New member pool planning in N. Atlanta - Construction Completed 7/2022

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darkrider said:
We've got pool consultations lined up and have started the planning process, so I just wanted to pop in and say hello. We're looking to have a roughly 18'x30' (maybe longer) freeform gunite pool installed later this year as part of a backyard renovation. I have an existing stand-alone HotSpring Grandee saltwater hot tub under our deck, so I'll be skipping an attached hottub. Instead, we'll likely go for a more elaborate waterfall setup. The pool will be recessed into the side of a hill, and we'd like to do a large rock/boulder retaining wall with a waterfall coming over the top, and perhaps steps up to a jumping rock. We'd also like a decent sized tanning ledge. I'm thinking of a modified kidney setup with a bump out for the tanning ledge. I'll definitely be going SWG, and I'm leaning toward cartridge filters. The only other concerns I have are tying in an existing 25'x25' brick patio with the pool decking and our current patio underdecking, which is slate. I'll try and get some pictures when I have a moment, and will also plan to seek out help with quotes, when they're available. Until then, feel free to offer up any suggestions.
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I’d most likely use a cool deck/acrylic since you have different type stones In other places. Pavers are wicked hot on the feet…
 
So it's finally happening! 🥳 We went with Ocean Blue Pebblesheen, and the plaster itself is kinda Smurfalicious! The actual pebble/cured look is more dark gray though. I must have reviewed the plaster posts a dozen times beforehand, and I can say this crew definitely knows what they're doing. Here are some progress pics.20220705_075317_copy_2016x1512.jpg20220705_081753_copy_2016x1512.jpg20220705_083726_copy_2016x1512.jpg20220705_092524_copy_2016x1512.jpg
 
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OH yeah!!!! Here is a list of stuff to do and look out for:

  • Do they have all the proper return nozzles and drain covers (type and color) to place after plaster installed
  • Have you tested your fill water? Are you filling with softened water or regular tap water?
  • Have your hose ready (and clean) as it will be laying in the pool.
  • Tie a sock or cloth around the nozzle so it does not sit on the plaster. Also, consider tying a plastic jug to the nozzle such that it will float up as the water rises.
  • Make sure the hose is put at the lowest part of the pool.
  • Do NOT stop the flow of water once it starts as it stopping it could cause a ring on the plaster.
  • Ensure you take note (or a picture) of your water meter reading before you start to fill
  • Be prepared to take note of your water meter as the pool reaches certain levels, i.e bottom of bottom step, top of bottom step, etc. (it helps in the future to know volume of your pool at certain levels - should you ever have to drain portion of it)
  • Plan to set an alarm every 4 hours (or so) to ensure hose is still in pool, no debris blew into pool, etc.
  • Take a picture of any chemicals they bring on site that they plan to dump in when they start to add water to pool
  • Continue to fill pool to center of water tile or center of skimmer. Take picture of water meter at end of fill
  • Get clear instructions from PB as what to do the day the pool is full - how often to brush, will the pump be turned on, etc.
Define with PB when he will be back out to set up water chemistry
 
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kimkats said:
OH yeah!!!! Here is a list of stuff to do and look out for:

  • Do they have all the proper return nozzles and drain covers (type and color) to place after plaster installed
  • Have you tested your fill water? Are you filling with softened water or regular tap water?
  • Have your hose ready (and clean) as it will be laying in the pool.
  • Tie a sock or cloth around the nozzle so it does not sit on the plaster. Also, consider tying a plastic jug to the nozzle such that it will float up as the water rises.
  • Make sure the hose is put at the lowest part of the pool.
  • Do NOT stop the flow of water once it starts as it stopping it could cause a ring on the plaster.
  • Ensure you take note (or a picture) of your water meter reading before you start to fill
  • Be prepared to take note of your water meter as the pool reaches certain levels, i.e bottom of bottom step, top of bottom step, etc. (it helps in the future to know volume of your pool at certain levels - should you ever have to drain portion of it)
  • Plan to set an alarm every 4 hours (or so) to ensure hose is still in pool, no debris blew into pool, etc.
  • Take a picture of any chemicals they bring on site that they plan to dump in when they start to add water to pool
  • Continue to fill pool to center of water tile or center of skimmer. Take picture of water meter at end of fill
  • Get clear instructions from PB as what to do the day the pool is full - how often to brush, will the pump be turned on, etc.
Define with PB when he will be back out to set up water chemistry
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I'll double check all of the fittings before they leave, but I believe they have them all. They will do a light acid wash/polish tomorrow morning and start the fill. I have my socks and hoses ready! My fill water test results were as follows:
pH - 7.8
CH - 50
TA - 30

I'm pretty sure they do an acid startup. I know both by TA and CH will need to come up. They use an affiliated service vendor for startup and first 30 days. I plan to watch them and ask a lot of questions. Balance and startup is scheduled for next Monday. I'm thinking it's going to take at least 2 full days to fill.
 
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Landscape lighting is going in today, and wow the pool is filling fast with 2 hoses! According to my crude time test, I'm pushing about 15GPM, and I'll likely be at about 30 hours total fill time, so right at about 27K gallons. I'm absolutely loving the Ocean Blue color as well. It turns into a dark mirror in the shade, but the sun really cuts through it. It definitely feels like a lagoon!

20220707_090211_copy_2016x1512.jpg20220707_090117_copy_2016x1512.jpg20220707_081040_copy_2016x1512.jpg20220707_103346.jpg
 
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I should have completion pics up and some video of the running waterfall in the next few days. Startup is scheduled for Tuesday. PB has said don't add anything to the water, but I'm still tempted to add at least some chlorine in the interim. I have Dichlor for my hot tub, which has CYA in it. What are your thoughts... Should I give it a minimal dosing of the Dichlor, pick up liquid chlorine, or just wait? I tested water last night and it mirrors my fill, other than pH being 7.4 (likely due to residual from the acid wash). I just don't want the water to turn funky in the interim.

On a side note, we got a thunderstorm last night just as the pool hit the full level. I waited until after the lightning, but went in off the top rock as soon as the rain stopped! The water at the surface was warm from the sun, but was pretty friggin cold down deep where the hoses were. The seal has been broken, and I love how everything turned out! 🥳
 
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kimkats said:
Me? I would be adding liquid chlorine for sure!!!! In our heat the PB is risking an algae bloom in YOUR pool =gurrrrrrrrrr
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I've been adding Dichlor and keeping it at a FC over 1 just to avoid a nasty mess. I'm keeping track of CYA added as well, and will let pool company know when they go to balance. I still plan on testing after they balance and will make adjustments as needed. 😆
 
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