Recent content by ignoramous

Generally speaking, pool builders are not designers nor engineers. They are builders. Most contracts will stipulate this and will establish that there are no warranties for retaining walls, drainage, etc. I agree with the advice to consult with an engineering firm before working quotes or...

I agree with those that view the plumbing as substandard work. It is hard to imagine how there will be enough depth for a proper paver base or adequate depth for the freeze protection you will occasionally need. This is the very reason why buyers should include details like minimum depth of...

I should have mentioned that the questions in my previous post were rhetorical. Glad to be of service. Good luck. P.S. My previous post was edited to add a comment about binding arbitration.

My view is one has to be careful with the contract. In most cases, a PB's contract is written such that the buyer assumes all the risk, and, there are not many performance items in the contract for the PB. Some things to consider: Agree to a payment schedule which leaves adequate incentive...

danpik: Thanks for the explanation about sealing concrete. That's the first I've heard of using a sealer during curing to limit evaporation.

Would you please explain what "sealing the concrete" means? I been told to try to keep the exposed concrete surfaces moist with water over the first 72 hours, to reduce the rate of evaporation and to remove heat generated in the curing process.

Re: Coping issue: WWYD? If it were mine, I'd have the tiles replaced. I don't think they "add character", but rather detract from the (otherwise) nice tile work. Stop asking the PB what he thinks and tell him the tiles need to be replaced.

Re: Stonescapes Tahoe Blue Mini Pebble - Hate It * Updated* As it is, your pool and the finish color looks outstanding. That said, the color of the finish does not seem to be close to what you wanted (and paid for). If it were my pool, I'd be making some noise.

A homeowner in my neighborhood had a new 14,000 gal pool built last Spring. The PB built the shell, bond beam, and 3 ft wide deck (around the perimeter of the pool) out of gunite, with everything mechanically bonded using a web of rebar. Four weeks ago, the homeowner noticed the elevation of...

LOL, since you already knew the answer to your question, I'm gonna assign you one demerit for leading-the-witness. Web sites like pooleng.com are a must read for pool owners too, because the info helps owners ensure the builder is using appropriate materials and methods. All the best, Lizzy

There are always exceptions, but around here most pool builders are not pool engineers. Each builder has their own ways of doing things. Most of these solutions do not have basic engineering or science or testing to back them up. Consider seeking advice about soils or structures from a pool...

The web site referenced in the link below has some interesting pool engineering content. This particular link discusses decking in relation to the pool shell/bond beam. http://www.pooleng.com/Minimizing-Swimm ... av-66.aspx Lizzy

A good question; one I'd like to know the answer to as well. Even if the soil is stable and moisture or frost do not cause soil movement, my understanding that thermal expansion of a concrete deck can exert damaging shear forces on the pool wall (or bond beam), if the cantilevered deck is...

JMO: In my area, pools are frequently built near steep slopes, or in a grade, or near existing structures (e.g. houses or retaining walls), or in areas with poor drainage, or in poor soil. Site drainage can be dramatically affected by the project, with negative con$equence$ for neighbors...

I'm no expert. :oops: Around here, the PB's have relationships with subs for many aspects of the project: excavation, steel and bonding, gunite, decking, plaster, landscaping and irrigation. The PB's employees may do plumbing, tile & stone work, pool/spa equipment hook up, electrical. The...