New fiberglass pool build in OBX- Current stage Fence and Landscape.

[TX2OBX]

You have a backflow preventer on the autofill line?

Back Flow Preventer - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

and strike that, decided he wont do an auto fill now. Sick of arguing so just rolling with it. Theres a hose spigot right next to the pool so not to difficult to fill it. Not going to lose too much sleep over it TBH.


and holy sticker shock today. Got the estimate for the natural gas lines to get run to the pool heaters, came in at over 10k. I was expecting half that. 123 foot run of 2" line from the meter split at the pool heaters. None of it buried. They didn't break it down other than labor and materials, but not sure what materials they need. 7200 for materials rest for labor. I know things are expensive these days but that just seems crazy for flex NG line that wont be buried underground (going to run it along the bottom of the wall, through the garage and then poke out next to the equipment pad). Trying to get others out to compare but most here have no experience with NG as everyone is either electric or propane. Its pretty rare to get NG down here. So I feel like they have the monopoly and can charge what they want. The total bill came in at over 15k but that also includes hooking up other appliances in the house (stove, fireplace, tankless water heaters, BBQ, etc) but I was not expecting that at all. PB said he would swap to a 140k BTU heat pump for the pool at no charge other than difference for the two systems, electrical run is easy for it. I may take him up on this if it saves a considerable amount on running gas lines.

The spa jets arrived and they fit (can see the one grey jet in the picture below), but I can't tell if its secure or not (just tried one) it went in and felt like it "snapped" in place then just spins forever in either direction. It feels secure and I can't figure out how to remove it however. Not sure if this is correct?

In other news the pool is backfilled except where theyre doing flowable fill. Which looks like a lot of it. Pool side they began equipment placement and the general contractor doing all the other non pool stuff is beginning to set the posts in for the stairs and new outdoor shower/changing room. Which is a delicate balance to not damage or put in jeopardy the plumbing for the pool but also support it accordingly with our wind regulations. So theyre playing nice which is nice lol.


Edit- New question. For whatever reason the Hayward 320 lights didn't work, something about they leaked and couldn't get the seal water tight. So they ended up using Jandy 6W nichless lights. This was done without my knowledge except asking why there were Jandy boxes in the garage. Im worried about two things, 1. at only 6W vs the Hayward lights being 23W each, is this going to be super dim lighting in the pool? 2. How will they work with my automation? I wish he had talked to me about this prior to as im sure now that they are installed the place wont take them back.

 

[TX2OBX]

So it looks like Jandy does make lights that play with other brands automation (same way CMP set ups work, "p" style or "h" style, etc) But just pulled one out of the wall and found that PB bought standard Jandy ones meant for Jandy automation. *sigh*. IM surprised the Supply place didn't mention this.

 

[Wolfepack88]

So it looks like Jandy does make lights that play with other brands automation (same way CMP set ups work, "p" style or "h" style, etc) But just pulled one out of the wall and found that PB bought standard Jandy ones meant for Jandy automation. *sigh*. IM surprised the Supply place didn't mention this.

I have Jandy Hydrocool lights and my pool isn't even a year old and I'm replacing a second one and I can tell you we maybe used the lights 5 times if that. Attracts bugs no matter what you do. First after the second time we used it wouldn't stay blue it was half green and blue. This year the first time I turned it on a few weeks ago the same thing the light is half green and blue. Consensus is these lights are garbage. I am going to have a warranty replacement and likely won't ever use the lights again anyway. Only upside is the light in the spa because of the bubbling water didn't seem to attract the bugs. Maybe an anomaly but we have post lights around the patio that provide ample light for the pool and keep the bugs attracted to them in lieu of the pool and the people in it.

 

[FlapjackMcCoy]

I have those same exact lights in the spa and tanning ledge, they only lasted 2 years. I just got them replaced under warrranty, it was a very unpleasant experience finding a company that would replace them under warranty and Jandy absolutely refused to send them to me so I could just install them myself. Aparently I am the concern with regards to changing them, but them being literally split wide open - no concern there at all.

 

[TX2OBX]

I have Jandy Hydrocool lights and my pool isn't even a year old and I'm replacing a second one and I can tell you we maybe used the lights 5 times if that. Attracts bugs no matter what you do. First after the second time we used it wouldn't stay blue it was half green and blue. This year the first time I turned it on a few weeks ago the same thing the light is half green and blue. Consensus is these lights are garbage. I am going to have a warranty replacement and likely won't ever use the lights again anyway. Only upside is the light in the spa because of the bubbling water didn't seem to attract the bugs. Maybe an anomaly but we have post lights around the patio that provide ample light for the pool and keep the bugs attracted to them in lieu of the pool and the people in it.

I have those same exact lights in the spa and tanning ledge, they only lasted 2 years. I just got them replaced under warrranty, it was a very unpleasant experience finding a company that would replace them under warranty and Jandy absolutely refused to send them to me so I could just install them myself. Aparently I am the concern with regards to changing them, but them being literally split wide open - no concern there at all.

Well Crud thats not what I wanted to hear lol. I fully expected to use mine all the time for ambiance. My old pool (old school 300W lights on a wall switch) had the lights come on at 6 pm and turn off at midnight. Sounds like thats not what these are meant for. I really wish he had talked to me, we have two CMP niche less lights sitting un used since they aren't going in the bubbler. Would have saved me a bunch of money to just buy two more of those vs him rush out and buy 4 Jandy lights that are going to burn out in a week. Might be something I bite the bullet on and replace myself after he is done. Since I already have two lights. They already did the hard part of fishing the wire though. I figure just tie a string to the old light and pull it out pool side than tie the string to the new light to run the new wire?

 

[Jaffles]

ahh fellow pool builder, rest assured PB's are the same world over. Every time I open my mouth it goes up $1000 or I get hit admin fees, almost to the point where I'm sacred to say anything. I could go on about what I feel PBs are, but may get banned.

Punch on as my builder says.

So I keep a vision of floating around the new pool upon sunset with a drink or two, knowing google reviews will be my punching bag.

 

[Wolfepack88]

Well Crud thats not what I wanted to hear lol. I fully expected to use mine all the time for ambiance. My old pool (old school 300W lights on a wall switch) had the lights come on at 6 pm and turn off at midnight. Sounds like thats not what these are meant for. I really wish he had talked to me, we have two CMP niche less lights sitting un used since they aren't going in the bubbler. Would have saved me a bunch of money to just buy two more of those vs him rush out and buy 4 Jandy lights that are going to burn out in a week. Might be something I bite the bullet on and replace myself after he is done. Since I already have two lights. They already did the hard part of fishing the wire though. I figure just tie a string to the old light and pull it out pool side than tie the string to the new light to run the new wire?

I would replace them with what some others suggest that also have other brands that can fit in the same niche. If you do Jandy I think no other brand swaps with them that I know. I would switch now.

 

[FlapjackMcCoy]

So I keep a vision of floating around the new pool upon sunset with a drink or two, knowing google reviews will be my punching bag.

That's certainly a weapon in your arsenal but it will only go so far and it can bite you back in unexpected ways.

 

[Jaffles]

That's certainly a weapon in your arsenal but it will only go so far and it can bite you back in unexpected ways.

Yeh I know, and I'm not going to slag him for deformation and what not. I found him via google as I knew no one who had built a pool, 9 x 5 stars reviews. He lied and said he only did 12-15 pools a year because I said I was after a small time builder. In reality he does 50. So I figure he must have 9 mates or a whole heap of customers who can't be bothered. I know I'm just one lousy build in his year, but a short comment of one can do better and an appropriate star rating would be enough for me to balance the gouging undertaken.

 

[Newdude]

I could go on about what I feel PBs are, but may get banned.

I'm extra sympathetic at the moment.

But thanks fot keeping it family friendly.

 

[TX2OBX]

I would replace them with what some others suggest that also have other brands that can fit in the same niche. If you do Jandy I think no other brand swaps with them that I know. I would switch now.

IM gonna have to do some research then. The "niches" they installed are just 1.5" returns, threaded and all. The current Jandy lights twist tight like a return jet would. The Hayward lights they tried first have like an expanding gasket the more you turn it the more it expands, which from I understand by what I was told by PB it wasn't creating a tight seal. The CMP light I have looks threaded as well. But IDK. Any way I slice it it has me paying for lights I already paid for twice basically thanks to his miscalculations on contract pricing. I dont know whether to bring up the issues and have him get frustrated again at having to do the lights a third time because I'm "difficult" or to let it roll and when I have issues have him come back and redo it anyway. Which is why I figure screw it, fishing a wire and hooking it into a transformer can't be that difficult, especially if I tie fish tape to the old wire before yanking it out of the conduit.

I'm extra sympathetic at the moment.

But thanks fot keeping it family friendly.

Ive thought multiple times over the last week of starting my own pool building company based on service I have received, I can't be the only one lol. But I think PB's frustration is thanks to this site im not the typical customer who just says "build pool k thx" and instead have specific requests and suggestions based on the info received here about what works better for not that much more effort. But I think building pools id stroke out in a year of dealing with it lol.

 

[TX2OBX]

Just a small update. The whole area seems to be passing around a bug, so people are out sick and delays are mounting up. They were hoping to have the equipment up and running but plumber is out. I unfortunately as did the household catch it and everyone has been passing it around lol. As it half the county so thats been fun. Pool was backfilled again after trenching for deck jets. (except flowable fill) and filled today. They got the deck jets plumbed, worked out paying 1500 extra for them, still annoyed but picking battles. They are worth that to me if just to help cool the pool down in the 100 degree summers (figure run them at night and shut off in the day?). They plumbed them a little strange and I hope its not a regret but its one big loop around the pool so all 6 are on one valve but since it a loop the pressure should be equal, right? Also I brought up my concerns about the Jandy lights and PB just said "lets wait and see" so if they work, fine. If not I want lights that do work installed and its on him and he knows that. And by work I want the light shows to function as they promise. Not just turn on and glow one color.

Contractors started the changing room/outdoor shower and steps today after passing the inspection for the pilings so thats moving ahead thankfully. Only real hiccup at the moment is the gas line. I asked them to redo the quote just hooking up the pool heaters and that still came in at almost 10k which I just think is insane to run a single 1.5" line less than 100 feet (just pool heaters is a shorter run and less gas supply needed which I thought would amount to more than a 2k savings), the actual gas utility company (Piedmont Natural Gas) said they also do installations so they're coming out to give me a quote as well. We will see I guess. But spending 10k on gas lines was def not in my budget. I know its needed to run the appliances but Thats the same as updating one of the guest baths inside the house except its pipe that I can't see lol which is extra annoying. Still seriously considering going heat pump for the pool system. Just worried I wont be happy with its performance.

 

[Newdude]

Just worried I wont be happy with its performance.

I think it will do way better with 12k gals in NC than mine did with 35k gallons in NY.

For using the pool in the extended season, the weather needs to cooperate for you as much as it does for the pool. Usually by the time the HP quits, you likely won't feel like swimming most days anyway. The first few times you'll be Gung Ho and go for it. A 60 degree fall breeze is uncomfortable for any body parts above water. The novelty will wear off quickly.

Other years the weather will cooperate and not only will the HP will work great, you'll want to swim too.

The remaining years will fall somewhere in between the first two.

 

[TX2OBX]

I think it will do way better with 12k gals in NC than mine did with 35k gallons in NY.

For using the pool in the extended season, the weather needs to cooperate for you as much as it does for the pool. Usually by the time the HP quits, you likely won't feel like swimming most days anyway. The first few times you'll be Gung Ho and go for it. A 60 degree fall breeze is uncomfortable for any body parts above water. The novelty will wear off quickly.

Other years the weather will cooperate and not only will the HP will work great, you'll want to swim too.

The remaining years will fall somewhere in between the first two.

This is why I flip flop on it. Part of me thinks it would be really cool to swim on say New Years eve lol. The other part of me thinks I as well as party guests will think this is cool for all of 3 min and then everyone is cold and wet and hates it and goes inside and we never do it again. I dont ever plan to "close" the pool but obviously out of season we would rarely if ever use it. I just prefer looking at the water vs a mesh cover. But I would still need to run NG to the spa heater so its like well were doing one might as well do both.


im attaching a pic of the joint where the deck jets split off its 1 line from the equipment pad to this point then it T's off and loops around the entire pool. Is this going to work ok or will I have varying pressure between them? Also lol at the 1 jet being conduit vs 3/4" PVC. Gonna have to ask what's up with that.

 

[Newdude]

Also lol at the 1 jet being conduit vs 3/4" PVC. Gonna have to ask what's up with that.

(Spoiler alert) they ran out of parts yet had other parts.

 

[gingrbredman]

so all 6 are on one valve but since it a loop the pressure should be equal, right?

I don't want to make you go to battle again with the PB, but the issue I see is if they are not equal, is there a way to adjust them? I guess I'm thinking if you have 6 jets around the pool, in theory they would be equal and if they are not, there is no way to adjust them, and with everything all put together and burried, no real way to fix it, and after reading this thread, may bother you.

I have two bubblers on my sun shelf, in theory, should be the same pressure even though they are on two separate lines. Same distance to the pad, but on their own valves so I can adjust them. With the valves in the same position, one is always different than the other, but luckily I can tweak one of the valves to match the flows.

Again, not trying to say this is going to work or not, I am not the plumbing expert, just wondering if I would leave it to chance with this builder, knowing everything I have read about your experiences.

Also lol at the 1 jet being conduit vs 3/4" PVC. Gonna have to ask what's up with that.

Like no one would notice that!?! And when you bring it up, you are being the "difficult" one?!?

 

[FlapjackMcCoy]

Are the gray elbows being used for water or electrical conduit?

 

[TX2OBX]

Are the gray elbows being used for water or electrical conduit?

Those are the lights thankfully. Im not sure why the mix but since its just for the wire back to the transformers im not worried about it.

I don't want to make you go to battle again with the PB, but the issue I see is if they are not equal, is there a way to adjust them? I guess I'm thinking if you have 6 jets around the pool, in theory they would be equal and if they are not, there is no way to adjust them, and with everything all put together and burried, no real way to fix it, and after reading this thread, may bother you.

I have two bubblers on my sun shelf, in theory, should be the same pressure even though they are on two separate lines. Same distance to the pad, but on their own valves so I can adjust them. With the valves in the same position, one is always different than the other, but luckily I can tweak one of the valves to match the flows.

Again, not trying to say this is going to work or not, I am not the plumbing expert, just wondering if I would leave it to chance with this builder, knowing everything I have read about your experiences.


Like no one would notice that!?! And when you bring it up, you are being the "difficult" one?!?

thats kinda my fear, there is no individual adjustment whatsoever. I almost wonder if it would be possible to put a mini ball valve at the jet itself, we adjust them before concrete is poured and then theyre good to go.

 

[TX2OBX]

So potential problem discovered today and PB is well aware and trying to fix. To get more than like 2 inches of water in the sun deck the skimmer is basically useless (too full) . So something isn't level. And its not as simple as just lowering the shallow end of the pool a bit to make it level (and even that wouldn't be simple as it would involve resetting the pool). The spa is dead on so were a little unsure. He noticed it right away this am and already said they'd do what it took to fix but trying to figure out the fix is what's puzzling. PB thinks and honestly I think he might be right that Latham installed the skimmer too low or should have used a skimmer with a thinner and wider opening as the water is halfway up the pool tile and its barely an inch from the top of the skimmer opening. IF everything were off in the shallow end I would think it just wasn't set right, but its almost like the sun deck just wasn't molded level or something. Im really not sure. The 500 buckets full of water was the idea to try and weigh it down. Really not sure where they were going with that.

In other news conduit has been corrected. Apparently they were just "marking" it until they got more 3/4". They installed a conduit tube to the spa that I'm not sure what its for, it might be for a control pad which is an interesting feature.

They did an interesting "macgyver" setup today with a spliced extension cord into one of the pumps very rudimentarily plumbed up just to get water circulating with a chlorine floater. Not crazy about the tablets but at least its building up some CYA I guess. Really impressed with how quiet the pump is, even at full speed its super quiet. I turned it down to speed 2 and can't even hear it. But I asked if its going to be ok running on 120v and they said its fine. Will be happy when this is buttoned up. Apparently they're at a stopping point until the plumber recovers from his illness so they wanted water moving since nothing is going to happen for "at least" a week now pool wise at least. Subs will keep working on other things like the steps, porch and will start working on the drainage system which im happy about. Every rain storm one of the gutters dumps water in front of a slider which begins to leak if its a hard enough rain. So every fire thats put out another 3 start lol. But I found a place that sells liquor infused ice cream and thats making this whole experience way way better.

 

[TX2OBX]

its night time but figured id snap some pics. IF the water were any fuller it would come out of the skimmer basket. The more I look at it the more I feel like the whole thing isn't level. Especially looking at the spa now. But I do see PB's point on the skimmer, Its a good inch and a half lower than the bottom of the tile. Using the waterline tile as a gauge it changes every time I look at it.