Hi, All!
As the title says, "Here We Go Again"! We were going to build this pool about 18 months ago but backed out due to circumstances that arose. In a better position, we are moving ahead finally.
First, we decided to check the pricing not only against the original pool company (PB1), who really nailed the design for our yard, but also with another pool builder that we also really liked when looking the first time (PB2).
PB2 has been really quick in responding and has already provided pricing and a design based on the original. PB2 does not like to work with a SWG (which I prefer but have BIG concerns with because of the flagstone) and prices their builds at a premium. They keep saying that the quality of their subs is better but most of the guts of the build seem the same.
PB1 is a smaller family builder that seems to be gaining market share. We know a family that used this builder 3 years ago and are very pleased.
As a reminder, the original plan from PB1 18 months ago...
We told PB2 that we wanted him to price what the above pool would cost to build and he threw in a few tweaks that we overall like a lot. PB2's plan...
As one can see, not much different but we didn't want different. He took out the bottom "pool" area as it was a big cost with very little return. We moved the tanning ledge over to this area and reduced the size of the original ledge to open up some pool area although we aren't concerned about a swim lane. He didn't like the curved stairs and planter from the patio deck down to the spa deck. We are undecided about that for now. The decking is what I call washed aggregate but others refer to as pebble concrete to save some money. Otherwise, he left good enough alone.
When I get the proposal back from PB1 on their costs and equipment, I will list the differences between the two.
The reason for my post before knowing what PB1 has in store, is treating a pool the TFP way the key to keeping a SWG from killing flagstone or travertine coping? Is this a Texas only problem? Will a sealant keep the stone going? HELP!!! As you can see, I want to go with a SWG for the convenience as I travel up to 50% of the time and I don't want my wife to have to worry about checking the balance on a daily basis as it seems liquid chlorine requires. If I have to go with liquid chlorine, I will. I won't use the tablets as our neighbor has them (and swears by the convenience), but our skin looks flaky after swimming in his pool and it sometimes stings!
Otherwise, I am open to suggestions on the overall design. Things like light placement, sleeves for the planters, etc. will be hit on in followup posts, but we aren't in a huge hurry right now to decide between the two as I am waiting on PB1's proposal for another couple of days.
Below are pics from 18 months ago showing the yard and pool placement which hasn't changed much. There is about 4.5-5 feet of drop from the current patio and a creek that runs behind the fence and is part of the property
Thanks again, TFP neighborhood! You guys have already saved me tons of money and I look forward to this adventure together!
Back to looking through others' builds and the issues they encounter.
As the title says, "Here We Go Again"! We were going to build this pool about 18 months ago but backed out due to circumstances that arose. In a better position, we are moving ahead finally.
First, we decided to check the pricing not only against the original pool company (PB1), who really nailed the design for our yard, but also with another pool builder that we also really liked when looking the first time (PB2).
PB2 has been really quick in responding and has already provided pricing and a design based on the original. PB2 does not like to work with a SWG (which I prefer but have BIG concerns with because of the flagstone) and prices their builds at a premium. They keep saying that the quality of their subs is better but most of the guts of the build seem the same.
PB1 is a smaller family builder that seems to be gaining market share. We know a family that used this builder 3 years ago and are very pleased.
As a reminder, the original plan from PB1 18 months ago...
We told PB2 that we wanted him to price what the above pool would cost to build and he threw in a few tweaks that we overall like a lot. PB2's plan...
As one can see, not much different but we didn't want different. He took out the bottom "pool" area as it was a big cost with very little return. We moved the tanning ledge over to this area and reduced the size of the original ledge to open up some pool area although we aren't concerned about a swim lane. He didn't like the curved stairs and planter from the patio deck down to the spa deck. We are undecided about that for now. The decking is what I call washed aggregate but others refer to as pebble concrete to save some money. Otherwise, he left good enough alone.
When I get the proposal back from PB1 on their costs and equipment, I will list the differences between the two.
The reason for my post before knowing what PB1 has in store, is treating a pool the TFP way the key to keeping a SWG from killing flagstone or travertine coping? Is this a Texas only problem? Will a sealant keep the stone going? HELP!!! As you can see, I want to go with a SWG for the convenience as I travel up to 50% of the time and I don't want my wife to have to worry about checking the balance on a daily basis as it seems liquid chlorine requires. If I have to go with liquid chlorine, I will. I won't use the tablets as our neighbor has them (and swears by the convenience), but our skin looks flaky after swimming in his pool and it sometimes stings!
Otherwise, I am open to suggestions on the overall design. Things like light placement, sleeves for the planters, etc. will be hit on in followup posts, but we aren't in a huge hurry right now to decide between the two as I am waiting on PB1's proposal for another couple of days.
Below are pics from 18 months ago showing the yard and pool placement which hasn't changed much. There is about 4.5-5 feet of drop from the current patio and a creek that runs behind the fence and is part of the property
Thanks again, TFP neighborhood! You guys have already saved me tons of money and I look forward to this adventure together!
Back to looking through others' builds and the issues they encounter.
