I discovered this site about a week ago and really appreciate all of the info that people have contributed. As a once in a lifetime project, there is no time for a learning curve and reading about others (positives and negatives) has already helped me out some.
I signed my contract on Monday and we are waiting for permits at this point.
My project is:
In ground (using a pool contractor) pool and spa
Pool will be approx 28' long x 14' wide on average, but the shape is a little weird to maximize space in our backyard (and trying to save 3 existing trees)
shotcrete
48 sq ft Jandy DE filter with backwash valve
Jandy Variable speed pump
2 HP Jandy Stealth pump for spa jets (8 jets)
400,000 Sta-Rite heater
Sheer descent on a small, angled wall
Baja step - maybe
Jandy salt system
PDA remote
Pebble Sheen (thinking Blue Granite color)
Would love thoughts on the following:
1. Do any of you have your pool equipment in your garage rather than in your yard? We have a small yard and we are looking to maximize space. We have a 3 car garage and actually have the space to put it there. My worry is about leaks and also about equipment noise if in our garage.
2. My kids are 7, 10 and 12 but they do have younger cousins. In a small pool, is it worth it to include a Baja Step or does that "eat up" too much of what would otherwise be swimming/play area? Can a Baja step work well if its just an 8'x3' rectangle or is that eating up swim space without being a large enough step?
3. We have tentative approval for 3 foot setbacks and can go to 3 feet from our house. Any opinions on whether 3 feet is too tight? Is 3 1/2 feet or even 4 a lot better in terms of being able to get around the pool? I am trying to maximize our water space in a fairly small yard so I'd like to push it as far as possible toward the west, east and north walls. This will also leave more patio space to the south side of our pool.
Thanks in advance for any opinions about our equipment and/or my questions. I am going to attach a VERY rough sketch (not to scale) just to illustrate the general shape of the pool.
I signed my contract on Monday and we are waiting for permits at this point.
My project is:
In ground (using a pool contractor) pool and spa
Pool will be approx 28' long x 14' wide on average, but the shape is a little weird to maximize space in our backyard (and trying to save 3 existing trees)
shotcrete
48 sq ft Jandy DE filter with backwash valve
Jandy Variable speed pump
2 HP Jandy Stealth pump for spa jets (8 jets)
400,000 Sta-Rite heater
Sheer descent on a small, angled wall
Baja step - maybe
Jandy salt system
PDA remote
Pebble Sheen (thinking Blue Granite color)
Would love thoughts on the following:
1. Do any of you have your pool equipment in your garage rather than in your yard? We have a small yard and we are looking to maximize space. We have a 3 car garage and actually have the space to put it there. My worry is about leaks and also about equipment noise if in our garage.
2. My kids are 7, 10 and 12 but they do have younger cousins. In a small pool, is it worth it to include a Baja Step or does that "eat up" too much of what would otherwise be swimming/play area? Can a Baja step work well if its just an 8'x3' rectangle or is that eating up swim space without being a large enough step?
3. We have tentative approval for 3 foot setbacks and can go to 3 feet from our house. Any opinions on whether 3 feet is too tight? Is 3 1/2 feet or even 4 a lot better in terms of being able to get around the pool? I am trying to maximize our water space in a fairly small yard so I'd like to push it as far as possible toward the west, east and north walls. This will also leave more patio space to the south side of our pool.
Thanks in advance for any opinions about our equipment and/or my questions. I am going to attach a VERY rough sketch (not to scale) just to illustrate the general shape of the pool.