Thank you TFP for providing such a welcoming, supportive and helpful network of members! After a year or so of interviewing probably every builder in North Texas, making countless design changes (and probably more to come) and compromises between hubby and I, we finally signed our contract last month
We selected a family owned business that close friends used, who is well known with outstanding reviews. They have always communicated really well, prices were comparable, so we went with who we felt comfortable with. We expect our permit to be issued later this week, barring any surprises from the city. Digging (so we have been told) we start immediately after. We are trying to keep our expectations in check. We've never built a pool, but had one years ago when we were first married. To say we were sticker shocked is an understatement.
So many design choices are yet to be made. We are leaning towards a brick tile that we have used sporadically throughout our house (pool rated) on the the wall in the back with the pillars in a contrasting split face stone. Travertine coping was included, but I don't care for the bullnose. May need to go with lueders to get a straight edge, definitely need suggestions. The decking is Spraydeck, I know travertine would be gorgeous (and pricey), but we're concerned about it being slippery. For the plaster, our PB highly suggested Wet Edge Prism Matrix because of the warranty, and I really liked "Picasso", but haven't seen many pictures which makes me nervous. Now we are leaning toward Pebble Sheen Blue Granite and possibly adding glass. I wanted shells, but after reading up on this forum, we are afraid of doing that. Our pool is only 6' deep and we love the darker colors but they seem to be upgrades that cost between 2500-3500 for our size and we are already at budget. Our spa has a rolled neck edge and infinity type edge flowing into the pool. The exposed sides will be done in the same stacked stone as the pillars and the tiles will be black glass (TBD). I'd like to tile the inside as well, but not sure about the additional cost. Is it standard to carry the spa tile around the water line? I think ours may be too dark, but would love to see pics if anyone has done this!
Attached is our construction design. We are waiting on the final Pool Studio design to be completed. We are planning on changing the pump to a VS. In all fairness to the PB, we removed that option that he put in the initial bid, but after much consideration, we feel this is a justifiable upgrade. As an afterthought, I am wondering if the sheer descents should be lit? We only have three lights (hopefully they will be placed correctly) and one in the spa.
We look forward to sharing our build and receiving your valued feedback! Any suggestions are much appreciated! TIA!!

So many design choices are yet to be made. We are leaning towards a brick tile that we have used sporadically throughout our house (pool rated) on the the wall in the back with the pillars in a contrasting split face stone. Travertine coping was included, but I don't care for the bullnose. May need to go with lueders to get a straight edge, definitely need suggestions. The decking is Spraydeck, I know travertine would be gorgeous (and pricey), but we're concerned about it being slippery. For the plaster, our PB highly suggested Wet Edge Prism Matrix because of the warranty, and I really liked "Picasso", but haven't seen many pictures which makes me nervous. Now we are leaning toward Pebble Sheen Blue Granite and possibly adding glass. I wanted shells, but after reading up on this forum, we are afraid of doing that. Our pool is only 6' deep and we love the darker colors but they seem to be upgrades that cost between 2500-3500 for our size and we are already at budget. Our spa has a rolled neck edge and infinity type edge flowing into the pool. The exposed sides will be done in the same stacked stone as the pillars and the tiles will be black glass (TBD). I'd like to tile the inside as well, but not sure about the additional cost. Is it standard to carry the spa tile around the water line? I think ours may be too dark, but would love to see pics if anyone has done this!
Attached is our construction design. We are waiting on the final Pool Studio design to be completed. We are planning on changing the pump to a VS. In all fairness to the PB, we removed that option that he put in the initial bid, but after much consideration, we feel this is a justifiable upgrade. As an afterthought, I am wondering if the sheer descents should be lit? We only have three lights (hopefully they will be placed correctly) and one in the spa.
We look forward to sharing our build and receiving your valued feedback! Any suggestions are much appreciated! TIA!!