new pool build in CT

[stoneox]

i've immensely enjoyed reading so many of the the threads in this forum that i decided to put my experiences to date. back in january i decided to put an inground pool in our backyard. i decided to go with the PB that did a coworker's pool because his turned out so nicely and he recommended this PB. i wish that i had stumbled upon this forum before i had started this process because i didn't know anything about pools or building pools.
so i didn't get any other estimates and told him my budget upfront. suprisingly, the proposal came out to exactly my budget number. the project has become more elaborate as the months have dragged on with the result being we are over budget and behind schedule. at the beginning there were long periods of inactivity but the PB has been making a lot of progress the last few weeks.

my backyard in jan. you may not be able to see, but there is a big grade change.
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shotcrete
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more shotcrete
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[stoneox]

more photos

shotcrete finished
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not happy about the placement of the pipes in the far wall (not symmetrical) but the PB promised to work with me to find a solution
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view of the shallow end
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[257WbyMag]

Welcome to TFP! Very nice looking so far. Have you gotten your test kit yet?

 

[stoneox]

thanks 257. i wish i had learned of this site before i started my pool build, but better late than never.

a few more picutes.

shooting the spa and overflow trough. it had to be almost 100 degrees that day
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[stoneox]

more pictures

close up of water line tiles
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water line tiles completed around pool
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[stoneox]

when the PB started placing the coping, he noticed that the corners weren't quite square so had the shotcrete guys come back out for some modifications. he also put in the deep end swim out that he had forgotten. i was concerned that adding more concrete to already cured concrete might be a weak spot but my PB said it wouldn't be a problem and that it would outlast us. is this true?
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they also started the stone veneer on the overflow trough.
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[stoneox]

more pictures.

stone veneer on the steps. we didn't talk about this beforehand and he said he wouldn't charge me for it. i hope that it holds up underwater. will it be difficult to clean?
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a view from the deep end, you can see they are starting to place the coping.
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another view from the shallow end.
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[DBfan187]

yeah I think it doesn't matter with cold joints for shotcrete

 

[carlscan26]

When he fixed the corners and added the missing swimout why didn't he dig out those pipes in the far wall and reset them symmeticrally? Would have been a perfect time to do it with the concrete guys there to repair the wall

I hope it's not too late to say this next thing: I would not want that stone veneer on the steps - it will be difficult if not impossible to clean and if you get an algae bloom guess where the little buggers will be hiding out? You won't be able (or at the minimum it will be a major pain) to brush any algae growing there which is necessary for killing certain types of algae.

Sorry to tell you that...maybe someone else on here has stone underwater and has a different experience, I admit I don't have direct experience with this myself but from everything I've learned that sounds like a major concern.

 

[Lershac]

If its not too late I would (if it were me mind you) rip that stone out of the step fronts on the pool. Going to be very difficult to keep clean, and everything else carl said.

 

[carlscan26]

I forgot to say that I like the design of your pool!

 

[stoneox]

thanks dbfan. the PB assured me that it would be fine but it is nice to hear it from a neutral source.

yeah carlscan, i was thinking the same thing, it will be interesting to see what he does to fix those pipes. i will post a photo when he is done.

and i am very worried about the stone veneer on the steps, i haven't had a chance to discuss that with the PB yet.

some more pictures

a picture of the steps at the shallow end with the stone veneer. they had to chip away some concrete and change the shape of the lowest step to make room for the fixture.
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a picture of the sunshelf with the eramosa limestone inlay.
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building the steps to the lower level.
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[Samantha_in_AL]

stoneox, you're going to have yourself one beautiful pool! Thanks for sharing the build pics with us.

 

[stoneox]

thanks samantha. i really enjoy reading and seeing other people's pool builds, so i thought i would post mine. they shot the plaster today so it will be filled with water tomorrow. finally.

ready to pour concrete for the patio
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plumbing and conduits from the spa
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another picture of plumbing and conduits to the equipment pad
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[stoneox]

the equipment pad
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a finished picture of the equipment pad
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[stoneox]

some landscape photos

steps leading to the spa area
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looking down to the spa area
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looking up to the spa area from below
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[stoneox]

patio limestone is in. i love the look of it when it is wet.
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poured cement for the spa area.
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[stoneox]

getting ready to shoot the plaster
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[stoneox]

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[8corneflakes]

WOW! this pool build makes my pool kit look like I got it out of a cracker jack box. Very nice so far. Your equipment pad is more confusing than the plumbing in my whole house. Great place, great pool!