New pool construction in Austin TX - Gunite Phase

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We considered an IPE deck and decided against it because the ones I saw looked worn/weathered after a year or two. Also I know there was a litigation filed against a pool builder in Texas a few years ago and one of the complaints was about the IPE deck cracking and splintering after a relatively short time. I am sure others have used IPE decking and it’s still looking great after a time.

Personally we went with this millboard decking over IPE and I expect it to hold up well. My pool builder had good things to say about it. Just maybe something to consider.

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My in laws had IPE and they had to sand and oil every 5 years or so to keep the look. Looks great, not low maintainance
 
JamesW said:
Austin texas is going through a huge building boom including pools and the requirements to become a pool builder are pretty much nonexistent, so you need to do your due diligence X 10.

There are many reports of bad construction including claims of ASR.

Check the builder as thoroughly as possible.
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Thank you for providing valuable feedback and insights. Indeed, Austin has experienced a significant boom. We truly appreciate your concern, and we have been dedicated to the thorough evaluation of numerous pool builders, conducting due diligence the best we can which includes soliciting feedback and sharing our progress with all of you. Thank you once again for being part of this journey with us.
 
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JamesW said:
Pool Builder Requirements.

1) Do you want to build pools?

Yes.

Congratulations, you qualify to be a pool builder.

Now, get out there and dig some holes in people's backyards.

Application Approved!
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Doesn't really change that most sub out the stages throughout the build. It becomes more of a building relationships with subs and vetting them and how they stand behind their work.
But that is the name of the game, and where you find the difference in cost to build with a more established/reputable builder.
 
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BDY said:
+1 on SWG (at least 2x your pool size) and variable pump, esp in Texas with its long pool seasons and you won’t close the pool in winter normally
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We are discussing with pool builder on salt chlorinator size. Given combined pool and spa size is ~25K gallons, what SWG size should we request? Jandy PLC700 max is 12K and Jandy PLC1400 is 40K. Can we stack salt chlorinators - for example Jandy PLC700 + PLC1400 to make 52K? Or do we stick with PLC1400 and assume we will replace it more frequently? Or perhaps 2x PLC1400? I'm trying to understand pros and cons from these approaches.

Thank you very much.
 
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Thank you for everyone's help and feedback. We took some of the input and ran with them. We updated the pool specs on first page. We added pool chiller and switched to SWG (PLC1400 sufficient for 40K gallons). There are couple of design items we are still discussing with PB.

We are considering to remove the wall on both sides and only have 1 in the center, with potentially longer sheer descent esp. given the length of pool. As we have a pretty big and open backyard, it may be more natural to have less wall for better transition. We are also contemplating what is the right proportion of wall height given the length of the water feature.

Wondering if anyone has feedback or opinion, is it a good idea to install fire pit on top of water feature ? We were thinking the reflection of that fire would look great from the house. This can be in the future - perhaps have PB install electrical connection at the back of that wall.

Similarly, if PB can install low voltage connection (with appropriate transformer), is it a good idea to install led strip such as Hue LED Strip Outdoor along pool and overflow spa (on 1 side) so as to brighten the wall (when viewed from the house)?

Thank you everyone. Have a great weekend.
 
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Exciting update! After numerous revisions and discussions, we've overhauled our pool design. Currently, we're navigating the permitting phase. As we embark on this construction journey, we value your insights and feedback. If you've been through a similar process, your experiences and tips would be incredibly helpful. Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to share your thoughts as we progress. Thank you.

UPDATED POOL AND SPA SPECS 1/14
  • Pool size: 18’ x 44’
  • Pool depth: 3.5 to 6 feet to top of tile (water level is true depth)
  • Spa Size: 6’ x 10’, elevated 6 inches above pool level
  • Spa depth: 3.5’ to top of tile (water level is true depth)
  • 25 linear feet of 4 feet high Waterfall Wet Wall
  • 20’ Fire Feature at Waterfall Wet Wall
  • 18'x18' Floating Ipe Decking (waiting for bid for millboard decking)
  • 10'x20' Aluminum Pergola
 

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kimkats said:
How deep will your shelf be? The steps (?) under the waterfall fire feature are...................in the water? under the water?
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Currently, the plan is for 6” tanning shelf. The steps are designed to be slightly below water level so they are not visible when viewed from across the pool, about 9 inch from the wet wall to allow space for uplighting. I think PB might have missed the step that was there to get from pool deck to shelf. We would love to hear what your thoughts are.
 
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Have you put a tape measure on the floor and seen how not deep 6" is? When I sit on a shelf or bench I like the water to hit me around my belly button.

Those steps by the wet wall-All I can think of is what a nightmare they are going to be to clean around. They have very little value for use or visual impact. You could have a long pool if you removed them and shortened the shelf.
 
Yes, we went back and forth many times between 6" or 9" of water depth. Do you recommend 9" or deeper?

The purpose for those steps is mainly to walk across to the spa without being wet. For example we may have children in the spa and the adults want to check on them, communicate (ask what they prefer for dinner) and/or fetch water. Is there a width that you recommend to make it clean-able or would you not recommend them at all? I do agree though that it will require more maintenance.
 
My fav shelf depth is at least 9". That is just at my belly button.

I would do way with the steps altogether. Many reasons why:
-slip hazard
-maintenance nightmare around and under them
-trip hazard between them especially for kids. (worry about feet l=slipping into the cracks)
-lose valuable pool space
 
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kimkats said:
My fav shelf depth is at least 9". That is just at my belly button.

I would do way with the steps altogether. Many reasons why:
-slip hazard
-maintenance nightmare around and under them
-trip hazard between them especially for kids. (worry about feet l=slipping into the cracks)
-lose valuable pool space
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I would agree on the shelf depth of 9”.

Also another misc. thought. I recommend you have an outdoor sink handy on your back porch or outdoor kitchen to do your pool water testing and also to clean your skimmer baskets.

Beautiful pool design by the way.

Good luck.
 
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