we used wax myrtles which do drop leaves, but never really into the pool. We also used bamboo for a more modern look.
Quarantine Christmas Pool Build - ATX - Intellicenter - System Reset?
- Thread starter NWS
- Start date
Yes to both and the TF-100 is the best bang for the buck. Consider adding the XL option which as a newb will give you LOTs of extra to learn with. You will need a few tries at first and once you get it (very quickly) you will be test happy and use a lot more than once the fun wears off.
This is exactly how it goes :
1) scared of perceived complexity of thorough test kit.
2) realize it’s simply one easy step after another.
3) test the water a bunch and mess up a bit
4) get it.
5). Test EVERYTHING you can find because you CAN The tap. The hose. The bath. The sky. Everything.
6). Only test every day then every other day when you learn your pool and hardly use any testing supplies at all.
7). Test weekly and sigh that the SWG makes it rather boring because you won’t need to do much often.
Thanks for the laugh, and the reassurance, @Newdude . I have a feeling these are the exact stages I'll go through!
Have you ever tested rain water? Try to use a clean bucket or jar to catch it in. Don't use runoff from the roof.
Somebody spoiled it back when that the PH was in the 5's so I haven't.
Well, after a short detour to re-align some misaligned jets and sconces, we're back at it! Going on Day 6 of coping and tile prep work. It's amazing to watch these guys do their work.
Sorry to hear about the mess ups but so glad to hear they fixed them!
Kim
Kim
TexasRain
Well-known member
- May 19, 2020
- 358
- Pool Size
- 13868
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Did you decide on a finish yet? PebbleSheen is awesome! I was so happy when I finally could walk on my shelf. it felt "grippy" but not scratchy. I did not kneel down on it yet to feel it on my knees, too cold right now 
Yes - we're also doing PS Blue Surf -- that's why I was so excited to see how amazing yours turned out!!Did you decide on a finish yet? PebbleSheen is awesome! I was so happy when I finally could walk on my shelf. it felt "grippy" but not scratchy. I did not kneel down on it yet to feel it on my knees, too cold right now
TexasRain
Well-known member
- May 19, 2020
- 358
- Pool Size
- 13868
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Coping and tile almost complete! We decided to go with a very neutral waterline tile: Aquabella OD-45. It's off-white, with some shimmery tiles. I LOVE it, and I'm hoping the blue of the water will really make it pop (PS Blue Surf). Stone is Haze ledgerstone and Haze 3x6 (Mastertile):
That tile will really do great with the SMURF plaster! I can't wait to see it all together with the water and sun!
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,206
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I don't recall seeing that tile used before. Very cool. I agree it should look great with Smurf. But that's also my favorite plaster color.
Hi all, So tile is just about finished and I need some help from all you knowledgable people. This is our first pool so it's hard to envision the final look. For the main sheer descent wall, we chose to go with a porcelain tile (since I learned on here about the challenges of stone under a sheer descent!) This tile looks pretty cool up close..you see the texture and the vertical stripes which I think will look good with the sheer descent. From a distance, however, the main raised wall with this tile looks a little plain, even a bit unfinished. So I've been toying with the idea of adding a horizontal strip of the glass waterline tile (3 tiles high) across the center of the raised wall to give it a little pop. (btw, we also have two large pewter sconces that will be attached to the columns that will give everything more visual interest)
My questions for you smart people:
Edited to add pic of sconces we'll be using (pic is before main wall was grouted):
My questions for you smart people:
- From a design perspective, do you think it would be worth it to add any decorative tile to the center raised wall at this point in the build process? I assume the porcelain tile would have to be cut and the decorative tile laid within...we can't lay the decorative tile on top of the porcelain tile, correct? If you have simple suggestions other than a strip of waterline tile, I'd love to hear them!
- Or once water is added and the sheer descent is going, will the main wall look good as-is and doesn't need anything additional at this point
Edited to add pic of sconces we'll be using (pic is before main wall was grouted):
Last edited:
I see what you mean. No WOW factor. Here is my idea. A decorative tile of some sort. Now me being me mine would be BRIGHT blue wiht some bling factor to it like this one:
To add to the wow factor I would turn that tile on on it's point. I would have 5 of them.
You could also do a mosaic right in the middle as well.
www.poolmosaics.com
A good tile mason will be able to cut the tile on there to fit the new tiles in.
Now if you don't like my ideas that is okay. Tell me what you think and we can go from there.
Kim
Amazon.com: Casablanca Market MT002 Mediterranean Ceramic Azur Decorative Tile, Blue/White: Home & Kitchen
Buy Casablanca Market MT002 Mediterranean Ceramic Azur Decorative Tile, Blue/White: Hanging Decorative Tiles - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
To add to the wow factor I would turn that tile on on it's point. I would have 5 of them.
You could also do a mosaic right in the middle as well.
Compass/Medallion 1 Ceramic Pool Mosaic - Blue Water Pool Mosaics
Our Medallion/Compass- 1 pool mosaics will add a creative touch to your new or refinished swimming pool. These medallion pool mosaics are handcrafted in the USA by skilled artisans using durable, high quality glazed ceramic tile.
www.poolmosaics.com
A good tile mason will be able to cut the tile on there to fit the new tiles in.
Now if you don't like my ideas that is okay. Tell me what you think and we can go from there.
Kim
Thanks @kimkats! Yes that's exactly what I'm thinking -- no wow factor. Love the decorative tile you've pointed out. If you're thinking 5, how do you envision laying them out? In a line or more scattered? LOVE the idea of a mosaic, too. The link you've included might be too big (center wall is 24" tall) but I'll search for other options.
And if I decide to make this change, it should be made before plaster goes in, right? If we decided to add later, I assume we would have to drain the pool for the work to be done. Appreciate the help!
And if I decide to make this change, it should be made before plaster goes in, right? If we decided to add later, I assume we would have to drain the pool for the work to be done. Appreciate the help!
