We are going to be looking for information to best plan for, and budget, for a new pool for next Spring/Summer. We have decided on a fiberglass pool, somewhere close to the 16'x40' with a diving board. We've contacted a few local pool builders/suppliers in the area and are just beginning the process.
We are out in the country with a large lot, no worries about property lines or what to do with the extra dirt. We have a 20'x50' patio behind our house that I'd like to use for an extension of the pool deck. It is about 18" above grade, and I'm thinking that with a deep end (8ft or 8'-6") I should have enough spoils from the excavation to have enough to make up the elevation around the pool. Using our existing patio should save us on cost for any concrete by just going with the "included" 4ft around the pool that seems to be standard. If the pool builder will let me sub-contract the concrete work, I'd prefer to do that since I have a couple close friends and family members who have done concrete around pools as part of their businesses. If it will affect the warranty, I'll just play it safe and go with the 4ft deck as standard butted up against our patio.
I also have thoughts of getting information from TFP on what the best pumps and filters I should be requesting. I've started going through the
Pool School, have much to learn: chemicals, testing, covers, electrical, plumbing...
I'm curious to know if it will save a significant amount of money to just have a pool builder supply and install the pool, and DIY the rest - electrical, pump/filter install, plumbing to the pumps/filters, concrete, fence, etc. I know the DIY route is much longer, but I've got a long planning horizon to work with, and I feel comfortable doing most of the labor.
Thanks in advance to TFP and all who are sharing their experiences and knowledge for us newbies. I'm sure many others besides myself are grateful for your time and generosity in sharing your experiences.
We are out in the country with a large lot, no worries about property lines or what to do with the extra dirt. We have a 20'x50' patio behind our house that I'd like to use for an extension of the pool deck. It is about 18" above grade, and I'm thinking that with a deep end (8ft or 8'-6") I should have enough spoils from the excavation to have enough to make up the elevation around the pool. Using our existing patio should save us on cost for any concrete by just going with the "included" 4ft around the pool that seems to be standard. If the pool builder will let me sub-contract the concrete work, I'd prefer to do that since I have a couple close friends and family members who have done concrete around pools as part of their businesses. If it will affect the warranty, I'll just play it safe and go with the 4ft deck as standard butted up against our patio.
I also have thoughts of getting information from TFP on what the best pumps and filters I should be requesting. I've started going through the
Pool School, have much to learn: chemicals, testing, covers, electrical, plumbing...
I'm curious to know if it will save a significant amount of money to just have a pool builder supply and install the pool, and DIY the rest - electrical, pump/filter install, plumbing to the pumps/filters, concrete, fence, etc. I know the DIY route is much longer, but I've got a long planning horizon to work with, and I feel comfortable doing most of the labor.
Thanks in advance to TFP and all who are sharing their experiences and knowledge for us newbies. I'm sure many others besides myself are grateful for your time and generosity in sharing your experiences.