Dear all, a promise is a promise!
I've roamed around this forum for last two months bothering you guys with questions, and now I'm excited to announce that its GO time! I will try to maintain this thread updated throughout the constructions as much as possible to help new members not make the same mistakes I will probably be making through the process
. Excavation starts tomorrow!
Background: I am building a pool by owner, meaning I will server as my own general contractor. I carefully made this decision after taking into consideration $$$ savings and most importantly, having more control over the process. I don't know how it is in other cities, but in South Florida builders are notorious for disappearing for weeks in between and finding a good one is hit or miss. Just last month one large builder went out of business almost overnight leaving over 80 paid pools unfinished.
Project: The project itself is relatively simple. I will be building a 12 X 25 rectangular swimming pool with one swim-out details, four deck jets and three spa jets for the swim-out details.
Equipment: Hayward Ecostar Pump, Hayward DE 3620 Filter, Hayward Colorlogic Lights, Hayward Colorlogic Color Changing LED Lights, Pentair Deck Jets, Hayward Pro-Logic PS4 for Salt System and Automation, Hayward Aquaconnect for Mobile App Control.
Challenges: The main challenge is dealing with a VERY small backyard. My entire yard is around 52' X 25', and fitting a 12' X 25' pool while maintain strict zoning setback guidelines wasn't easy. I had to request an "administrative adjustment" form the city to allow me move the the pool closer to the side street than the 20' required, so that I can actually enjoy a deck area outside of my patio door and not closer to the side street like the city wanted. Long story short: 60 days dealing with zoning and $1050 later in extra permit fees, I was granted the exception. The other challenge is MONEY of course. I am building paying from "savings" (read, save as you go and pay one contractor at a time).
Contractors Used: I was able to find the different contractors by doing a little bit of everything. The first ones I found by stalking a neighbor's pool project and writing down the company name of the contractors used by that builder. The others I found by asking these contractors for industry referrals. Craigslist and google help as well
Expect Pool Cost: Here's a rough breakdown of what I was quoted, and expecting to pay for my pool and deck. Permit fees are not included. This may change, and when it does, I will keep you posted.
Plans/Engineer: $400 ($300 plan + $100 soil statement)
Excavation: $1500 ($1200 original excavation plus $150 each of 2 backfills)
Rebar: $1550
Shotcrete: $2380 (17 yards @ $140/yard)
Plumbing: $1100 (materials and labor included, using top quality valves and 2" piping)
Electrical: $1500 (includes final installation of all equipment and automation system)
Equipment: $3,850 (Bundled price of all equipment listed above by a local distributor)
Deck:: $4500 (700 sq of 12" X 24" ivory travertine pavers, installation and drain channels included)
Misc: $1000 (other stuff I'm sure will show up)
TOTAL EXPECTED EXPENSE: $17,780 ($13,200 pool + $4500 deck)
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Below is a snapshot of the plan and a pic of the patio before the excavations starts tomorrow. Notice: the plan doesn't show some updates recommended by fellow members, such as looped piping and DE instead of cartridge filter.
I've roamed around this forum for last two months bothering you guys with questions, and now I'm excited to announce that its GO time! I will try to maintain this thread updated throughout the constructions as much as possible to help new members not make the same mistakes I will probably be making through the process
. Excavation starts tomorrow!Background: I am building a pool by owner, meaning I will server as my own general contractor. I carefully made this decision after taking into consideration $$$ savings and most importantly, having more control over the process. I don't know how it is in other cities, but in South Florida builders are notorious for disappearing for weeks in between and finding a good one is hit or miss. Just last month one large builder went out of business almost overnight leaving over 80 paid pools unfinished.
Project: The project itself is relatively simple. I will be building a 12 X 25 rectangular swimming pool with one swim-out details, four deck jets and three spa jets for the swim-out details.
Equipment: Hayward Ecostar Pump, Hayward DE 3620 Filter, Hayward Colorlogic Lights, Hayward Colorlogic Color Changing LED Lights, Pentair Deck Jets, Hayward Pro-Logic PS4 for Salt System and Automation, Hayward Aquaconnect for Mobile App Control.
Challenges: The main challenge is dealing with a VERY small backyard. My entire yard is around 52' X 25', and fitting a 12' X 25' pool while maintain strict zoning setback guidelines wasn't easy. I had to request an "administrative adjustment" form the city to allow me move the the pool closer to the side street than the 20' required, so that I can actually enjoy a deck area outside of my patio door and not closer to the side street like the city wanted. Long story short: 60 days dealing with zoning and $1050 later in extra permit fees, I was granted the exception. The other challenge is MONEY of course. I am building paying from "savings" (read, save as you go and pay one contractor at a time).
Contractors Used: I was able to find the different contractors by doing a little bit of everything. The first ones I found by stalking a neighbor's pool project and writing down the company name of the contractors used by that builder. The others I found by asking these contractors for industry referrals. Craigslist and google help as well
Expect Pool Cost: Here's a rough breakdown of what I was quoted, and expecting to pay for my pool and deck. Permit fees are not included. This may change, and when it does, I will keep you posted.
Plans/Engineer: $400 ($300 plan + $100 soil statement)
Excavation: $1500 ($1200 original excavation plus $150 each of 2 backfills)
Rebar: $1550
Shotcrete: $2380 (17 yards @ $140/yard)
Plumbing: $1100 (materials and labor included, using top quality valves and 2" piping)
Electrical: $1500 (includes final installation of all equipment and automation system)
Equipment: $3,850 (Bundled price of all equipment listed above by a local distributor)
Deck:: $4500 (700 sq of 12" X 24" ivory travertine pavers, installation and drain channels included)
Misc: $1000 (other stuff I'm sure will show up)
TOTAL EXPECTED EXPENSE: $17,780 ($13,200 pool + $4500 deck)
--------------------------
Below is a snapshot of the plan and a pic of the patio before the excavations starts tomorrow. Notice: the plan doesn't show some updates recommended by fellow members, such as looped piping and DE instead of cartridge filter.
