New Build - Damascus, MD

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Pool Build - 2017 - Google Photos

CONS: We added $10k today. Extra width, extra depth (9 1/2'), bigger sunshelf, added bench under shelf waterfall and automated all the equipment. They had to go up close to 3 feet on the far corner (elevation). They will do what they can to grade the dirt on this slope so that it is mowable but there is also a tree right there that I am concerned we might have to cut down. Really I think it needs a retaining wall. Also there were some more sprinkler lines in that area and they just mangled them all up including a control line that I have no idea where it goes. Oh well I think they may have save me some money as at this point I don't think the sprinkler is salvageable for what I want to pay.

PROS: No rock! Said this soil was the best type for a pool build. Said it could downpour and it wouldn't effect it. Really, really hard clay!

They will not finish today and say another crew will be out tomorrow to finish the dig. I'll be at work though so have to go by word of mouth how it is doing!

Also the guy almost has me convinced that a regular vacuum (not a robot) is the way to go simply due to the ability to schedule it with the Jandy control system. They are putting in a vacuum line and controlling it with one of the Jandy automated valves. He is going to use another valve to control both water features. An automated valve to turn them on and off and another just after the automated valve to direct the flow evenly between both water features. We decided to go with the Jandy hand held remote with the smartphone/web interface.
 
Let the MUD begin!!! Funny how things change/grow once things start happening.

Nice to hear you have good dirt to play in!

Tree/retaining wall.........Think this way.......pretty tree=shade for that area.........retaining wall=another seating area if high enough & will make mowing easier as you will just have to weed eat by the bottom of the wall when needed.

Kim:kim:
 
Looks great! Thanks for the pics. You should really come by my house to see our grading/fencing. I think it may give you some ideas or context to see a similar slope on the downhill side of a pool in person. Putting the fence where the new grade meets the old grade makes the fence disappear when viewed from the deck area - really cool effect. You can certainly do a retaining wall on the lower side but it is absolutely not required for your lot setup.

Don't buy into the "regular" vacuum. It's like apples and 8-tracks. I never want to leave my cleaner (of any type) in my pool because it makes it look unfinished - like you forgot to put something away - it kills the aesthetics of a beautiful pool in my opinion). That said, the real reason is because of the quality of cleaning and then brushing the surface is a solid bonus. I hope you get other similar feedback because I feel strongly about robots vs. pressure/vac. cleaners. Getting a linear main drain also eliminates ANY possibility that a robot would get hung up on the drain.

PM me if you want to come by.

All of your Cons are Pros! Bigger pool, deeper pool, automation, higher (well a trade-off - see above), fewer trees nearby, no sprinkler to maintain (grass goes dormant and comes back saving water in the meantime - outside of M/H C's. no one has sprinklers in central MD :)) Ok, more money spent is a Con.

Great news on no rock too!!! So exciting!
 
bmoreswim said:
Looks great! Thanks for the pics. You should really come by my house to see our grading/fencing. I think it may give you some ideas or context to see a similar slope on the downhill side of a pool in person. Putting the fence where the new grade meets the old grade makes the fence disappear when viewed from the deck area - really cool effect. You can certainly do a retaining wall on the lower side but it is absolutely not required for your lot setup.

Don't buy into the "regular" vacuum. It's like apples and 8-tracks. I never want to leave my cleaner (of any type) in my pool because it makes it look unfinished - like you forgot to put something away - it kills the aesthetics of a beautiful pool in my opinion). That said, the real reason is because of the quality of cleaning and then brushing the surface is a solid bonus. I hope you get other similar feedback because I feel strongly about robots vs. pressure/vac. cleaners. Getting a linear main drain also eliminates ANY possibility that a robot would get hung up on the drain.

PM me if you want to come by.

All of your Cons are Pros! Bigger pool, deeper pool, automation, higher (well a trade-off - see above), fewer trees nearby, no sprinkler to maintain (grass goes dormant and comes back saving water in the meantime - outside of M/H C's. no one has sprinklers in central MD :)) Ok, more money spent is a Con.

Great news on no rock too!!! So exciting!
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I may take you up on the offer to see your build. Where are you exactly?

I do not want to lose that tree and I think nothing would make me cut it down. That tree is 15 years old and provides the lion's share of the sun shade for the morning sun. I'd probably spring for the retaining wall first. Still undecided on the vacuum. It is not included in our price anyway so not a pressing issue.

And yes - only "con" is blowing through our buffer funds in one day. All of the changes were awesome! But we still need more decking and the retaining wall will cost a LOT.
 
Quick question: They are putting 1 light under the diving board and the other right next to the sunshelf (facing away towards the yard). Having lights on 2 sides is ok right? The diving board area faces to the right of the back so not directly facing you but off to that angle. No issues with glares from that? The PB thought it would give the pool a nice effect having it shine out from the diving board.
 
I went and looked at your pics and think those would be good places for your light. The one I am not real sure on it the one by the shelf. Will it also reach the bench or step on the far side of the shelf? I think it will but want to make sure.

Kim:kim:
 
It will be fine. That is pretty good placement for light distribution in your pool. You will see it from the house side deck but not a huge deal being to the side. We certainly see ours from the seating area, perpendicular to them and it's fine.
 
Steel guys just showed up! I think they are supposed to finish today with all rebar and stub plumbing. Right after I need an inspection and then it is on to the concrete (next week)!
 

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Now go out and measure everything! Long, wide, tall, short, deep, etc enough? Add about 6" or so for the gunite and plaster. NOW is the time to fix it.

Do whatever you can to be there when they shoot your pool. They might have ideas or questions and it is best if you can get it how YOU want it.

Kim:kim:
 
Pool binding passed inspection. And the plumbers are here to do all the plumbing and connect all of the equipment. Unfortunately, they brought the fusion soft which I told them I wanted replaced with a non-mineral sanitizer. I guess they will have to replace this later.
 
Well poop they brought the wrong pump too we had upgraded to the variable speed they brought a single speed. PB says not to worry it'll be taken care of.
 
kimkats said:
Pooly you better check the model numbers of everything else! It almost looks like they brought stuff for a different build!
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What they brought is stuff we contracted for when we signed the contract, other than the heater, which we told them to change a month ago. The rest we changed later. Our specific model numbers were not listed in the contract. Just "2 hp pump" and stuff like that. I signed the contract before I found this forum. Live and learn!
 
Gunite guys are here right now (7:00am EST) to "shoot" the pool! It is supposed to POUR today but he said it wouldn't be a problem. If it gets bad enough they just cover the pool with plastic. Okie Dokie!
 
Great/exciting day!!! Good luck. Those guys are fast. Don't forget pictures of the trucks for yourself. One of my favorites was of a line of gunite trucks on gunite day.
 
bmoreswim said:
Great/exciting day!!! Good luck. Those guys are fast. Don't forget pictures of the trucks for yourself. One of my favorites was of a line of gunite trucks on gunite day.
Click to expand...

They are taking a break now and the main truck (of 2) is gone. I think this team has only 1 truck so I assume they are going to refill it.
 

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