Hello, I've been lurking off and on for about 6 months. I'm in the middle of a new home build and starting to gather my thoughts on a pool. I live in Walla Walla, Washington. We have hot, dry summers here. The biggest problem I'm having in planning is deciding the size.
Here are the things I'm pretty set on:
1) 4' shallow end
2) gradual slope/wedge bottom (not sure of proper terminology here)
3) auto cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 (it is my understanding that this will excuse me from having a "pool fence" in my county)
4) I'd really love a fastlane.
Our property is large so size is not a factor in that regards, it is mainly due to cost (up front and over-time). I figured if I get a Fastlane, I don't need a large pool. There will probably never be children in the pool as long we live there, but we have a dog who I hope will swim with us (just my husband and I), and my dog has friends who will hopefully join us sometimes. I'd like for the deep end to be deep enough for my husband to enjoy it (he's 5'9"), but we will not be needing a diving board or a slide. We just want a place that we can have fun/float around in, do exercises and lap swimming.
We have a Viking pool installer here but I don't see many that will fit our needs with the 4' shallow end and fastlane. (The Laguna Deuxe may be a possibility but not sure how the Fastlane would fit in with that, and haven't checked on price). There are at least 3 gunite pool places an hour away to get quotes from.
SO, some of my thoughts on the main issue, size:
1) deep end 6', 6'.5", or 7' deep end Based on info here, I think we've decided on 6'
2) 12' or 14' wide
3) 20'-30' long
It is SO hard for me to be able to visualize the size. I am hoping some of you can help bring this into perspective. I have never owned a pool before, and we don't know anyone around here with a pool for help or advice. I've read that most people wish they would have gotten a larger pool, and I'm sure I would if I could afford it. Looking for a good balance of being happy with what we get and affordability. Any suggestions?
Here are the things I'm pretty set on:
1) 4' shallow end
2) gradual slope/wedge bottom (not sure of proper terminology here)
3) auto cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 (it is my understanding that this will excuse me from having a "pool fence" in my county)
4) I'd really love a fastlane.
Our property is large so size is not a factor in that regards, it is mainly due to cost (up front and over-time). I figured if I get a Fastlane, I don't need a large pool. There will probably never be children in the pool as long we live there, but we have a dog who I hope will swim with us (just my husband and I), and my dog has friends who will hopefully join us sometimes. I'd like for the deep end to be deep enough for my husband to enjoy it (he's 5'9"), but we will not be needing a diving board or a slide. We just want a place that we can have fun/float around in, do exercises and lap swimming.
We have a Viking pool installer here but I don't see many that will fit our needs with the 4' shallow end and fastlane. (The Laguna Deuxe may be a possibility but not sure how the Fastlane would fit in with that, and haven't checked on price). There are at least 3 gunite pool places an hour away to get quotes from.
SO, some of my thoughts on the main issue, size:
1) deep end 6', 6'.5", or 7' deep end Based on info here, I think we've decided on 6'
2) 12' or 14' wide
3) 20'-30' long
It is SO hard for me to be able to visualize the size. I am hoping some of you can help bring this into perspective. I have never owned a pool before, and we don't know anyone around here with a pool for help or advice. I've read that most people wish they would have gotten a larger pool, and I'm sure I would if I could afford it. Looking for a good balance of being happy with what we get and affordability. Any suggestions?