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When the surface is clear of Calcium, try using Cal Block. Should help prevent the calcium from sticking to the tile. I also have another sealer we are trying currently, but its only been a few months and so the results aren't in yet. Will update once we see how it handles the summer heat...

That is our hard water here in AZ. Most pools (especially homes in the West and NW Valley) have a line of calcium at the water line, and in locations similar to yours. There is not much you can do to prevent it. Keep your PH on the lower side and it will help to some extent. We also use a...

I would probably consider doing Deck Drains in those areas, especially on the area to the left of the pool. Otherwise, water is going to pool by the pony wall around your fire pit. There is nowhere for the water to go during a monsoon, currently. Is there any slope in the travertine to direct...

Do the CCP 420. I work on these systems all day. The 320 is just too weak and some pools struggle with it. For the pump you want Pentair 011075, which is the Intelliflo3. Everyone and their uncle is going to try to sell you the older Intelliflo, don't do it. The "Drives" in them have so...

6-8 hours is right on target for that size pool. I’m really confused what the extra charge was for here. I would consult with your PB, show them the videos and ask them to better explain the additional charge. Have them show you in the videos what the excavator had to do differently from a...

I dig for a living here in AZ, and that does not looking anything like a hard dig. Tight access leading to a longer dig, yes. But, hard dig, I just don't see it. That water they are spraying is doing nothing but keeping the dust down. I really think they are charging you for the tight access...

I checked out your original photos and that looks like normal soil to me. I don't even see any Caliche. However, it is not uncommon (and especially in some parts of Surprise) for the Excavator to dig down and then run into Caliche. Caliche definitely slows down the digging process, and as...

I have to respectfully disagree with being on the bottom of the list for subs. I am just finishing another OB here in Phoenix, AZ. The subs I used were bending over backwards to get my business. I think what you mentioned was likely the case in 2020-2022, but now things are different. Nearly...

You could try Tily Pools, or Dolphin as well. Not sure if you are up for it, but you could build that yourself for a whole lot cheaper than $83k. I am building a very similar pool as we speak, and I will be all in under $40k.

Good Luck with your build. I am right here in N. Peoria, AZ if you need sub info, just let me know.

Thank you! That is exactly what I was talking about. My Shotcrete Guy just said to cut them as well. I will try the grinding wheels that you mentioned. I really appreciate your help!

Here’s the challenge I am having. I’ve got really limited space to get these.

Thanks for the reply. I tried that all the weekend and the darn things still won't move. I got a couple out, but still have about 30 left.

Hoping someone might have an answer for this. The form around the shotcrete has Rebar Stakes supporting it, which is typical. However, due to our abnormal soil conditions, many of the stakes are held in by at least some shotcrete. On my last build, I was able to remove them out of the soil...

Thanks. It will be started before you know it :)

Update: We have a hole dug, plumbing in, rebar in and the electrician is here as I speak. Planning for the inspection and Shotcrete. Does anyone have any Shotcrete Company recommendations for the Phoenix Area? I have two bids so far, but still trying to shop it. TIA

Yeah, I do. I reached out to a couple tonight and did get one solid rec on an excavator. Just waiting for them to get back to me, presumably after the Holiday Weekend.

Thanks for the info. I knew of Tom Nichols, but had heard mixed reviews in the past. I used KC Nelson for the draftsman, and Ammtec for Engineering. They both were great, and I highly recommend.

Hi Everyone, It's been a little while since I posted on here. I did an OB back in 2017 and met a lot of great people through this forum. I am now doing another OB, this time on my own without the help of BYOP. I was able to find a draftsman and engineering company to do all of my plans...

I highly recommend getting a permit. The cost is minimal (when compared to the whole cost of the pool). Also, I see you are located in Scottsdale. They have been known in the past to ride around and issue stop-work orders for un-permitted work. Not to mention, selling your house in the...

I agree with waiting until last minute to ask for cash price. This is what I did and it worked for me. I let them bid, hired them to do the work, and then when they were on site I asked about a lower price for cash. I didn't sign any contracts with subs. I had their estimates and worked off...

Looking good!

I'm in Phoenix, started an owner build 16 days ago, and just had coping installed today. You could be swimming in a month :) Tile and pebble are going in next week. If you push the subs, and "shop their schedules" you can get them out there quickly, and most will give cash discounts. Just...

That's a good question about the unions on the pool pump. It seems that all the pool plumbers out here do it this way (there are really only a couple companies). Yeah, I have been watering it very often. No real signs of cracking at all, which is good. Next is the coping. They are hoping to...

Ok here is a ton of progress pics:

Seems high to me, but I am not an expert. I am doing an owner build and my plasterer (hope thats a word) quoted me around $800 total to add 100lbs of Bead to every batch of pebblesheen. My internal surface area is 855 Sq. Ft. The PB could be marking up the plaster subs cost to make more $$$.

I know!!! Ahh. It's not the end of the world though, two areas just need to be dug out. The excavator is hoping to send someone to fix it tomorrow.