New Pool Build, Yet Another in DFW

[Snikwah]

I agree with you on #1! That and 2 are the best for the very reason you state. Now remember that you can show that to the other two PB and see what they can do for you. Make sure to get a list of equipment WITH modal numbers from every one so we can help with that as well.

Kim

Thank you! Yeah I like to see different designs from the builders to get ideas. Ultimately it will come down to which builder I like best, as any of them can re-create a design we like. Because of this forum, I am kinda biased towards Pentair equipment..lol. I think 2 of the builders use Pentair by default and at least one said they can use whatever equipment we request. The others all either use Jandy or Hayward and didn't sound like they could/would use Pentair. Oh...where can I get the TFP tester? Do I need to test my tap water prior to fill up?

 

[kimkats]

Look in my siggy below for where to get the TF-100 test kit. Go ahead and get the Speed Stir and whale brush while you are ordering from them. If you are going to use a SWG you should also get the salt test kit as well. Might as well order it all at one time. You can use your discount from becoming a TFP supporting member when you order this stuff!

Kim

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Yes, either #1 or #2....both give the longest actual pool lanes. That's my vote

Maddie

 

[Snikwah]

The large Red Oak tree in the back corner of the yard has been giving me stress lately. Initially I was pretty insistent on keeping the tree, as it provides a ton of shade for the whole patio in the late afternoon. I am just thinking about the amount of acorns and leaves it drops. Not to mention the roots. Not so much concerned about the roots with the pool shell itself, but the decking. I really don't want to have to lose the tree, but I'm now wondering if it would just be better to have it removed before we even start construction. I called an arborist and they're going to come out on Thursday this week and see if they can give me some guidance. I would hate to keep the tree, only to have the excavation kill it or something.

 

[kimkats]

remove the tree and put up a shade sail! Pretty with NO Mess!!!

 

[Snikwah]

remove the tree and put up a shade sail! Pretty with NO Mess!!!

I kinda agree with you... but wife is pretty adamant about it staying.

The arborist that came out said that she doesn't feel like the construction would harm the tree. Just need to stay around 7 feet away from the trunk she said. I think we'll keep it for now and see how it goes.

 

[kimkats]

Ha! Then it will be HER job to dump the skimmers and net out the leaves...bet she changes her tune then!!!! LOL

 

[Snikwah]

We have finally picked our builder. Getting a really good feeling about him compared to all the others. Thanks @Poolmama! for the recommendation. Here are some pics of the design and a 2d drawing..the large rectangle that looks like a concrete pad is the dimensions of the swing set, so he could move it around and make sure it would fit.

It's a little shorter than some of the other designs, but it is wider...so it ends up being roughly the same size as most of the others. We're not lap swimmers or anything, so that isn't a big deal for us. There will be a couple tweaks here and there, most likely adding a couple fire bowls on the top of the back sheer wall and a little more decking.

Here are some specifics on the pool. I still need to get model numbers on the equipment and I see one I think needs to be changed, the Easytouch Lite.

Pool/Spa Specs
Pool: 25' x 19'
Spa: 7' x 5.5'
Depth: 3.5' to 6'
Pool Area/Perimeter: 386 / 90
Spa Area/Perimeter: 39 / 25
Pool+Spa Area Perimeter: 434 / 99
Volume: 13,304 gal
Turnover: 4 hours

Equipment
Pump: Pentair Intelliflow VSF
Filter: Pentair Clean & Clear 520 Cartridge
Computer: Easytouch Lite PSL4 w/Screenlogic
Pool Light: Pentair Micro-Bright 100 Color LED x3
Spa Light: Pentair Micro-Bright 100 Color LED x1
Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 400K BTU Low NOx
Sanitizer: Pentair IC40 SWG
Cleaner: Pentair Prowler 920
Tools: Net, Pole, Brush, Thermometer, Test Kit

Stone
Coping: 1 1/4" Travertine
Wall Cap: 1 1/4" Travertine
Spa Cap: 1 1/4" Travertine

Decking
Area: ~400sq/ft
Material: Belgard Urbana Stone or Catalina
Steps: Paver Steps
Deck Drains: As Needed

Interior Finish
Pebble Sheen Standard Color
Waterline Tile: Standard Selection
Spa Waterline Tile: Standard Selection

Yard Repair
Fence re-hang: Included
Fence Gates to Code: Included
Door Alarms: Included
Re-route Sprinklers: Included
Sod: 1 Pallet
Backfill and Grading: Up to 1 load of select fill with rough construction grade 3' to 5; out

 

[kimkats]

The only thing I might change is the bench right in front of the spa. If you take that out there will be more "pool" area at that depth. People will be able to sit and chat on the shelf as well as that seating outside the spa.

I am going to call in @Jimrahbe for his input on the equipment. I KNOW he is going say nope to that lite control as you have already guessed.

Kim

 

[Snikwah]

The only thing I might change is the bench right in front of the spa. If you take that out there will be more "pool" area at that depth. People will be able to sit and chat on the shelf as well as that seating outside the spa.

I am going to call in @Jimrahbe for his input on the equipment. I KNOW he is going say nope to that lite control as you have already guessed.

Kim

That is a great idea about the bench there. That would make it feel way more open.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

Your equipment list looks good except for the PSL4 EasyTouch... I suspect that is a typo, because no pool builder worth his salt (pun intended) would sell you a lite ET, without a load center and then sell you a separate power center and salt cell.. Most likely you will be getting one of this ET... If not, talk with your pool builder again...

Pentair Easy Touch Control Control System with IC40 Chlorine Generator 520543

Pentair Easy Touch Control System 520543. EasyTouch 4SC-IC40 Control System. Pentair 520543. Pentair Easy Touch Control Systems.

sunplay.com

This ET comes with an internal salt cell power center, an IC40 salt cell, and two valves to switch between the pool mode and the spa mode..

You will still have to buy ScreenLogic... Pentair ScreenLogic Interface and Wireless Connection Kit 522104

I suggest this ET 8.. Pentair Easy Touch Control Control System with IC40 Chlorine Generator 520545

But the ET 4 will work well for you..

I guarantee that you will not be happy with the lite version of the ET..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Snikwah]

S,

Your equipment list looks good except for the PSL4 EasyTouch... I suspect that is a typo, because no pool builder worth his salt (pun intended) would sell you a lite ET, without a load center and then sell you a separate power center and salt cell.. Most likely you will be getting one of this ET... If not, talk with your pool builder again...

Pentair Easy Touch Control Control System with IC40 Chlorine Generator 520543

Pentair Easy Touch Control System 520543. EasyTouch 4SC-IC40 Control System. Pentair 520543. Pentair Easy Touch Control Systems.

sunplay.com

This ET comes with an internal salt cell power center, an IC40 salt cell, and two valves to switch between the pool mode and the spa mode..

You will still have to buy ScreenLogic... Pentair ScreenLogic Interface and Wireless Connection Kit 522104

I suggest this ET 8.. Pentair Easy Touch Control Control System with IC40 Chlorine Generator 520545

But the ET 4 will work well for you..

I guarantee that you will not be happy with the lite version of the ET..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thank you.. you may be right, as the SWG was added afterwards and the list was revised. =D

 

[Casey]

I like the benches. I dont think you should remove them. This could be a great social pool for little parties if that's what you do. If you're in the spa and your wife doesn't want to sit with you but be in the pool with the little one, she can still be submerged in water and not have to sit on the shelf with her top half exposed. To me, you're not losing a lot of swimming space.

 

[Snikwah]

I like the benches. I dont think you should remove them. This could be a great social pool for little parties if that's what you do. If you're in the spa and your wife doesn't want to sit with you but be in the pool with the little one, she can still be submerged in water and not have to sit on the shelf with her top half exposed. To me, you're not losing a lot of swimming space.

Yeah that was his thought on that bench. If someone was in the spa, you could sit on that bench and chat in the pool. That's the cool thing about this point in the process, it's easy to make these kind of changes.

 

[Snikwah]

Will be signing this afternoon with the builder. Please have a look at the design picture and see if anything stands out...specifically, the placement of the skimmers/returns/lights? I did end up taking out that bench next to the spa, as I think having the extra floor space in the shallow end is more beneficial for us. Also added 2 fire bowls on the back wall. Final render shots also included.

 

[Snikwah]

Contract signed, permits submitted. Excavation should start around the first week of August. Hopefully completed by around mid October, assuming no major delays. ?

 

[kimkats]

Man I missed getting this to you but here goes:

Get model numbers for all of the equipment asap. The notes are VERY vague on some of it

I like what you did with the fire bowls and hope you will be planting behind that wall. That will keep most anyone from trying to jump from there.

Kim

 

[Snikwah]

Man I missed getting this to you but here goes:

Get model numbers for all of the equipment asap. The notes are VERY vague on some of it

I like what you did with the fire bowls and hope you will be planting behind that wall. That will keep most anyone from trying to jump from there.

Kim

No worries.. I guess you're talking about the "SALT" mostly? Which other ones? I asked him today to email me the actual model numbers for everything, though.

 

[Snikwah]

Here is the equipment list on the actual contract sheet. It's a little more detailed. I'm still going to get the exact model numbers too though.

 

[JJ_Tex]

We signed last week and have similar equipment and layout. Good luck on your build.