Buffalo, NY - Gunite Saltwater Pool Build

[bbdude]

Costs are getting pretty high up there now that we've got the fencing and a ton of extra patio space! Not sure if I'm settled on so much patio space. So hard to know what we need since we've never had a pool!

Anyway, we're into Materials phase. We have a handful of options for our Waterline tile, which are 6"x6" tiles. Trying not to upgrade to keep costs down ... leaning towards Key West or Barbados. I included a photo of the options below. Thanks in advance for any suggestions / input.

 

[kimkats]

I loves both of them!! So rich and striking looking! You cannot go wrong with either of them so I say put them down on the floor and spin an empty adult beverage bottle to see which one it picks!

You will NEED to go through the boxes of either of them as they have variations in them. Some might not be as pretty as others. You will want to take them out of the mix to use as a cut up one of such. (yes I do have control issues LOL)

 

[bbdude]

Random question since the costs are starting to add up. What type of tools / accessories should I plan on buying? Vaccum, Skimmer, Brush, anything else?

 

[Newdude]

Not sure if I'm settled on so much patio space. So hard to know what we need since we've never had a pool!

There is a scientific calculator for this. At any size patio, you will find you need 31% more of it by day 6.

If you have enough patio for a full basketball court, 2 extra teams show up and they have to sit and wait. Always go 31% bigger. And then 31% bigger than that.

What type of tools / accessories should I plan on buying? Vaccum, Skimmer, Brush, anything else?

The builder usually supplies all those. They are crud quality but will get you though the first season. Plus, if we send you to Bjs/Costco for a brush (always better than Walmart's), that $34 goes on the grocery bill and you'll never know it was there after family food shopping.

 

[kimkats]

What you can and should do is find a good source of liquid chlorine so you can have some on hand for when it is needed.

 

[bbdude]

Just got into Material Selection phase. The pebble options for the plaster aren't cheap! Unfortunately, looks like they will be out of reach for us. We'll need to stick to Altima and Luna Quartz. The pebble option I was really excited about was around $15k more

 

[kimkats]

I can see it now..............backing away, shaking head, then turning to RUN away from that price tag!!!! OUCH and OH ADULT WORD NO!!

 

[bbdude]

Quick question - aside from the difference in appearance - does going with something like Luna Quartz over Altima improve the integrity/longevity of plaster?

 

[ajw22]

Quick question - aside from the difference in appearance - does going with something like Luna Quartz over Altima improve the integrity/longevity of plaster?

The water chemistry and the way you maintain your pool will have more effect on the integrity/longevity of plaster then any material selection.

 

[bbdude]

The water chemistry and the way you maintain your pool will have more effect on the integrity/longevity of plaster then any material selection.

Much appreciate the input. The pool build costs are so high now I needed a reason to justify Luna Quartz, but looks like I have none so I'll save the $2k

 

[bbdude]

We're basically done with everything. Stuck with Altima Blue.

We're def starting to get cold feet. We've yet to have a full summer in Buffalo, NY and the temps in June thus far have been 'chilly' compared to what we were expecting. We've had 2 days over 90, 3 days over 85, and 2 days over 80.

 

[Newdude]

and the temps in June thus far have been 'chilly' compared to what we were expecting.

Tell me about it. Filled my new pool a few days ago with temps between 50 and 60 when I wanted it hot and sunny so the liner could stretch. Then I had alot of digging/ dirt moving to do over the weekend...... 91 and humid. Things were thrown. Not gonna lie.

 

[Asherk74]

We're basically done with everything. Stuck with Altima Blue.

We're def starting to get cold feet. We've yet to have a full summer in Buffalo, NY and the temps in June thus far have been 'chilly' compared to what we were expecting. We've had 2 days over 90, 3 days over 85, and 2 days over 80.

from a personal finance standpoint. Unless you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, best guesses would say raw price and labor will be lower next summer (or at least equal to now); dropping 100k or whatever your looking at is a big decision!

 

[Newdude]

from a personal finance standpoint. Unless you have cash burning a hole in your pocket, best guesses would say raw price and labor will be lower next summer (or at least equal to now); dropping 100k or whatever your looking at is a big decision!

We thought this year would have to be lower, last year. 🤦‍♂️

It will take some time time after the bubble pops for business to dry up. Then and only then will they become competitive on cost. Until then, 10 people pay it and the price goes up for the next 10 people.

 

[Asherk74]

We thought this year would have to be lower, last year. 🤦‍♂️

It will take some time time after the bubble pops for business to dry up. Then and only then will they become competitive on cost. Until then, 10 people pay it and the price goes up for the next 10 people.

not sure what the % of new pool builds are being financed vs cash; but affordability for loans will crush demand. patience

 

[bbdude]

So much for cold feet, here goes nothing. Gave the green light today to go forward. Layout meeting / spraying the outline on the grass will happen July 12th.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Exciting Times Ahead!! The construction may get a big messy, but I swear it will end and you will be glad to have this new pool.

Maddie

 

[bbdude]

Pool layout will gets sprayed Tuesday!

The equipment pad location is being debated. Putting it on the side of our house was the original plan, but builder isn’t keen on running 100’+ of PVC to the pool. So he wants to put the pad by the pool on the other side of the fence.

How much noise can we expect? Should we try to put it behind a piece of vinyl fence or just behind some shrubs? Thanks for any input.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

The VS pumps today are extremely quiet, vinyl fence would be a good idea for visual block also.
I try to keep the plumbing runs under 75’ if possible.

 

[kimkats]

So does that mean he will have to run 100' of electric wire?

If it is on the other side of the fence from the pool area make sure there is a gate right there for easy and fast access.