Lori, have you searched TFP? There are plenty of such discussions in the pool build forum. This post is seeming off topic of such a long thread
I know you have a lot of questions, but I think you will need to take this one step at a time. Have you made the basic decisions yet, fiberglass or vinyl? Cart or Sand or DE? If you search BK406's posts, I know he has recently discussed backfill...and no matter what you do, all concrete decking will eventually develop cracks...just some more noticable than others. You could alternately just use pavers all the way around.
Please realize that our members are from all over the world, so what may have worked best for them, may not be the best advice for the NJ area. That said, you need to get as many quotes as possible from pool builders...they are the experts! But 1st you need to decide on the basics, then get as many quotes from reputable builders and specify what you are looking for and eventually you will see a trend emerge...eg type of backfill/filter/swg etc. Once you are at that point, if you want to bounce it off of us for an opinion...we'll be here
Unfortunately, you have asked us so many different questions in such a short period of time that are quite frankly all over the place. I know I am confused when reading all the different posts and varied opinions that I have a hard time understanding how this is going to help you narrow down your pool choice?
I know you have a lot of questions, but I think you will need to take this one step at a time. Have you made the basic decisions yet, fiberglass or vinyl? Cart or Sand or DE? If you search BK406's posts, I know he has recently discussed backfill...and no matter what you do, all concrete decking will eventually develop cracks...just some more noticable than others. You could alternately just use pavers all the way around.
Please realize that our members are from all over the world, so what may have worked best for them, may not be the best advice for the NJ area. That said, you need to get as many quotes as possible from pool builders...they are the experts! But 1st you need to decide on the basics, then get as many quotes from reputable builders and specify what you are looking for and eventually you will see a trend emerge...eg type of backfill/filter/swg etc. Once you are at that point, if you want to bounce it off of us for an opinion...we'll be here
Unfortunately, you have asked us so many different questions in such a short period of time that are quite frankly all over the place. I know I am confused when reading all the different posts and varied opinions that I have a hard time understanding how this is going to help you narrow down your pool choice?