Hello all,
Sorry for the lengthy description in advance.
I am planning to install a concrete or fiberglass pool in my backyard. Let me first describe my backyard. I have three areas that potentially can be used for the pool. The first area is right in front of the living room, but I have two large trees and a concrete pad (16’x24’) that needs to be demolished for the pool. This area is 24’ x 31’ when cutting one tree and 37’x31’ when cutting two trees (including 16’x21’ of concrete pad). Note that the 31’ dimension is from the face of the house to the face of the fence, and we have a 5 ft easement that we need to consider. This is the best view from the house to the pool. The second area is on the right side of the living room. It still has some view from the living area but not the best. This area is a trapezoid starting from 20 ft and finishing with 30 ft with a distance in between as 41 ft. Again these dimensions are from the house to the fence. Still, one large oak tree shall be cut. The third area is on the left side of the house and has no view from inside of the house. The area is a trapezoid starting 20 ft and finishing with 43 ft and a distance between as 51 ft. Again, all dimensions are from the building to the fence. No need for cutting three or demolishing any other items.
First, I am not sure if demolishing concrete or cutting a tree can cause issues for fiberglass or concrete installation. I have learned that fiberglass pools are very quick to install, have good longevity and require less maintenance, and have a bit less cost of installation compared to concrete pools. The limitation would be the shape, which we are not concerned about since we are looking for a modern rectangular look. I am wondering if there would be any limitations for fiberglass pool handling in our backyard due to trees, etc., since they are prefabricated and will be installed in one piece.
I also noticed that the majority of pool companies do concrete forms and not fiberglass pools. Any reason for that or is it just not a traditional method and fewer companies are getting into it? Any recommendations for companies in the Katy, TX area or companies that would support the Katy area? I have read that the seller of the pool may not be the same as the installer. Can we pick the installer or do we just pick the seller?
As far as features of the pool, we don’t want to have the whole pool to be warmed up, and we just want to have a small tub that can be heated in the winter time. What are the heating suggested systems here? Is the furnace with natural gas a good option? We are looking for saltwater instead of chlorine due to skin sensitivity. Any particular model or system shall be considered? How about the filtration?
I have seen sometimes pools may need to be completely drained for any repair reasons or water contaminations or any other reasons. While I understand that it is not recommended to keep the pool empty for a long time for any type of pool, I have seen that there is a major concern with emptying fiberglass pools due to earth pressure, and they may pop up and structurally damage. Is that a correct statement? If it is, so if needed to empty the pool, are there any solutions?
Do we have control over the slope of the floor on fiberglass pools? Or is it per manufacturer tile on the wall of the pool with saltwater, any consideration should I have? What type of pump do I need? Variable? What is the criteria for choosing that?
What is the realistic size of the pool we can have based on the dimensions I have.
Sorry for the lengthy description in advance.
I am planning to install a concrete or fiberglass pool in my backyard. Let me first describe my backyard. I have three areas that potentially can be used for the pool. The first area is right in front of the living room, but I have two large trees and a concrete pad (16’x24’) that needs to be demolished for the pool. This area is 24’ x 31’ when cutting one tree and 37’x31’ when cutting two trees (including 16’x21’ of concrete pad). Note that the 31’ dimension is from the face of the house to the face of the fence, and we have a 5 ft easement that we need to consider. This is the best view from the house to the pool. The second area is on the right side of the living room. It still has some view from the living area but not the best. This area is a trapezoid starting from 20 ft and finishing with 30 ft with a distance in between as 41 ft. Again these dimensions are from the house to the fence. Still, one large oak tree shall be cut. The third area is on the left side of the house and has no view from inside of the house. The area is a trapezoid starting 20 ft and finishing with 43 ft and a distance between as 51 ft. Again, all dimensions are from the building to the fence. No need for cutting three or demolishing any other items.
First, I am not sure if demolishing concrete or cutting a tree can cause issues for fiberglass or concrete installation. I have learned that fiberglass pools are very quick to install, have good longevity and require less maintenance, and have a bit less cost of installation compared to concrete pools. The limitation would be the shape, which we are not concerned about since we are looking for a modern rectangular look. I am wondering if there would be any limitations for fiberglass pool handling in our backyard due to trees, etc., since they are prefabricated and will be installed in one piece.
I also noticed that the majority of pool companies do concrete forms and not fiberglass pools. Any reason for that or is it just not a traditional method and fewer companies are getting into it? Any recommendations for companies in the Katy, TX area or companies that would support the Katy area? I have read that the seller of the pool may not be the same as the installer. Can we pick the installer or do we just pick the seller?
As far as features of the pool, we don’t want to have the whole pool to be warmed up, and we just want to have a small tub that can be heated in the winter time. What are the heating suggested systems here? Is the furnace with natural gas a good option? We are looking for saltwater instead of chlorine due to skin sensitivity. Any particular model or system shall be considered? How about the filtration?
I have seen sometimes pools may need to be completely drained for any repair reasons or water contaminations or any other reasons. While I understand that it is not recommended to keep the pool empty for a long time for any type of pool, I have seen that there is a major concern with emptying fiberglass pools due to earth pressure, and they may pop up and structurally damage. Is that a correct statement? If it is, so if needed to empty the pool, are there any solutions?
Do we have control over the slope of the floor on fiberglass pools? Or is it per manufacturer tile on the wall of the pool with saltwater, any consideration should I have? What type of pump do I need? Variable? What is the criteria for choosing that?
What is the realistic size of the pool we can have based on the dimensions I have.
Lots of questions I see. Ha. I'll try to get you started.
