No Pool...Yet, But Lots Of Learning To Do!

[Mona1986]

Hello TFP Community! Glad I found this site (I think I saw it recommended after reading countless forums on reddit about pools), as there is a lot of knowledge and valuable advice on here. I don’t have anything listed in signature yet, because I am still working towards getting one haha. I’m located in Fredericksburg VA. Currently on a waiting list with the PB to have a consultation – estimated to be another 12 weeks. I’ve never had a pool, but always wanted one. When we moved into our house about 5 years ago, having a few PB come and give me quotes was one of the first things I did. It didn’t pan out back then, but hoping to move forward soon. At any rate, I have quite a bit of time before I even talk to the PB initially, so Im trying to spend the time now on researching, learning, and making some decisions (where possible).

First question – If I am looking or advice on several topics (i.e covers, SWG, sand vs cartridge, etc), is it recommended I list each topic in its own thread and not combine multiple topics into thread?

Second question – Here is what I am planning on, and what I still need to figure out/research more. Any thoughts as to what else I need to add to my research list? Thank you in advance!

Feel like I am decided on…

• Fiberglass
• Rectangle shape
• SWG
• Solar Cover – likely the cheaper bubble type, probably just plan to replace every season, and will look at adding grommets or whatever they are called to prevent water build up on top of it
• Having a reel for the solar cover, still looking at different brands but have a seen a few where they have wheels on 1 or both sides. My plan would be to try and move the reel to under the deck when not in use depending on how much of hassle it is to move it.
• Winterizing Pool – will likely use a company to do the opening and closing, at least in beginning, until I get comfortable to do it.
• Do the maintenance in between opening and closing on my own
• Using safety cover during winterization period
• Cartridge Filtering – will target something that has more capability than I actually need
• Good test kit – I see either TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C are highly recommended here
• Heating
• Vacuum robot
• Multi speed pump
• Making sure the PB has a good process to follow for filling in with gravel backfill and also a sump pipe or some other means to reduce ground water if needed

I still need to figure out/research…

• Specific Fiberglass model - Im not too picky, but will need to talk to PB on the pricing differences first
• Type of SWG
• Type of Solar Cover brand
• Type of cartridge filter
• Type of heat - Gas vs electric vs both, and once decided, then what model(s)?
• Type of safety cover - solid vs mesh vs solid with mesh panel, and then what model?
  • If going with solid, then maybe will plan to have 2 pumps (1 as backup in case it breaks suddenly in middle of heavy rains)
• Research for what chemicals to have on hand
• Type of Vacuum robot
• Type of pump
• Timers for heat, pump, SWG?
• Proper way to test chemicals (seen thing about testing some chemicals in a certain way with back to sun or something LOL)
• Research on the order to add chemicals (may vary depending on what is off in my pool)
• Handrail options – I would prefer not to have one, but I hear FG pools may be slippery. Not sure if that is just if you have an algae problem, or even if water is perfect
• Know how to SLAM and check for overnight chlorine loss test – just in case needing to do it suddenly
• Identifying a planned maintenance schedule – how often and what I will check, how often and what I will clean
• Pre planning – i.e where exactly in yard will pool go, maybe cut down some more trees, how many amps do I have free, where is the natural gas hook up, any wires of concern buried under, etc
• Where will pool equipment be placed – possibly have options that is further away in year near/behind/in a shed or closer to where pool is (which is right next to house) that is under deck/next to patio
• How should a FB SWG pool be winterized and when? Will plan to use a company to do it, but want to understand this better so I am comfortable with what they are doing as right and also what I should be checking and how often during winterization
• If using safety cover that has anchors, try to have cover and supplies ready for PB to maybe do it after build if possible.
• Hardscaping – what to use for decking and coping. Keep in mind SWG will be used, so use materials that handle this best

 

[Casey]

Welcome Mona. That's an incredible 1st post. Looks like you've been doing some reading.you have pretty good set of first questions.

As far as fiberglass pools, I'll say this. Your fiberglass pool will be as good as its installer. Find an amazing installer and you'll have an amazing pool.i bought an Imagine Pool Illusion 40 and I absolutely love my new pool. I haven't gotten to swim in it yet but I had a great experience with install and my builder has been very good at communicating with me throughout the whole process from choosing my pool to installing it.

You're never going to go wrong with a SWG and a great test kit. Get a VS pump and if you dont go with an auto cover, get solar cover and a good reel. If you have the money, buy aan auto cover. I did not. I will probably be investing in the solar covers every 2 years. I bought a reel. The cost was just to much for me.

I bought all Jandy equipment from my pump to my heat pump. If you dont have natural gas, a heat pump is always an option. I didn't want the price tag on running gas lines. It was cheaper for me to run the electrical. I wanted the plain Jane of pools. I'm fine with going down and manually upping the SWG myself than having it at the touch of my fingers.

I'm sure others will be around shortly to add their opinions. Just remember the more you add the more the cost. Here is my fiberglass pool with slide. I have a mesh cover (it comes with it's own hardware) that PB installed.

If you like the Imagine line, you can call them n they'll set you up with a pool dealer in your area but it's up to you to do your homework on pool builders to have a good experience with a pool install.

 

[Mona1986]

Hi Casey! Thank you for very much for reply and guidance! Beautiful pool too! I am hoping to get something similar looking with a regular rectangle. I would love auto cover as well but definitely afraid about the cost (upfront and replacement/maintenance) as well as if it breaks down when I really need to get it on and off LOL. Good advice about going with same brand for equipment, will definitely keep that in mind! When I initially a started my pool journey, I didn't really care 5 years ago on type. Then the more i read, the more I like FG for few reasons (mainly seems like maintenance is easier and better bang for buck long term wise). You bring up very good point my pool will only be as good as builder. I'm planning to use River Pools. They are located in my state and can handle rhe whole process (mfg and install). I thought this would be good way to go to avoid any finger pointing if something goes wrong, the have some good reviews, lots of options, but I also love the amount of info and videos on their site. That being said, I'm still leaning towards FG but I worry too about well gunite is more permanent, vynl probably cheaper, FG may be slippery, etc. And I'm seeing a lot on this site about possible staining and a lot of difficulty to remove it! So needless to say I still gotta a lot of homework to do here, but I think I'm like 90% sold on FG.

I see you are in PA, similar to me with swing seasons. Did you winterize your pool and using the mesh on top? Or are you still running the pool during the winter? I'm thinking I would do like a full winterize, but still need to read a lot more in the pros and cons.

Also I think I have the option to do natural gas or electric, but again still a lot of studying to do there.

I wish a had a million I could throw to this project and get it all haha but I really missed my shot at better pricing 5 Years ago now due to this huge pool demand now. Sometimes I tell myself to wait until pricing goes back down but who knows when that will and I'd like to spend my hard earned money on something I will enjoy soon (more like late 2023 prolly lol). I'm only getting older you know

 

[Newdude]

Hey Mona and Welcome !!! Casey aint kidding. You like homework. Bravo !!

SWG

I cannot understate what a convienience this is. Simply. Cannot. I can bore you to tears with details, but they are all too chliche. So. Find someone who has one. Try and take it away. Protip: be prepared to fight dirty. It's gon be ugly. Let their intensity of stopping you be your guide to how great of a product it is.

Solar Cover – and Reel

The solar cover will be needed to stop a good deal of heat loss from evaporation. Any membrane will work the same, thickness is irrelavant. Thick means heavy and alot of curses shouted. Go thin/cheap and plan on replacing every year or two.

You will be paying more than you'd like for heat, and getting a solar cover cut my electric bill in half. They are widely accepted as a PITA, and most with a heater think its a necessary evil.

A reel REALLY helps. Until the bearings start to go and then its much harder to use. Might be 2 years, or 5, but they all fail.

The reel with a wet cover will be heavy as sin. You may be able to move it, maybe not as far or as easily as you'd like.

Do the maintenance in between opening and closing on my own

We got you !!!

Winterizing Pool – will likely use a company to do the opening and closing

Pay them *once*. When they get there, hand each employee $20 and tell them you need to learn. They will suddenly be in a GREAT mood. Shadow them and take a bazillion pics. Look at them all in reverse next year to remeber each step *exactly*. We got you here as well.

• Cartridge Filtering – will target something that has more capability than I actually need
• Good test kit – I see either TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C are highly recommended here
• Heating
• Vacuum robot
• Multi speed pump

5 for 5 with my personal favs. Especially the robot, VS pump and test kit. 'Go try and take someone's away'

We can work through all the details/choices as they arise.

 

[Casey]

I close with a mesh cover. I pull it back once a month to drain water when we get a lot of precipitation.i haven't chemically treated it since I closed in late October.

No matter what pool you chose, there is going to be maintenance. As far as staining, if you're using metals then you're eventually going to have staining. On a well? You're going to get staining. Dont ever think that because you have one brand of pool that the maintenance will be easier or not stain. Not true. All pools need maintaining, brushing, vacuuming, tested ect...

 

[Mona1986]

Hey Mona and Welcome !!! Casey aint kidding. You like homework. Bravo !!

I cannot understate what a convienience this is. Simply. Cannot. I can bore you to tears with details, but they are all too chliche. So. Find someone who has one. Try and take it away. Protip: be prepared to fight dirty. It's gon be ugly. Let their intensity of stopping you be your guide to how great of a product it is.


The solar cover will be needed to stop a good deal of heat loss from evaporation. Any membrane will work the same, thickness is irrelavant. Thick means heavy and alot of curses shouted. Go thin/cheap and plan on replacing every year or two.

You will be paying more than you'd like for heat, and getting a solar cover cut my electric bill in half. They are widely accepted as a PITA, and most with a heater think its a necessary evil.

A reel REALLY helps. Until the bearings start to go and then its much harder to use. Might be 2 years, or 5, but they all fail.

The reel with a wet cover will be heavy as sin. You may be able to move it, maybe not as far or as easily as you'd like.

We got you !!!

Pay them *once*. When they get there, hand each employee $20 and tell them you need to learn. They will suddenly be in a GREAT mood. Shadow them and take a bazillion pics. Look at them all in reverse next year to remeber each step *exactly*. We got you here as well.


5 for 5 with my personal favs. Especially the robot, VS pump and test kit. 'Go try and take someone's away'

We can work through all the details/choices as they arise.

Thanks NewDude! Your comments about SWG help cement my decision to go with it! I know like anything there are pros and cons, but I think SWG is 1 that I haven't really seen much cons on. I have seen a lot on here to only acid wash if absolutely neccesary. So Ill remenber that. I'm not worried about having any expensive delicate landscaping or hardscape that might get harmed, so yeah SWG is my path! Plus I'll be sure to get the pool accessories that work best with SWG to avoid corrosion as much as possible. I'm pretty sold on Cartridge as well! I dont think DE is right for me due to complexity and backwash. I did consider sand with glass media but again backwash would be a concern and seems like might be more hassel I can do on own if it breaks or has issues. Cartridge just seems simpler to clean and replace if needed. Vacuum and multi speed pump will definitely be my go to as well, cost permitting. Yep. A lot of homework for sure LOL! But, I'll make lemonade out of lemons and use this time gap I have to get my research done! I really hope one day soon I can add pool specs to my signature!

 

[Mona1986]

I close with a mesh cover. I pull it back once a month to drain water when we get a lot of precipitation.i haven't chemically treated it since I closed in late October.

No matter what pool you chose, there is going to be maintenance. As far as staining, if you're using metals then you're eventually going to have staining. On a well? You're going to get staining. Dont ever think that because you have one brand of pool that the maintenance will be easier or not stain. Not true. All pools need maintaining, brushing, vacuuming, tested ect...

Thank you Casey! I'm torn between a mesh vs solid with pump. Both seem to have appealing reasons for sure! Yes I have been reading iron is more likely in well but can still happen regardless. I'm not on well, but it's definitely something I have to think of. One of the bigger reasons I was sold on FG is not having to deal with replanted, acid wash, and vynl replacement which I know I would have to plan for on gunite/vynl. But of course having to possibly recoat the FG would be a huge risk and cost I'm sure! Wi be doing a lot more reading on how to best prevent stains on FG. Thanks for all your valuable and great inputs!

 

[Newdude]

I have seen a lot on here to only acid wash if absolutely neccesary.

Good WORD, you've been studying. And again, bravo.

You have us now. You'll ask every step of the way. It doesn't matter how silly it may seem, its new to you. We get that. Someone will be free to help pretty much around the clock. Like with acid washing. Do it wrong, and we have 2 problems to fix. A new SWG is a pricey problem. We would SO much rather have 1 problem to fix. For real. Ask away anytime.

I'm torn between a mesh vs solid with pump

So you pump excess rain water that goes through the cover, or collects on top of the cover. Either way, excpect 3 ft of precipitation in the Northeast off season that will need removing.

One of the bigger reasons I was sold on FG is not having to deal with replanted, acid wash, and vynl replacement which I know I would have to plan for on gunite/vynl. But of course having to possibly recoat the FG would be a huge risk and cost I'm sure!

So besides build cost, the 3 pretty much even out in replacement/refinishing. The liner needs replacing 2 times more often at about half the cost of refinishing the plaster or FB. If you stay in the house long enough, it will be the same, but like covers, its your choice how you see it works best for you.

 

[mknauss]

First question – If I am looking or advice on several topics (i.e covers, SWG, sand vs cartridge, etc), is it recommended I list each topic in its own thread and not combine multiple topics into thread?

Welcome to the forum.

Keep all items pertaining to your planning and building of a pool in THIS Under Construction thread.