OK, so I've read extensively and followed posts since we have gotten hot and heavy into pool build planning (2-3 months.) I'm even annoying DW and the PB salesman with my use of acronyms, etc.
We have started the planning process, gotten some bids, but have not signed any contracts. We started with 4 bids, well known in the Austin area, and we are only seriously considering one at this point. This one has shown the most interest and knowledge in Austin's building codes, yet is still very experienced in design. I've not yet checked any references, but at least the check out on Angie's List and the local BBB.
I'll scan pictures, but basically we have a new construction house (2009) in the city with minimal backyard, and the city limits how close we can get to the large Oak on one side of our backyard and how much impervious cover we can have (so no large decking/patio). My wife wants a cooling off, entertaining, cottagey, natural pool place; and I just want the most bang for the buck. But our lack of access to the back yard and hard central Texas ground add to the price.
This PB uses Pentair, so I'm already looking to upgrade to the variable Intilliflo, and they already plan on 2" PVC. The rest is listed on the diagram. We took out the paramount in-floor cleaner to save 5K - seems like a large commitment that may not work as advertised.
We debated SWG vs. Chlorine and ozonator, but after reading extensively, living in central Texas and wanting a lot of natural stone we are going to ditch the corrosive salt and go with chlorine +/- the ozonator. The PB said I could pay their contractor to plumb for a Rola-Chem peristaltic chlorine pump and then I'll buy the tank online (I want to be able to leave for a week plus)
Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!
We have started the planning process, gotten some bids, but have not signed any contracts. We started with 4 bids, well known in the Austin area, and we are only seriously considering one at this point. This one has shown the most interest and knowledge in Austin's building codes, yet is still very experienced in design. I've not yet checked any references, but at least the check out on Angie's List and the local BBB.
I'll scan pictures, but basically we have a new construction house (2009) in the city with minimal backyard, and the city limits how close we can get to the large Oak on one side of our backyard and how much impervious cover we can have (so no large decking/patio). My wife wants a cooling off, entertaining, cottagey, natural pool place; and I just want the most bang for the buck. But our lack of access to the back yard and hard central Texas ground add to the price.
This PB uses Pentair, so I'm already looking to upgrade to the variable Intilliflo, and they already plan on 2" PVC. The rest is listed on the diagram. We took out the paramount in-floor cleaner to save 5K - seems like a large commitment that may not work as advertised.
We debated SWG vs. Chlorine and ozonator, but after reading extensively, living in central Texas and wanting a lot of natural stone we are going to ditch the corrosive salt and go with chlorine +/- the ozonator. The PB said I could pay their contractor to plumb for a Rola-Chem peristaltic chlorine pump and then I'll buy the tank online (I want to be able to leave for a week plus)
Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!