Pool remodel, questioning builder / remodeler info

[Shoktronic]

We are currently underway with our pool expansion / remodel. Our original pool was 20' x 40' (circa 1980), it will now be 20' x 54' with the addition of a 14' wet deck. The builder we chose came with good reviews. The project has had some delays but seems to be back on schedule.

Right now all the new plumbing is in and the new steel is in. The shallow end wall was demolished to expand out the wet deck (24" or 2nd step height). The problem I am having is with the plaster removal and the new steel that was put in. We have two benches going in the corners of the deep end and of course the wet deck. I was reading online that if the plaster is not completely removed and acid washed that you can have a bonding failure when applying the new gunite. Can anyone confirm this?

My other concern is the steps to be put in at the wet deck. In the pictures you can see a crude framework for the top step and wet deck transition. There is supposed to be a 3rd step added / continued from the original step. My builder is saying the steel will not be needed for the 3rd step. Again any feedback on this? They are due to shoot the pool Tuesday and I'm having a hard time accepting his opinion without some other feedback.

Thanks in advance!

Here is a link to more pictures.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B902ETVgW3JpZXc3REJPRWptek0&usp=sharing

 

[Patrick_B]

Both practices are very typical.

If the old plaster is still well bonded to the shell, they often leave it, or sections of it. You can have them remove it if you like. It's your pool and you're paying for it. Tell them if you don't like it.

I don't think the third step with no steel is a problem. Many steps and shelves are made with no re-bar at all.

 

[bmoreswim]

I don't think the third step with no steel is a problem. Many steps and shelves are made with no re-bar at all.

Very true for mine.

 

[JayBauman]

Steps are typically not part of the load-bearing structure. When you think about it....by the time you get down to the 3rd step, the pool wall would be extremely thick. So no worries on no rebar in the step.

 

[Shoktronic]

Thanks folks. With big investments I'm always leery of being taken for a fool. Just wanted to make sure. My background is in general construction, not pool construction. I'm learning on this one as I go. Like i said the guy had good referrals, etc.... but sometimes that ends up being worthless.

As for the plaster being well bonded some parts were and some parts came off easily, almost like it de-laminated. Half way in the middle of the pool on the bottom. 2 sections about 3x3 came off as soon as they chipped it. Everything else though they had to work at quite a bit.

I'll post back tomorrow to let you know how it went. They start at 7am PST. Wish me luck!

 

[Patrick_B]

Good deal and we'll look forward to the update. You are wise to ask the questions, pools are a little different than other GC stuff for sure.

 

[Shoktronic]

So the shotcrete is in and tile will be going on tomorrow or the following day. Here are a couple pictures of the job. I'll be glad when this job is over! I'm getting tired of it looking like a war zone. Cant wait to replace all the landscape with it and the walls! I just keep looking at the Vegas skyline in the background and telling myself "It will be worth it in the end!". LOL