New Build in Houston

[Smelscifi]

To give you safety in numbers, I just signed a pool contract with a SWG, and it says that the PB will not cover damage caused by salt. I'm also going with travertine for my decking. I can't find any firsthand accounts of people having damage to their travertine from salt.

On a related note, while I've never had a pool, I get the impression that many view the choice of salt vs traditional as an upfront, unchangeable decision. My thought process was salt makes the most sense to me, but if I don't like it for whatever reason, I'll switch to a different form of adding chlorine.

Agree with your philosophy. What kind of SWG are you using? Trying to figure out which Jandy model is going to work for my setup.

 

[Dtkokay]

Jandy that's rated for 40K gallons, which I believe is the largest that Jandy makes. My pool is estimated at 25K gallons. From what I've read on this forum, you want a SWG sized to at least 1.5 times your pool's capacity, and ideally 2 times.

 

[Smelscifi]

Just put in a SWCG in Houston. Jandy TruClear. Smartest move I've made besides finding TFP and following their advice.

What kind of control system do you have on your setup?

 

[Smelscifi]

You will feel a difference in the water once you get out, but usually it is a good difference as your skin will feel smoother/silky. You could add salt to a bathtub at ~3500 parts per million (right at the point you can barely start to taste the salt) and see what she thinks.

As for the waiver, not really sure what to tell you there. Your travertine decking is rock and will be fine (otherwise the oceans would have dissolved everything millions of years ago). For your equipment, I wouldnt be worried about actual damage, but what does the waver say? Does it completely void your warranty?

Here’s a picture of the waiver. Basically says damage to equipment or pool from salt not covered.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

Seems to me that in order for that waiver to be effective they would have to prove that the saltwater was the cause of the damage.. Pretty much impossible for them to do.

The first couple of paragraphs are right on point.. Poor water chemistry is the cause of any failures, not the saltwater. They basically say so themselves...

That said, except for the first few months, pool warranties are close to useless except on the equipment, because it is not provided by the pool builder..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Exlonghorn]

What kind of control system do you have on your setup?

Jandy Aqualink RS. Integrated pretty well.

 

[Smelscifi]

Monday is the big day for the dig! After reading about chlorine sourcing and storage, I was able to convince my wife to go SWG- it’s a Jandy cell rated for 40k gallons for my 12k pool. Pics to follow!

 

[Smelscifi]

Dig was today after a slight weather delay. The excavation crew was quick and professional- very respectful of the neighbors lot after they granted me permission to use it. Measurements all look good, 12-18 inches of buffer from the bottom for IFC and Gunite. Tomorrow is IFC install then hopefully Gunite by Friday!

 

[kimkats]

Let the mud begin!!!

Good job on doing your job measuring it!

Kim

 

[bmoreswim]

Now THAT'S a neighbor! Looking good!!

 

[Smelscifi]

Zodiac IFC plumbing went in today. Tomorrow is rebar and maybe Gunite.

 

[kimkats]

Sweet!! Any way you can be home for the shell work? Some times they have ideas or concerns it is best you answer as it is your pool.

Kim

 

[Smelscifi]

Sweet!! Any way you can be home for the shell work? Some times they have ideas or concerns it is best you answer as it is your pool.

Kim

I’m planning on being home at least through Gunite. It might be hard to be here all the way through plumbing and decking.

 

[kimkats]

The shell is most important time to be there as once it is shot there is a limited time to fix with out using a jack hammer. The other stuff can be redone if it is not correct after the fact.

 

[Smelscifi]

We’re in business with gunite! Been watering it every 5-6 hours. Slated for plumbing and electrical early next week.

 

[kimkats]

Glad to hear you have already started bonding with your new pool! That looks good!

It is time for your set of links! The first set is all about what to do and ask about to get a great plaster job. The second set is all about how to care for your pool after you get the plaster.

Plaster links:
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster Best one of all
All Plaster Finishes Should Last 20 Years
Not All Color Pigments are Good for Pools How to pick a good color for plaster.
A Plastering 'Watch List' | Professional Watershaping | Watershapes
Trouble Free Pool
Trouble Free Pool

Pool care links:
Print these out:
Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule
Pool School - Recommended Levels

Bookmark these:
Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals
Trouble Free Pool
Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

Now is also a good time to ask what test kit your PB will be providing so we can fill in any holes.

Kim

 

[Texgirl]

You’ll be kicking yourself for not putting a SWG in down here in HOUSTON. All of my friends are miserable constantly draining water to keep up with high CYA. I’d rather cut my arm off than not have an SWG here in Sugar Land. Don’t let them give you that Crud about it being corrosive. I haven’t seen a spec of damage anywhere around my pool or at equipment.
Also unless you like swimming in bath water from June-September I’d consider a heat pump/chiller.

What kind of coping do you have? I have flagstone.. and built my pool in 2013 and getting quotes to rip out and replace and trying to figure out what to replace it with.... it could have been just cheap.. but I have had a chlorine pool with flagstone and did not have these issues...love the salt.. have to find something it can play nice with. my friend has travertine and salt and its doing well. Kicking myself for not springing for it at the time it just wasn't in the budget.

 

[Bvacchiano]

What kind of coping do you have? I have flagstone.. and built my pool in 2013 and getting quotes to rip out and replace and trying to figure out what to replace it with.... it could have been just cheap.. but I have had a chlorine pool with flagstone and did not have these issues...love the salt.. have to find something it can play nice with. my friend has travertine and salt and its doing well. Kicking myself for not springing for it at the time it just wasn't in the budget.

Coping and Decking all travertine. I’ve yet to find a spot where the salt has damaged the travertine. It’s a hoax the builders use to not put in an SWG in my opinion.

 

[Texgirl]

Coping and Decking all travertine. I’ve yet to find a spot where the salt has damaged the travertine. It’s a hoax the builders use to not put in an SWG in my opinion.

Well, that is good to hear. That is what I am leaning towards but my paranoia after dealing with this flagstone has me also looking at fancy pre cast concrete options... do you have bull nose or straight edge travertine?

 

[Bvacchiano]

Well, that is good to hear. That is what I am leaning towards but my paranoia after dealing with this flagstone has me also looking at fancy pre cast concrete options... do you have bull nose or straight edge travertine?

Straight edge