Getting Ready to Sign Contract - Questions

[LuschMommy]

Hi Everyone! You have all been so helpful in educating me about choosing the best pool (thread Unsure Which Pool Type is Best for Us). I'm so appreciative of all of you sharing your knowledge! I'm attempting to learn as much as I can about the process before signing my contract this Saturday (YAY!). Would you mind taking a look at what I've got and let me know if anything should be tweaked? I've skimmed through a bunch of posts to create a list of questions to add to my site plan and package inclusions. I'm trying to limit surprises and hidden fees.

On the site plan file, we decided that this is too much pool for our back yard and did back the size down from 22x39x33 to 18x36x32. It's not a huge amount, but the larger one felt too big for the property.
On the platinum file, this is the package that we've chosen. I've made a few changes, and would like to request your expertise to make sure I'm not making any mistakes.

General Pool Info:
Pool Shape and Size - Lagoon 18x36x32
7' Tanning Ledge at 11"-14" and one LED bubbler (to also fit 2 ledge loungers)
Pool depth will be 3'6" - 6'0"
2 swimouts with therapy jets (location TBD)
Liner is 27 mil with 30 mil TredTec on tanning ledge, stairs, and swimouts

Changes/Additions to Installation Package:
1. Upgraded to VS Pump
2. Added a second LED light (Package comes with 1 and has LED bubbler) - Is that enough for a large lagoon pool?
3. Only 1 skimmer and 3 returns. I think I should add another skimmer; is 3 enough returns?
4. PB said that they will automatically put a larger filter in to accommodate the pool size/shape. Is there a size I should request (if I have a choice)?
5. "Rock Allowance" - Not covered by PB, but they said that they haven't had to worry about rocks or water tables in my area
6. Dirt in/out is extra at $400 per truck load (contracted out)
7. The yard access/fencing/irrigation/etc is up to us to take care of (our land is very flat and very rectangular)
8. I've read on another post that 2" plumbing isn't big enough. How important is that?

Thank you everyone for taking time out to answer my questions! I really appreciate it!
--Wendy

 

[Yev]

Your platinum lists calls out a diving board, but your pool depth does not allow for a diving boards by normal code.

I am a big advocate for 2 skimmers versus one, and make sure that at least 1 is located downwind from the main prevailing wind. This might be the biggest factor in keeping a pool debris free.

Complete personal preference, I would push the pool ~10 feet further from the house, and then I would bring the far chaise lounge set up and extra concrete and bring those to the side closer to the house. I bet those 2 will not be used all that often, as people sitting in those will feel segregated from the rest of the party which will be near the shallow end near the house. I would go ahead and combine the table area near the house with the walkout from the house into 1 large/huge patio.

Not sure if the non concrete area is grass or landscape. If grass, then I see a red flag. At the top of the picture, the area between the concrete deck and the fence is very narrow. If grass, this will be a huge PIA to deal with. I might rotate the pool about 10 degrees clockwise to deal with this, or slide the pool down more.

Go outside now, and mark the shade lines in your yard from 10am to 3pm. Make sure that the pool does not sit in teh shade if possible.

 

[guinness]

You mentioned in your other thread about automation being included in one of the packages - what exactly does that consist of?

 

[LuschMommy]

Thank you @Yev. There's a note in the package that I cut off that says the diving board only comes with 8' and deeper. We've decided that we don't want to invite any potential for injury and will have a strict no diving pool. My kids might be a little bummed at first, but that terrifies me.

I appreciate your opinion on the positioning. I'll have to get my can of spray paint out and mark up the yard again. We hadn't talked as much about that piece of it. The site map was the PB putting something together for us. Our phase 2 will be to create a fire pit somewhere between the pool and house where the walkout area is. At least that's what we're thinking right now.

@guinness - That's a good question. On the options sheet, it says "EasyTouch 4 controls". When I googled that, it said that it "supports variable speed or variable flow pumps, pool lighting, landscape lighting, waterfalls, fountains, heaters and more". The only things we have on that list are VS pump and LED lighting (maybe bubblers?). I think that also gives you the option of paring with mobile devices. I think the robot vacuum is also automated, but I'm not 100% sure how that works yet.

 

[guinness]

Ideally I would try to get an IntelliCenter which is the latest iteration. The EasyTouch is an older system that needs an optional module called ScreenLogic to allow remote access - is that included? I assume the VS pump will be an IntelliFlo that is needed for automation. Also find out what robot they will supply. Automation is sometimes an afterthought for a new pool build since there are so many other things to consider, but it's important to make sure it will meet your needs.

 

[LuschMommy]

Great questions for me to ask the PB @guinness! Thank you! It doesn't mention the ScreenLogic or what the upgraded VS pump is (the included 1 speed pump is Supermax), but I'll definitely ask about the IntelliCenter. The robot is a "Legend Auto Cleaner" but doesn't say what version.

 

[guinness]

The robot is a "Legend Auto Cleaner" but doesn't say what version.

Probably a Kreepy Krauly Legend which is a pressure-side cleaner - you'll need a booster pump for that which I assume is included.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Ditch that pressure side cleaner for sure... go robot.

You could possibly save money using a sand filter.....they work just fine and can be tweaked even better by adding a touch of DE to them.

A deeper pool is always safer when kids dive....and everyone likes to dive in pools at a young age.

Get a second skimmer.

2" pipe is fine, unless you need something more for some odd reason?

Did I mention that kids love to dive?? Good exercise too rather than just standing around or floating. Cannon balls!!

Maddie

 

[LuschMommy]

What is the difference between the pressure side cleaner and robot? I thought they were one in the same.

I definitely want to add a second skimmer. The more I can get the pool to help me clean, the better.

I agree that kids like to dive. We've been going back and forth on that. I worry about someone diving in and hurting themselves. I'll have to keep thinking about that one.

For the 2" pipe, I've been reading as much as I can before I commit to anything. I had come across a post that mentioned 2 1/2" over 2", but now I can't remember the context.

Thank you for the advice. I'm writing it all down so I can annoy my PB again!

 

[JJ_Tex]

What is the difference between the pressure side cleaner and robot? I thought they were one in the same.

A pressure side cleaner is a polaris type cleaner that uses water pressure to clean, and was generally developed in the 70's (or maybe earlier) and has to run when the pump is on and usually need a booster pump in addition to your regular pump.

A robot is newer technology and simply plugs into an electrical outlet that you have or add somewhere in your backyard near the pool.
They will both do just fine, but generally a robot is preferred due to it being newer and you dont need the 2nd pump.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

When I have young'ins over I have to constantly be on guard watching that they don't dive.... many still do when I'm not nagging, claiming they're doing a shallow dive like they teach them on swim teams. Its a pain to have to nag all the time.

My biggest regret is not having a deep enough pool for diving. It s far, far safer to have a deeper pool than a 6' depth (which for many ends up just being 5 1/2 ' in water depth.

I love to dive myself and miss the dive with a good swim to the other end of the pool. Great exercise! But my pool's limitations are that I couldn't get that. <sighs sadly>

As a trauma nurse I've come across too many broken necks from folks diving into water too shallow.

Maddie

 

[HermanTX]

Very nice layout of pool. Definitely need to have 2 skimmers. Based on the shape of your pool, you most likely will have debris gather in the circular areas due to wind, not circulation of your jets so need skimmers in both large circular areas. Also, I am curious as to why only 3 return jets. I have 5 and my pool is a tad smaller than yours. It is best to have at least 1 or 2 more to push water as you have 3 circular areas that intersect.
I agree with the comment regarding narrow pieces of turf. I had that (previous owner built the pool) and I opted to make a wooden deck then used rock cover to avoid mowing or weed-eating that area. My lawn is fully accessible for a lawnmower with no fear of it falling in the pool or spraying cut grass into the pool. Whoever cuts the grass for the family may want to have input to what turf is left to mow!!
Also, if you go with a robot cleaner - have a place to store it that is convenient to access and also a socket relatively close to the pool to power it. Pressure side cleaners are good as well. It is a matter of personal preference. Robots you have to put in and pull out based on when you want to clean the pool and with pressure operated cleaners they stay in the pool and can set timers to operate as needed. You can also remove the pressure operated cleaner from the pool for large parties.
I have a DE filter and love it. Provides great filtering and I thoroughly clean it every 6-8 months with monthly backwashes. It is not that hard to maintain and I think the benefits are worth its value. Good Luck.

 

[LuschMommy]

Hmmm, I know there are some threads on here about 6’ vs 8’ deep end. I may need to revisit them. I have 12 and 17 year old girls. The 12 year old still loves to dive and swim to the bottom. The 17 year old is too old for that. Hahaha!

I’m not sure why they chose the number of skimmers (1) and return jets (3). That’s definitely something I’ll ask. We would like to position our swim outs in the largest circle, and each of them have 2 therapeutic jets. Not the same as a return, but it could help push water around in that circle. What would you recommend? Where would you position them in a lagoon shaped pool? I haven’t had much luck finding diagrams or info on that online.

Thank you for the advice @Maddie and @HermanTX!

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Trust me.... that 17 year old daughter will love it when she gets a couple of guys over there both showing off for her in some primal way like diving, swimming races, ect.

 

[LuschMommy]

I understand the comments about the narrow turf. We actually downsized the pool a from large to medium because we felt it was just too big for the yard. Hopefully, that will help with the grass cutting. Who knows, we may end up putting in a rock garden or something if it’s too annoying.
I did some more research about the pressure cleaner vs robot. I actually like the idea of the pressure cleaner. Have it stay in the pool and clean early in the morning so it’s ready when we wake up. We are also getting a “complete vacuum system”, so hopefully, that will pick up any stragglers.
Filter options is my next research item. I don’t even know where to begin.

Y’all have no idea how much I appreciate all of your opinions and advice.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Nooooooo...you do NOT want a pressure cleaner. Its like using a broom compared to a roomba. Pressure vacs cost more to run since you'll need a whole nuther pump for it (Cha-Ching! Cost of pump & power) and it won't pick up near what a robot does, and the robot not only does not require a pump to run, is cheaper on power and WILL BRUSH THE WALLS FOR YOU TOO!! You also can set it to run any time daily automatically.

Dolphin S200 | Swimming Pool Cleaner Vacuum | Maytronics

The Dolphin S200 is a glorious piece of machine. Get in and read more about its main features, see the videos and learn about this superb robotic pool cleaner

maytronicsus.com

 

[LuschMommy]

Oh @YippeeSkippy! I hadn’t seen anything about that! All I found online was that the robot had to be plugged in. I don’t know about leaving something like that in the water. I’ll have to do more research. Thank you!

 

[bmoreswim]

As Maddie says, get a robot! You‘ll either buy it now or later. Ask me how I know.

I would absolutely get more deck space, unless you’re hiding lots of hardscape under roof nearby. It looks a little too cute with the path and circle area for lounges. Deck that baby in between the pool and house. Have a few people over and you’ll appreciate the space. And its a royal pain to do things like that later.

 

[batesjer]

×100 what Maddie said. Our 18 year old doesn't dive but when her friends come over the guys do. And our 10 year old has no interest in anything except diving, cannonballs, front flips, or diving for things in the deep end.

 

[LuschMommy]

That's why I love this forum! Your advise is going to help us build an awesome pool! I've added upgrading from pressure cleaner to robot to my PB contract request. We're also going 8' deep in the deep end with a jumping rock. Keep the advise coming!