Greetings. Sure wish we would’ve had this sight to reference before we started. I must be honest, the entire process was stressful and frequently disappointing resulting in us frequently having to compromise when it came to execution of our dream pool. Are my expectations unreasonable (do something right or don’t do it, or tell us it can’t be done), or has the skilled labor market lost all sense of pride in workmanship? FAR to many times I felt as if I was the one supervising the performance of the work crews. In any event I digress.
Overview: Construction started Nov 5. Project was not fully completed but we “opened” the pool Feb 10.
Major? (or typical) Issues during construction:
Excavators-seemed to do ok. Some small wall collapses prior to gunite but easily managed
Plumbers- Multiple issues. Several of the pipes were not placed accurately resulting in key lights and visible features not being aligned. Not really noticeable until project completion. Additionally, after laying the pipe, almost no effort was made to cover the trenches well. My concern is that now as the ground settles under my slab voids will result in excessive cracking.
Stone work-Ranged from mastery to laziness. I lost count of the number of times I had to request work be redone due to off center, not level type issues.
Deck-we went with salt finish concrete. Splash overages on FAR too many surfaces.
Plaster- Maybe the biggest issue of all? We had a tremendous amount of moisture as pool was constructed during the winter. The shell set empty for well over a month waiting for it to quit seeping. At one point during an unusually long dry spell (a week ?) and with one section of the pool still seeking the contractor sent the plaster guys and they plastered. Sure enough the corner of one ledge where the most water was formed a good size crack. The contractor sent the guys back the next day to patch and then immediately started to fill. Sure enough within a week or so if the pool being filled I have discovered a 3’ crack right in the edge of the bench next to a tile line. The question is, WHEN we eventually address it (towards the end of the season) do I accept another patch or demand something else? I’m concerned the location of the crack will never result in a good patch.
Anyway, that’s it for now! Glad to be here. Hope my experiences help someone else have fewer.
Overview: Construction started Nov 5. Project was not fully completed but we “opened” the pool Feb 10.
Major? (or typical) Issues during construction:
Excavators-seemed to do ok. Some small wall collapses prior to gunite but easily managed
Plumbers- Multiple issues. Several of the pipes were not placed accurately resulting in key lights and visible features not being aligned. Not really noticeable until project completion. Additionally, after laying the pipe, almost no effort was made to cover the trenches well. My concern is that now as the ground settles under my slab voids will result in excessive cracking.
Stone work-Ranged from mastery to laziness. I lost count of the number of times I had to request work be redone due to off center, not level type issues.
Deck-we went with salt finish concrete. Splash overages on FAR too many surfaces.
Plaster- Maybe the biggest issue of all? We had a tremendous amount of moisture as pool was constructed during the winter. The shell set empty for well over a month waiting for it to quit seeping. At one point during an unusually long dry spell (a week ?) and with one section of the pool still seeking the contractor sent the plaster guys and they plastered. Sure enough the corner of one ledge where the most water was formed a good size crack. The contractor sent the guys back the next day to patch and then immediately started to fill. Sure enough within a week or so if the pool being filled I have discovered a 3’ crack right in the edge of the bench next to a tile line. The question is, WHEN we eventually address it (towards the end of the season) do I accept another patch or demand something else? I’m concerned the location of the crack will never result in a good patch.
Anyway, that’s it for now! Glad to be here. Hope my experiences help someone else have fewer.
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, but I love her tho so .... First bill for the loan showed up right before I got furloughed from work ? sure hope this CV Crud don’t last long AND the PB stays in business.