Under construction in Tampabay Florida

[Skiddy]

We broke down and decided to build a pool with an outdoor kitchen and screen enclosure. We are in the St. Pete Clearwater florida area.
Really blown away with the estimates we were given. I guess the days of the 25K pool are long gone.
I was looking for a good resource to hone my lack of pool knowledge. This is our first pool. We found a company we liked and they broke ground this week.
We decided to go with them due to some recommendations and reviews as well as our overall satisfaction with the company and owner/builder. We went with a more custom boutique style company due to the yard size restrictions. They are using all Pentair equipment, Variable speed pump with a filter cartridge as well as a SWG. I dont know much about anything else they are doing and we still have a lot of things to decide on. We are still deciding on if we want a heater, if so it would be a heat pump.
Pool is roughly 12x30 with a tanning ledge I was told around 10-12k gallons. 6' at the deep end tapered to 3'6"
We have decided on Brick pavers and smooth pebble tec. Glass Tile water line and a 6' waterfall water feature.
2 Led multi color lights a Bubbler in the ledge. Im not sure about what kind of controls I want,- I here there is wireless systems out there.
I accept and appreciate any advice those of you with pools could offer. Thanks

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

We broke down and decided to build a pool with an outdoor kitchen and screen enclosure. We are in the St. Pete Clearwater florida area.
Really blown away with the estimates we were given. I guess the days of the 25K pool are long gone.
I was looking for a good resource to hone my lack of pool knowledge. This is our first pool. We found a company we liked and they broke ground this week.
We decided to go with them due to some recommendations and reviews as well as our overall satisfaction with the company and owner/builder. We went with a more custom boutique style company due to the yard size restrictions. They are using all Pentair equipment, Variable speed pump with a filter cartridge as well as a SWG. I dont know much about anything else they are doing and we still have a lot of things to decide on. We are still deciding on if we want a heater, if so it would be a heat pump.
Pool is roughly 12x30 with a tanning ledge I was told around 10-12k gallons. 6' at the deep end tapered to 3'6"
We have decided on Brick pavers and smooth pebble tec. Glass Tile water line and a 6' waterfall water feature.
2 Led multi color lights a Bubbler in the ledge. Im not sure about what kind of controls I want,- I here there is wireless systems out there.
I accept and appreciate any advice those of you with pools could offer. Thanks

Hi Seminole neighbor! We had ours put in last year by one of the bigger, very reputable places, but had wanted to go with a small boutique family run pool company except that they didn't have any time on their schedule to do it. We've been loving our pool, and I'm sure you will love yours!

 

[Skiddy]

Hey there, Love your pool layout and hot tub. I was told by my PB that it would be about 10K extra for a HT but my family boycotted it. I was outnumbered.
Love your decking also, the natural stone looks luxurious.
How do you like the Pebble Sheen? We have chosen that but also liked the Hydrazzo they offer.I just want something that will last for the next 10-15 years we are here.

 

[guinness]

They are using all Pentair equipment, Variable speed pump with a filter cartridge as well as a SWG. I dont know much about anything else they are doing and we still have a lot of things to decide on.

I suspect they're offering either EasyTouch or IntelliCenter automation, the latter is the most recent system and recommended here.

 

[Skiddy]

My PB mentioned a $1200 upgrade if I choose. Is it worth the cost for the Intellicenter?

 

[Skiddy]

Hi Seminole neighbor! We had ours put in last year by one of the bigger, very reputable places, but had wanted to go with a small boutique family run pool company except that they didn't have any time on their schedule to do it. We've been loving our pool, and I'm sure you will love yours!View attachment 164577

Did you decide to go with Heat? If so what type and how well did it work. I was given a price of 4k for a heat pump option.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

Did you decide to go with Heat? If so what type and how well did it work. I was given a price of 4k for a heat pump option.

We went with a heat pump that also has a chiller. Details in my signature. Heat pump has been all we need. 4k sounds high, but I know that prices on things have changed a lot due to tariffs, etc. We are 100% happy with the heat pump. Got us swimming in April, and kept us swimming through September (and we like 88 degree water). Now it's getting the spa just right for movie night (we roll out a projector and have a pull-down screen on the enclosure.)

 

[guinness]

My PB mentioned a $1200 upgrade if I choose. Is it worth the cost for the Intellicenter?

Upgrade from EasyTouch w/ ScreenLogic? Seems like a lot, the wiring is identical. Also saw your signature shows Pentair VS 1.5 HP pump, is that the SuperFlo? If so that isn't a good pairing for automation, you'd need an Intelliflo instead.

Pentair IntelliCenter 5PIC40 Kit - Pool only with Load Center and IC40

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

Hey there, Love your pool layout and hot tub. I was told by my PB that it would be about 10K extra for a HT but my family boycotted it. I was outnumbered.
Love your decking also, the natural stone looks luxurious.
How do you like the Pebble Sheen? We have chosen that but also liked the Hydrazzo they offer.I just want something that will last for the next 10-15 years we are here.

We mostly like our pebble sheen, but it is rougher than I would have liked, especially on 90 angles, (spa seat, ledge and step corners.) 20/20 hindsight I would have been more proactive about asking the PB to ensure that it was as smooth as possible. We went with terrazzo coping and a stone look concrete paver (terrastone?). Glad it looks like stone!
Welcome to the Seminole pool club!

 

[Skiddy]

Upgrade from EasyTouch w/ ScreenLogic? Seems like a lot, the wiring is identical. Also saw your signature shows Pentair VS 1.5 HP pump, is that the SuperFlo? If so that isn't a good pairing for automation, you'd need an Intelliflo instead.

Pentair IntelliCenter 5PIC40 Kit - Pool only with Load Center and IC40

I spoke with my project manager today and he explained I shouldn't need the automation for I only have a bubbler and a waterfall. He says once you get it set the way you like you will not need to adjust much at all. I dont have a heater or a HT really simple.

 

[gingrbredman]

So there is no automation at all in the package? If that is the case, the $1,200 would be a deal for Intellicenter.
Maybe the builder is correct, you may set everything like you want and be done with it. But, to have the builder install it and get the warranty for the Intellicenter for $1,200, and can set timers, light control, and even turn the waterfall off if you want pretty easy, it sounds like a good option.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

So there is no automation at all in the package? If that is the case, the $1,200 would be a deal for Intellicenter.
Maybe the builder is correct, you may set everything like you want and be done with it. But, to have the builder install it and get the warranty for the Intellicenter for $1,200, and can set timers, light control, and even turn the waterfall off if you want pretty easy, it sounds like a good option.

I use my automation to adjust run times, SWCG percentages, and heater settings. As clunky as the Hayward Aquaconnect is, I'm really glad I have it.

 

[guinness]

I'm assuming you've signed a contract, does it not break down what equipment you'll be getting?

 

[Skiddy]

I'm assuming you've signed a contract, does it not break down what equipment you'll be getting?

I did sign a contract but there isnt a lot of detail just brand name and sizes. I dont see anything as far as how the equipment is operated. What kind of question should I be asking as far as this equipment goes? Doesn't every pool come with a timer for run times and settings ect?

 

[PoolBrews]

I would definitely add the automation. It allows you to see that everything is running properly when you are away on vacation, and allows you to easily set schedules, run times, SWG %, pump speed, etc using an app on your phone.

I would definitely add the heat pump - it will allow you to keep your pool warm year round. With a screened enclosure, you shouldn't need the chiller. The screen knocks the sun down a tremendous amount. Get the biggest heat pump you can. The large heat pumps are more efficient, and will heat your pool faster. The biggest you can get with a chiller is 120K. Without a chiller, 144K.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

I would definitely add the automation. It allows you to see that everything is running properly when you are away on vacation, and allows you to easily set schedules, run times, SWG %, pump speed, etc using an app on your phone.

I would definitely add the heat pump - it will allow you to keep your pool warm year round. With a screened enclosure, you shouldn't need the chiller. The screen knocks the sun down a tremendous amount. Get the biggest heat pump you can. The large heat pumps are more efficient, and will heat your pool faster. The biggest you can get with a chiller is 120K. Without a chiller, 144K.

We did get the chiller, but have not used it this summer. Turns out we like water near 90°.

 

[guinness]

I would call your PM and ask him the following questions:

• Is my Pentair VS pump a Superflo or Intelliflo?
• Is my Pentair SWG an IntelliChlor and if so what size?
• Is there any automation or will it just be the schedule on the pump?

Are you planning on managing the pool yourself or getting pool service?

 

[Skiddy]

Just finished the shotcrete and the yard has been grated to level. They said the next step is plumbing.
I will text the PB those questions about the equipment. I asked about the heater and he told me $5500. That seems really high for a 12k pool. I know they screw us on upgrades so I may just wait and get one later. He will at least wire it for a heater so I can add one later.
Is the Intellicenter something I can add after the fact or does it all need to be built together?
I do plan on maintaining the pool myself.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[PoolBrews]

The cost for the heater is not dependent on the size of your pool. $5K is probably about right if the heater is a 140K unit. The Hayward 144K unit is near $4,000 on it's own, so the extra $1K would be for electrical and installation. You can save a few hundred dollars on a smaller heater... but long term, the heater will be less efficient, and will work harder and take longer to get the pool up to temp. I always recommend getting the biggest heat pump you can get.

You can add automation later, but it will cost you more. It's much easier to wire everything for automation at the start. If you add later, they have to wire for manual use now, then will have to rewire everything later for automation.

After 3 pools, I would never put in another one without automation - it just makes everything much easier to run and schedule.

I would definitely add the heater now - if you don't, you probably won't be using the pool in January - March.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

The cost for the heater is not dependent on the size of your pool. $5K is probably about right if the heater is a 140K unit. The Hayward 144K unit is near $4,000 on it's own, so the extra $1K would be for electrical and installation. You can save a few hundred dollars on a smaller heater... but long term, the heater will be less efficient, and will work harder and take longer to get the pool up to temp. I always recommend getting the biggest heat pump you can get.

You can add automation later, but it will cost you more. It's much easier to wire everything for automation at the start. If you add later, they have to wire for manual use now, then will have to rewire everything later for automation.

After 3 pools, I would never put in another one without automation - it just makes everything much easier to run and schedule.

I would definitely add the heater now - if you don't, you probably won't be using the pool in January - March.

Agree on getting the heater now. We are just across the bay and using the heater and a solar cover to swim NOW. Of course we're wimpy Floridians, and anything under 87 feels chilly.