BYOP - Looking for guidance on Equipment & Finishings

[Bkzs]

Good morning all. I live in Austin, TX and am trying to plan a BYOP build. Right now I'm still trying to find/confirm all the subs for the different phases of the build, as well as finalize equipment and coping/tile/decking to order. I'm attaching a snippet from my construction plans as well as my current equipment list for reference. The pool is 16x32 plus 7x12 baja shelf and 6x10 raised spa, and I have some config and design questions I'm hoping to get some guidance from experts on.

1) Given the plan includes three bubblers on baja shelf, one 24" sheer cascade, eight spa jets, and two LED water bowls (likely to be roughed in and added later), I am curious what pump quantity/size/config to go with? The DIY company is recommending one 2.7hp pump and two 1.65hp pumps for water features. These 3 pumps would run me around $4600 total. My initial thought was "why 3 pumps?", can't one 2.7hp pump handle pool/spa, and another 2.7hp handle the bubblers, cascade, and bowls? Or will this result in too high of a flow rate? Also, should spa jets be on separate pump? Two 2.7hp pumps saves me about $1,000 at $3600.

2) I was originally planning on silver travertine coping and paver decking over a dry base, but now believe I'm going with comparable sandblasted Skywhite Marble for both. I'm curious if anyone has experience - good or bad with Marble coping/decking, as well as bullnose versus square edge coping (I'm considering 2" bullnose for coping, and 1.25" square for raised spa/walls).

3) I'm also trying to decide between using ledgestone tile on pool-side surfaces of raised walls, versus just extending waterline tile up 18" (and using ledgestone on exterior facing wall surfaces only). Any thoughts/recommendations on one versus the other would be appreciated.

4) I had one electrician tell me I can run the electrical circuits for an attached covered patio I will be building off of the pool equipment panel, versus running directly from my main outside breaker box. With a 230v/100Amp circuit at pool equipment, I think there is sufficient power to do so, I just don't know if it is really a good idea or best practice to do so? It would save me probably $200 in wire and add convenience of the breakers being more accessible to the patio.

5) Last, I'm looking for referrals to any/all quality pool subcontractors in the Austin area if anyone is willing to share.

Thanks in advance for sharing any guidance, concerns or general inputs I should consider...
-B

 

[HermanTX]

) Given the plan includes three bubblers on baja shelf, one 24" sheer cascade, eight spa jets, and two LED water bowls (likely to be roughed in and added later), I am curious what pump quantity/size/config to go with? The DIY company is recommending one 2.7hp pump and two 1.65hp pumps for water features. These 3 pumps would run me around $4600 total. My initial thought was "why 3 pumps?", can't one 2.7hp pump handle pool/spa, and another 2.7hp handle the bubblers, cascade, and bowls? Or will this result in too high of a flow rate? Also, should spa jets be on separate pump? Two 2.7hp pumps saves me about $1,000 at $360

Deciding on 1, 2 or 3 pumps is driven by what you want to be on at any given time.
In Pool Mode, circulation is from the pool skimmer/drain and back to the pool.
In Spa Mode, circulation is from the spa drain and back to the spa via the spa jets.

If you want the water features (bubblers, sheer cascade, water bowls) to be on while in spa mode then those items need to have a separate pump because flow is from the pool and back to the pool only. The suction for this pump would be a wall drain - it is similar to the main bottom drain but is position on the wall to reduce debris entering it. You may or may not need a small filter on this line depending on the opening of the sheers.
Also needed is the GPM requirement for each of the water features. It may be feasible to run the 3 water features off of the same pump.

From others on the forum, 3 bubblers can be real noisy. It may be best to find a neighbor or friend with a bubbler to consider whether 1, 2 or 3 is sufficient.

With regard to spa jets, some put a dedicated pump just on the spa jets. A 2.7hp Pump for normal jets should be sufficient but again need to have gpm specs on the 8 jets and your desire for super jets or just plain jets.

Electrical is driven by power requirements
No. of pumps
Heater
Air Blower for spa
Lights
Salt Chlorinator
Cleaner (robot?)
Patio Lights, Fan, BBQ, Music, Outside Fridge, etc

@JamesW or @ajw22 may have better insight on these topics

As a side note - it is hard to read PDF files on the forum because it requires to download them. It is best to put the critical data in text form on the post. It is easier for all to go back and refer to the plan and pictures.

On a personal note - underspecing either your pumps or power supply to save $$ can be a rounding error in the big $$$$$ of the total project - so err on the side of over spec where there is a concern.

 

[Bkzs]

Deciding on 1, 2 or 3 pumps is driven by what you want to be on at any given time.
In Pool Mode, circulation is from the pool skimmer/drain and back to the pool.
In Spa Mode, circulation is from the spa drain and back to the spa via the spa jets.

If you want the water features (bubblers, sheer cascade, water bowls) to be on while in spa mode then those items need to have a separate pump because flow is from the pool and back to the pool only. The suction for this pump would be a wall drain - it is similar to the main bottom drain but is position on the wall to reduce debris entering it. You may or may not need a small filter on this line depending on the opening of the sheers.
Also needed is the GPM requirement for each of the water features. It may be feasible to run the 3 water features off of the same pump.

From others on the forum, 3 bubblers can be real noisy. It may be best to find a neighbor or friend with a bubbler to consider whether 1, 2 or 3 is sufficient.

With regard to spa jets, some put a dedicated pump just on the spa jets. A 2.7hp Pump for normal jets should be sufficient but again need to have gpm specs on the 8 jets and your desire for super jets or just plain jets.

Electrical is driven by power requirements
No. of pumps
Heater
Air Blower for spa
Lights
Salt Chlorinator
Cleaner (robot?)
Patio Lights, Fan, BBQ, Music, Outside Fridge, etc

@JamesW or @ajw22 may have better insight on these topics

As a side note - it is hard to read PDF files on the forum because it requires to download them. It is best to put the critical data in text form on the post. It is easier for all to go back and refer to the plan and pictures.

On a personal note - underspecing either your pumps or power supply to save $$ can be a rounding error in the big $$$$$ of the total project - so err on the side of over spec where there is a concern.

Thank you for response. I just spoke to a neighbor that has similar specs and he has Pool & bubbler/cascade on one pump, and the spa on a separate pump. That seems like a simple and reasonable setup assuming the single pump can provide necessary GPM rate for water features while feeding the pool as well. I may consider reducing bubbler from 3 to 2 based on your comment on noise (and in addition to almost $1k in cost savings).

Also, does anyone know a good source for procuring commercial grade Jandy pool equipment? The neighbor recommended Jandy over Hayward as well.

 

[ajw22]

1) Given the plan includes three bubblers on baja shelf, one 24" sheer cascade, eight spa jets, and two LED water bowls (likely to be roughed in and added later), I am curious what pump quantity/size/config to go with?

Get the Installation manuals for all that stuff and the flow requirements will be in it.

Figure out how much flow you need and if your pumps can provide it.

You will find information in Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

The DIY company is recommending one 2.7hp pump and two 1.65hp pumps for water features. These 3 pumps would run me around $4600 total. My initial thought was "why 3 pumps?", can't one 2.7hp pump handle pool/spa, and another 2.7hp handle the bubblers, cascade, and bowls? Or will this result in too high of a flow rate? Also, should spa jets be on separate pump? Two 2.7hp pumps saves me about $1,000 at $3600.

The devil is in the details.

What pumps are we discussing?

What are the flow curves for the pumps?

You have some "high head" applications and some "low head" applications. You need to use the right pump for the right application.

Over design is better then under design. You never really know how things will operate until you turn it on. If your pipes and pumps are undersized it will be difficult fixing it later.

3) I'm also trying to decide between using ledgestone tile on pool-side surfaces of raised walls, versus just extending waterline tile up 18" (and using ledgestone on exterior facing wall surfaces only). Any thoughts/recommendations on one versus the other would be appreciated.

I would stay with smooth ceramic tile that is easy to keep clean.

Ledgestone has nooks and crannies that will be difficult to clean algae, or calcium, or scum from.

4) I had one electrician tell me I can run the electrical circuits for an attached covered patio I will be building off of the pool equipment panel, versus running directly from my main outside breaker box. With a 230v/100Amp circuit at pool equipment, I think there is sufficient power to do so, I just don't know if it is really a good idea or best practice to do so? It would save me probably $200 in wire and add convenience of the breakers being more accessible to the patio.

Again the devil is in the details. Will the pool equipment panel have enough circuit breakers for all your equipment and the patio? I maxed out the CBs just with my pool equipment.

 

[ajw22]

Also, does anyone know a good source for commercial grade Jandy pool equipment? The neighbor recommended Jandy over Hayward as well.

If your neighbor recommended Jandy then he should tell you where to get it.

Jandy as a corporate policy provides no support to OB or DIY builds. They want all Jandy equipment to be acquired and supported through Jandy dealers.

I removed all my Jandy equipment and installed Pentair. I like Pentair equipment but Hayward is just fine.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to Polytec Pools

is a good source for pool equipment. If they are not selling it, it is because the manufacturer restricts the channels where it can be sold.

Understand what warranty you will get on equipment you acquire and install.

 

[HermanTX]

Also, does anyone know a good source for procuring commercial grade Jandy pool equipment? The neighbor recommended Jandy over Hayward as well.

I have Jandy Automation with a Jandy SWCG. The automation was there when I purchased the house which I have since upgraded to the more recent system. My pumps and filter are Pentair. If I ever need to change out the automation I will go with the new Pentair IntelliCenter. It appears to be the best state of art technology in automation today. I will then change to Pentair SWCG.

IMO - It is important to match your Automation to the SWCG unit as they do not cross integrate whereas some pumps do, such as my Pentair IntelliFlo pump with Jandy automation. But not all pumps, so for planning purposes, whichever mfg. you choose, plan to have as a minimum the Pump, Automation and SWCG. This will keep you out of trouble in the initial set up. Most lights do work with various automation systems, but it would be wise to verify if you plan to use a different mfg for lights from the automation mfg.

The Pentair pumps and filter have done an excellent job over the years. Jandy, Hayward and Pentair are the big 3 and you really can't go wrong with either. Since you are doing a BYOP then you can make equipment selections. Those that have a full PB then they have to go with what that PB purchases and supports.

Jandy equipment must be purchased from an authorized dealer or warranty will not be honored. I have had good success with Polytec Pools for Jandy Automation components and SWCG unit. I also know that Pinch a Penny is an authorized dealer for Jandy and Pentair products. There are several stores in Houston area and I know of 1 in Austin up on Hwy 620 going North of Hwy 2222. They are Franchise stores so not like a Leslie's that are buying up small pool stores.

Hope this helps. Sorry for being longwinded.