(6/22/2021 -- Project Complete!) New Pool and Backyard overhaul - Orange County, CA

[ofcounsel]

I live in SoCal as well and we are stuck on the soils report. My house was built approx 10 years ago so I was able locate the original geologist/company that did all the research for our development.

It has been like pulling teeth trying to get them to complete a report or to even give me a price on doing the report. The idea is that they may be able to complete the report without ever leaving the office which saves me money.

I have called other geologist and they vouch for the company that did our development however they quote me high prices to complete a report since they have no prior knowledge of my area and thats why I am harassing the original geologist to do the report. Just not making any progress and feeling frustrated.

I totally get it. A new soils report is not cheap. And what sucks is having to get it done up front before anything else gets going, so one might have a little nervousness about what surprises or extra expenses might result from the findings, and what that means for additional building costs. And if one decides not to build based on the findings, one is out a few thousand dollars.

 

[santacruzpool]

Great looking pool and backyard - will keep an eye on the rest of your build.

My neighbor is trying to plan a pool and wants something long and narrow like yours - his yard forunately slopes away from his house, so it will be a little easier for him to build. The shade structure you have on the end of yours would be perfect for him...

 

[ofcounsel]

Well, we’re getting closer! We’ve got smooth stucco on the retaining wall, and landscaping mostly complete as well.

We’re hoping for the pebble sheen to be installed later this week. It would have gone in today, but we made a last minute switch from Blue Surf to Prism Blue, and the plaster installer needed a little more time to get the change order in.

 

[ofcounsel]

I just found out I'm all set for Pebble Sheen to be poured on this Friday. Yay!

 

[an1vrsy]

You have a beautiful pool and just as important, a gorgeous backyard oasis. The time spent with the design and engineering provided piece of mind but I’m sure at the time was overwhelming. Now that you’re so close to being completed, it will take patience not to just want to jump in, but get your pool sanitized and balanced is just as important as your build. And just in time for the summer.

One thing missing... we love photos of the pool equipment pad. That would be the final piece. Come on show us.

 

[ofcounsel]

I’ll definitely take pictures of it once it’s all cleared of debris! The equipment area is in the lower side yard behind the grassy area fence.

 

[Stomp]

Big day today - looking forward to seeing more updates. Looks great so far.

As for soils…I’m also in a holding pattern on our project in OC waiting for soils to see how bad it will be. Preliminary feedback was “not looking good”, and I know my fill is not to current code given the caissons we needed when we built our deck.

Depending on the outcome I may grenade the outdoor casita and just refresh the pool/concrete.

 

[ofcounsel]

Well, it's been a little over 5 months since we broke ground, but we've finally got to the stage where we were able to get the pool plastered and filled this weekend. The color is Pebble Sheen Prism Blue. I love the color...the pics don’t do it justice. We hope to finish up the project (Fireplace, BBQ island, Patio Cover, Patio Lighting, Furniture) over the next few weeks.

 

[saralines]

Thank you so much for posting - I've been wanting to see more Pebble Sheen Prism Blue pools with bluestone coping. Did you look at other pools in this color prior to selecting this? I'm trying to decide between Prism Blue, Blue Granite, French Grey...or Ocean Blue. Do you have more photos of the Prism Blue? How did you decide?

Well, it's been a little over 5 months since we broke ground, but we've finally got to the stage where we were able to get the pool plastered and filled this weekend. The color is Pebble Sheen Prism Blue. I love the color...the pics don’t do it justice. We hope to finish up the project (Fireplace, BBQ island, Patio Cover, Patio Lighting, Furniture) over the next few weeks.

View attachment 329177

 

[ofcounsel]

I'll take more pictures at various times during the day tomorrow and post them up! Unfortunately, we were unable to look at other pools beforehand, so I went by photos that our builder had on his iPad. Initially, my wife and I had settled on Blue Surf. But after we saw how our design was starting to shake out, my builder stepped in and recommended we switch to Prism Blue. He thought that the Prism Blue would look better with our tile choice. My wife and I have liked all our builder's aesthetic recommendations so far, so we agreed. We're happy we did, because we like the color.

 

[ofcounsel]

Testing out the lights at night.

 

[saralines]

I'll take more pictures at various times during the day tomorrow and post them up! Unfortunately, we were unable to look at other pools beforehand, so I went by photos that our builder had on his iPad. Initially, my wife and I had settled on Blue Surf. But after we saw how our design was starting to shake out, my builder stepped in and recommended we switch to Prism Blue. He thought that the Prism Blue would look better with our tile choice. My wife and I have liked all our builder's aesthetic recommendations so far, so we agreed. We're happy we did, because we like the color.

Do you think the luminous glass changed the color at all?

 

[ofcounsel]

Do you think the luminous glass changed the color at all?

Not significantly, for my pool, no. I'm surprised, because I thought I would see the sparkle of the blue glass, but I don't really. The "shimmering sea" compound included in the Prism Blue has a bigger impact.

 

[ofcounsel]

Here’s photos of the Prism Blue Pebble Sheen taken at 2:30pm today

 

[saralines]

Thank you so much for posting more photos! I can never get enough . The color is beautiful and lively, which is what I want. However, I may want a slightly warmer/greener blue, just just a tinge - and can't decide if the reflection of green around the pool (versus your white/grey) will make any difference, or if I should go for Blue Granite or Steel Grey (or another product).

 

[ofcounsel]

I totally get it. It's a big decision! The Blue Granite looks nice as well! Looks a shade deeper than mine.

 

[ofcounsel]

6 months after we broke ground, we’re officially done with construction work! We've got some punch list items to take care of, and some minor finishing work, including touch up paint on the house. Overall, I’m very happy with how things turned out!

 

[Texas Splash]

Wow, that is awesome. I suspect your list of friends will suddenly grow.

 

[BigPapaSmurf]

Really beautiful work, fits your backyard perfectly. Enjoy your completed paradise.

 

[santacruzpool]

I love the way the pool and the covered area work so well together. Really Nice Job!!!