Haven't been here on the forums since COVID basically, here's the original thread for reference:
www.troublefreepool.com
We're finally starting our back yard transformation project in earnest this year after various delays due to college expenses, a few deaths in our families to navigate and manage (in addition to elder care related challenges leading up to COVID), and some unexpected financial expenses that delayed this project. But, this year, it's finally under way as of about two months ago! Our hardscaping contractor came in about 1.5 months ago and destructed the entire pool deck and therefore our yard currently looks like a bomb went off with big ruts and so forth - but the tile and coping destruction and install is now under way - they will be back next Monday to complete the coping/tile install and then we skip a week (traveling on business), and the plaster install will take place the week of 6/17 and be complete by 6/21.
Here's the original list of NEEDS/WANTS from the original post - with what we've actually baked into the plans to date:
Pool - NEED:
Re-surfacing - under contract with Coronado Pools
Re-tiling - under contract with Coronado Pools
Re-coping - under contract with Coronado Pools
Equipment replacement (want to move to a maintenance free type setup) - work in progress DIY
Skimmer replacement - under contract with Coronado Pools
Safety cover installation (for off season) - completed prior to COVID
Pool- WANT:
Concrete deck replacement or deck overlay with stonework/pavers (TBD) - under contract for hardscaping (Nicolock) using reputable local contractor
Add pool water features:
Integrated spa - removed from scope
Grotto/waterfall feature - removed from scope - possible future phase (can always add later)
Tanning deck - removed from scope
Integrated LED Lighting - under contract with Coronado Pools
Hardscaping/decking:
Raised hardscape between sunroom to near side pool (level with integrated spa/water features) - under contract
Wrap hardscape around both sides of sunroom - replace garden areas with hardscaping - under contract
Possible outdoor kitchen area (left side of sunroom) - removed from scope (can always add later)
Possible outdoor fireplace and/or firepit area with seating (right side of the sunroom) - firepit and seating area under contract
Yard plans:
Replace all fencing around back yard (aged wood fencing has reached end of life) - fencing purchased and onsite for DIY
Replace shed roof (or the shed altogether) - shed destruction complete - old pad being removed by hardscaping contractor
Clear out all brush from under trees and landscape cleared areas with stone/mulch - under contract for landscaping after completion of hardscaping work (same contractor)
Consider removing some trees - several trees removed last year due to disease outbreak
Install gazebo under trees for adjacent seating area for pool - future phase
Install hammock between trees adjacent to gazebo - TBD
Specific to the pool equipment replacement - this is my current focus area. I want a pool automation system, along with a variable speed pump and I want to add a SWCG. I'm fairly handy with electric and in general. I don't think it'll be too difficult to replace the pool pump and replumb as needed, though I have question marks on the automation system and the SWCG - how difficult are these two items to handle for DIY? The pool work will be complete by 6/21 - that's fill up day basically (final wash post plaster install in the morning). Lastly, I'm getting conflicting information on whether we can simply use our two hoses for the initial fill (it'll take 2-3 days going this route) vs having to bring in water trucks - for a newly surfaced plaster pool - any feedback on this item? The guy at Coronado indicated we can simply use hoses - but someone else at Coronado said only if it completes within 24 hours of the install completion.
Major backyard/pool reno project planning - getting started - advice appreciated!
All, Found this forum online yesterday and registered. This is my first post! :) We have a 1991 Anthony inground Gunnite free form pool in our newly inherited "fixer upper" home. In short, the back yard is a disaster right now. The garden areas are completely overgrown, the yard is mostly...
www.troublefreepool.com
We're finally starting our back yard transformation project in earnest this year after various delays due to college expenses, a few deaths in our families to navigate and manage (in addition to elder care related challenges leading up to COVID), and some unexpected financial expenses that delayed this project. But, this year, it's finally under way as of about two months ago! Our hardscaping contractor came in about 1.5 months ago and destructed the entire pool deck and therefore our yard currently looks like a bomb went off with big ruts and so forth - but the tile and coping destruction and install is now under way - they will be back next Monday to complete the coping/tile install and then we skip a week (traveling on business), and the plaster install will take place the week of 6/17 and be complete by 6/21.
Here's the original list of NEEDS/WANTS from the original post - with what we've actually baked into the plans to date:
Pool - NEED:
Re-surfacing - under contract with Coronado Pools
Re-tiling - under contract with Coronado Pools
Re-coping - under contract with Coronado Pools
Equipment replacement (want to move to a maintenance free type setup) - work in progress DIY
Skimmer replacement - under contract with Coronado Pools
Safety cover installation (for off season) - completed prior to COVID
Pool- WANT:
Concrete deck replacement or deck overlay with stonework/pavers (TBD) - under contract for hardscaping (Nicolock) using reputable local contractor
Add pool water features:
Integrated spa - removed from scope
Grotto/waterfall feature - removed from scope - possible future phase (can always add later)
Tanning deck - removed from scope
Integrated LED Lighting - under contract with Coronado Pools
Hardscaping/decking:
Raised hardscape between sunroom to near side pool (level with integrated spa/water features) - under contract
Wrap hardscape around both sides of sunroom - replace garden areas with hardscaping - under contract
Possible outdoor kitchen area (left side of sunroom) - removed from scope (can always add later)
Possible outdoor fireplace and/or firepit area with seating (right side of the sunroom) - firepit and seating area under contract
Yard plans:
Replace all fencing around back yard (aged wood fencing has reached end of life) - fencing purchased and onsite for DIY
Replace shed roof (or the shed altogether) - shed destruction complete - old pad being removed by hardscaping contractor
Clear out all brush from under trees and landscape cleared areas with stone/mulch - under contract for landscaping after completion of hardscaping work (same contractor)
Consider removing some trees - several trees removed last year due to disease outbreak
Install gazebo under trees for adjacent seating area for pool - future phase
Install hammock between trees adjacent to gazebo - TBD
Specific to the pool equipment replacement - this is my current focus area. I want a pool automation system, along with a variable speed pump and I want to add a SWCG. I'm fairly handy with electric and in general. I don't think it'll be too difficult to replace the pool pump and replumb as needed, though I have question marks on the automation system and the SWCG - how difficult are these two items to handle for DIY? The pool work will be complete by 6/21 - that's fill up day basically (final wash post plaster install in the morning). Lastly, I'm getting conflicting information on whether we can simply use our two hoses for the initial fill (it'll take 2-3 days going this route) vs having to bring in water trucks - for a newly surfaced plaster pool - any feedback on this item? The guy at Coronado indicated we can simply use hoses - but someone else at Coronado said only if it completes within 24 hours of the install completion.
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