New Build Cypress, TX!

e8calibur · Mar 15, 2023

Hello all, found this forum after looking up pool information! I am a novice and would appreciate a review of a quote we received for a builder we're thinking of using and comments on parts/pumps. Waiting on a couple other quotes still.

The pool is small - 88 LF, our backyard we do not have much room left and wanted some turf/play areas for the dogs/kids to run around still outside of side yards.
Questions:
- We may see if we need to add a foot to the sun deck for loungers and potentially move the steps to only half or a corner of the sun deck?
-I do know i will ask for the updated Pentair controls from the older easy touch. Much cost increase?
-I have a heater (we're in southeast texas NE of Houston) - wondering if a chiller/combo unit would cost much more and be worth it for hot 99 deg days.
-Want a darker plaster/pebble and thinking i will have to upgrade to a level2 to get? Pebble sheen worth it for texture? Or worth just adding in glass beads?
-I've read to potentially use halogen light and switch to LED bulb to save some cost? I'm big on "ambiance' thus have the requets for LED lights and sundeck colorvision bubblier lights (QTY 2). Not sure i can do anything on those.
-They have allowance for porcelain tile - would prefer glass but i think the budget would double for that? $12 sq/ft? Worth it for those that have?
-SWGC - i know this is talked about often for Texas PB's here. I will ask - significant cost increase? Equipment needed?
-We're planning on having turf installed in leui of decking - we like the greenspace and have dogs and small children (1&4).

Would love thoughts on the design, usability, cost savings!?

Thanks!

Think

Pool Perimeter‐ Ln Ft 88
Interior Area of Pool‐ Sq Ft 826
Length of Pool‐ Ft 30
Width of Pool‐ Ft 14
Depths of Pool‐ Ft 3.5‐6
New Decking 300
Existing Decking 0
Gas‐ Natural/Propane RIGHT

EXCAVATION
QTY
Base Price 550 Sq Ft. 1
Dirt Walk Over 100' Ft (Measure from Form) 100
Deep End Ramp from 6' and Up 1
Equipment Pad 1
Stakes 4
Extra Skimmer 1
Sun Shelf/Tanning Ledge 1
Raised Beam 12" x ln ft. 32

STEEL/REBAR
Waterfall 3
Raised Beam 12" x ln ft. 32
Ramp Step 1
Masonite Per sheet 35

PLUMBING
Pool/Spa Basic Plumbing w/ 30 ft included & Stub out 1
Pool and or Spa Extra Per ln ft. 100
Gas line 30 ft included (heater, fire pit, etc) 1
Extra gas line per Ln ft. 75
Water feat. connected pool filter pump ea 1
Fill Line w/ auto fill 1
Drain Heads PER unit 2
Connect to Gas meter 1
Gas Regulator(s) PER unit 1
Conduit for each lights 2
Ea water feature Per unit hookup to Pump incl 30' 3

ELECTRICAL
Base Pool 1
Easy Touch installation 1
Sub Panel 1
Sub Feed for Sub Panel up to 60 amp Per ft. 75
Blower 1
Heater 1
Pool Light installation 2
Extra Footage Per ft. 250
360 Bond Loop 1
Breaker (EXTRA BREAKER IS TO PROTECT THE POOL
EQUIPMENT ONLY; NOT INTENDED FOR EXTRA RESIDENTAL
USE) 4

GUNITE
Lifetime Warranty for Original Owner 1

PEBBLE/PLASTER

10 YR Warranty PEBBLETX PLASTER‐ LEVEL 1 COLORS: Mini
white, Salt & Pepper, Aqua cool, Tahoe blue,
Caribbean blue, French gray, Aqua blue, Aqua white,
Sand, Jade, Emerald, Irish Mist 1

TILE AND COPING LABOR
Stone Coping ‐ LABOR/ ln. ft 98
Waterline Tile ‐ LABOR per sqft 50
24" STONE SCUPPERS 3
Raised wall 12" ‐ LABOR/ sqft 36
Stucco back wall finish‐ IF YOU WANT THE BACK WRAPPED
WITH MATERIALS; PLS LET UCP KNOW SO WE CAN QUOTE 1
Skimmers Per unit 2
Waterproofing 1

MATERIALS/MISC SERVICES
16x24"x2" Stone Square Edge Coping per ln.ft 98
Porcelain 12 x 24" $5.00 sqft budget WL 50
Raised wall 12" ‐ Material/ sqft 36
Utility Locating 1
Final Clean Up 1
Material Selections Consult by Mincy 1
Start Up & Pool School/1 FREE MONTH SERVICE 1

EQUIPMENT
Stub Out:

8" Main Drain Sump 2"‐Color: 2
Pentair Skimmer‐Color: 2

Filters:
Pentair Clean & Clear Cartridge 420 Sq. Ft. Filter 1
Pumps:
Pentair Variable Speed Intelliflo Pump 3.95 hp 1
Santation:

Inline Chemical Feeder 1

Heater:

Pentair 400,000 BTU Natural Gas 1

Controls:

EasyTouch 4 No Remote 1
Screen Logic / PHONE APP 1

Lights:

Pentair Globrite 12V; 100 ft w/ Niche 2
TILE AND COPING LABOR

MATERIALS/MISC. SERVICES

EQUIPMENT

Page 3 of 6

300W Pool Rated Transformer 1
Auto Fill‐Color: 1
Prowler 920 Robotic Cleaner‐Pentair 1
Blower 2HP‐ Air Supply 1
Check Valve CPVC 2" Straight 2
Resistant Check Valve 1
Valve 2 Port CPVC 2.25' 4
Valve 3 Port CPVC 2.25' 4
Colorvision Bubblier; 100 ft Globrite 2
Umbrella Anchors; COLOR: 2
Brush/Net/Corner Brush/Pole/Vacuum/Hose/Test Kit 1

DECKING
COST VARIES ON SIZE QTY
Dirt, Work & Labor Prep for turf 1
Deck drains ran to pop up. Tie gutters in if available. 125
Turf per Sq Ft 330
TOTAL FOR THIS PROJECT - $$ (doesnt include extra lighting around pool shown in 1 image) or sprinkler/turf repair.

Carlos22 · Mar 15, 2023

Congratulations on your decision to put in a pool. We are in Conroe and recently completed ours. I love the texture of the Pebble Sheen, particularly when I’m in my spa or when I’m in my pool seats at the table. It was worth it to me to have the PebbleSheen. It’s hard to know levels because one PB’s Level 1 may be another PB’s Level 2.
I debated on the chiller for a long time, but in the end felt the 10 degree difference was not worth the cost to me. Plus my pool is naturally shielded from the sun by noon. It’s just a matter of preference for you.

I also debated about the SWG. I ended up putting one in. It has just recently been activated because the weather has just started to change. From all that I’ve read, you still have maintenance to do but maybe not as much with the SWG. As far as costs, we’ll, what you save in chlorine pucks, you’ll still need salt(a lot less expensive than the pucks) but you’ll have to replace the SWG every six or seven years. Just keep in mind. I certainly do.

One thing I would look at is how close is your gravel to the pool. You don’t want gravel getting into your pool.

I’m no expert by any means, but thought I’d share my experience and what little I do know.

e8calibur · Mar 16, 2023

Carlos22 said:
Congratulations on your decision to put in a pool. We are in Conroe and recently completed ours. I love the texture of the Pebble Sheen, particularly when I’m in my spa or when I’m in my pool seats at the table. It was worth it to me to have the PebbleSheen. It’s hard to know levels because one PB’s Level 1 may be another PB’s Level 2.
I debated on the chiller for a long time, but in the end felt the 10 degree difference was not worth the cost to me. Plus my pool is naturally shielded from the sun by noon. It’s just a matter of preference for you.

I also debated about the SWG. I ended up putting one in. It has just recently been activated because the weather has just started to change. From all that I’ve read, you still have maintenance to do but maybe not as much with the SWG. As far as costs, we’ll, what you save in chlorine pucks, you’ll still need salt(a lot less expensive than the pucks) but you’ll have to replace the SWG every six or seven years. Just keep in mind. I certainly do.

One thing I would look at is how close is your gravel to the pool. You don’t want gravel getting into your pool.

I’m no expert by any means, but thought I’d share my experience and what little I do know.

Thanks Carlos, appreciate your comments.

We have full sun and won't have any dedicated shade ever other than very late afternoon. Wondering if it is also worth the cost and if we can maintain 10 degree temp diff - considering we will have a smaller pool.

AQUA~HOLICS · Mar 16, 2023

Yes, you may need to add up to 2’ for lounges depending on type, I advise customers a minimum of 7’ reef step to give you approximately 1’ to walk in front of the ledge lounger.
Yes, move the steps to the corners to open up the pool floor area.
Texture of plaster depends on the size of the exposed aggregate in the mix, Pebble Sheen/Pebble Fina will be the smallest, also adding glass and abalone shell will help with obtaining the smoothest finish. Ask your plaster company to add the glass/abalone shell just before the final trowel to obtain the most product at the surface.
Provided is a picture of sod in place of decking.

e8calibur · Mar 16, 2023

AQUA~HOLICS said:
Yes, you may need to add up to 2’ for lounges depending on type, I advise customers a minimum of 7’ reef step to give you approximately 1’ to walk in front of the ledge lounger.
Yes, move the steps to the corners to open up the pool floor area.
Texture of plaster depends on the size of the exposed aggregate in the mix, Pebble Sheen/Pebble Fina will be the smallest, also adding glass and abalone shell will help with obtaining the smoothest finish. Ask your plaster company to add the glass/abalone shell just before the final trowel to obtain the most product at the surface.
Provided is a picture of sod in place of decking.
View attachment 477414 View attachment 477415 View attachment 477416 View attachment 477417 View attachment 477418

Thanks for the feedback! I will likely move the steps and extend the sun deck at least 6''-1'. Will ask about the glass and abalone shell. Love the sod/turf green look.

kimkats · Mar 17, 2023

What a fun yet scary time in your life!

I did not see an overflow mentioned in your list. With you living in TX you will need it for the big storms. You will thank me when you don't have to run out in the storm to drain some water to keep the pool from overflowing!

Also make sure there is a light by the equipment. Again you will thank me if you have to go out there during the dark of night.

Next up is the depth of the shelf. Do you want to be able sit on it and the water come up to just over the legs, to the mid tummy, to just under your chest? When sitting on the lounger on the shelf do you want your bum in or out of the water?

hosseisemi · Mar 21, 2023

I’m in the greater Houston area and built a pool a couple of years ago. They overdug my shallow end which turned out to be the best mistak I am at 4 ft 2 in of water depth. My previous pool was 3 ft 6 in. Turns out I did not like it that shallow until I had the deeper shallow end. I also find it keeps it a bit cooler given there is a bit more volume to heat up. For reference, I have two kids under 7 yrs old and a short wife and no one complains at all on the deeper shallow end.

Newdude · Mar 21, 2023

and THANKS for letting us tag along on your journey.

:epds:

HermanTX · Mar 21, 2023

e8calibur said:
I have a heater (we're in southeast texas NE of Houston) - wondering if a chiller/combo unit would cost much more and be worth it for hot 99 deg days.

You will not get the efficiency if a combo unit. A heater to heat the whole pool will be costly but not outrageous. It costs me about $60 to heat my 15k gal pool but it is only good for a day or so as evaporation will cool your water. I have a 400k BTU natural gas heater which will heat the spa in 30 mins but you do not show a spa. You will be good with the recommended 400kBTU heater, just know it will take time to heat the whole pool and then there is a running cost if you plan to maintain that temperature.

Water temperature can reach 90+ degrees in summer so a cooler is good idea but suggest a separate unit such as Glacier. They are big and bulky so you need to consider that now for your equipment pad sizing.

e8calibur said:
Santation:

Inline Chemical Feeder 1

I would push for the SWCG. I used to have a tab feeder but constantly battling algae and other chemical balancing. I moved to liquid chlorine and the pool never looked better and no more algae (but you have to maintain the chlorine level). Then that is why I switched to SWCG. The chlorine level is maintained without lugging chlorine bottles. Think of a SWCG investment as buying all your chlorine upfront. I now do not worry about LC prices that have gone from $4 per gallon to $10 per gallon (I am using Home Depot pricing). Leslies supply is even worst. Pinch a Penny was competitive with HD but now they are outrageous on LC prices. Get the SWCG - regardless of what your PB says to talk you out of it.

Good Luck and look forward to following your build.

e8calibur · Mar 22, 2023

HermanTX said:
You will not get the efficiency if a combo unit. A heater to heat the whole pool will be costly but not outrageous. It costs me about $60 to heat my 15k gal pool but it is only good for a day or so as evaporation will cool your water. I have a 400k BTU natural gas heater which will heat the spa in 30 mins but you do not show a spa. You will be good with the recommended 400kBTU heater, just know it will take time to heat the whole pool and then there is a running cost if you plan to maintain that temperature.

Water temperature can reach 90+ degrees in summer so a cooler is good idea but suggest a separate unit such as Glacier. They are big and bulky so you need to consider that now for your equipment pad sizing.

I would push for the SWCG. I used to have a tab feeder but constantly battling algae and other chemical balancing. I moved to liquid chlorine and the pool never looked better and no more algae (but you have to maintain the chlorine level). Then that is why I switched to SWCG. The chlorine level is maintained without lugging chlorine bottles. Think of a SWCG investment as buying all your chlorine upfront. I now do not worry about LC prices that have gone from $4 per gallon to $10 per gallon (I am using Home Depot pricing). Leslies supply is even worst. Pinch a Penny was competitive with HD but now they are outrageous on LC prices. Get the SWCG - regardless of what your PB says to talk you out of it.

Good Luck and look forward to following your build.

Thanks for the feedback - thinking pool willbe about 11.5k or 12k gallons total -

I will plan for space for potential chiller in future.

Regarding the SWCG - we're planning on having a stone on the 18'' wall (retaining wall) and i'm concerned about the salt eating away the stone and causing stiains and deterioation since the stone will be natural. Any concerns anybody has on that?

for reference - similar..

Newdude · Mar 22, 2023

e8calibur said:
Any concerns anybody has on that?

None. Most chlorine (sodium hyperchorite) dosed pools approach salt pool salinity over time, which is only 10% of the salinity of sea water. If the stones are not robust, they will weather in the elements whether or not you put a pool in.

e8calibur · Mar 22, 2023

Newdude said:
None. Most chlorine (sodium hyperchorite) dosed pools approach salt pool salinity over time, which is only 10% of the salinity of sea water. If the stones are not robust, they will weather in the elements whether or not you put a pool in.

good deal - will ask PB about it as it seems 99% of people here suggest that for a new build regardless of location. thx

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