biggest one you can get.

Get the biggest you can find. Pentair Intelliflo, Hayward Tristar 950 etc. You want a high head pump. Do NOT get a pump with SVRS.

Get the biggest you can get. A BTU is a BTU...a smaller heater will consume the same amount of gas as a larger heater to heat the pool to the same temp. I only use the heater when I need to heat the pool.

Eh...again, personal preference on how you will use the pool.

Again, TOTALLY personal preference. I have one light and NEVER use it. If you like the ambiance, then go for it! If not simpler is lower maintenance.

Waterfall and feature wall are again totally personal preference. I would not want one because the aeration would cause constant pH rise. I want to manage water chemistry as little as possible. Aeration causes pH rise and the need for acid additions. There are those that like the soothing sounds of a waterfall; If you are willing to deal with the acid additions, go for it!

Thank you very much for your response! Appreciate all the information.

Pool cover - definitely would consider a different cover for winter.

Ledge - my wife wants it and also have little kids who I would imagine would make use of it. That being said, it leaves me with +\- 20’ of pool left which leads me to the next topic of depth…

Not sure I can still have a shallow and then true end without a huge slope with the remaining length.

 

[kimkats]

Two skimmers for better surface skimming. Also good just in case one gets clogged for some reason.

No main drain especially with you pool depths due to them being more a toe stubber than anything. It is also another hole in your pool liner so could cause problems down the road.

 

[Jimrahbe]

D,

Keep in mind that we are not telling you what you have to do... we are just giving you some suggestions..

If you want a main drain get one, but they are just not 'needed'.. What do you think the main drain does for you? There are thousands of pools that have inoperable main drains and the pool owners do not even know they don't work..

I live in a place where we do not close our pools in the winter.. So the following is based on my complete ignorance..

I assume you will have to close your pool at end of the season.. I would think an auto-cover would be great.. You should research if an auto-cover can be used when you close the pool, or if you also need some kind of winter cover..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pjt]

What is the reasoning behind two skimmers and no main drain?

Main drain is optional. Get one if you want. However, it doesn't really do anything, and has potential to cause problems. I built my pool without a MD and I'm happy with that choice.

I can try to include a sketch here shortly of proposed ideas.

That would be very helpful.

So maybe a 4’ to 5’ run across the pool?

Yes, or you can to a 4-5-4 profile, which is how my pool is built. Those are great depths.

Is 5’ deep enough for the kids or others to jump in?

Yes, but obviously use common sense. In my pool (see build thread in my signature) kids jump from the wall into the 5' area with no problems.

As for lights, if it’s 30’ pool, you think 3 lights are suffice? 1 on ledge, and 2 others along same wall in swimmable area? More?

Depends on the type of lights and shape of the pool. A diagram would help.

Any thoughts on bubblers on ledge?

Go for it if you want, especially if you have kids.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

I have water features, a wall with 3, 6" scuppers, 5 bubblers in the tanning ledge, and 3 deck jets. I would not do the deck jets again, they are extremely noisy, almost offensive. I really like the other water features because I am 1/4 mile (400 meters) away from a highway and get quite a bit of vehicle noise from that. The bubblers and scuppers drown a lot of that noise out and make it much more enjoyable. I'm willing to deal with the pH rise with these because I do get enjoyment out of them.

I would not go less than 4' for a shallow end. I have 3.5' and it is too shallow. Kids grow up quickly and they learn to swim and then don't need it to be as shallow any more. When I'm in the 3.5' end, I am usually walking around on my knees.

Tanning ledge gets used as a congregation spot. Sometimes smaller children will play on it. The dog will get in on it. It does create a heat sink in the summer, but that may not be a huge concern for you in Canada. I would probably do the tanning ledge again, although I think my whole pool layout would change.

Those are all my opinions on the matter. Hope it helps with making the decisions. Good luck!

--Jeff

 

[Dambra]

Thank you everyone for your feedback and experience!

Will keep you posted as we get closer to construction and make some bigger decisions.

 

[RLP]

What is reasoning behind no main drawing and only skimmers? Appreciate the suggestion to keep it simple, however I think we would want some lights for sure.

Main drains are not necessary, and are only one more thing that can fail and cause problems. If you need to drain the pool, use a submersible pump. No need to have potentially 100' of buried, inaccessible pipes.

I put 3 lights in my pool, and have turned them on maybe 3 times. Once again, it could be a couple hundred feet of 1" pipe that really should be winterized, which means removing the lights every year, and then reinstalling them in the spring.

 

[Dambra]

Here is very preliminary drawing of my backyard and proposed pool.

Anyone have thoughts or common concerns with putting it close up to a rear corner like I’m planning too?

Will have significant patio space on both the bottom(south) and right(east) side of pool.

Existing shed in NE corner. Might leave a 12x20’ish strip of grass on the East portion of the yard just below the shed for the kids sake.

Any other thoughts on doing this perpendicular to the house as proposed vs parallel? Lots of those I spoke to said doing it east west in yard would split the yard up making it less functional.

Decision is ultimately up to my wife and I of course, but curious as to what others have done or see as pros/cons.

Thanks

 

[oledan]

I will offer my thoughts on Auto-cover only as this is my first winter with the pool and am not well versed on the other subjects you mention. My PB really pushed the auto cover making sound like the best thing since sliced bread and the fact that we would not have to build a fence around pool.

I too have a FG pool and PB did the closing this past late October. He drained it very slightly, a little less than halfway up skimmer height. At first, he wasn't going to drain it at all but he could not blow out lines properly as the water height was above gismo blow out hole.....So he drained water to the point where it was below gismo about 3/4 inch.

I got to say from my limited six-Month experience......I love my auto cover! I open it up in summer to let the rain in if I want to raise water level a bit (I prefer 3/4 way up skimmer). It acts as a solar cover in summer too and maintains the heat well at night with the cover closed. I use less chemicals during summer as the pool is easily covered when not in use.

I too have a cover pump that came with pool and have one of those "elephant trunks on it" see pic. It has been in the teens here the last several weeks and hoping pool will thaw soon so I can open cover and vacuum out the worms.....Yes, that's the one drawback with a pool at ground level-the worms find their way in!