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…
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
- 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
