This is my third pool but first one I ever built. I researched this site extensively to get informaiton and ideas. Our last pool was a free form pool but my wife much prefers the classic lines so we went with a very simple "roman style" pool. Thanks to DoubleD on this site who enlightened me on the City of Houston requirement for detention ponds for property sizes greater than 15K Square Feet. With engineering fees, permits and the construction this requirement is adding about $3,000 to the project. As an added benefit I get a 120 foot by 6 foot wide and 6 inch deep swale along my back property line (note scarasm) due to the fine minds of the City of Houston.
Now I have to got my HOA and convince them that 5 trees need to be removed in order to build my pool. Those people not familar with Kingwood, Texas, it is heavily wooded area north of Houston and they (along with The Woodlands, TX) take their trees very seriously. I suspect I will have to add some new tress to my site but since pines are going to be removed and red oaks going in I think I'm coming out ahead.
Most of the delay has been deciding between spray deck and travertine pavers. We finally decided on travertine pavers. Now with all the rain we have had for the past couple of weeks I suspect my build will be delayed so that they can "catch up" on everyone's build. If I'm lucky it should be ready by the time it just starts to warm up around here which is perfect.
I've noted peoples' advice on this forum. Relax and enjoy the process as much as possible. There will be delays, dirt and mud everywhere but there will be an end to the project. The kids are away at college so at least we won't have them asking everyday, "is the pool done yet". There will be mistakes and unforseen problems. I know this to be the case but I do what to keep it in perspective it is "just a pool". A very expensive toy but a toy nonetheless. I'm not going to accept a shotty job but I've been around long to know that issues will arise. Additional costs are guaranteed and I made sure my wife was fully on board before we signed the contract. I will keep everyone posted on pics, etc. but nothing will probably begin for another 3-4 weeks. In the meantime I will continue to live vicariously through others on this site.
I attached a copy of computer generated pictures for reference.
Now I have to got my HOA and convince them that 5 trees need to be removed in order to build my pool. Those people not familar with Kingwood, Texas, it is heavily wooded area north of Houston and they (along with The Woodlands, TX) take their trees very seriously. I suspect I will have to add some new tress to my site but since pines are going to be removed and red oaks going in I think I'm coming out ahead.
Most of the delay has been deciding between spray deck and travertine pavers. We finally decided on travertine pavers. Now with all the rain we have had for the past couple of weeks I suspect my build will be delayed so that they can "catch up" on everyone's build. If I'm lucky it should be ready by the time it just starts to warm up around here which is perfect.
I've noted peoples' advice on this forum. Relax and enjoy the process as much as possible. There will be delays, dirt and mud everywhere but there will be an end to the project. The kids are away at college so at least we won't have them asking everyday, "is the pool done yet". There will be mistakes and unforseen problems. I know this to be the case but I do what to keep it in perspective it is "just a pool". A very expensive toy but a toy nonetheless. I'm not going to accept a shotty job but I've been around long to know that issues will arise. Additional costs are guaranteed and I made sure my wife was fully on board before we signed the contract. I will keep everyone posted on pics, etc. but nothing will probably begin for another 3-4 weeks. In the meantime I will continue to live vicariously through others on this site.
I attached a copy of computer generated pictures for reference.
