We made it to gunite... finally!

[sll0037]

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking for several months trying to learn as much as possible before undertaking on our first pool build, but I still have so much to learn.

I'm hoping I can lean on the helpful experts in this community to ensure I'm doing my best to ensure we have a quality build.

***Update: Gunite Complete

Our Wish List

• Geometric, Modern Design Pool
• Heated Pool and Spa
• Salt Water Pool
• Large Tanning Ledge
• Porcelain Decking
• Zero Edge Spa
• Sheer Decent Water Features
• Fire Pit Area
• Outdoor Kitchen
• 4' to 8' Depth

We thought we'd found the right pool builder at the end of June, but there were too many red flags during the bid process that led me to seek a bid from another company. Here's the latest bid.

Pool

• 20' x 38' Pool (Water Dimensions) with tanning ledge included
• 4' to 8' Depth
• 7' Tanning Ledge
• #4 Rebar, 10” on Center
• No Gunite Rebound Use
• 2 Skimmers (separately plumbed)
• 4 Returns (looped)
• 2 Pebble Covered Channel Main Drains
  
  • $400 extra for pebble covered channel drain
• $12 linear ft water line tile allowance
• Pool Auto-Fill from Hose Bib

Spa

• 9’ x 7’ Zero Edge Spa
• 21" Deep Bench Seats and 26" Deep Bench Seats
• 8 Spa Jets (looped together, independently plumbed)
• $12 sq ft glass tile allowance

Plaster

• Peerless PebbleSheen - French Grey
• 10 YR Warranty
• Our builder said he prefers this product because it's smoother, and it already has glass and abalone mixed in
• I do have the option to choose Pebbletec at no cost

Equipment - All Pentair

• Pentair Clean and Clear Cartridge Filter 420
• Pentair ItelloFlo VSF 3 HP pump
• Pentair Intellivalve actuator
• Pentair PVC Diverter Valves
• Pentair Intellicenter with IC60 salt cell
• Pentair Mastertemp 400k btu heater
• Pentair Dolphin M600
• Pentair Microbrite Color and White LED Pool Lights
  
  • 5 Pool
  • 3 Spa Channels
  • 1 Spa
• Polaris QT Spa Blower
• Should I be asking for more detail on the equipment than what's already outlined above? Or part numbers on other equipment?
  
  • How can I estimate the total gallons of water for my pool/spa? I want to be sure we're sized at the recommended minimum volumes (i.e. Salt Cell minimum 2x capacity of the pool)
  • Should I be asking for specific sheer descents or are they all pretty similar outside of aesthetic choices we'll make when selected?

Decking - 1100 sq ft

• Porcelain Pavers (20" x 40") - Purchased by Homeowner (not included in bid)
• Sand Set Installation ($11,000)
• Gravel and Sand Sub-Base

Outdoor Kitchen - 14 Linear Ft

• Choice of Island Facing
• Natural Gas Line for Gas Grill
• Standard Countertop

Raised Wall - Water Feature - Retaining Wall

• 54' x 2'
• Water Feature Wall (16')
• 3 Sheer Descent Water Falls (Left 2', Center 3', Right 2'):
  • looped together, independently plumbed and valved for control
• $12 sq ft water feature wall tile allowance

Drainage

• French Drain behind Retaining Wall
• Deck Drains
• Bury backyard downspouts (x6)
• French Drain along property line (>50')
• Exits at the street (cored curb)

Payment Schedule ($2000 Down - Non-Refundable After 3 Days)

• 30% Prior to Equipment Set & Plumbing
• 30% Prior to Decking
• 30% Prior to Stone Walls & Completion of Pre-Plaster Finish
• 10% Prior to Plaster

Warranty

• Lifetime on Gunite Shell
• 3 Years on Everything Else

Optional

• Soil Injections
  
  • $2500 Max (not recommended yet)
• Artificial Turf
  
  • 1100 Sq Ft
  • $7K for high end, quality turf and install

Based on everything so far, I'm feeling good about finalizing a deal with this builder, but I do have some questions/concerns.

Please feel free to provide your input on the entirety of this project, but this is what I've thought of thus far.

Equipment Models

• The builder is getting a list of all equipment model numbers to send me, but he says he does not skimp on equipment.

Plaster

• I've never heard of Peerless Pebblesheen, but this pool builder loves it.
• Should I be concerned? Or would I be better off picking something from Pebbletec or Stonescapes?

Payment Schedule

• I have some concern about the payment schedule, as it seems I'd be 100% paid much sooner than everything will be complete.
• What's a mutually acceptable payment schedule?

Thanks for all the help in advance! I'm getting excited about getting the contract finalized and getting this build started.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

What is the steel engineering firm requiring for the steel cage? I would go with their requirements and request Shotcrete at 4500 PSI instead of Gunite.
Provided a picture of a standard fill system in my area.
Spa size should reflect the number of people who may be using it at any one time, typically spas I’m involved with have a minimum of 3 jets per person and location of jets is important.
Tanning ledge umbrella sleeves should be able to chase the sun.
Depth of the tanning ledge should be chosen by use, lounges typically require 6” to 8” of water when chairs require more.

 

[sll0037]

What is the steel engineering firm requiring for the steel cage? I would go with their requirements and request Shotcrete at 4500 PSI instead of Gunite.
Provided a picture of a standard fill system in my area.
Spa size should reflect the number of people who may be using it at any one time, typically spas I’m involved with have a minimum of 3 jets per person and location of jets is important.
Tanning ledge umbrella sleeves should be able to chase the sun.
Depth of the tanning ledge should be chosen by use, lounges typically require 6” to 8” of water when chairs require more.

I’m not sure what’s required from an engineering perspective as we aren’t that far along in the process. What I shared is all the builder has provided.

What is the advantage of Shotcrete vs Gunite? It seems everyone in my area builds pools with gunite.

Ideally, 6-8 adults could use the spa comfortably. I’m already putting some thought into how to best design the bench seats to accommodate both my height and my wife’s so we’re both about shoulder deep in water.

We’ll likely use loungers in the tanning ledge and we’re hoping to fit 4 comfortably. What’s the recommended width for loungers, 6 ft?

 

[Jimrahbe]

37,

Have you ever been in a gunite spa before??? If not, you need to try one before yo buy one.

You might not be a swimmer, but there is no place in your pool to swim laps because the stairs are in the way.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

My first comment was in regards to you considering #4 bar on 8” centers.
Shotcrete and Gunite are the same finished product but are different in the manner they are mixed, Shotcrete is batched at a concrete facility typically by a computer mix whereas Gunite is mixed at the job site. Gunite typically will have more rebound due to its higher slump. Gunite crews can manipulate the mix to their advantage by making it wetter and in turn giving them more time before the mix sets up and is unworkable.
Ledge Loungers are usually 2’ in width and 6’ in length.
Sorry I forgot to provide a picture to the standard auto fill in my previous post.

 

[sll0037]

37,

Have you ever been in a gunite spa before??? If not, you need to try one before yo buy one.

You might not be a swimmer, but there is no place in your pool to swim laps because the stairs are in the way.

Thanks,

Jim R.

I don’t believe I have been in a gunite spa or know anyone that has one which makes it difficult to try one. It is high on my wife’s wish list though.

I wouldn’t say we are swimmers. We primarily plan to use the pool to lounge around and play with the girls, but I do want a deeper end to accommodate cannon balls or the ocasional dive.

 

[sll0037]

My first comment was in regards to you considering #4 bar on 8” centers.
Shotcrete and Gunite are the same finished product but are different in the manner they are mixed, Shotcrete is batched at a concrete facility typically by a computer mix whereas Gunite is mixed at the job site. Gunite typically will have more rebound due to its higher slump. Gunite crews can manipulate the mix to their advantage by making it wetter and in turn giving them more time before the mix sets up and is unworkable.
Ledge Loungers are usually 2’ in width and 6’ in length.
Sorry I forgot to provide a picture to the standard auto fill in my previous post.View attachment 506695

Ah. Thanks for the detailed explanation. I plan to make sure the gunite crew doesn’t use any rebound, as I’ve read the pitfalls of doing so. My father actually works for a gunite company so he’s given me a bit of insight as to how the crews manipulate the gunite mix and the issues that can happen if not done right. Here recently, the company he works for tried a different sand mix for the gunite mix which resulted in multiple cracked pools shortly after they were shot. Scary to say the least.

I believe our tanning ledge is 6’ and with the steps right below it, I think 6’ should suffice unless you think otherwise.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

If you are going to use the “Ledge Loungers” it may be tight to walk in front of them with a 6’ shelf.

 

[sll0037]

Communication with the pool builder has been slow and frustrating since the on-site meeting at my house several weeks ago, raising several red flags in my eyes. It takes him a minimum of a week to respond to any emails and he rarely meets his own commitments on when he'll provide information.

When I asked for specific models of equipment that would be installed, the builder provided the following links and nothing else which seems pretty generic to me.

Equipment:
Large Pool Filter: CL Cartridge Filter | Jandy
Pool Pump: Jandy Variable Speed Pump 2.7 HP | Jandy
Gas Pool Heater: JXi Pool Heater | Jandy
iAquaLink: Smartphone Pool Control | Jandy

Materials (more available that don't show online):
Flooring Products | Stone, Porcelain, Glass | Tiles, Pavers | QDIsurfaces
Flooring Products | Stone, Porcelain, Glass | Tiles, Pavers | QDIsurfaces
Flooring Products | Stone, Porcelain, Glass | Tiles, Pavers | QDIsurfaces

I also asked the builder to draw up a contract with specific details about the bid and he still hasn't provided it. What's worse is when I sought to verify certain build details be spelled out in the contract (details that we discussed in person and via text message), the builder began to act as though all those details or build elements would increase his bid.

I may start to solicit more bids for our project in hopes we find the right builder.

 

[sll0037]

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking for several months trying to learn as much as possible before undertaking on our first pool build, but I still have so much to learn. I'm hoping I can lean on the helpful experts in this community to ensure I'm doing my best to ensure we have a quality build. I'm a do it right the first time, less headaches later type which usually results in crippling amounts of research. lol.

We started on this journey late last year, but put our plans on hold as life got pretty busy as we welcomed my second daughter a month ago. We did get a few bids last year, but nothing blew our minds before we decided to wait until our second daughter was born. I came across a pool builder recently that impressed me so I'm trying to iron out the details to ensure we get what we want within our budget before we sign the contract.

Our Preferences

• Geometric, Modern Design Pool
• Heated Pool and Spa
• Salt Water Pool
• Large Tanning Ledge that'll initially serve as a splash pad of sorts for our 20 month old and 1 month old girls in the short term
• Porcelain Decking
• Zero Edge Spa
• Sheer Decent Water Features
• Fire Pit Area
• Outdoor Kitchen
• 3'6" to 7' Depth
  • I'm open to thoughts on pool depth considering I'm 6'2 and my wife is 5'2
  • Ideally, I'd like a safe slope from shallow to deep end
  • Also being mindful that our girls will likely be in the shallow end more in the short term
• This is not our forever home, but if we build this pool, we plan to stay for 5-10 years.

Updated Pool Bid (Price Increased from $123k to $136k after I asked to verify build details were what we discussed)

• 20' x 38' Pool
• Plans and Permits
• 161’ Perimeter
• 818 Square Foot Pool
• Depth- 3' 6” - 7’
• Spa 8’ x 6’ +1’ zero edge spa
• 1,740 square feet of soil injections
• Standard Engineering
• Pool and spa excavation
• Rebar steel per code in pool #4, 8” on center
• Pool and spa plumbing
• Gunite: applied pneumatically @4000 psi
• 2 child-safe double-suction drains at bottom of the pool to prevent accidental suction entrapment – VGBA compliant
• Two waterway surface skimmers
• 1 dedicated suction line
• 5 returns lines throughout pool for circulation
• Standard water-fill line to supply water to pool
• Electrical and gas hook-ups are included from meters to pool equipment (additional electric run to kitchen and gas run to kitchen and fire pit)
• J-box with Ground Fault Interrupter at equipment
• One 2.7 HP Variable Speed Jandy Pump and Motor for filtration and spa jets
• One 1.85 HP Variable Speed Jandy Pump and motor for water features
• Jandy 580 Cartridge Filter
• 5 Color Rotating LED Nicheless underwater lights in pool
• Standard 3 CM travertine coping
• Waterline tile – 6 x 6 tile from NPT or QDI with $8 square foot allotment - Glass tile cost $15 per linear feet extra for install
• Standard mini pebble finish in pool interior – Any color from NPT – Glass is extra
• Spa shall have 6 jets and 1 LED color rotating light ($11 per square foot allotment for spa facing)
• Bench seats and steps as shown in design
• Baja shelf and 3 bubblers per design (umbrella sleeves optional)
• Raised bond beam wall across length of pool and decking. To include 3 water features ($11 per square foot allotment for facing, stucco finish to back side of wall)
• French drain behind raised wall
• Existing downspouts connected to new drainage, ran to front and core drilled through front yard curb
• 32 square foot kitchen bar built into existing patio ($11 per square foot material allotment. Gas and electric runs included)
• Install of 920 square feet of travertine pavers to be provided by homeowner
• One-time only pool equipment start-up and instructions
• Fence, sprinkler, and sod repair.
• Job site cleanup of any debris caused from construction at completion.

My initial questions to the updated bid are listed below.

Missing Itemized Equipment (Model Numbers)

• Gas Pool Heater
• Salt Water Generator
• Pool Automation

Outdoor Kitchen Construction

• Material for Frame - Concrete Block?

Pool Coping

• What cost is associated with the travertine coping you quoted?
• As we discussed previously, we're doing porcelain pavers for the decking and I'd likely explore if I can source matching or complementary porcelain coping at a reasonable cost.

Pool Pumps

• Original bid included two 2.7 HP Variable speed pumps, but I see you listed one 2.7 and one 1.8 now.
• Typo?

Porcelain Decking Install

• What base install method is included in this bid for the porcelain decking?

I included some of the renderings, but note, we did remove the bump out for the bench seat in the deep end. The seat is still there but I preferred the rectangular look without the bump out.

Thanks for all the help in advance.

I received a contract from the builder tonight and updated my original post (red text).

Am I missing anything in my initial questions in response to the contract?

I still feel a level of detail is missing in the contract compared to some I've seen on this forum, but I'm trying to work with the builder to the best of my ability without growing too frustrated or scrapping this builder and going with someone else.

At this point, we will miss the entire season this year, so that's a bummer.

 

[agjr85]

-Make sure the skimmers are plumbed individually
-Confirm you are happy with the edge on the travertine coping
-The secondary pump seems fine at the lower HP, I only caught a bubbler and 3 scuppers for water features.
-6 jets in a spa is not enough. We have a 7 round and wish we would of added some in the feet area. So for an 8x6 i'd say get more jets if you want that therapeutic benefit.
-Jandy E-pumps are fine. For the heater as long as it's a 400K btu, and the filter should be the larger 580 one, if sized smaller you'll have to do more cleaning of filters. Not much info on the Aqualink, seems newish. From what I can tell it has Wi-Fi, so as long as the app is intuitive you should be fine.
-Make sure the salt cell is sized for twice the capacity of your pool size (gallons)

 

[sll0037]

This is all great feedback. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, I did a bit more due diligence on this builder and I decided not to move forward with them, so I’m back to square one.

I have another bid in hand and it’s looking promising so I’ll share additional details soon.

 

[sll0037]

I’ve been considering adding a pool cover to my current design, but I’m unsure how that’d work given our spa will spillover into the pool and we’ll have some waterfalls spilling over as well. The spa is also currently designed as a 360 spillover spa.

Is there a clean and effective way to incorporate a pool cover with this sort of design?

 

[ajw22]

Don’t run the waterfall or spa spillover when the cover is on.

Show us pics of your design.

 

[agjr85]

This is all great feedback. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, I did a bit more due diligence on this builder and I decided not to move forward with them, so I’m back to square one.

I have another bid in hand and it’s looking promising so I’ll share additional details soon.

I forgot to mention that.. glad you caught yourself.
If the PB doesn't pass the vibe check, then no need to sign paperwork on such project. Even if they sound great, it is the during and after support that really counts.
Most PB's secure the sale and then you become part of the subs / project manager cycle.

 

[sll0037]

Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking for several months trying to learn as much as possible before undertaking on our first pool build, but I still have so much to learn.

I'm hoping I can lean on the helpful experts in this community to ensure I'm doing my best to ensure we have a quality build.

Our Wish List

• Geometric, Modern Design Pool
• Heated Pool and Spa
• Salt Water Pool
• Large Tanning Ledge
• Porcelain Decking
• Zero Edge Spa
• Sheer Decent Water Features
• Fire Pit Area
• Outdoor Kitchen
• 4' to 7' Depth
  • Ideally, I'd like a usable slope from shallow to deep end

We thought we'd found the right pool builder at the end of June, but there were too many red flags during the bid process that led me to seek a bid from another company. Here's the latest bid.

Updated Pool Bid ($130k) - 8/11

Pool

• 20' x 38' Pool (Water Dimensions)
• 4' to 7' Depth
• 6' Tanning Ledge
• #4 Rebar, 10” on Center
• No Gunite Rebound Use
• 2 Skimmers (separately plumbed)
• 4 Returns (looped)
• 2 Main Drains
  
  • $400 extra for pebble covered channel drain
• $12 linear ft water line tile allowance
• Pool Auto-Fill from Hose Bib

Spa

• 9’ x 7’ Zero Edge Spa
• 18" Deep Bench Seats (up to 22" Deep Bench Seats)
• 8 Spa Jets (looped together, independently plumbed)
• $12 sq ft glass tile allowance

Plaster

• Peerless PebbleSheen - French Grey
• 10 YR Warranty
• Our builder said he prefers this product because it's smoother, and it already has glass and abalone mixed in
• I do have the option to choose Pebbletec at no cost

Equipment - All Pentair

• Pentair VS Pumps (1 for Pool/Spa and 1 for Sheer Descents)
• Pentair Intelicenter Control Base w/ Salt Cell
• Pentair Filter
• Pentair Valves
• Pentair Master Temp
• Pentair 420K Gas Heater
• Pentair Prowler 920 Robot
• 3 LED Lights
• Polaris QT Spa Blower

Decking - 1100 sq ft

• Porcelain Pavers (20" x 40") - Purchased by Homeowner (not included in bid)
• Sand Set Installation ($11,000)
• Gravel and Sand Sub-Base

Outdoor Kitchen - 14 Linear Ft

• Choice of Island Facing
• Natural Gas Line for Gas Grill
• Standard Countertop

Raised Wall - Water Feature - Retaining Wall

• 54' x 2'
• Water Feature Wall (16') (looped together, independently plumbed and valved for control)
• 3 Sheer Descent Water Falls
• $12 sq ft water feature wall tile allowance

Drainage

• French Drain behind Retaining Wall
• Deck Drains
• Bury backyard downspouts (x6)
• French Drain along property line (>50')
• Exits at the street (cored curb)

Payment Schedule ($2000 Down - Non-Refundable After 3 Days)

• 30% Prior to Equipment Set & Plumbing
• 30% Prior to Decking
• 30% Prior to Stone Walls & Completion of Pre-Plaster Finish
• 10% Prior to Plaster

Warranty

• Lifetime on Gunite Shell
• 3 Years on Everything Else

Optional

• Soil Injections
  
  • $2500 Max (not recommended yet)
• Artificial Turf
  
  • 1100 Sq Ft
  • $7K for high end, quality turf and install

Based on everything so far, I'm feeling good about finalizing a deal with this builder, but I do have some questions/concerns.

Please feel free to provide your input on the entirety of this project, but this is what I've thought of thus far.

Equipment Models

• The builder is getting a list of all equipment model numbers to send me, but he says he does not skimp on equipment.

Plaster

• I've never heard of Peerless Pebblesheen, but this pool builder loves it.
• Should I be concerned? Or would I be better off picking something from Pebbletec or Stonescapes?

Pool Depth

• Anything over 6' deep incurs a deep diver expense, but I could go 8' or 9' at no additional cost.
• Initially, I wanted to go 9', but my pool builder seemed concerned about pool slope considering that 10' of pool is taken by the tanning ledge and steps so we'd have 28' to manage pool slope from 4' to whatever depth I choose, currently at 7'.
• Anyone willing to share their opinion here?

Payment Schedule

• I have some concern about the payment schedule, as it seems I'd be 100% paid much sooner than everything will be complete.
• What's a mutually acceptable payment schedule?

Zero Edge Spa

• We are seriously considering nixing the zero edge feature of the spa to make room for turf installation and reduce the budget.
• How much can I expect to save by building a traditional spa that spills over into the pool?

Thanks for all the help in advance! I'm getting excited about getting the contract finalized and getting this build started.

I met with another pool builder that came highly recommended that we are seriously considering. I'm looking to finalize any other important details before we agree on a price and move forward with this builder, but things are looking good so far.

All my updates are highlighted in red in my original post above, along with updated design renderings.

I would love some feedback from everyone! Thanks!

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Light locations, 1-spa, 1-tanning ledge, 2-pool, all pointing away from the house, bid shows 3 total.
Return line on tanning ledge.

Price difference on the negative edge spa to a standard spa should be noticeable. More labor intensive, materials and engineering involved.
Understand that it takes very little wind to disturb the water flowing off the spillway and change its sheer look, the gutter needs to be engineered with that in mind if your area is prone to wind.

 

[kimkats]

MOD NOTE: I copy/pasted his new info here to make it easier to see. Kim

We thought we'd found the right pool builder at the end of June, but there were too many red flags during the bid process that led me to seek a bid from another company. Here's the latest bid.

Updated Pool Bid ($130k) - 8/11

Pool

• 20' x 38' Pool (Water Dimensions)
• 4' to 7' Depth
• 6' Tanning Ledge
• #4 Rebar, 10” on Center
• No Gunite Rebound Use
• 2 Skimmers (separately plumbed)
• 4 Returns (looped)
• 2 Main Drains
  • $400 extra for pebble covered channel drain
• $12 linear ft water line tile allowance
• Pool Auto-Fill from Hose Bib

Spa

• 9’ x 7’ Zero Edge Spa
• 18" Deep Bench Seats (up to 22" Deep Bench Seats)
• 8 Spa Jets (looped together, independently plumbed)
• $12 sq ft glass tile allowance

Plaster

• Peerless PebbleSheen - French Grey
• 10 YR Warranty
• Our builder said he prefers this product because it's smoother, and it already has glass and abalone mixed in
• I do have the option to choose Pebbletec at no cost

Equipment - All Pentair

• Pentair VS Pumps (1 for Pool/Spa and 1 for Sheer Descents)
• Pentair Intelicenter Control Base w/ Salt Cell
• Pentair Filter
• Pentair Valves
• Pentair Master Temp
• Pentair 420K Gas Heater
• Pentair Prowler 920 Robot
• 3 LED Lights
• Polaris QT Spa Blower

Decking - 1100 sq ft

• Porcelain Pavers (20" x 40") - Purchased by Homeowner (not included in bid)
• Sand Set Installation ($11,000)
• Gravel and Sand Sub-Base

Outdoor Kitchen - 14 Linear Ft

• Choice of Island Facing
• Natural Gas Line for Gas Grill
• Standard Countertop

Raised Wall - Water Feature - Retaining Wall

• 54' x 2'
• Water Feature Wall (16') (looped together, independently plumbed and valved for control)
• 3 Sheer Descent Water Falls
• $12 sq ft water feature wall tile allowance

Drainage

• French Drain behind Retaining Wall
• Deck Drains
• Bury backyard downspouts (x6)
• French Drain along property line (>50')
• Exits at the street (cored curb)

Payment Schedule ($2000 Down - Non-Refundable After 3 Days)

• 30% Prior to Equipment Set & Plumbing
• 30% Prior to Decking
• 30% Prior to Stone Walls & Completion of Pre-Plaster Finish
• 10% Prior to Plaster

Warranty

• Lifetime on Gunite Shell
• 3 Years on Everything Else

Optional

• Soil Injections
  • $2500 Max (not recommended yet)
• Artificial Turf
  • 1100 Sq Ft
  • $7K for high end, quality turf and install

Based on everything so far, I'm feeling good about finalizing a deal with this builder, but I do have some questions/concerns.

Please feel free to provide your input on the entirety of this project, but this is what I've thought of thus far.

Equipment Models

• The builder is getting a list of all equipment model numbers to send me, but he says he does not skimp on equipment.

Plaster

• I've never heard of Peerless Pebblesheen, but this pool builder loves it.
• Should I be concerned? Or would I be better off picking something from Pebbletec or Stonescapes?

Pool Depth

• Anything over 6' deep incurs a deep diver expense, but I could go 8' or 9' at no additional cost.
• Initially, I wanted to go 9', but my pool builder seemed concerned about pool slope considering that 10' of pool is taken by the tanning ledge and steps so we'd have 28' to manage pool slope from 4' to whatever depth I choose, currently at 7'.
• Anyone willing to share their opinion here?

Payment Schedule

• I have some concern about the payment schedule, as it seems I'd be 100% paid much sooner than everything will be complete.
• What's a mutually acceptable payment schedule?

Zero Edge Spa

• We are seriously considering nixing the zero edge feature of the spa to make room for turf installation and reduce the budget.
• How much can I expect to save by building a traditional spa that spills over into the pool?

Thanks for all the help in advance! I'm getting excited about getting the contract finalized and getting this build started.

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Last edited: Today at 12:32 AM

 

[kimkats]

4' to 7' Depth

I like it! Just know a "true" diving pool is 9'

2 Main Drains

• $400 extra for pebble covered channel drain

SO worth it for two big reasons. The channel drain is flush with the surface of the rest of the bottom so cleaners do not have a problem with it. It also looks great!

Peerless PebbleSheen - French Grey

Ask to visit some pools he has used the brand in. Even better if he can show one in your color pick

Bury backyard downspouts (x6)

where will these be tied into and where will the water go?

Payment Schedule ($2000 Down - Non-Refundable After 3 Days)

• 30% Prior to Equipment Set & Plumbing
• 30% Prior to Decking
• 30% Prior to Stone Walls & Completion of Pre-Plaster Finish
• 10% Prior to Plaster

I see a BIG red flag in the word Prior! UMMMMMMM no...........no way I would pay it 100% BEFORE the punch list is done let alone BEFORE the plaster is done!

The builder is getting a list of all equipment model numbers to send me, but he says he does not skimp on equipment.

Show me the models to PROVE not skimping. Words are cheap.......

Initially, I wanted to go 9', but my pool builder seemed concerned about pool slope considering that 10' of pool is taken by the tanning ledge and steps so we'd have 28' to manage pool slope from 4' to whatever depth I choose, currently at 7'.

I see his point. A lot of your pool will be sloop Like I stated above a "true" diving pool is 9' deep. 7' is good for big cannon balls and diving down from the surface to play pick up toys. Ask him to make a rendition with a side view of the pool with these depths:
4' to 7', 4'5" to 7, 4' to 9', 4'5" to 7'

Starting with 4'5" to any depth means less slope. Hold a tape measure up to the shortest adult in the house. See where it hits them standing and knelling down to see how they feel about 4'5".

 

[JJ_Tex]

+1 on the equipment models (but the descriptions look okay).

As for the zero-edge spa, I always worry about the odd nooks and crannies around the edge. They seem like they would be hard to clean. I also worry about people sitting in those chairs who are going to get bombarded by water from the spa behind them and the bubblers around them.