The usable space of the pool is very small. Too much space taken up by the stairs and shelf. The shelfs look nice, but you will not use them much, you will be in the pool. 3.5 feet is not deep enough for a shallow end. Go 4 feet, you will not constantly have to keep squatting to dip in the water. If you are keeping the shelf, incorporate the stairs over there and open up the right side. And as kimkats said, get exact equipment make and models. Here is my standard blurb I send to all prospective pool builders:
Lock in a design of what you want, materials you want, and the equipment you want. Then, when you are comparing quotes, they should all be for the same thing. Don't be afraid to get multiple quotes (at least 3, but 5 would be better). The salesperson will tell you what you want to hear.
In my opinion, all of the pool companies are the same. They basically all hire the same subs and just do the scheduling. The best company will be the one that has 100% project manager involvement (the project manager will be there anytime any of the subs are there). Basically, the subs are:
- architect/engineer (they may do this in-house)
- layout sub
- excavator sub (dig and final grade)
- rebar sub
- plumber
- electrician
- gunite sub
- paver or concrete sub
- tile sub (possibly in house)
- finisher (plaster) sub
- screen builder if you get one
Typically, the pool company will do the initial sprinkler capping where they are digging, but you will need to have a sprinkler contractor come back and fix. Also, most pool companies will not do the final landscaping including replacing sod.
Get EVERYTHING in writing. Even the smallest details. I.E. height of stair risers, exact depth of
water at all locations in pool, details of paver cuts and corners, screen layout, pool finish, equipment, etc. Verify ALL materials prior to them ordering. Otherwise, if it is incorrect, there will be a delay. Take pictures of the materials you select (tile, grout, pool finish, pavers, travertine, etc.), then print the pictures and have sales person sign pictures and make part of contract. That way there is no disagreement on products provided.
Also, be prepared for a mess! Sod torn up, mud everywhere, debris, etc. Make sure there is a DAILY cleanup clause in the contract.
If I ever build another pool, I will act as the general contractor myself. I was there for most of the build and caught items because the project manager was not on site. The subs did a good job and were very friendly and informative. Most of the issues were due to a lack of good communication by the pool builder/project manager.
For equipment, do not buy into the smoke and mirrors the pool companies will sell you. Stay away from ozone, UV, etc.
- Filter: Cartridge as big as possible
- Pump: Variable speed
- Salt Water Generator: Rated at least twice the pool volume.
There is one way to go for pool sanitation: chlorine. There are 2 ways to it: liquid chorine or salt water generator.
A salt water pool is a chlorine pool. It just converts the salt to chlorine and then back to salt and it is less hassle because you do not have to lug around jugs of chlorine.
Try to stay away from chlorine pucks (chlorine feeder) because they have an additive that raises CYA. The higher the CYA, the more chorine you need. It is a vicious cycle.
If a pool company tries to tell you that a salt water generator will corrode equipment, cross that company off your list. They do not know what they are talking about and you don't want them building your pool. The amount of salt in salt water pool is about a 1/10th of ocean water. Also, all pools that use chlorine will have salt in them due to breakdown process of chlorine.
A must have in Central Florida is an auto DRAIN because we get so much rain here. You can get away with not having an auto FILL, but it is nice to have.
Go to the website
www.troublefreepool.com. Great advice on new pool builds. Great advice on maintaining a pool. They do not try to sell you anything.
