Pool Project

Jump to latest Follow Reply
T

tightwad

Member
Apr 11, 2022
18
Houston, Texas
Pool Size
19000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Would love input. Here are some notes and pics on the kind of pool we would like to build. Our backyard area is approx 47x30 allowing for easements. struggling initially with where to put decking and orient spa and place fire pit.
Pool specs:
16-17 x 34-36
4ft to 5.5 to 5ft
rectangular with Spa and tanning ledge


pool layout.jpg


back yard from patio.jpg
 
Well for starters, we need my pal @kimkats.

This is a perfect candidate to patio the whole yard if I've ever seen one. Leaving that strip of grass really doesn't accomplish anything, and clippings will likely blow or get tracked into the pool.

I wouldn't want the firepit near the house, so I'd go here.

Screenshot_20230303_212340_Chrome.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: HermanTX
Welcome to TFP. @tightwad your user name may not be reflective of the cost to build your backyard oasis. :cool: But hope you can succeed within your budget. :giggle:

It appears you are building a sports pool with shallow on each end with deepest in the middle. With your spa and sun deck in the middle you may not be able to set up a volleyball net. Also, you plan for a basketball net on the side?

One idea is to move the sun deck closer to the steps. Also if you want to have a swim lane you could reduce the length of the steps.

Do you plan to have a TV in the patio next to the spa? It appears the patio area to nearest the steps will be a outdoor kitchen. Is that also your main sitting area so you are looking long ways at the pool?

For night time viewing, it is best to have the pool lights on the side where you are sitting so the lights shine outwards and not towards your eyes.

Good Luck and keep this thread active throughout your construction.
 
Hi and welcome! So you want input..............well here we go! I am thinking of moving the spa to spot 1 or 2. I am guessing you will have a TV out by the kitchen area. If so the best seat in the pool to see the pool and chat with the people in the kitchen would be in the spa in one of my two spots.

Notice also I increased your deck where the spa used to be. If you are going to have real grass there you do NOT want it that close to the pool. You will thank us once you cut that grass one time. Now if you are going with fake grass it will not matter.

Notice I also thought about the swim lane. Have the steps only half way across. You can put "marker tiles" on the edges of the steps to help everyone see them better.

1678065910331.jpeg

If you don't like my ideas that is fine. Just thinking about how I would use the pool if it were me.
 
kimkats said:
Hi and welcome! So you want input..............well here we go! I am thinking of moving the spa to spot 1 or 2. I am guessing you will have a TV out by the kitchen area. If so the best seat in the pool to see the pool and chat with the people in the kitchen would be in the spa in one of my two spots.

Notice also I increased your deck where the spa used to be. If you are going to have real grass there you do NOT want it that close to the pool. You will thank us once you cut that grass one time. Now if you are going with fake grass it will not matter.

Notice I also thought about the swim lane. Have the steps only half way across. You can put "marker tiles" on the edges of the steps to help everyone see them better.

View attachment 475830

If you don't like my ideas that is fine. Just thinking about how I would use the pool if it were me.
Click to expand...
Thanks kimkats.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
HermanTX said:
Welcome to TFP. @tightwad your user name may not be reflective of the cost to build your backyard oasis. :cool: But hope you can succeed within your budget. :giggle:

It appears you are building a sports pool with shallow on each end with deepest in the middle. With your spa and sun deck in the middle you may not be able to set up a volleyball net. Also, you plan for a basketball net on the side?

One idea is to move the sun deck closer to the steps. Also if you want to have a swim lane you could reduce the length of the steps.

Do you plan to have a TV in the patio next to the spa? It appears the patio area to nearest the steps will be a outdoor kitchen. Is that also your main sitting area so you are looking long ways at the pool?

For night time viewing, it is best to have the pool lights on the side where you are sitting so the lights shine outwards and not towards your eyes.

Good Luck and keep this thread active throughout your construction.
Click to expand...
HermanTX said:
Welcome to TFP. @tightwad your user name may not be reflective of the cost to build your backyard oasis. :cool: But hope you can succeed within your budget. :giggle:

It appears you are building a sports pool with shallow on each end with deepest in the middle. With your spa and sun deck in the middle you may not be able to set up a volleyball net. Also, you plan for a basketball net on the side?

One idea is to move the sun deck closer to the steps. Also if you want to have a swim lane you could reduce the length of the steps.

Do you plan to have a TV in the patio next to the spa? It appears the patio area to nearest the steps will be a outdoor kitchen. Is that also your main sitting area so you are looking long ways at the pool?

For night time viewing, it is best to have the pool lights on the side where you are sitting so the lights shine outwards and not towards your eyes.

Good Luck and keep this thread active throughout your construction.
Click to expand...
HermanTX. Thanks. and good call on the name- You are correct. I am way outside my comfort zone on the budget for this project, but the wife has already authorized the spend. :) I was thinking about the same thing with the vollyball net. I think we will move the tanning ledge closer to the stairs as you suggested. and thanks for the suggestion on the pool lights. makes perfect sense.
 
here are the deets. Would welcome any input on this:

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Swimming Pool Surface Area: 630 Square Feet
Spa Surface Area: 50 Square Feet
Total Surface Area: 680 Square Feet
Pool/Spa Inside Perimeter: 145 Linear Feet
Water Depths: 4’-0” x 5’-6” x 5’-0” (Water Depth is measured at the midpoint of the waterline tile)
Total Pool/Spa Water Capacity: Approx. 20,000 U.S. Gallons
Pool Interior Dimensions: 36’-0” x 15’-6”
Pool Access Area: APH to access the Swimming Pool from the Driveway side of Property.
Spa: APH to install a 10'-0" x 5'-0" Rectangle spa, Raised 18” above the pool, with tiled spa spillway, per plan.
Bathing Shelf: APH to install a bathing shelf with 9" water depth, per plan.

Electrical Load Analysis, Permits & Structural Engineering: APH to include all costs incurred
for the Electrical Load Analysis, if needed, Structural Engineering, if needed & City of Houston
Permitting of Pool/Spa.
Surveys/Other Engineering: (Please Note) Any Form Surveys, Drain Surveys, Topo Surveys
and As-built Surveys and other Engineering, if needed by the City of Houston, to be paid by
OWNER. APH will coordinate any work to be provided by Surveyors and Engineers, as needed,
and supervise any additional work accordingly.
H.O.A: OWNER to submit Plans and Applications for Home Owners Association. Any fees or
deposits, if needed, to be paid by OWNER.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Filter: Pentair 520 Cartridge Filter w/2" Control Valve
Primary Pool/Spa Pump: Pentair 3HP Variable Speed/Flow Pump
Secondary and Water Feature Pumps: 3HP Variable Speed/Flow Pump ( I was going to ask for this to be intellaflow pump also)
Heater: Pentair Master Temp 400,000 BTU Lo-Nox Heater w/ Electronic Ignition
Pool/Spa Control Valves: (6) 2 1/2” Pentair 3-Way Posi Seal, Never Lube
Surface Skimmer: (2) Pentair Heavy Duty Surface Skimmer
Pool Lighting: (2) Pentair MicroBrite 12v LED Color Pool Light w/ Step-down Transformer
Spa Lighting: (1) Pentair MicroBrite 12v LED Color Spa Light w/ Step-down Transformer
Pool/Spa Main Drains: (2) 8” w/Anti-Entrapment Drain Cover
Chlorinator: Salt Chlorination-Pentair-IC40 Salt Cell
Pool Return Inlets: (6) Spa Return Inlets: (1)
Spa Jets: (8) Hydrotherapy Spa Jets
Spa Air Blower: 2.0 HP Polaris Spa Air Blower
Computer Automation: APH to install a Pentair Intellicenter Computer Automation System with link up
for Smart Phone Control. (I had asked pool builder for the i8PS System w/Salt - 8PSIC40 here. Thoughts?? )
Auto Pool Cleaner: Pentair Prowler 920 Robotic Cleaner

STRUCTURAL SPECIFICATIONS
Perimeter Box Beam Steel Schedule: (1/2’’) #4 Rebar 4-Bar Continuous Box Beam of Pool/Spa
Walls/Floors Steel Schedule: (3/8”) #3 Rebar 8" On Center Both Ways (grid pattern)
Gunite: The Gunite Material Ratio is 6 Cubic Feet of Type I. Portland Cement Per 1 Cubic Yard of
Builders Sharp Sand. The Gunite Material is Hydrated (mixed with water) to provide a Minimum 4,000
PSI Finished Strength
Gunite Box Beam: Gunite to be a Minimum 12” around entire perimeter.
Gunite Walls/Floor Thickness: Gunite Walls/Floors to be a minimum 8” width.
** Lifetime Warranty on Gunite Shell Including Beam –Transferrable 1 Time**
Pool Features
Water Feature: (2) 2’ x 2’ x 18” Columns (1) 18” x 15’-6” x 18” Raised Beam with 3-24’' Sheer Descent
(Schedule 40 PVC)
Fire Wall: 18” x 8’ x 3’ Fire Pit with 5’ Fire Row (Valve and Key Included)
Veneer of Water/Fire Feature Wall: Veneer to be Split Face or Ledgestone Travertine Stone or
Equivalent with Travertine Stone Coping for the Cap to Match Pool and Spa Coping.
Oversized Tanning Ledge: 7’ X 12’ x 9" Deep Tanning Ledge w/ (3) Bubblers and (1) MicroBrite 12v
LED. (2) Umbrella Sleeves (1) at Pool Entrance and (1) on Tanning Ledge

PLUMBING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
(Pool Plumbing Pricing is based on Pool Mechanical Equipment being located within 80 Linear
Feet of Spa. Additional Costs may apply if Pool Equipment location exceeds the 80 Linear Feet
distance.)

The complete plumbing system shall be assembled, and pressure tested throughout the construction
process. Plumbing is assembled and configured to balance the suction and pressure side for flow efficient
operation.
Plumbing: 2” Pool and Spa Suction with 1.5” Return Lines. All lines plumbed individually to the equipment
pad with Sch 40 PVC, including Hi-Temp Unions on all Pump Connections.
APH to install 2.5’’ Suction with 2’’ return lines for maximum pump efficiency. (Additional Cost of
$2250.00) ??? thoughts here??

Pool Fill Line: APH shall provide a new manual fill line to pool fitted with an approved Vacuum
Breaker at faucet, nearest to pool, or stub fill line for Sprinkler Automation Tie-in at later date, not
included in current scope.
Area Drains: APH to install all yard and deck drains as needed and connect to existing drainage
terminating in the front w/ gutter downspout connections as necessary. Pool Overflow to be connected to
Area Drains.

Gas Line to Heater: APH to include up to 30 Linear Feet of 1.5” High Pressure Gas Line Hook-up to
Pool/Spa Heater. APH to furnish a Step-down Regulator at Pool Heater Location. if needed and incur
CenterPoint hookup fees.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
APH provides for the complete electrical connection of all lighting and equipment which includes ALL Linear
Footage of in-ground service w/all terminations, grounding, bonding, sub-panel if needed and mechanical
installation. All electrical work shall meet local and national standards to include the installation of ground
fault interrupters. All lighting and mechanical equipment is bonded and grounded for safety, and all testing
and safety inspections are provided herein.

TILE, COPING FINISH SPECIFICATIONS
Pool/Spa Coping: Pool/Spa Coping material and labor to be provided by APH. (A $7.00/SF
Travertine Stone or Equivalent, 16" x 24" x 1.25", Coping Material Allowance is included within.)
Pool/Spa Waterline Tile: Standard Porcelain Ceramic (Frost-proof) Waterline Tile w/ $7.00/SF Tile
Material Allowance is included.

PLASTER SPECIFICATIONS:
Pool/Spa Interior Finish: A Pebble Sheen Level I or 2 Plaster Finish is included within.

DECK SPECIFICATIONS
  • Pool Decking: APH to install 700 Square Feet of Travertine Stone or Equivalent Decking on a cement stabilized sub-base, with steel reinforced concrete perimeter per plan. A $14.00/SF travertine stone decking material allowance is included.
  • 6” Synthetic Grass Border included in new pour decking area.
  • New Travertine Stone or Equivalent is also included to cap the existing patio and sidewalks.
MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
  • Maintenance Pole: (1) 16' Telescopic Aluminum Pole
  • Wall Brush: (1) 18" Nylon Brush, Leaf Net: (1) Leaf Net/Master
  • Test Kit: (1) 4 - 1 Test Kit, Pool Start-up, Treatment and Cleaning
  • APH will provide for the complete start-up, all chemical supplies, chemical balance, and water Stabilization for the first (5) days after plaster.
OTHER INFORMATION
  • Any Irrigation Repairs or Alterations are NOT in the scope of APH project. OWNER responsible for shutting off yard irrigation system and capping off irrigation lines in pool area prior to pool construction.
  • Any Landscape, including pots, plants, grass, and trees, are NOT in the scope of APH project.
  • Swimming Pool Fencing and Gates to Conform w/ City of Houston Building Codes. All selfclosing hardware for exiting fencing/gates to be provided by APH as needed. Any fence/gate installation or modification, to be provided by OWNER as needed. Please Note: Most
    municipalities require all fencing and gates to be installed and inspected prior to gas meter installation/upgrades for pool/spa heaters.

  • Door Alarms and Security Features may be required per City of Houston Building Codes at time of Final Pool Inspections. If Security Door Alarms are required, OWNER to install per Code.
  • Re-routes, including gas, electrical, sewer, drainage, and water are NOT in the scope of APH project.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Newdude
Oh this is going to be a fantastic pool - really love the design and wish we had all that space to do a larger spa and pool area! I randomly clicked on this as the first build I've seen in a long time, so apologies for the random thoughts but this is what came to me as I thought about our build a couple years ago:
  • My PB wanted an absurd amount to install an autofill, so when they were finished, I took my $80 pentair auto fill and hooked it up to the water main pipe I already had to have run right by it for new irrigation. It was one of the easiest convenient additions, because before I finally tied it in, I had to add water too often when we had particularly hot days or cold nights (bucket test confirmed no leak). However, I swapped the cheap/loud autofill internal with a nicer quiet model from the hardware store for another $15ish.
  • We did a 12" to waterline sunshelf and I wouldn't personally go lower. The bubbler can still shoot water several feet high, it's a perfect spot for young kids to sit/explore, and adirondack or lounge chairs both submerge enough that your rear end sits nicely in the water.
  • Our spa and pool drains are 3", skimmer and returns are 2". When you turn the main drain fully off, the pump has to increase RPM pretty noticeably to maintain flow (via FlowVis) - indicating a large restriction going from 2" to 3" on the suction. So I keep the main drain open just enough such that the pump RPMs are barely elevated. 2" and 1.5" do introduce a whole lot more head than 3" and 2" - especially at the RPMs you'll be running the pump when you use the spa. That said, an extra $2k+ is a ridiculous markup for something that takes no more effort and just hundreds more in materials.
  • We did our pool from 3.5' (for kids by the steps) to 5.5' to 4'. My wife is 5'3" and her chest is still completely underwater on the 4' side. Going to 5.5' and then back only to 5' seems frankly a little odd because only those nearly 6' will have their entire head above water - and I still don't find that particularly comfortable for hanging out. Seems to me it makes more sense to do a traditional shallow/deep setup or go a little more shallow - at least on the far side. What we did was bring a pre-marked PVC pipe to a friend's house to better gauge what the wife and I would actually prefer to hang out in.
  • Your spa spillway looks to be roughly 6-7' in total? With a 5' spillover, our 3hp intelliflo just barely gets enough juice to create a full even waterfall spillover effect. I highly doubt you will see more than water running down the sides of the tile. That impact will be magnified if you don't have large enough plumbing to further reduce the head.
  • On that note, I've seen recent impressive evidence indicating a partial bypass of the heater makes a pretty substantial impact on GPM per RPM. I plan to modify this and would have installed it at build if I had known (unless they are similarly going to rip you off for an $150 in a 3 way and check valve, some PVC glue, and $20 in pipe/fittings). Maybe you can pay the plumber an extra $100 when he arrives and supply him with valves/fittings? ha...
  • Irrigation is FAR more than just "capping" it for most situations - I feel like PBs entirely downplay this. All of our zones and water main ran through the pool, so I was quoted $11k-$15k to redo it all. It took a number of nights and half weekend days, but I did it myself and added half a dozen hose bibs and a shower/foot spray while I was at it. Also made it easy to connect to that auto fill.
Best of luck - it's such a PITA but it's worth it in the end.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HermanTX
matthewsunshineflorida said:
Irrigation is FAR more than just "capping" it for most situations - I feel like PBs entirely downplay this.
Click to expand...
Oh my. +1.

I had one zone that had to go through the pool area and the others *should* have been in the clear. I was left with 13 pipes sticking out of the overdig and never did find the one missing half. Maybe it was T'd somewhere, we'll never know.

I sucked it up and replaced the whole backyard. I rented a trencher from HD for under $200 because I finished in 4 hours. I bought the supplies from an irrigation supply and eventhough i saved a TON there, it was well over $1k. Then 25 yards of topsoil and 3 $175 bags of seed later....... I couldn't imagine what it would cost for a landscaper to do it.

I knew what I was in for having done similar for the first pool, but the PB's 'we aren't responsible for irrigation' didn't scratch the surface of the scope of it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: matthewsunshineflorida
Question: I asked my pool builder to use Paramount ParaJets spa jets ( another fine recommendation I got from this site). Current spa config is 5x10 with 8 jets. He is saying a booster pump would be needed if I went with those jets. Does that sound about right? the pool and spa pump is intellaflow 3hp
 
matthewsunshineflorida said:
Oh this is going to be a fantastic pool - really love the design and wish we had all that space to do a larger spa and pool area! I randomly clicked on this as the first build I've seen in a long time, so apologies for the random thoughts but this is what came to me as I thought about our build a couple years ago:
  • My PB wanted an absurd amount to install an autofill, so when they were finished, I took my $80 pentair auto fill and hooked it up to the water main pipe I already had to have run right by it for new irrigation. It was one of the easiest convenient additions, because before I finally tied it in, I had to add water too often when we had particularly hot days or cold nights (bucket test confirmed no leak). However, I swapped the cheap/loud autofill internal with a nicer quiet model from the hardware store for another $15ish.
  • Irrigation is FAR more than just "capping" it for most situations - I feel like PBs entirely downplay this. All of our zones and water main ran through the pool, so I was quoted $11k-$15k to redo it all. It took a number of nights and half weekend days, but I did it myself and added half a dozen hose bibs and a shower/foot spray while I was at it. Also made it easy to connect to that auto fill.
Best of luck - it's such a PITA but it's worth it in the end.
Click to expand...

Agree with both of these points... I couldn't get autofill in my area because city won't approve. What I did was add fill line as a Zone to my sprinkler system and I just schedule to run when pool needs a top off. Before (especially during NTX summers) I was throwing the hose in the pool multiple times a week.. sometimes daily if there was heavy use..

And Irrigation!! I totally underestimated this! When they come and start digging your pool, they are going scorched Earth on your back yard, nothing gets mercy! My sprinkler system basically had to be totally redone (almost a new install) and it cost thousands more than I expected. It was so much more than just a couple caps and re-routes..
 
  • Like
Reactions: matthewsunshineflorida and Newdude
Question: we just had our pool installed and my pool builder wanting to remove the IntelliValve valve actuators - 2 and replace them with the CVA24 Valve Actuators saying that there are too many problems and he wasn't even supposed to be able to get them and that Pentair is pulling them off the shelf so they shouldn't have been installed in the first place. is actually a thing? having a hard time understanding this. would this be a downgrade in my equipment ?
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply