New Pool Plans

[mbutter104]

All, First THANK YOU to all that add to this site. You are amazing with support, friendship and just the best group i have been part of on-line. That being said after a couple of months on this site poking around and planing a pool here is what i have come up with for a spring 2020 pool dig in Eastern Washington where we get 300+ days of sun, hot during the summer 100+ and cold in the winter. High desert. Around a 4 -5 month swim season
* 18X36 (3' to 8") latham vinyl 27Mil Black Onyx rectangle (~24,000 gallons)
* Matching gray skimmers and drains
* 3HP Variable speed Pentair IntelliFlow
* Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 filter
* CoverStar Automatic pool cover
* Pentair UltaTemp 140 heat pump
* Pentair valves
* Pentair Prowler 930 robotic cleaner
* 4 Pentair Amerlite lights with replacement LED Pentair aqualights (due to all the bad reviews and problems with the Pentair GloBrite LEDs. I can't believe there are so many bad reviews and problems with a product. If it was anything else but a pool product the government would be all over them. Also eliminated Pentair bubbles and deck jets for the same reasons.
* We have decided to go with artificial grass around the entire pool and just a 1 1/2' concrete edge
* The pool will get full sun all summer with shade in the early morning and late afternoon
* Attached a sketch of my thinking

 

[mbutter104]

* 18X36 (3' to 8') latham vinyl 27Mil Black Onyx rectangle (~24,000 gallons)

 

[kimkats]

See if there is any way you can get a depth of 3'5". 3' is too shallow as you can't do a crawl stroke without scraping your knuckles.

Have you walked on fake grass in the sun? It can get HOT but you can keep some flip flops by the door for people to use.

Make sure to get model numbers for all of the equipment. How will you be adding chlorine to your pool?

I would LOVE to see the yard where this pool will be going!!!

Kim

 

[mbutter104]

See if there is any way you can get a depth of 3'5". 3' is too shallow as you can't do a crawl stroke without scraping your knuckles.

Have you walked on fake grass in the sun? It can get HOT but you can keep some flip flops by the door for people to use.

Make sure to get model numbers for all of the equipment. How will you be adding chlorine to your pool?

I would LOVE to see the yard where this pool will be going!!!

Kim

Thank you very much for the input! We have not started our final design so almost anything is possible $$ ya know. Sounds like a good idea for the 3'5" shallow end. Still considering 7' or 8' deep end. No diving!

Yes i have heard that artificial lawn can get HOT because of the darker color. A couple of thoughts. I am going to put in sprinklers pointing away from the pool to do a couple of things. 1 wash down when needed. when HOT out turn them on to cool of the area. And yes keep some flip flops near. No kids to worry about on a regular basis but something to consider.

I found this. Not sure if anyone has had experience with it.

"Description - One of the biggest complaints with turf is that it gets warm in direct sunlight, especially in the summer. Well, fret over that no more with our Hydrochill. What is so special about this infill is that when wet, it helps to cool down your turf for days depending on local conditions. Studies have shown that it can keep your turf anywhere from 30 – 50 degrees than standard synthetic lawn surfaces. Our Hydrochill is UV-resistant and should be re-treated every two years for maximum effectiveness."

Hydrochill - Turf Cooling Sand Infill

Keep your turf cooler in the dead of summer with Hydrochill infill in your lawn. Just use water and have a cooler lawn for days depending on local conditions.

www.rubberflooringinc.com

!


I have looked at several methods for chlorine. I am not going with a SWG because the input is with an auto cover corrosion of the tracks and parts can be an issue. The other automatic chlorine dispensers are a consideration. I am just not sure if a manual approach is not the best but would like to hear thoughts on that subject. I have heard both sides.

Model numbers
* Heat Pump - Pentair UltaTemp 140
* Pentair filter Clean and Clear Plus 420
* Pentair VS pump 3 HP IntelliFlow
* CoverStar Automatic Pool Cover - optional key pad
* Pentair Prowler 930 Robotic Cleaner

 

[mbutter104]

Thank you very much for the input! We have not started our final design so almost anything is possible $$ ya know. Sounds like a good idea for the 3'5" shallow end. Still considering 7' or 8' deep end. No diving!

Yes i have heard that artificial lawn can get HOT because of the darker color. A couple of thoughts. I am going to put in sprinklers pointing away from the pool to do a couple of things. 1 wash down when needed. when HOT out turn them on to cool of the area. And yes keep some flip flops near. No kids to worry about on a regular basis but something to consider.

I found this. Not sure if anyone has had experience with it.

"Description - One of the biggest complaints with turf is that it gets warm in direct sunlight, especially in the summer. Well, fret over that no more with our Hydrochill. What is so special about this infill is that when wet, it helps to cool down your turf for days depending on local conditions. Studies have shown that it can keep your turf anywhere from 30 – 50 degrees than standard synthetic lawn surfaces. Our Hydrochill is UV-resistant and should be re-treated every two years for maximum effectiveness."

Hydrochill - Turf Cooling Sand Infill

Keep your turf cooler in the dead of summer with Hydrochill infill in your lawn. Just use water and have a cooler lawn for days depending on local conditions.

www.rubberflooringinc.com

!


I have looked at several methods for chlorine. I am not going with a SWG because the input is with an auto cover corrosion of the tracks and parts can be an issue. The other automatic chlorine dispensers are a consideration. I am just not sure if a manual approach is not the best but would like to hear thoughts on that subject. I have heard both sides.

Model numbers
* Heat Pump - Pentair UltaTemp 140
* Pentair filter Clean and Clear Plus 420
* Pentair VS pump 3 HP IntelliFlow
* CoverStar Automatic Pool Cover - optional key pad
* Pentair Prowler 930 Robotic Cleaner

Google earth of the back yard area

 

[mbutter104]

Here is a picture of the yard area where the pool will go

 

[kimkats]

That is a very pretty yard right there! I bet you will enjoy NOT having that grass to take care of. It really looks like you have put some time, effort, and $$$ into it!!

If you are going 7 or 8' then you might even want to go 4' for the shallow to help ease the slope.

Have not heard about that cooling method for the fake grass. Interesting! Maybe you can be our guinea pig!

Kim

 

[AUSpool]

I have looked at several methods for chlorine. I am not going with a SWG because the input is with an auto cover corrosion of the tracks and parts can be an issue. The other automatic chlorine dispensers are a consideration. I am just not sure if a manual approach is not the best but would like to hear thoughts on that subject. I have heard both sides.

I could not live without a SWG. Manual dosing of bleach adds salt and it will accumulate. Your water will be slightly brackish with or without a SWG. If your auto cover is not suited to an aquatic environment chose one that is rather than compromising on your water quality.

Take a breath and step back from the design for a moment. Imagine your a little person within your design and think about how you as a little person in that space would use it. How you would transition from house to pool with regard to orientation of fencing and steps.

 

[mbutter104]

That is a very pretty yard right there! I bet you will enjoy NOT having that grass to take care of. It really looks like you have put some time, effort, and $$$ into it!!

If you are going 7 or 8' then you might even want to go 4' for the shallow to help ease the slope.

Have not heard about that cooling method for the fake grass. Interesting! Maybe you can be our guinea pig!

Kim

Thanks for the input I will need to see how the slope will work and figure the best depth for each end. 4' might be too deep and 8' feet might be too deep also.

We have lived in the house 25 years and the back yard was the first thing i worked on. It also has a Koi pond We keep you posted

 

[mbutter104]

I could not live without a SWG. Manual dosing of bleach adds salt and it will accumulate. Your water will be slightly brackish with or without a SWG. If your auto cover is not suited to an aquatic environment chose one that is rather than compromising on your water quality.

Take a breath and step back from the design for a moment. Imagine your a little person within your design and think about how you as a little person in that space would use it. How you would transition from house to pool with regard to orientation of fencing and steps.

Thank you for the input. Looked at this forum and other pool companies for input is where the SWG is discussed. Our friends also have on which they love. Other friends with a autocover do not. they are also happy with their set up. The pool builder offered to install a SWG is they are not satisfied with their current set up and have never done so. So i am thinking i might start that way. What I understand with any auto covers is that a SWG does condensate salt in the tracks and gears that chlorine will not. For us an auto is a must here for all the reasons this forum has provided. And again thanks to everyone for your details on so many of the aspects of pools!

Fencing GREAT QUESTION!! right now we are planing to have no additional fencing around the pool. the entire back yard is fenced. HOWEVER it does not meet current code requirements. That being said they are working to be in line with other local and state requirements and with the auto cover we meet those requirements. So right now we are pushing ahead and working with the county to get the code changed. Wish us LUCK!

Pool entry will be using 3 steps on the right side. The first or second step will be 24" and the other 2 will be 18" with a hand rail so easy to get into and out of.

 

[mbutter104]

Thank you for the input. Looked at this forum and other pool companies for input is where the SWG is discussed. Our friends also have on which they love. Other friends with a autocover do not. they are also happy with their set up. The pool builder offered to install a SWG is they are not satisfied with their current set up and have never done so. So i am thinking i might start that way. What I understand with any auto covers is that a SWG does condensate salt in the tracks and gears that chlorine will not. For us an auto is a must here for all the reasons this forum has provided. And again thanks to everyone for your details on so many of the aspects of pools!

Fencing GREAT QUESTION!! right now we are planing to have no additional fencing around the pool. the entire back yard is fenced. HOWEVER it does not meet current code requirements. That being said they are working to be in line with other local and state requirements and with the auto cover we meet those requirements. So right now we are pushing ahead and working with the county to get the code changed. Wish us LUCK!

Pool entry will be using 3 steps on the right side. The first or second step will be 24" and the other 2 will be 18" with a hand rail so easy to get into and out of.

 

[mbutter104]

Our friends in Maui just finished their pool. When we visited we loved the look and how it blended into their property. Not sure i can get palm trees to grown here (NOT) but still like the fell.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Skippy and I have both SWG and autocover and see no problems with them after almost 9 years.

An 8' deep pool just begs for diving off the side....how I *wish* my pool were deep enough! But a pool only 3 or 3.5 feed deep at the shallow end is goofy to me- no easy way to swim without scraping knuckles, and standing there for a chick in a two piece bathing suit is at just the height to show off our tums. Makes me anxious, LOL. I'd go for 4' deep if I could there.

Maddie

 

[JJ_Tex]

"Description - One of the biggest complaints with turf is that it gets warm in direct sunlight, especially in the summer. Well, fret over that no more with our Hydrochill. What is so special about this infill is that when wet, it helps to cool down your turf for days depending on local conditions.

I dont know the science behind this stuff, but I keep reading and re-reading the comment that it helps cool down fake grass when wet. So when your fake grass gets hot you have to water it, and this stuff takes the credit for cooling it down?!? Seems like creative marketing to me.

 

[AUSpool]

The only way salt will build up in an auto covers track and gear etc is from pool water splashing on it and then evaporating leaving the salt behind. It’s certainly possible and something a auto cover should be designed to cope with. However, only pure water evaporates from the pool, evaporation and condensation would help to rinse any salt from the cover. A SWC salt pool has ~3-4000ppm salt while a liquid chlorine pool will have ~1000ppm salt, both chlorine and acid add salt to the pool. So a SWC pool potentially has ~3-4X more chance of salt on or in the cover. But mbutter, the decision to SWC or liquid dose is totally yours, if you go for the lower salt level and liquid chlorine I would plan on using a quality dosing pump to automate it. You will still need to lug chlorine but a bit of automation will make pool management so much easier.

I suggest to double check the plans because we are in the middle of a major renovation and currently have an unfinished concrete shell in the back yard. I looked over the plans a 100 times but didn’t realise until set out day that the steps had the wrong orientation. I love the look of that Maui pool.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

My autocover recommends owners to hose down the tracks with fresh water once a month. Easy to do while watering plants, etc.

Maddie

 

[mbutter104]

Skippy and I have both SWG and autocover and see no problems with them after almost 9 years.

An 8' deep pool just begs for diving off the side....how I *wish* my pool were deep enough! But a pool only 3 or 3.5 feed deep at the shallow end is goofy to me- no easy way to swim without scraping knuckles, and standing there for a chick in a two piece bathing suit is at just the height to show off our tums. Makes me anxious, LOL. I'd go for 4' deep if I could there.

Maddie

THANK YOU! great input. I think 4' - 8' works for us! I will again look at the SWG.

 

[mbutter104]

My autocover recommends owners to hose down the tracks with fresh water once a month. Easy to do while watering plants, etc.

Maddie

Thank you! Yes I am going to revisit this. Not too hard to keep it clean if the SWG make life easier!

 

[mbutter104]

The only way salt will build up in an auto covers track and gear etc is from pool water splashing on it and then evaporating leaving the salt behind. It’s certainly possible and something a auto cover should be designed to cope with. However, only pure water evaporates from the pool, evaporation and condensation would help to rinse any salt from the cover. A SWC salt pool has ~3-4000ppm salt while a liquid chlorine pool will have ~1000ppm salt, both chlorine and acid add salt to the pool. So a SWC pool potentially has ~3-4X more chance of salt on or in the cover. But mbutter, the decision to SWC or liquid dose is totally yours, if you go for the lower salt level and liquid chlorine I would plan on using a quality dosing pump to automate it. You will still need to lug chlorine but a bit of automation will make pool management so much easier.

I suggest to double check the plans because we are in the middle of a major renovation and currently have an unfinished concrete shell in the back yard. I looked over the plans a 100 times but didn’t realise until set out day that the steps had the wrong orientation. I love the look of that Maui pool.

Thank you yes I am going to revisit the SWG. I think a monthly wash down should do the trick. If we go with chlorine then what do you recommend for the dosing pump?

 

[mbutter104]

I dont know the science behind this stuff, but I keep reading and re-reading the comment that it helps cool down fake grass when wet. So when your fake grass gets hot you have to water it, and this stuff takes the credit for cooling it down?!? Seems like creative marketing to me.

Thank you! Yes I think the science is always MARKETING! right? But I think the Hydrochill is a simple idea. The product absorbs water and then gives off moister over a slower time. So there is some benefit if the product works. We shall see we shall see. I think it will cost about $1500 to do the entire yard. Keep you posted next summer??