DIY Fiberglass Pool Advice

[nameswel]

Hello!

This is my first time posting, and I'm hoping you guys can help me resolve a bad situation. Back in Feb 2022 I signed a contract with a PB for the following:

• Imagine Illusion fiberglass pool 40ft x 15.5ft (17k gal)
• Attached spa with overflow
• SWG
• 400k btu gas heater
• Automatic cover
• "Automation"
• Variable speed pump, separate spa pump
• Sand filter
• Paver deck, travertine bullnose coping

Work began Oct 2022. As of today all I have is:

• Pool in the hole, leveled
  • the left side is bowed outward
  • partially backfilled with gravel to about the first step below tanning ledge
  • Pool full of extremely dirty water to the same level
    • Very dark with algae
    • probably has frogs
    • Includes pieces of gravel and trimmed weeds
  • Tanning ledge supported by cinder blocks and partially backfilled
  • A corrugated pipe for a submersible pipe in place
• Trenches dug
• Spa sitting on my patio

The PB has basically deserted the job, giving various excuses and numerous broken promises. Unfortunately he has $68k of my money (stupidity on my part). I'm going to have a lawyer friend send him a letter and try to get at least $30k back. I got a quote from another PB who says it will be $55k to finish the project (sans pavers). The original quote from my PB was $74k (sans pavers)

I'd therefore like to do as much myself as I can to save money. I'm hoping someone here can give me guidance along the way. I'm a mechanical engineer and have done plumbing and electric for various home upgrades.

I'm thinking first thing to do is straighten the bowed out edge and finish packing gravel under the tanning ledge. Any advice on the former?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Shame it has to be under these circumstances. Yes, the side will need to be supported and hopefully it will try to straighten a bit. Of course you also need to get the skimmer, lights, and jets cut out with plumbing connected before backfill. A bit of work but can certainly be done. I saw some good install videos on YouTube.

 

[ajw22]

Usually all the penetrations in the pool are cut and the skimmers and returns plumbed before the shell is put in place. I think getting the penetrations cut and the plumbing around the shell done is the first task before you start backfilling.

You may find good information reading Fiberglass Pools - Further Reading

 

[nameswel]

Welcome to TFP! Shame it has to be under these circumstances. Yes, the side will need to be supported and hopefully it will try to straighten a bit. Of course you also need to get the skimmer, lights, and jets cut out with plumbing connected before backfill. A bit of work but can certainly be done. I saw some good install videos on YouTube.

 

[nameswel]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I plan to do the plumbing before backfilling, I just meant I think I can pack the gravel under the tanning ledge for now. I haven't been able to find any good information about how to fix the bowed edge. I think one person said you could use ratchet straps?

 

[Texas Splash]

I haven't been able to find any good information about how to fix the bowed edge. I think one person said you could use ratchet straps?

I think @Casey had to have her shell dug-out and straightened. Perhaps she can share her experience.

 

[nameswel]

Thanks! Hopefully @Casey has some ideas.

Do you guys have any recommendation for placement and quantity of the return lines for the pool and spa? As I mentioned, the spa will be attached with overflow, as shown in the attached model image. I assume the skimmer should be in the middle of the deep end? I also attached the pool drawing.

 

[Texas Splash]

Do you guys have any recommendation for placement and quantity of the return lines for the pool and spa?

I'd keep it simple. Skimmer at the deep end with return jets pushing from the opposite (shallow) end. Spa jets should all push towards the spillover.

 

[nameswel]

Ah I found @Casey already made a post regarding fixing a bowed edge. Looks like an easy fix!

(not sure if there is a better way to link to other posts)

Rectangle fiberglass pool wall bowed outward

Had a rectangular Latham fiberglass pool installed using cleaned and crushed stone to backfill. Pool water was put in as backfill was added. Walls were straight and everything looked good right after install. We just had 3 straight days of rain here outside Philly and there was a lot of settling...

www.troublefreepool.com

I'll give it a try and report back

 

[nameswel]

I'd keep it simple. Skimmer at the deep end with return jets pushing from the opposite (shallow) end. Spa jets should all push towards the spillover.

Thanks for your help! What quantity of returns would you recommend for the pool?

 

[nameswel]

Oh also, anything you guys recommend I start doing to clean the water up? I'm thinking of putting a submersible in the deep end and putting new water in from the other end. I hope there has been no permanent staining from the dirty water...

I really appreciate all the help!

 

[Texas Splash]

What quantity of returns would you recommend for the pool?

I have 6 return jets in my 16 x 40. A bit fortunate with 4 on one end and 2 on the side bench. I would do at least 4 on the opposite end. I think you can see them in my pool build link from my signature.

 

[Texas Splash]

I'm thinking of putting a submersible in the deep end and putting new water in from the other end.

That's probably about all you can do for now. It should help and be safe. I wouldn't try to do chemicals until the pool is full and you can actually get everything moving.

 

[nameswel]

So I'm trying to negotiate a refund with my old PB, and he's saying the pool and spa are worth $40k. I suspect this is a gross exaggeration. Does anyone know how much they really cost?

 

[Casey]

Ah I found @Casey already made a post regarding fixing a bowed edge. Looks like an easy fix!

(not sure if there is a better way to link to other posts)

Rectangle fiberglass pool wall bowed outward

Had a rectangular Latham fiberglass pool installed using cleaned and crushed stone to backfill. Pool water was put in as backfill was added. Walls were straight and everything looked good right after install. We just had 3 straight days of rain here outside Philly and there was a lot of settling...

www.troublefreepool.com

I'll give it a try and report back

Bowing out is an easier fix than the bowing inward. Just use a 2x4 and body weight as leverage with the backfill to hold it in place. You may have to remove some water to get tge flx you need to push it back in place.

Did they put in a sump pit? I hope they did because the warranty will be voided without it. If they didn't, one will need to be installed outside of the deep end corner of your choosing. I believe I have seen this build on my group Imagine Pools and Landscaping. I'm actually glad to see you made your way here. We can assist you better at finishing your pool here. You have the know how to do the plumbing and electrical and it can be a weekend project. Make sure you have some ibuprofen available. If I were closer, I would certainly help you manually but Alabama is a long ways from Pittsburgh Pa. I sent you a response to your pm. I also took your pic n added the placements of my returns n lights. Returns are on the left and lights on the right. I have 3 lights. Skimmer in middle of deepend. I agree that those need cut out before you move forward.

I'm sorry you were abandoned. Since you've made contact with the builder, what has he said about not completing? What's his reason?

 

[Casey]

Thanks for your help! What quantity of returns would you recommend for the pool?

Here is the placement of my returns and the lights. Returns are on the left side of pool looking down towards deepend and lights are on the right. I get great circulation with this set up. The fact that I have 2 returns on the tanning ledge prevents stagnant/standing water. You can also see the bow in my long wall. I suspect yours is more significant because it's sat unfinished with water that's gotten a little higher than backfill.

 

[nameswel]

Thanks for the replies!

So I ended up going with another PB who recently finished my neighbor's pool and did a great job. He should start working within a week. I'll keep you guys posted on the progress. He is going to fix the bowed edge. I do already have a pipe in place for a sump pump.

I'm sorry you were abandoned. Since you've made contact with the builder, what has he said about not completing? What's his reason?

He's given various excuses. Too much rain, lost his workers after COVID, death in the family, heat stroke, etc.

@Casey do you have any photos of your pool at night with the lights on?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations on whether or not to get an autocover? I was planning on getting one since I have a toddler, and to save money on heating, but I could save about $15k without it.

 

[wireform]

If you have the cash for it now would be the time to get it done. It'll keep the temps in and also control evaporation and make the pool much easier to manage.
On another note I'd make sure you plumb each skimmer home run to the pad on separate valves, put in a line for a pressure side cleaner now even if you're undecided what cleaning method you're taking and use only rigid pvc pipe with no flex whats so ever.

 

[Casey]

@nameswel if i had little ones, id of highly considered an auto cover. I don't them running around and saved the money. I do have a nice fence though. I paid roughly 7500 for it. It serves its purpose well enough for me.

ill post pics later this evening for you. Or you can look through my build thread.

 

[nameswel]

@nameswel if i had little ones, id of highly considered an auto cover. I don't them running around and saved the money. I do have a nice fence though. I paid roughly 7500 for it. It serves its purpose well enough for me.

ill post pics later this evening for you. Or you can look through my build thread.

Thanks! I looked through your build thread and I think I saw the pics you were referring to, which only showed part of the pool. Do you have one showing how the whole pool looks at night with the lights on. I've heard that with a dark color shell like ours the light doesn't spread as well. Do you think 3 lights are a good amount?