And another DFW pool

[JJ_Tex]

We just signed with a pool builder last week and are in the North Dallas suburbs. I stumbled across this site when researching test kits at lunch and I pretty much spent the whole afternoon reading on here. Assuming I dont get fired, we are hoping to dig in the next week or so and catch the tail end of swimming season here in DFW.
I always grew up with a pool, and hope my kids get as much enjoyment as I did growing up and plan to as an adult. I was in charge of taking care of the pool growing up, and plan to do the same with this one.

We have a bit of a challenging build with a small backyard and we sit on top of a ~12 foot retaining wall. Currently we are working with an independent engineer to design piers so our new pool doesn't end up in our neighbor's yard.

My equipment is below, along with a few renderings from our builder and one very crude one from me showing A/V and shower plans.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
The first thing to change is the Nature 2 Fusion thing. It adds metals to your water. Get a SWCG. You will be glad you did. And it will integrate with your Easytouch (you might look into the Intellicenter, it is the new automation system by Pentair).
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.

 

[kimkats]

OH I like that lay out!! Very nice! Something for everyone!!

What will your depths be?

Kim

 

[JJ_Tex]

OH I like that lay out!! Very nice! Something for everyone!!

What will your depths be?

Kim

Right now, its 3.5' to the right by the stairs, 4.5' in the center, with a really small "deep" end at 6' in front of the bench to the right of the tanning ledge.

The engineer may tweak it a bit, but we should know more next Monday when we get his full report and pier recommendation.

 

[kimkats]

If you start with 4' and go from there the slope will be less. 4' is a good shallow area for most people. Take a tape measure to see where it will hit you and go from there.

Kim

 

[crusemm]

One thing to consider is that spa area. I live in DFW, and really wish we didn't have one, instead I would have liked the extra pool space. In the summer it's too hot, and in the winter it takes too long to warm up with no cover to retain heat, plus with the way our plumbing is run, we can't keep it on an isolated loop. Also the heater is an added equipment expense and has caused me to drain my propane tank twice (big $$). On top of all of that, it's just not that comfortable to sit in. Just my 2 cents.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thanks all for the replies. I've spent way too much time reading, over analyzing, re-thinking, etc the last 24 hours and have couple of questions about salt water and the Nature2 comment.

First of all, I grew up with a chlorine pool and maintenance was part of my chores until I left for college. I had a schedule of:
Daily - Water test for chlorine (PH and TA at first as well, then every few days/weekly), empty skimmers, brush/use the net, check the pool cleaner, likely add chlorine (I used pucks then, will be using liquid now)
Weekly - Check filter pressure, backwash if needed (then obviously add DE). Shock if needed (in heavy use and in the summer TX sun, I remember this being an almost every Sunday night affair, backing off in the winter).
As needed - Check the pump basket, lube the O-ring, disassemble and clean the DE filter

I'm expecting to do the above with this pool as well, but am intrigued by the salt water comments and how much easier they are to maintain. Regarless of chlorine/salt, I plan on being outside doing "pool care stuff" every day. What really changes in the schedule above with a salt water pool? Also, I get the concept of a chlorine generator, but how much more do you have to run your pool vs chlorine? Does it work well with a variable speed pump?

For Nature2, almost everything I've read online was positive, with the exception of this forum. Going with it/without it doesnt materially change the price of the pool at all and I dont feel like the builder if trying to pull one over on me with it since he is just a builder and isnt looking to sell me future cartridges. Does anyone have first experience with them? Did you have elevated silver/copper levels that caused staining/problems? Does it really lessen your need for chlorine?

 

[kimkats]

I have a link for you: Alternative sanitizers and "chemical free" pools--The Truth!

I also encourage you to do a search using the words "Nature 2" but make sure to click on the G to get the better search. There are many threads about it. Once you get done reading make sure to come back and ask more questions if you need/want to!

Kim

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thanks, I'm not convinced that Nature2 is horrible since I have no expectations that it would be anything more than a secondary sanitizer, but I get that excess copper is not a good thing in your pool, nor are unnecessary additives.

So that brings me back to my question on saltwater maintenance routine. How often do you have to add salt and/or bleach to your pools and how often do you have to "shock" it? My expectation on my currently planned chlorine pool is daily adds of chlorine and weekly shocking based on weather and usage. It sounds like salt water would be different and less often.

I plan to talk to the builder early next week once we get the engineering plans back and hopefully have gained the final approval from the city. At that point we can do any equipment change orders and hopefully start digging. Thanks all!

 

[mknauss]

Never 'shock'. That is not a meaningful process. You maintain your FC based on FC/CYA Levels

I add salt if I replace the water in the pool. Otherwise my salt level rises due to the use of muriatic acid, some minor liquid chlorine additions (primarily in winter), and from my make up water to replace evaporation.

If you get rain that overflows your pool, then you will occasionally have to add salt.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thanks. I think I'm nearly sold on salt. Will talk to the builder and let you know how it turns out.

Do you have to run the pump significantly longer when you need to boost chlorine generation? If so, does it work well at low RPMs for a variable speed pump?

 

[mknauss]

If you need to 'boost' FC you add liquid chlorine. The SWCG is for your base, daily maintenance. I have added liquid chlorine during the summer months a handful of times. Lots of people in the pool, a big storm, etc.

My pump runs at 1500 rpm to close the flow switch on the IC40. Yours will be close to the same as you have a heater, as I do.
The pump uses about 225W at that rate. In the summer, I run it 8 hours per day. Costs about $7.50 per month to run.

Your pool size is twice mine. So you may end up running the pump more, or, as one of our Moderators that lives in your area does, just run the pump 24/7. They are very quiet.

 

[JJ_Tex]

We got engineering done yesterday, and look what showed up in my backyard today. The fun begins.

 

[Snikwah]

We got engineering done yesterday, and look what showed up in my backyard today. The fun begins.

Saw the post on PB's facebook page, congrats!

 

[Newdude]

According to the posts I’ve seen here I think you are officially the last house to get a pool in DFW. Congrats nonetheless !!

As miss Kim would say : ‘Let the mud begin’

 

[kimkats]

As miss Kim would say : ‘Let the mud begin’

hehe yeppers!!! What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^

Kim

 

[JJ_Tex]

Day 1 of the dig complete, should finish digging and piers tomorrow. Hopefully I'll have gunite next week.

 

[kimkats]

Look at that smile!!! MY POOL!!! OH YEAH!!

Kim

 

[Newdude]

Look at that smile!!! MY POOL!!! OH YEAH!!

Kim

This. Sooooooooooooo much this. Both my girls and the dog (and me too of course) were bursting at the seems excited while pretend swimming in the hole.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Coming along. We have the rebar and plumbing finished and waiting on the inspection. Fingers crossed that we have gunite by the end of the week.

I also had to check in the 1st picture that I can see the TV from the spa and shallow end.