Hi, all - we started talking with pool builders in January and signed a contract in mid-March. We had an idea of what we wanted and finally found a pool builder we were comfortable with (we interviewed 4-5 and all were within the same price range).
Here's a rendering of what we are going for:
Pretty basic, geometric pool and spa. I wish I would have found this site when we were designing. You guys have awesome ideas!
The big dig was on May 3. The did the dig and rebar in one day then came the following Saturday to gunite (our neighbors loved us!).
And as of today we are finally getting the waterline tile and coping. Pool equipment was set last week and we are hoping to get the electrician out this week to get it all hooked up.
Now on to some issues that I'd like some advice about. I am known to be particular and need help with expectations sometimes.
Big issue: Masons and Tile
The masons have been trouble in this whole build because they will show up and leave. Then disappear for days. They started the waterline tile on May 21 and didn't show back up until yesterday. They were here for a few hours to start the coping and then left. I was surprised they came back this morning!They also started building what was supposed to be the stacked stone wall with the wrong materials. They were using what looked like Leuders.
After they left tonight I went out to check a few things. Tell me if I am being too picky.
This is how the tile corners meet on the inset bench. Doesn't the grout have to be 1/8" or so to keep it from cracking? I have no idea how they would fix this as the entire wall before this is whole tiles. It would look really odd to have a sliver tile there.
Next question is about grout is the color. Our contract says "grout to match tile." I know I should have asked what that means but I trusted the salesman to make sure it was communicated. Personally, I don't think this white grout matches at all. I am wondering if masons picked up wrong color (like they picked up wrong materials). Am I being too picky?
And finally, I've taken some preliminary measurements and the tile line is off just a bit. But standing back it looks like it's off more than it is. Worth it to fix or am I seeing things?!
So glad I found TFP. Starting to read through pool school to learn more!
Here's a rendering of what we are going for:
Pretty basic, geometric pool and spa. I wish I would have found this site when we were designing. You guys have awesome ideas!
The big dig was on May 3. The did the dig and rebar in one day then came the following Saturday to gunite (our neighbors loved us!).
And as of today we are finally getting the waterline tile and coping. Pool equipment was set last week and we are hoping to get the electrician out this week to get it all hooked up.
Now on to some issues that I'd like some advice about. I am known to be particular and need help with expectations sometimes.
Big issue: Masons and Tile
The masons have been trouble in this whole build because they will show up and leave. Then disappear for days. They started the waterline tile on May 21 and didn't show back up until yesterday. They were here for a few hours to start the coping and then left. I was surprised they came back this morning!They also started building what was supposed to be the stacked stone wall with the wrong materials. They were using what looked like Leuders.
After they left tonight I went out to check a few things. Tell me if I am being too picky.
This is how the tile corners meet on the inset bench. Doesn't the grout have to be 1/8" or so to keep it from cracking? I have no idea how they would fix this as the entire wall before this is whole tiles. It would look really odd to have a sliver tile there.
Next question is about grout is the color. Our contract says "grout to match tile." I know I should have asked what that means but I trusted the salesman to make sure it was communicated. Personally, I don't think this white grout matches at all. I am wondering if masons picked up wrong color (like they picked up wrong materials). Am I being too picky?
And finally, I've taken some preliminary measurements and the tile line is off just a bit. But standing back it looks like it's off more than it is. Worth it to fix or am I seeing things?!
So glad I found TFP. Starting to read through pool school to learn more!