DIY build in Biloxi

[Straight6tt]

I will try to post as many pictures as possible along the way but I might not show every mistake I make. I am an avid diyer and I'm not afraid to take chances and make mistakes.

We will be installing a 14x28 vinyl liner pool with Tara silver falls liner, 42"polymer walls and gray trim and center polymer step with 6" radius corners (cantilever) and a wedge bottom. We decided on the wedge for a more usable wading area for adults although we could have just gone with 48" walls to accomplish this. I couldn't find much info on this site about wedge bottoms as most seem to be sport or traditional.

We did a semi in ground pool at our last home so we have some experience with the dig although this will be much more difficult. I will be subbing out electrical and plumbing per my local code requirements. I will hopefully keep a detailed spreadsheet of cost as well. This price won't include the "pool house" (more like covered sitting area with storage) which is planned for after completion of pool.

Dig is planned for next week however we are monitoring the rain. We are renting a mini excavator for the dig but with the gradual slope of a wedge bottom I'm wondering if a skid steer might be beneficial as well.

 

[dleonard1122]

I'll be following along your progress. Best of luck! I spent 6 months or so in Biloxi in 2015. While not direct in Biloxi, I really miss going to Tatonut and The Shed.

 

[Straight6tt]

We are getting prepared for excavation. One question I have is why the instructions call for having the pool 6-12" above the highest point in the yard. That seems quite high especially if you go 12". Is this because the pool decking is sloped away from pool? Even still that would still be way higher than grass level. I dont want to step up from the grass to the pool decking or at least not more than 2" or so if possible.

 

[Charlie Bezzina]

Hi. My guess is to prevent dirty muddy water entering the pool when there is unprecedented heavy rain much like what we have had these last 2 years.

I built mine 200mm above the highest point (mine is concrete though) and can say it is one of the smartest things I have ever done.

 

[Poolbreh]

I’m going to tag @Berrycolton.

 

[Straight6tt]

Excavation of the shelf is complete. Unfortunately due to size constraints I think we are hand digging the deep end. Took 2 days to get to this point. Mini excavator died on us half way through the first day but the rental company brought another and gave us a day for free. I'm actually still waiting on the step from Royal swimming pools. It's been at a loading dock about an hour away for over a week.

 

[Straight6tt]

Does the cantilever liner track that goes around the pool continue on top of the stair at least until it meets the liner gasket think on the stair?

 

[Straight6tt]

Day one of hand digging the deep end.

 

[Straight6tt]

Day 2, almost done digging.

 

[Straight6tt]

Pretty much done digging. That was a lot of digging.

 

[Straight6tt]

Any thoughts on this pump. I originally ordered a 2 speed but was informed it's now out of stock so I'm upgrading to this one for basically free. 6 different speed settings but no reviews that I can find.

SP2610X15XE
Hayward Super Pump XE 1.65 Total HP (Variable Speed)

 

[Straight6tt]

Unfortunately we've had to cancel our bond beam twice now. Can anyone check on my skimmer placement. I just put it there because that's where it was on the engineering sheet. It is on the correct wall for sure (north wall) as we have mostly on shore (coming from south) and they switch from a slight east or west push as well but always from the south. Should I just center the skimmer in the north wall essentially moving it over 1 6' panel or just leave as is.

 

[mknauss]

Any thoughts on this pump. I originally ordered a 2 speed but was informed it's now out of stock so I'm upgrading to this one for basically free. 6 different speed settings but no reviews that I can find.

SP2610X15XE
Hayward Super Pump XE 1.65 Total HP (Variable Speed)

That pump will work well. VS pumps will save you a lot in electricity cost.

 

[guinness]

Any thoughts on this pump. I originally ordered a 2 speed but was informed it's now out of stock so I'm upgrading to this one for basically free. 6 different speed settings but no reviews that I can find.

Do you plan on having any automation, or are you just using a timer?

 

[Straight6tt]

Do you plan on having any automation, or are you just using a timer?

I had not planned on using automation, timer should be fine for now.

 

[Straight6tt]

Bond beam poured. I'm going out of town this weekend but when I get back hopefully we can start on the pool krete.

 

[Straight6tt]

Is the skimmer supposed to stick through the wall this much? I was expecting it to be flush but I've never done this before.

 

[Straight6tt]

I wasn't planning on having returns in my 6' steps. Does anyone think this is a mistake? I have 3 returns as is and will likely have 3 deck jets.

 

[Lanzz]

I wish I had a return in my steps - they collect dirt and the water needs to be manually "stirred" and cleaned regularly or the step area looks yucky.

 

[Straight6tt]

Do you think 1 in the steps would be sufficient and where would it go? Center of middle step or on the side?