Having a pool built and need advice

When I told my PB to replace a dozen or two pieces of waterline tile because of what I feel is poor workmanship, he said he'll look into it but advised there is an "industry standard 1/8 inch variance". That's doesn't even make sense to me. 1/8 inches of what? Is this BS? As a customer, if I don't like it do I have the right to replace whatever I want or am I being unreasonable?
 
Can you post a pic or a few pics of the waterline tile to see what you are talking about...I think he's saying if the spacing isn't exactly the same or it's a little unlevel, up to 1/8 inch is ok. I couldn't tell you the "industry standards" but I've certainly heard similar things.
 
Can you post a pic or a few pics of the waterline tile to see what you are talking about...I think he's saying if the spacing isn't exactly the same or it's a little unlevel, up to 1/8 inch is ok. I couldn't tell you the "industry standards" but I've certainly heard similar things.
Sorry I took so long. I'll attach a few. Painters tape marks the tiles that need replacing (in my mind at least). Thanks for your help.
 

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I think the few that are really bad should be dismounted and redone. The rest won't be very noticeable in the big picture after the plaster and water is on the tile line. I think working with curves wasn't their thing.
 
I consider myself to be very picky, and I'm not sure I would have picked most of those tiles out as needing to be replaced. Unless they have chips on any edges. That was what I kept having my PB replace. Seemed like every day I would look and find a few other tiles that were chipped.

I agree with Wireform, in that it looks like they need more practice at curved edges.

There is an industry standard for tile lippage (the amount one tile is raised from the one next to it) and I believe that is 1/16", or it was when I was attempting to become a tile setter, some 20 years ago. I believe that the standard is also based on the type and format of the tile/stone. I'm betting for those 6" tiles it is probably 1/16".

--Jeff
 
I have a young Texas cedar elm that I wanted to move to the right side of my yard. The house faces North so the tree should get us some decent shade over the right side of the decking in the evening and maybe the spa when the tree gets bigger.

However the tree loses its really small leaves over winter and I'm nervous about that creating a big mess in our around the pool.

Should I keep the tree? Get rid of it? I'm not sure if the pool is supposed to be covered in the fall/winter which might help.

Pictures attached. Tree is circled in one pic and in the other I circled a stake where I'll have my PB move the tree, assuming I keep it.PXL_20220609_010836980~2.jpgPXL_20220609_010827607~2.jpg
 
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Personal preference really. While trees are aesthetically pleasing and provide shade, they can cause problems for pool owners with aggressive root systems, leaves, and tannin stains. I lost trees to the TX '21 freeze, and while it was a bit sad to see them gp, my pool life is so much easier.
 

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We have three cedar elms between our pool and the fence line and while they do drop leaves in the winter it has not been a big problem for us. From looking at the picture, I would not move it because it looks to be positioned to block the view from the balcony of the house behind you and its far enough away to not pose a big problem.
 
We have three cedar elms between our pool and the fence line and while they do drop leaves in the winter it has not been a big problem for us. From looking at the picture, I would not move it because it looks to be positioned to block the view from the balcony of the house behind you and its far enough away to not pose a big problem.
I have to move it because the root system will eventually destroy the retaining wall next to it.
 
Let me tell you the Elm tree story. Planted that native elm from a sapling about 2' tall. Had to put in a driveway a few years later. Moved it. Moved it again later. By a few decades, after renting man lifts that could barely reach high enough to trim the top overhanging and killing out my oaks and magnolias, after three people could join hands and barely wrap around the trunk, after my mover blades were bent from exposed roots, I still didn't cut it down. I sold the house :)
 
Let me tell you the Elm tree story. Planted that native elm from a sapling about 2' tall. Had to put in a driveway a few years later. Moved it. Moved it again later. By a few decades, after renting man lifts that could barely reach high enough to trim the top overhanging and killing out my oaks and magnolias, after three people could join hands and barely wrap around the trunk, after my mover blades were bent from exposed roots, I still didn't cut it down. I sold the house :)
What should I learn from this? Lol
 
These are all cedar elms from virtually the same area you’re in. Yes, they drop small leaves and worse, they put out even smaller seeds by the millions in the spring and fall. I also have a couple of red oaks not in the picture but on the other side of the pool. I have to clean the filter more often than if I didn’t have the them, but I would get rid of the pool before I get rid of the trees. They create a natural canopy over our patio areas and keep the hot Texas sun off of our master bedroom. I cover the pool in the fall so the leaf issue is very manageable.

1654800137703.jpeg
 
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