New pool build in LV

[cactus_LV]

Shotcret is in and I guess now the real problems start. Whoever is supposed to monitor this apparently forgot to check the skimmer height/ form height
The plumbing leak was in the pump and filter seal.

At my preferred water level height (middle of water line tile) the water in skimmer #1 would be 1-3/4" below the top of the opening and in skimmer #2 1-1/4" below the top of the opening. The waterline tile had to be raised 1" above the Shotcrete on that side of the pool because the other side of the pool turned out to be 1" higher.
I very much assume that having the water that high in the skimmer is not ideal. Lowering the waterline is not really an option because then the water level on the wet deck would be too low (also I don't like a big gap between coping and waterline.
(The tile job around the skimmers is bad and will be fixed)

Also it seems like I bought 12" skimmers (SKR15103 AquaStar Bonded Skimmer) instead of 6" or is it normal that the skimmer extends 6" below the waterline?

Another question regarding the tile. My tile guy told me that the tile will be 1/2" out which is also what the pebble applicator was asking for. I measured it and it is only 3/8" out. Should that be another concern?

 

[cactus_LV]

Hi everyone,

We are in the middle of our pool build and shotcrete was done last week. I now discovered that the first step is about 1.5" too high. It would work like that but it would mean that our waterline always has to be at 3" or higher otherwise the step would be without water. Luckily the step is small about 2 sq ft but grinding it down 1.5" seems like it would take forever. Are there other options to lower the step - I am concerned that a jack hammer would compromise the structure (there is no rebar in the step just below it).
I also have the same question for our spa spillover wall which is 2 inches higher on one side than the other. It should be in right in the middle - filling up one side is easy and grinding off 1" on the other end is hard.

Our tile guy will smooth it out but he doesn't know how to remove 1-2" of shotcrete.
I can blame the PB for this but it's not very helpful since that's me

I appreciate everyones help here on this forum very much!

 

[kimkats]

OH MY! That is not going to be fun or easy to fix. I say a small air chisel instead of the jack hammer but going slow and careful. A grinder at the end to smooth it out a bit.

How did the spa end up so lopsided?

 

[Bperry]

You can get a concrete saw and make a series of 1-2” deep cuts about 1” apart along the top of the surface that too high. Then those slivers can be broken out by just tapping them with a sledge hammer or even using a mini jackhammer.

 

[Jimrahbe]

cactus,

It has to be fixed one way or the other.. You can't keep your water 3" high, as it would make your skimmers worthless. The water line has to be in the middle of the skimmer's mouth and everything else has to match that.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[cactus_LV]

How did the spa end up so lopsided?

That is a good question. The shotcrete guys did a good job with the exception of that wall.

It has to be fixed one way or the other.. You can't keep your water 3" high, as it would make your skimmers worthless. The water line has to be in the middle of the skimmer's mouth and everything else has to match that.

Yes that's why I am trying to find the best way to get it done.

say a small air chisel instead of the jack hammer

I will have my tile guy try this. The step is in a corner so there is not a lot of space for a concrete saw.

 

[Bperry]

I will have my tile guy try this. The step is in a corner so there is not a lot of space for a concrete saw.

4” angle grinder with a diamond blade would do just as well, maybe even better size it could get into tight corners.

 

[mas985]

Do you know for sure the rebar is deep enough to remove 1 1/2" or did they not use any rebar for that step?

 

[cactus_LV]

There is no rebar in the step.

 

[cactus_LV]

Now that we are getting closer to finishing the build and most issues have been resolved I am wondering about solar vs heat pump (or nothing and just a cover in spring and fall). Originally I decided against a heat pump because of the dry climate in Las Vegas but I read a few posts that it would work. It seems like there is not a clear consensus on which one is better. Not sure if this matters for the decision but we are not planning to live in the house forever and will either rent it out or sell it at some point.
I am also interested in suggestions for a cover which can be used in spring and fall.