GrantsPool said:
Ditto on returns on steps. This surely helps to keep the fine stuff dragged into the pool from collecting on steps. Also cuts down on any staining from mud and settled fine debris.
You can't have too many electrical outlets all around. Put in way more than you think you will ever need.
Individual lines to all returns with valves for each return.
At the very least two speed pump. Variable speed or variable flow even better.
Automatic pool cover. Check these out well as some are more trouble free over time and less likely to need expensive yearly repairs.
At least two skimmers plumbed separate with valve for controlling each.'
I really, really like my separate Main drain with valve. (My one skimmer and one main drain are controlled with a three way valve.)
Dedicated return for pressure cleaner, with valve. If I were doing it over I would add, in addition to the the pressure return, a suction return for a cleaner. There are times, for various reasons, I like to use the suction cleaner instead of the pressure cleaner. BTW... my dogs don't get hung up in the suction or pressure lines with them running during swimming. BUT they do get hung up in the cord for the Aquabot so I can only run it when they are not swimming.
Your needs could change over time for preferred cleaner. I like to use the Polaris 280 during high plant debris times spring and fall. I'm now using the Aquabot at night when dogs aren't swimming with flow turned down considerably. It uses less electricity than the suction, as pump doesn't have to have as much flow and the Polaris which needs adequate flow in addition to booster pump. When I get the solar cover, which I'll use only at night for heat retention, I'm going to turn off the pump at night and let the Aquabot do all the circulation and filtering, i.e. 4000 gph to 5000+ gph depending on model.
Check around neighbors to see how much debris they get in their pools during all parts of the year. That will be a great help in choosing a specific type and or Brand of cleaner.
Solar or at least plumb for solar to be added in future.
Automation or purchase other equipment with future automation in mind if not putting it in now. Put in electric box at proper location for addition of automation.
I, my "Favorite Most Trusted Pool Guy", and many pros on TFP have a preference for Pentair products. I think you get an extended warranty from Pentair if three or more main devices are Pentair.
I really like the idea of a toilet with sink handy. Little and big feet surely drag in a lot of water. If you don't want to or can't do a drain from waste you could put in a self contained composting toilet. Of course having a sink for hand wash up is necessary. Again, drain for a small sink can be run into a rock drain "field". We have occasional really hard freezes in Dallas area every so often. Either plan on completely draining a china toilet during those times or put some heating in the water closet. Shower would be nice too.
I would like to have a handy wash up room for equipment (and other uses) (big laundry room type sink and place to dispose of debris from cleaner bags, baskets, etc.) perhaps combined as a mud room. This could, also, be combined with an equipment shed maybe back to back with the "bathroom"/changing room to save on plumbing costs.
More than adequate, much much more than you think you will ever need, storage for pool chems, cleaners and parts, hoses, poles, toys, umbrellas, etc., and especially chair cushions. Not all need to be in an enclosure but nice to have out of sight. Several of the cushion storage benches I've purchased over the years have not been large enough for some of my chair cushions or hold enough of the ones that do fit.
If some of the chairs, benches, lounges require cushions they are a real hassle to take off and put on when using, if stored, for sun protection and/or rain. If some will be exposed much of the time look for the best UV tolerant "fabrics" and best ability to shed water and not become water logged. That, of course, can be something you can add over time. My best, least hassle chair is one with a thick weave material. I've had it five years but it is under an umbrella and protected from the sun most of the time. It does get wet from blowing rain but dries very fast. I'm now looking for cushions for two chairs that are in the sun almost all day. Sunbrella is a great choice but I think the "Outdura" fabric sheds more water with same or better UV qualities and at least as long warranty; maybe longer. (I'm not positive that the name is Outoura.)
Shaded area near pool for many reasons especially watching little ones, entertaining, and just enjoying watching the pool.
I have several areas around the pool where I have placed seating or benches. That way I can choose spots for viewing and/or to get out of sun.
Watch sun to determine angles during year. You might consider putting in some pole mounts, in the concrete, for using patio umbrellas when wanted. This should be an especially low cost thing to add.
In Texas, without a cover on most of time I would certainly want an auto-fill which I don't have. With my wind and sun I can lose over an inch of water during the day and much more with splash-out. Even if someone is home all day to keep the pool topped up consider resale, vacations, etc. I have to manually top off my pool every day.
Ease of access to and around equipment. Equipment protected from sun and rain. Make sure there will be no water flow going up on pad from drain-off from rain or roof or washing anything. If pump gets flooded from having water go over the base and up to motor it is obvious to the seller or manufacturer and warranty won't cover it. You don't want sprinklers hitting the equipment either.
Ability to quickly check the pressure on filter especially if you don't have automation with wireless hand held controller.
Thoroughly check out soil conditions in your area. Some parts of Dallas Co. have extreme issues with shifting soil. I wish my decking was pavers instead of concrete because of some shifting up, down, and around over the years. There are a few big cracks in decking too. Pavers make for much less hassle/cost if any plumbing work/repairs are needed in future.
Decking........... spend a lot of time considering traffic flow to and around the pool. Pool was here when we moved in.
Water flow in yard or decking from our "toad choker" rain storms. Dirty water entering the pool from yard or beds or off of roof and decking can foul up a pool really fast.
One of my friends has a small back yard. It is total decking, concrete and wood. If it weren't for the huge, constantly shedding junipers here pool and pool area would be a snap to keep sparkling and tidy.
I know this is rambling. I'm having my first cup of coffee if that matters. :lol:
Main thing is that my needs and desires have changed over the 24 years of ownership of this house and pool.
