Hi Denise, love the pool! While i have not heard of Finest Finish here in FL, after seeing 2 pool on here with the same plaster choice (yours and Sooner's), i am convinced this is the plaster choice I want as well. What is the texture? Is it more like PebbleTec or more smooth like DiamondBrite?
Hello from an excited Newbie in Bixby Oklahoma!!
- Thread starter Nursenini
- Start date
Today's pool water looks pretty clear. I can still see some dirt in it but it's not full looking like it was yesterday. Too bad they have to come back and add more dirt to the yard....
That water looks like it's worth all the cow dung you went through to get it.
I am so far behind in checking in on threads. It looks great!!! And I'm jealous.....
plat.
plat.
Thanks for the link, Kim! I am still looking (on and off) at various glass. I'm going to change it out just don't know when yet. We lit the firepit one other time and there was no popping but it wasn't on as long as it was the first time. But now the mortar is cracked on the top of the pit. Head Mason said it might and that they would fix it if it did.Shop firepit glass at Lowes.com: Search Results
Here is the link. If they do not have it in the store they can order it. I THINK there are other colors but cannot find them now of course!
Thanks so much for the pics with the grandies! That's what it's all about
They are enjoying it for sure, jet!
Thanks, Irwin! I'm waiting for it to be delivered!I got it for the sale price but forgot the $10 off. I'll check for that rebate though. Thanks again!
Aww, thank you, Sandissimos!
That's my life- MIA!
I've stayed up to date on yours, just not much time to post. It's been either take time for reading or take that time and post. I have had so much to read up on (chemistry, equiptment, etc) and pretty builds to read, that it was (is) reading first,post if there's time.
YOUR POOL IS GORGEOUS!! You have the water color I really wanted, but was not an option in our choices. The kids are so cute enjoying the pool! Love the smiles and underwater shots!
Thanks, bdrex! That's something I was wondering, if something was on the rocks or if they had a lot of moisture but we had the fire going for some time. Of course, PB didn't follow up like he said he would. Thanks for seconding Kim's suggestion of Lowe's!
Hi Karyn! Thank you for such sweet comments! It makes me smile to think my little build is among someone's favorites. I'll look for your thread to see the updates!
Thanks, Kelly! Alaska is on my bucket list!!!
Thanks, Sheree! I have been following your build and your trials and I have prayed for you. (((Hugs)))
Hi Marla! Yes, it did but with all the dirt then we have had rain and we put down sod, it isn't as clean as when I took those pictures. My numbers are good though. I just need my robot to get here. I hate vacuuming!
Thank you, Geosage! Yes, it is the abalone, as well as the sun glistening on the water. Our yard is FULL sun! Your pool is looking awesome!
Universal White Cement is the parent company. The product is also called Gemstone. Martinkennedy also used it in his build but his color choice was Regal Blue. His build is worth checking out. I have not seen Diamondbrite but it is like Pebbletec but a finer, smoother finish. It has the small aggregate mixed with glass beads and abalone. Whatever you get, make sure you a TONS of abalone! The glass beads are like beadcrete- they glow when the sun hits them but it's more subtle. The shells will knock your socks off!
Thanks, Casey! Maybe next year I'll feel that way....
HI PLAT!!! I'm so glad you popped in! I have been checking your thread regularly. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble and now your glass is cracking-AGAIN. I have a sad
for you, friend. My saga, unfortunately, continues....
I have a lengthy update including pictures. The last 3 weeks have been rough for my family. First, my DIL had hyperemesis and needed to go to the ER twice for fluids, then I came down with a "kill-me-now" stomach bug that is taking FOREVER to get over completely, and currently, my daughter is in the hospital for the 3 time in the last 4 days because she also has hyperemesis. I have been doing as much as I can to help care for both the girls, help with their kids and their homes/laundry, etc as well as work. I was off sick last weekend as well as being off sick this weekend. I'm feeling bit better today and actually got a little work done at my house. We are planning to have a Labor Day party. Just family, but I'm finally putting out all our pool stuff even though little has been done since my last update.
After they graded the yard, we discovered they only partially finished. We had wanted some of our dirt from the hole to put on the west side of our home where the soil had eroded over the last 14 yrs from not having gutters. PB told us he would take care of it when they graded and didn't leave us any of the dirt from the hole. When I called him to tell him they didn't fill that area he acted almost clueless. He agreed to it but then they didn't show up the next day like he said they would. Since they were a no show we couldn't put down the sod. Then it rained and all the dirt they added got washed into my neighbor's yard. Long story short, I finally managed to get them out to do the dirt and we were able to have sod layed the next day.
Fast forward a week and they were finally coming to build the pergola. The pieces were cut and stained of site to be assembled on the deck. Of course, it's the wrong stain color. In hindsight I should have refused it before assembly but I was barely awake and stunned that it was wrong. The pergola guy stated that they ran out of my color choice so they went with this one because it was close enough. I just can not get over the fact that no one thought I should be consulted about a color change. PB was on site at the time and assured me that his guys would restain it to my liking. It is supposed to be a dark chocolate brown. The color we got is bright cedar. Not even close. We also thought we would have 2 rows of slats as that is what is on their display. I had said I want what is on the display but without the stone pedestals. Well, we only got one row of slats. We really need the 2nd row so we are waiting for that to be done. It is supposed to be in the cutting and staining process now. Wonder what color it will be....
We have so many things still undone and add to it that PB is now referring to my insistence that he finish these things soon as "demands" and told me today that he has "bent over backwards" to accommodate me. I am frustrated to tears. I have no words. He told me to just enjoy my beautiful backyard. There's still mortar from the stone masons all over the deck, we have no privacy as our fence has not been put back by them, and we have no electrical outlets but the one original outlet on the house. I have not made my last payment but it only amounts to a little over $3k, but they owe me almost $2k of that back in credits. They have no motivation to get anything finished here. It seems they don't care about their reputation anymore. They recently got a couple of horrible reviews on their Facebook page. They have since deleted their Facebook page. That says a lot.
I have started telling local people not to use them. We will not be hiring them to finish the kitchen build next year, although we will probably still be trying to get them to finish this up...
Here's the PB display pergola
Here's ours. Pretty but the wrong color
After they graded the yard, we discovered they only partially finished. We had wanted some of our dirt from the hole to put on the west side of our home where the soil had eroded over the last 14 yrs from not having gutters. PB told us he would take care of it when they graded and didn't leave us any of the dirt from the hole. When I called him to tell him they didn't fill that area he acted almost clueless. He agreed to it but then they didn't show up the next day like he said they would. Since they were a no show we couldn't put down the sod. Then it rained and all the dirt they added got washed into my neighbor's yard. Long story short, I finally managed to get them out to do the dirt and we were able to have sod layed the next day.
Fast forward a week and they were finally coming to build the pergola. The pieces were cut and stained of site to be assembled on the deck. Of course, it's the wrong stain color. In hindsight I should have refused it before assembly but I was barely awake and stunned that it was wrong. The pergola guy stated that they ran out of my color choice so they went with this one because it was close enough. I just can not get over the fact that no one thought I should be consulted about a color change. PB was on site at the time and assured me that his guys would restain it to my liking. It is supposed to be a dark chocolate brown. The color we got is bright cedar. Not even close. We also thought we would have 2 rows of slats as that is what is on their display. I had said I want what is on the display but without the stone pedestals. Well, we only got one row of slats. We really need the 2nd row so we are waiting for that to be done. It is supposed to be in the cutting and staining process now. Wonder what color it will be....
We have so many things still undone and add to it that PB is now referring to my insistence that he finish these things soon as "demands" and told me today that he has "bent over backwards" to accommodate me. I am frustrated to tears. I have no words. He told me to just enjoy my beautiful backyard. There's still mortar from the stone masons all over the deck, we have no privacy as our fence has not been put back by them, and we have no electrical outlets but the one original outlet on the house. I have not made my last payment but it only amounts to a little over $3k, but they owe me almost $2k of that back in credits. They have no motivation to get anything finished here. It seems they don't care about their reputation anymore. They recently got a couple of horrible reviews on their Facebook page. They have since deleted their Facebook page. That says a lot.
I have started telling local people not to use them. We will not be hiring them to finish the kitchen build next year, although we will probably still be trying to get them to finish this up...
Here's the PB display pergola
Here's ours. Pretty but the wrong color
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,282
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
No words, just ugh for the process. But the pergola will look great once finished and stained!
Good health to you all soon.
Thanks for updating us even though it's not all good news like you'd hope.
Good health to you all soon.
Thanks for updating us even though it's not all good news like you'd hope.
Aww Denise! I'm praying for you and all of this! Also that you feel better soon!!
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Once it's finished, you'll be so happy with it. Construction is stressful. There were so many things about my build I was not impressed with during the construction stage. I didn't insist on any changes. I have a few regrets, but all in all I'm very happy. Your pergola looks very sturdy and really adds to your outdoor space. I think you'll love it once it's all said and done. Ours still needs stained. We have to have that done ourselves. And our PB didn't repair our fence, we had to hire someone to do that even though they damaged it. Still, very much worth it and very happy with our build. Your pool is beautiful. I know it's been a long ordeal, though. Praying it all works out to your satisfaction.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I feel for you. Truly.
Our patio build was really stressful and took forever (almost a year) and the whole process was more disorganized with way more issues to resolve than our pool build has so far. We had a lot of miscommunications back then like it sounds you are having now. Near the end of construction we found out the builder had been transitioning the business to his son who was basically just learning things. By that time we were pretty down about everything related to it. The mishaps and problems kind of sucked the joy out of the completed project at the time...
But then it finally got done and the crews were gone, things were clean and we had time to just be in the space. We had friends over who simply thought it was beautiful and didn't notice the little things that stood out like sore thumbs to us at the time. Bit by bit we noticed them less as well.
I'm definitely not trying to minimize any of your issues, because again, I feel for you when I read them and know the stress of it firsthand. But I also know you've got a really beautiful space out there and that this winter, when you are sitting in that spa with a glass of wine and then next spring/summer when you open the pool when the weather is good, the memories of all of the headache will start to soften.
plat.
Our patio build was really stressful and took forever (almost a year) and the whole process was more disorganized with way more issues to resolve than our pool build has so far. We had a lot of miscommunications back then like it sounds you are having now. Near the end of construction we found out the builder had been transitioning the business to his son who was basically just learning things. By that time we were pretty down about everything related to it. The mishaps and problems kind of sucked the joy out of the completed project at the time...
But then it finally got done and the crews were gone, things were clean and we had time to just be in the space. We had friends over who simply thought it was beautiful and didn't notice the little things that stood out like sore thumbs to us at the time. Bit by bit we noticed them less as well.
I'm definitely not trying to minimize any of your issues, because again, I feel for you when I read them and know the stress of it firsthand. But I also know you've got a really beautiful space out there and that this winter, when you are sitting in that spa with a glass of wine and then next spring/summer when you open the pool when the weather is good, the memories of all of the headache will start to soften.
plat.
Please don't throw anything at me, but I like the cedar color better!
i'm sorry this whole process has been so painful. Do any of your local tv stations have a consumer reporter?
i'm sorry this whole process has been so painful. Do any of your local tv stations have a consumer reporter?
I am so sorry! That is so unreal!
How are the two mom's to be? I hope things are evening out for them. That has to be scary So sweet of you to be there for them even when you are not feeling well (like you are going to die sick 
that is bad!)
VERY telling about their facebook page for sure......I wonder if they are going out of business? Has his wife said anything to you at work or otherwise?
Wrong, just SO wrong how they are treating you! Gurrrrrrrrr!
(sorry I have not answered sooner-no power from hurricane)
How are the two mom's to be? I hope things are evening out for them. That has to be scary
So sweet of you to be there for them even when you are not feeling well (like you are going to die sick that is bad!)VERY telling about their facebook page for sure......I wonder if they are going out of business? Has his wife said anything to you at work or otherwise?
Wrong, just SO wrong how they are treating you! Gurrrrrrrrr!
(sorry I have not answered sooner-no power from hurricane)
KIM!!! I have been thinking about you (and all our Fl peeps, but YOU especially!) I hope you are ok and the worst was just lost power! (((Hugs!)))
I FINALLY feel back to normal...just in time to enjoy a couple of days before I head back to work on Friday. I'm going to slow down on the OT for a while. Probably just do one extra shift per week if it's available.
The girls are doing ok. No hospital trips for anyone since Friday. Today was a decent day for both of them as was yesterday. They were both here to enjoy the pool party and both got to enjoy the food with just some intermittent nausea. It's still no fun, but it's more bearable than before. We are praying they have both come through the worst of it.
No, I haven't talked to his wife. She's not responsible for how he conducts himself. I think that would put her in an awkward position.
And no, they aren't even close to going out of business. They just place more value on really big, expensive, "rich" people builds ( > $200k). I'm small potatoes. At least that's the impression I get plus I only owe them <$3k. They have no real motivation to finish. More lucrative to put their people on jobs that are bringing in big bucks. We won't be doing business with them again. Nor will we give any good reviews or recommendations. I think word will get out and their stelae reputation will suffer. Actions have consequences eventually.
I FINALLY feel back to normal...just in time to enjoy a couple of days before I head back to work on Friday. I'm going to slow down on the OT for a while. Probably just do one extra shift per week if it's available.
The girls are doing ok. No hospital trips for anyone since Friday. Today was a decent day for both of them as was yesterday. They were both here to enjoy the pool party and both got to enjoy the food with just some intermittent nausea. It's still no fun, but it's more bearable than before. We are praying they have both come through the worst of it.
No, I haven't talked to his wife. She's not responsible for how he conducts himself. I think that would put her in an awkward position.
And no, they aren't even close to going out of business. They just place more value on really big, expensive, "rich" people builds ( > $200k). I'm small potatoes. At least that's the impression I get plus I only owe them <$3k. They have no real motivation to finish. More lucrative to put their people on jobs that are bringing in big bucks. We won't be doing business with them again. Nor will we give any good reviews or recommendations. I think word will get out and their stelae reputation will suffer. Actions have consequences eventually.
Thank you, bmoreswim! I agree with the "ugh"!
I appreciate the prayer, TM!
Hi Janny! Thank you! It's the endless stress and huge amount of anxiety I feel that is really taking its toll. I appreciate the prayers!
The pergola IS beautiful they just need to FINISH it!
We will probably have to repair/rebuild the neighbor's fence even though he said he would take care of it. We did really enjoy the yard yesterday. Having the pergola finished with the 2nd slat layer for shade and the ceiling fan installed with the down lights and the outlets would have been even better.
Overall, we ARE blessed. Thanks for the encouragement, plat! I'm sure you are right. It is tough in the midst of it though.
I pray both our builds finish quickly and that your difficulties resolve well.
Lol, Kelly! Everyone has their own taste and preference! I do think it's very pretty, it just isn't part of my color scheme, so, to me, it looks odd/out of place.
Yes, there are 2 or 3 of them. If this isn't resolved soon, I may go that route as well as the BBB. Not quite there yet...
We are truly blessed! NO damage except to the food LOL I tried to keep it cold with ice but soon gave up on that. I will be shopping today after work since it seems as if they have all of the big trees off the lines in our neighborhood! ALL of our neighbors have power now!
We helped out with the horses in the neighborhood by allowing the owners come and get water out of the pond. We came up with a "filter" system for it even. We drilled holes in a 5 gal bucket (bottom) and put cotton batting in it. They would pour the water into that bucket first with it held over the bucket they had in the back of their truck. It took many trips BUT it worked. We tried to get the fire department to come with their tanker truck but they would not do it gurrrrrrr............I WILL be talking to someone about that. We have about 20 horses and a goat that needed water! 5 gals at a time is a pain!
Okay back to your pretty pool and area..........that pergola DOES need that second set of slats to have any real shade. It will be interesting to see what color it is
I am SO happy to hear the moms are doing better. When are they due again? Bet it cannot come fast enough for them right now.
With the wife I agree you should not say anything to her but wondered if she said anything to you............but after what you said about the "big $ pools" I see where you are coming from BUT I am sorry but YOUR pool is big money to you and I! So sad they are acting like they are
We helped out with the horses in the neighborhood by allowing the owners come and get water out of the pond. We came up with a "filter" system for it even. We drilled holes in a 5 gal bucket (bottom) and put cotton batting in it. They would pour the water into that bucket first with it held over the bucket they had in the back of their truck. It took many trips BUT it worked. We tried to get the fire department to come with their tanker truck but they would not do it gurrrrrrr............I WILL be talking to someone about that. We have about 20 horses and a goat that needed water! 5 gals at a time is a pain!
Okay back to your pretty pool and area..........that pergola DOES need that second set of slats to have any real shade. It will be interesting to see what color it is
I am SO happy to hear the moms are doing better. When are they due again? Bet it cannot come fast enough for them right now.
With the wife I agree you should not say anything to her but wondered if she said anything to you............but after what you said about the "big $ pools" I see where you are coming from BUT I am sorry but YOUR pool is big money to you and I! So sad they are acting like they are
Beautiful pool! Thank you for sharing your experience. I was wondering how big your tanning ledge is and where the bubblers are placed? We are considering a much smaller pool, 11.5x30 and a 4x9 ledge running lengthwise in the pool, not a bump out, it will have to fit w/in the box ��. I'm not sure if I should give up that much space for a ledge. But the pictures you posted of the chairs on your ledge give me a good idea of how I could see ourselves using that space
Nini!!! I was doing a search for something and came across your pool. I just had to stop and say hello!!!! Your pool is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love it! Your water color is amazing!!! I hope you and your family are all doing well.
Take care,
Suz
Take care,
Suz