Hoosier Family's Pool Adventure: Planning and Building Thread

[ELMitz]

Hello all!

My wife, six kids and I are excited for our pool build! After interviewing several contractors and verifying references we selected our builder and we are scheduled to break ground in late June 2017, depending on weather of course.

First of all, here is our property, rearward facing, complements of Google Earth:



A view from the front of the property, again Google Earth:



The pool will obviously go in the back yard with the mechanicals planted along the left side, behind the fence toward the rear of the home as you view the first rearward facing aerial photo.

Based on the PB's estimate, we are planning a Cardinal steel & Pacific vinyl (only other option in our southern Indiana market is fiberglass) rectangle 20x44 IG featuring:

• Custom Latham Vinyl-over-Steel steps along full width of shallow end with one step built extra wide to act as sun deck - probably second step
• 8' Diving Board
• Coverstar automatic cover: Underguide with a Flush-Deck Lid
• 2 x ColorLogic LED lights (model not specified in bid)
• Hayward Variable Speed Pump (model not specified in bid)
• Hayward Heater (model not specified in bid)
• Hayward Salt Generator (model not specified in bid) included in bid is all salt for startup
• Hayward ProSeries Side-Mount Sand Filter (model not specified in bid) with Glass Media
• 3 x "Water Jets" from deck into pool (brand/model not specified in bid)

Here are some architectural renderings of possible pool locations. Please note that neither one has the pool to scale in its now planned 20x44 format.

Site Plan A

In the above picture, the house is placed at the bottom of the drawing so you would need to "flip" the Aerial photo above 180^o for them to mesh. You will also see a placeholder for an eventual pool-house. I doubt this project will happen soon, but plan for it we must.

Site Plan B


Site Plan B is oriented properly with aerial photo.

I am leaning toward the pool being configured like Plan A (at an angle relative to. the house), with the patio like Plan B incorporating the fire-pit and hot-tub areas.

I would very much appreciate ANY feedback, no matter how rudimentary regarding the plans thus far. ANYTHING is appreciated to help us do this as "right-the-first-time" as we can.

 

[ELMitz]

Here is the basic "design-feel" we are striving for:



We hope to find a stamped concrete deck that can closely mimic this beautiful Pennsylvania Blue Stone paver patio, as the stone is way out of our budget for this project. We will also not have a hot-tub built in to the patio like that, instead we are going to install an above ground 7'x7' spa as in Site Plan B in original post.

 

[doobs41378]

Welcome! Your house is beautiful and I am looking forward to watching this build. Others will be along to chime in about equipment etc.

 

[kimkats]

Hi! What fun! Love both of them! WOW! It will be hard to pick.

Plan A-where will the hot tub go?

You MUST get models for all of your equipment before you sign or move forward. You do not want to have any surprises down the road.

I like the inspiration pic!

Can you take a picture of the back of the house from the back of the lot? The arial shot is great but I want to get a feel for the real yard. Even better if you take two. Use a hose or bright rope to "outline" the pool this way and that way. That will be helpful to you too.

Kim

 

[yankeelawyer]

Wow, that is going to be gorgeous.

We recently completed a 20x40 rectangular pool with coverstar autocover. Have you considered a lid that matches the pool coping? I don't think the coverstar website is optimal as far as describing the various available optional but it is possible to minimize the appearance of the cover unit with a matching lid (supported on brackets). This option also has the advantage of being able to support weight so you can walk on it. You also may have noticed that the lid for the auto cover sticks out on the motor end, i.e. rather than lineup with the edge of the coping, it extends another foot or so on one side. For walk-on stone (or poured concrete) lids, coverstar also makes an aluminum tray which, when filled with the patio material. will conceal this piece.

Regarding the stairs, I think pools with stairs that span the shallow end are very pretty but not optimal for swimming as it makes it hard to turn. I'd be inclined to go with the design you have above with the square steps in the corner with the smaller sun shelf. But, it depends how you plan to use it. In either case, I recommend making sure the depth and slope of the pool are how you want it.

Regarding the lights, you may want to go with 4 lights instead of 2. The LED lights are intense but tiny and they do not cover a large range in the pool. We have 4 in a 20x40 pool (2 on the long side and 1 on each short end) and they are adequate (just).

For the patio, you might look at some of the concrete paver options also. Sometimes the cost is comparable to stamped concrete and the results can be more predictable.

 

[ELMitz]

Welcome! Your house is beautiful and I am looking forward to watching this build. Others will be along to chime in about equipment etc.

Thanks for the kind words! I too am looking forward to watching this build... terrifying and exhilirating rarely so perfectly describe a single process.

 

[ELMitz]

Hi! What fun! Love both of them! WOW! It will be hard to pick.

Thank you, the more I've stared at these options the more I realize how much I like the angled pool. One important reason is that you can see from the foyer through a formal sitting area's windows and through our screened in porch directly onto the area where the pool will live. This is the view from the foyer to that space:



And this is the screened in porch's view:



With the angular design, more of the pool will be visible.

Plan A-where will the hot tub go?

I think in the same location as in Plan B, kind of a smash-up of those two plans: the pool from A with the patio from B.

You MUST get models for all of your equipment before you sign or move forward. You do not want to have any surprises down the road.

No doubt. Now that we have placed our construction deposit, a formal contract and engineering documents are being prepared. I hope that y'all can give me some advice on what equipment I should request/require. The PB is evidently a very large Hayward dealer and likes to streamline their installations by using only Hayward gear. They can and will use other manufacturers if demanded. I have no experience with this arena so I am hoping for good feedback.

I like the inspiration pic!

Thank you, we like the simple, classic, elegant appearance. It suits the home's architecture and interior design.

Can you take a picture of the back of the house from the back of the lot? The arial shot is great but I want to get a feel for the real yard. Even better if you take two. Use a hose or bright rope to "outline" the pool this way and that way. That will be helpful to you too.

The PB played out the pool in the space with a tape measure. I will definitely be laying out the pool soon again before making our final decisions and will snap some photos; until then here are a few pictures from the backyard taken this morning, a dreary, dank day indeed. Our Bermuda grass is just coming out of dormancy.

This photo is taken from the Northwest corner facing Southeast:



The following photo is just the opposite, Southeast corner facing west:



Thanks Kim for your interest in our project!

 

[ELMitz]

Wow, that is going to be gorgeous.

Thank you!

We recently completed a 20x40 rectangular pool with coverstar autocover. Have you considered a lid that matches the pool coping? I don't think the coverstar website is optimal as far as describing the various available optional but it is possible to minimize the appearance of the cover unit with a matching lid (supported on brackets). This option also has the advantage of being able to support weight so you can walk on it. You also may have noticed that the lid for the auto cover sticks out on the motor end, i.e. rather than lineup with the edge of the coping, it extends another foot or so on one side. For walk-on stone (or poured concrete) lids, coverstar also makes an aluminum tray which, when filled with the patio material. will conceal this piece.

I believe what you have described and recommended is exactly what we are getting: Underguide with Flush-Deck lid. Here is a sample photo:



Am I correct in thinking that we are on the "same page?" If not, help me out because what you describe and what this photo details are exactly what I envision: a totally stealth and integrated cover.

Regarding the stairs, I think pools with stairs that span the shallow end are very pretty but not optimal for swimming as it makes it hard to turn. I'd be inclined to go with the design you have above with the square steps in the corner with the smaller sun shelf. But, it depends how you plan to use it.

You raise a very good point and one I had not considered, frankly. Wifey-poo is lobbying hard for the sun-shelf to be used to tan her beautiful body but also as a "kiddie-pool" area, but not necessarily simultaneously. If you examine the inspiration photo I provided,



I am wondering if we shouldn't adopt this strategy of steps and shelves instead. Perhaps combining the shelves into one on half of the width next to the stairs, as opposed to integrated with the stairs. I think the thing we did not like about devoting solely a corner to the shelf and starts in combination is overcrowding. If we need to add a couple more feet of length, we certainly have the space for it if needed to accommodate both a shelf and stairs without too much compromise to the shallow swim area. We like the classic rectangular shape, but also the Automatic Safety Cover which is a must since we live in the city. I'm certainly open for any creative ideas!

In either case, I recommend making sure the depth and slope of the pool are how you want it.

At this point we are being led by the PB, any suggestions on these dimensions would be most appreciated.

Regarding the lights, you may want to go with 4 lights instead of 2. The LED lights are intense but tiny and they do not cover a large range in the pool. We have 4 in a 20x40 pool (2 on the long side and 1 on each short end) and they are adequate (just).

I'll bring this up with the builder. Those lights are not cheap, are they!

For the patio, you might look at some of the concrete paver options also. Sometimes the cost is comparable to stamped concrete and the results can be more predictable.

I think I'm just going to get a couple of contractors out and see what their thoughts are. At this point, we really like the look of the bluestone but just assumed it would be way more than we wanted to spend given the sheer scope of the area to cover. But you never know until you ask I suppose! You've given me another option to consider, thank you!

 

[Mr Bruce]

re: Shelves and stairs, how about this:

Keeps you cover friendly.

Also, I couldn't tell in the drawings where the equipment (pump, filter) would go. Something to consider. I think good call on the classic design.

And I am incredibly jealous.

 

[ELMitz]

...I couldn't tell in the drawings where the equipment (pump, filter) would go....

They will go on a pad here:



If we were building the pool house immediately then the equipment would go in there, but alas, I have not hit the Powerball, yet...

The location selected is secluded, near no windows or doors and shielded from street view by vegetation and fence.

Thanks for your interest!

- - - Updated - - -

re: Shelves and stairs, how about this:

Keeps you cover friendly.

The only problem with this design is we are having a diving well installed so where to end the shelf/stairs?

We do have room for more width too, if needed.

 

[BeachHead]

Beautiful house, and I like the classic design too. As a thought, if you were to use your inspiration and "split" the decks in-between the stairs, you could have one side with the shallower first step depth, and the other side, the deeper second step depth. Most of us have to choose one or the other, but that design seems perfect to have both. I'd narrow the steps up a bit to get more shelf if I was going down that road too.

 

[ELMitz]

Beautiful house, and I like the classic design too.

Thank you so much!

As a thought, if you were to use your inspiration and "split" the decks in-between the stairs, you could have one side with the shallower first step depth, and the other side, the deeper second step depth. Most of us have to choose one or the other, but that design seems perfect to have both. I'd narrow the steps up a bit to get more shelf if I was going down that road too.

I like that idea!

Assuming we use the width of the pool (20') I'm thinking two 7' wide shelves separated by 6' wide stairs?

I've also thought it might be cool to put some bubblers in the floors of the shelves as well as umbrella sleeve. Seems kids might have fun playing in the bubblers and they would look cool at night when we are entertaining. The real issue is how deep to make the shelves? We have 44' to play with, but can add more, and the deep-end consumes half of that...

 

[Uncle Salty]

Looks nice, can't wait to follow your build. I didn't notice any automation mentioned in your equipment, is that in the plans? I would highly recommend to go the automation route as you're going with a VSP, you can go AquaPlus with the SWG as it's sold in a combo package and be able to control everything from your phone/tablet.

Salty

 

[BeachHead]

Thank you so much!



I like that idea!

Assuming we use the width of the pool (20') I'm thinking two 7' wide shelves separated by 6' wide stairs?

I've also thought it might be cool to put some bubblers in the floors of the shelves as well as umbrella sleeve. Seems kids might have fun playing in the bubblers and they would look cool at night when we are entertaining. The real issue is how deep to make the shelves? We have 44' to play with, but can add more, and the deep-end consumes half of that...

Oh yes, bubblers are a must! The grandkids are drooling over the pictures to get to play in ours! We went the shallow route though, someone else may mention whether they will work in a deeper location?

For that "cool" look, there may be a bit of a rainbow in waiting a bit for your build, as my PB told me that his Hayward rep mentioned that in the next couple months (don't shoot me on time frame, as this is very third hand info!) they are projecting releasing some lighted bubbler fixtures and some smaller led lights. Those lights would be perfect placed around shelves, and on the edges of steps to go with the main lights in the pool. We love the look of the led lighting at night, and the ability to easily change colors. Something you may want to look into/ask your PB about.

 

[ELMitz]

I'm just not sure if there are any bubblers that can be reliably installed and work well in a vinyl pool? It seems that all the ones I see from Hayward mention only gunnite installation...

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I like the A option- unexpected and very interesting looking. B option (being lined up so with the house) is....predictable. With 6 kids you need as much space in that pool as possible.... don't let the tanning shelf take up so much room that it cuts into swimming and such.

Good plan going with a stand alone hot tub. That is going to let you use it year round whereas the pool will be shut up tight in winter.

I look forward to seeing updates!

Yippee

 

[ELMitz]

I like the A option- unexpected and very interesting looking. B option (being lined up so with the house) is....predictable.

I agree completely.

With 6 kids you need as much space in that pool as possible.... don't let the tanning shelf take up so much room that it cuts into swimming and such.

I wish I could find some specific dimensional guidance on this issue, but the PBs we have met with have not been very helpful. I'm hoping somebody here can give me some specific guidance based on their similar experiences.

Good plan going with a stand alone hot tub. That is going to let you use it year round whereas the pool will be shut up tight in winter.

Again, my thoughts exactly!

I look forward to seeing updates!

Thanks! And I appreciate your opinions!

 

[kimkats]

Have I got something for you to read! He just posted this this week. I think you will find it helpful!

All the things I wish I knew before our build

Kim

 

[ELMitz]

Looks nice, can't wait to follow your build.

Thank you!

I didn't notice any automation mentioned in your equipment, is that in the plans?

Not as of now. The PB never mentioned even the option. I am generally over-the-top with my reliance on technology so I am very open to this concept.

I would highly recommend to go the automation route as you're going with a VSP, you can go AquaPlus with the SWG as it's sold in a combo package and be able to control everything from your phone/tablet.

Thanks! I'll discuss it with the PB. What features does the automation get you? Or said another way, what is the benefit to having the pool automation besides the "Cool Factor"?

- - - Updated - - -

Have I got something for you to read! He just posted this this week. I think you will find it helpful!

All the things I wish I knew before our build

Awesome Kim, thanks!

 

[jtrovato21]

I would be hesitant to put a tanning shelf in a vinyl pool. I don't know that I've ever seen it done before, but could be wrong. You won't want to put any chairs in it, for fear of tearing the liner. And an umbrella sleeve is probably not a good idea either, if you slip with the umbrella and tear the liner, also no good.