DFW Build

[Indeeph2o]

Well, here we are in Texas during a pandemic and drooling with envy at all of our friends and neighbors that have pools in their backyards. We're getting quotes this week, but thought I'd introduce myself, show my yard and see if the experienced members have feedback on the front end of the process. I've looked at a lot of other threads like what to know, what to ask, etc., but I know our yard is a bit unique and in reading your feedback on other projects, you have some great ideas.

We know we want a dive pool with deep end of 8 feet, spa/hot tub, and rock waterfall, but we're on the fence about a pool slide. I think our kids 10 & 12 would love it, but just wondering if anyone had regrets about a slide-I'd want it to be built in, not free standing.

Pics of backyard for reference-builder is recommending building where there are less trees to be removed.

 

[Texas Splash]

Beautiful home. Welcome to TFP!

 

[Jimrahbe]

H2O,

Welcome to TFP...

Very nice.. It must be nice to have choose where you want the pool... Most people do not have that option.

Looking forward to your pool build.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[bmoreswim]

Yes, beautiful setup there. I've never seen any regrets expressed regarding built-in slides (not a lot of them though). Although there is some need to resurface the concrete ones that gets discussed, but the composite built-ins seem pretty bulletproof. Like you, we have a perfect setup for a built in slide, though we chose not to go that route (thought about it) because it blocked off access to easily move around the whole pool area. But I have enjoyed having the diving board, and even more so, the deep-end for my way of using the pool.

I strongly suggest going deeper than 8' for a diving board pool. We went 8.5' and could easily see the benefit of 9'. It's still not hard to come in contact if you aren't paying attention to your technique, or being goaded by your buddies, or have had one too many, or the music is too loud, or there is a pandemic, etc. If no diving board, and just want to dive, then 8' is grand.

 

[Indeeph2o]

Yes, beautiful setup there. I've never seen any regrets expressed regarding built-in slides (not a lot of them though). Although there is some need to resurface the concrete ones that gets discussed, but the composite built-ins seem pretty bulletproof. Like you, we have a perfect setup for a built in slide, though we chose not to go that route (thought about it) because it blocked off access to easily move around the whole pool area. But I have enjoyed having the diving board, and even more so, the deep-end for my way of using the pool.

I strongly suggest going deeper than 8' for a diving board pool. We went 8.5' and could easily see the benefit of 9'. It's still not hard to come in contact if you aren't paying attention to your technique, or being goaded by your buddies, or have had one too many, or the music is too loud, or there is a pandemic, etc. If no diving board, and just want to dive, then 8' is grand.

Thank you.

Definitely want a deep end, as a child I spent a lot of time diving, flipping and cannon balling off of our diving board. But now that I am a Mom, I know all the crazy things I tried on the diving board, so think we're going with a waterfall/jumping rocks instead. I told the PB we wanted 8 ft minimum and he doesn't want to go past 8.5.

We're expecting two quotes this week, so hopefully we'll get those and can make more decisions. Adding a slide may depend on the price, given a choice, I'd prefer more room to swim & play than a slide that not everyone will use on a regular basis.

 

[JJ_Tex]

I would agree with your builder, keep the trees, especially if they provide afternoon shade.

It would be really cool to work the slide and/or waterfall into the existing wall area. Since your pool will be somewhat far from the house/covered patio, have you considered adding another covered structure/seating/kitchen area next to the pool?

 

[bmoreswim]

I would agree with your builder, keep the trees, especially if they provide afternoon shade.

It would be really cool to work the slide and/or waterfall into the existing wall area. Since your pool will be somewhat far from the house/covered patio, have you considered adding another covered structure/seating/kitchen area next to the pool?

I’m normally anti-tree around pools, but certainly not anti-shade. Some trees just seem so benign in a lawn, then put in a pool and they are suddenly the devil.

 

[Indeeph2o]

We had three trees removed yesterday-ONLY because they would have been in the way for any equipment entering the yard. We mentioned building a structure with bathroom closer to the pool, but one of the challenges is sewer. The front of our lot sits "down" a hill with a driveway that has a 14 degree descent, but the house is on the hill, so we have a sump pump that pumps waste up to the sew.er/water line. The builder is unsure how complicated it will be to put in a bathroom/sink, etc. closer to the pool build.

In my vision, a pool slide coming off the retaining wall would be super cool. But, none of the builders-only two have come out so far as everyone is in high demand, are considering using the wall area

 

[bmoreswim]

Yeah, I’m not sure how far those pump chewing toilets can send the stuff. Where there’s a will (and wallet or purse) there’s a way I suppose. But if you have close access to a toilet inside the house on tile floor then that’s a good option too. Our toilet is in the basement across a tile floor which is good for getting wet if necessary. But a structure for dedicated shade and storage by the pool is ideal, even without a toilet.

 

[spd500]

Beautiful backyard and home. I like the trees too if you can manage to work around them.

But a structure for dedicated shade and storage by the pool is ideal, even without a toilet.

I agree, I would want to have a place to store all the pool toys etc, and a shady spot for people to sit and visit poolside would be nice too.

 

[Indeeph2o]

Pool Quote #1
TOTAL: $98,000

Size 23X40 (Note we'll probably bump to 25X42)
Perimeter: 128
Depth: 3.5 to 5 to 8 (probably changing from 4 to 5 to 8.5)
Tile: Owner's Choice
Coping: Oklahoma Flag
Deck: 1,000 sq. ft. rock stamp -quoted as no color (deck and drains to 1,000 sq ft $9,000)
Plaster: Stonescape mini with shells-our choice of color ($2500)
Waterfall/Grotto: 4 1/2 max height, 16' ft long mossrock boulder ($8700)
Spa: 7' raised 18', returns 6, spillwall Oklahoma flagstone, split bench, light LED
Tanning Ledge with stone fountain and umbrella sleeve ($2200)
Steps/Benches/per plan ($800)
Dual Drains
Cleanup
Startup & Instructions
Sprinkler Reroute: $1500

Equipment:
Filter: 580 CL Modular Pro Series Jandy
Heater: Jandy Jxi 400,000 P ($2800)
Pump: 2 HP Pro Series Jandy
Waterfall Pump: 2 HP Stealth Pro, Pro Series Jandy
Automatic Chlorinator: Fusion System ($1500)
Computer: Rs-6 w/I Aqua Link, Freeze guard ($2500)
Light: 2 LED/pool (Lights $2200)
Pool Sweep: Polaris 280 w booster pump $1200 (pretty sure you guys recommend Dolphin instead)
Returns: 5

1. I know TFP is hard core SWG-but my husband and kids don't want to go with saltwater for multiple reasons and no homes in our neighborhood use SWG.

2. I think we'll add a basketball goal as well.

3. I can't tell if the benches have a step out on them.

4. We don't really care about or plan to use the grotto, but do want a big flat area for the kids/adults to be able to jump off of, wondering if we need to make changes to that.

5. We never discussed decking with him-the pool will be in direct sunlight for majority of the day and our concern is it getting HOT-any ideas/suggestions.

Ok, go easy, what have we done wrong?

 

[Jimrahbe]

H2o,

I personally think that flagstone coping is almost the worst coping to have... It is made of "sand" .. I have a rent house with flagstone coping and it just sheds very thin layers of sand.. Never again.

Looks like you are getting a single speed 2 HP pump?????? I'd check to make sure as a single speed pump makes zero sense..

If you have never been in a Saltwater pool then you will never know what you are missing..

Name just one reason your brood does not want to go with a Saltwater?

You might want to check out what a "Fusion" system is... I think it is a combination chlorine tablets and Minerals..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Indeeph2o]

H2o,

I personally think that flagstone coping is almost the worst coping to have... It is made of "sand" .. I have a rent house with flagstone coping and it just sheds very thin layers of sand.. Never again.

Looks like you are getting a single speed 2 HP pump?????? I'd check to make sure as a single speed pump makes zero sense..

If you have never been in a Saltwater pool then you will never know what you are missing..

Name just one reason your brood does not want to go with a Saltwater?

You might want to check out what a "Fusion" system is... I think it is a combination chlorine tablets and Minerals..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Jim-thanks for responding. I was wondering about the flagstone-is there something else you prefer/recommend?

PB only wrote Jandy Pro 2.0 HP so...

We have been in saltwater pools and I think the issues is we like to swim laps, dive to the bottom, etc. and aren't fans of the buoyancy in a saltwater pool. I know I'm disappointing the regulars in TFP and I apologize.

And, I don't see anything about autofill, am I missing something there?

Appreciate the feedback, guidance and patience.

 

[Jimrahbe]

H2o,

It is your pool and you get to pick what you want.. Period!

Just to be clear this is not the dead sea or the ocean.. If you can tell any buoyancy difference between a standard chlorine pool and a saltwater pool, you are much better person than I am.. The ocean is 35,000 ppm and a salt water pool is 3,500... Maybe you are more buoyant than I am, but it is not something that I have ever noticed... I'd say it would be impossible for anyone, but you to tell...

My pool has man-made coping, but it is more of a Square modern style and not a free-form pool. I'd see what your pool builder has to offer.. I'd also tell the pool builder you want to look at several pools that he has built with flagstone and see how will it works a year or two later. He should be proud to show off his handy work.. My pool builder has brought several potential customer by to see my pool...

You also want to make sure you get an overflow port.. I think an overflow port should be mandatory.. An auto fill is nice to have, but not a necessity...

Good luck with your pool build.

Thanks,

Jim R.