O/B in Gilbert, AZ for 2nd time

[Nikilyn]

Also, we got another quote that was quite a bit less but the only thing different was it didn’t include the Jandy valves. I don’t know if that is a big deal or not.

 

[ajw22]

Use of diverter valves is easy to add to any builders quote.

 

[HermanTX]

Also, we got another quote that was quite a bit less but the only thing different was it didn’t include the Jandy valves. I don’t know if that is a big deal or not.

Jandy valves are diverted valves. Did this plumber quote regular ball valves which are not desirable?
See Link for understanding diverter valve
Also, there was an earlier comment to have 2 skimmers. It s best to have those as independent lines all the way back to the equipment pad and have a valve on each to provide control. This is extra cost for running additional PVC so you want to specify this to the plumber. Hard to read the quote if this is really included. This is on suction only.
Also you want to include a bypass for the heater. This is not a lot of cost but it does affect how the piping is run on the equipment pad. You may request the plumber provide a diagram to ensure he understands your needs.
Also, it is noted you are piping for water feature. Ensure you have valve to control or isolate that.

 

[Nikilyn]

I’m trying to decide on waterline tile. Everything I keep choosing keeps getting shot down. I REALLY don’t want 6x6 tile. I really wanted 1x2 glass tile but my husband was completely talked out of that by some pool people. I tried to like some 6x6 but just couldn’t make myself. I found some 2x3 porcelain tile I liked (bigger tiles, less grout, porcelai) and was finally feeling happy and settled but that joy was shot down when they found out our spa is oval and the pool is free form. They said it most likely wouldn’t look good on those curves because it wouldn’t lay right. I understand, and I’ll be happy I switched in the long run, but today I was very upset about it. (It also had to do with my plaster choices not turning out the way I hoped.) My husband agreed to the 1x2 porcelain tile, even with all the grout. There aren’t as many options but I have found a couple. I like the blue and white one. I think the way it fades is cool. I really like the Fujiwa tile with the green and blue, plus I love the shape. I would pick the Fujiwa one but the space for grout lines is much bigger than the other. What I want to know is if that should be a deal breaker? The pool people we were talking to made it seem like a huge deal. But I’ve learned from here to not trust everything they say. But is this the time I should? I could be happy with the blue one but I’d prefer the other.

 

[mmardini]

I’m trying to decide on waterline tile. Everything I keep choosing keeps getting shot down. I REALLY don’t want 6x6 tile. I really wanted 1x2 glass tile but my husband was completely talked out of that by some pool people. I tried to like some 6x6 but just couldn’t make myself. I found some 2x3 porcelain tile I liked (bigger tiles, less grout, porcelai) and was finally feeling happy and settled but that joy was shot down when they found out our spa is oval and the pool is free form. They said it most likely wouldn’t look good on those curves because it wouldn’t lay right. I understand, and I’ll be happy I switched in the long run, but today I was very upset about it. (It also had to do with my plaster choices not turning out the way I hoped.) My husband agreed to the 1x2 porcelain tile, even with all the grout. There aren’t as many options but I have found a couple. I like the blue and white one. I think the way it fades is cool. I really like the Fujiwa tile with the green and blue, plus I love the shape. I would pick the Fujiwa one but the space for grout lines is much bigger than the other. What I want to know is if that should be a deal breaker? The pool people we were talking to made it seem like a huge deal. But I’ve learned from here to not trust everything they say. But is this the time I should? I could be happy with the blue one but I’d prefer the other.

we had a bunch of pool builders try to talk us out of glass tile. I went with it anyways. I love the look too much. Do what will make you happy you will be the one looking at the pool everyday. Btw my husband also veto’d the glass tile after listening to the pool builders but hey! Happy wife happy life

 

[mmardini]

we had a bunch of pool builders try to talk us out of glass tile. I went with it anyways. I love the look too much. Do what will make you happy you will be the one looking at the pool everyday. Btw my husband also veto’d the glass tile after listening to the pool builders but hey! Happy wife happy life

our tile is also 1x2. Here is a pic for reference

 

[Nikilyn]

Your tile is beautiful! After you were done I showed it to him. He's actually not a fan is the 1x2 because he thinks it's too busy but he knows how much I like it. I'm trying to give some by choosing the porcelain but I'm getting shiny for the steps .

What did they tell you about cleaning it? They said some parts of the country can do well with it but because our water is so hard it's just too hard to clean. Plus the extreme heat can make them pop off.

 

[kimkats]

You are off to a great start! Asking good questions and making informed decisions! Well done!

Seems to me the smaller tile would be easier to do on freeform than 6x6! Get what YOU want and go from there. The PB/tilers are going to try to push you to what is easier for them to install!

 

[RoyR]

It’s not just an install issue:

1. Unless you are using epoxy grout, over time the wet/dry cycles is going to cause the grout to crack and fall out, next the little 1x2 tiles falls off...
2. The waterline tile is usually 6x6 since that is where all the oils/dust/dirt floats and collects. That “stuff” changes the color of the grout to white, and is difficult to clean. So, how do you think your beautiful blue 1x2 tile is going to look after kids used your pool after a year?

 

[Nikilyn]

It’s not just an install issue:

1. Unless you are using epoxy grout, over time the wet/dry cycles is going to cause the grout to crack and fall out, next the little 1x2 tiles falls off...
2. The waterline tile is usually 6x6 since that is where all the oils/dust/dirt floats and collects. That “stuff” changes the color of the grout to white, and is difficult to clean. So, how do you think your beautiful blue 1x2 tile is going to look after kids used your pool after a year?

Well, I plan on using white grout anyway.

 

[Nikilyn]

Things began today. We decided to do pregrade ourselves to save $1500. Plus, our son is putting in his own yard and is reusing our sod. So the cost was only the $80 sod cutter rental and a lot of muscle. At least it's finally not in the 90s today so that makes work easier.
The mud has begun !

 

[TampaKathy]

I can't believe you are saving that much! Might have to ask my PB about that!

 

[kimkats]

Is little man doing the sod cutting? Well done on doing it yourself and saving all of that!

 

[Nikilyn]

Is little man doing the sod cutting? Well done on doing it yourself and saving all of that!

He did do quite a few passes with it and loved it . He quickly left when that was done and they had to roll it and carry it to the trailer .

 

[kimkats]

LOL so he is the machine runner NOT the getting dirty person! LOVE it!

 

[Nikilyn]

We are scheduled to dig on Dec 2nd . We also hired a company that does plumbing, gas, electrical and steel and they said we’ll be on the schedule with them within 3 days of dig and they will be done in 2 days. I think having Thanksgiving in there will help the time go by faster .

 

[kimkats]

so close!!

 

[Nikilyn]

We are going to have a robot. Our plan was done saying we were going to have a vacuum and it didn’t get changed before going out to bid so the bids have the vacuum line included. Do we want to have that taken out or should we have it plumbed with it just in case?

 

[ajw22]

No reason to build a vacuum line in. It is the least effective type of pool cleaner. You will do a bunch of change orders during your build. Once you pick your builder tell him to delete the vacuum line.

 

[Nikilyn]

No reason to build a vacuum line in. It is the least effective type of pool cleaner. You will do a bunch of change orders during your build. Once you pick your builder tell him to delete the vacuum line.

We picked the plumber and we were just having a conversation about it. He was going to leave it in just in case but asked what we wanted. I wanted opinions here first. I did ask him about the channel drain and I didn’t understand his reply. This was before figuring out he was still planning on the vacuum. He said, “honestly you are doing a vacuum so it doesnt realy make sense. thre drain is tied with the skimmer so it doesnt pull suction unless you put a diverter in the skimmer”. What does this mean?