New Pool Build - Philadelphia Area

[casind05]

Hi All - learned a lot of great info lurking in these forums and wanted to post about our new pool build happening end of this summer and see if anyone had any input on design/features that should be switched or added.
We decided to do a fall dig/spring 2023 finish just so we didn't have to lose our yard for an entire summer.

A couple things we are debating - location of the spa more towards the back of the pool area, widening the pool on the side near the sun shelf for more hang out area in the shallow end. Possibly adding tile inlays on the steps. Final debate is to add a dual heating system - heat pump on top of the propane due to the costs of heating the pool with propane year round. Yard isn't full sun, i am unsure if this is necessary.

Is this pool going to feel small or large? We have never had a pool before and are wondering if we should squeeze in as much pool as the setbacks allow or if the size is OK.

Freeform Pool
23k Gallons
25x40
4 LED color change lights - 2 pool,1 sun shelf, 1 spa
Spa - 50 sq ft - 8 jets
Ansylbrite Quartz Finish (leaning towards Cobalt color)
Pump: Jandy 2.7 HP Variable Speed
Sanitation: SWG (waiting on the brand from the PB, we originally started with an In-Line Chlorinator but upgrading)
Heater: Propane, Raypak 399k
Automation: Jandy PDA-PS8/iAqualink
Decking - 1000 sq ft, brushed concrete. (Rendering shows stamped, we decided to switch due to ongoing maintenance and personal preference)

Thanks for looking!

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Spa location: towards the back of the pool will give you a clean look at the pool water with no obstruction for viewing swimmers due to the spa being a RBB. Also you get full sound of the spillway from the spa.
Tile line inlays (see pictures)
25 X 40 is a good size pool but unaware of the size of the yard it’s going in.

 

[kimkats]

What fun! I love how it is right now. The spa does not bloke the view into the pool and there is a good swim lane.

One thing I don't see is water depth. What are you thinking?

Kim

 

[casind05]

Thanks! Goes from 3 -6ft.

 

[casind05]

Spa location: towards the back of the pool will give you a clean look at the pool water with no obstruction for viewing swimmers due to the spa being a RBB. Also you get full sound of the spillway from the spa.
Tile line inlays (see pictures)
25 X 40 is a good size pool but unaware of the size of the yard it’s going in.

Inlays look great! Def asking the PB to quote on adding these.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

The trick to doing inlays is to have the gap between each tile cleaned out so plaster can be filled in between, it will look a lot cleaner.

 

[kimkats]

Glad I asked! 3' is very shallow! You cannot do a crawl stroke without scrapping their knuckles. 4' to 6' is a better ratio. Can do a good crawl stroke and it lessons the slow between the two.

 

[casind05]

Glad I asked! 3' is very shallow! You cannot do a crawl stroke without scrapping their knuckles. 4' to 6' is a better ratio. Can do a good crawl stroke and it lessons the slow between the two.

So you think I should go sun shelf right to 4 ft and then down to 6ft. Is 6ft deep enough?

 

[kimkats]

go sun shelf right to 4 ft

Yes with steps to help get out. Most people tend to just jump in so the steps are really more for getting LOL

Is 6ft deep enough?

well lets go there! Do you want to be able to dive into the pool? or just cannon ball in? If you want to be able to dive off the edge of the pool you will need it to be at least 7' deep. Now if you put in a diving board then it is 8' with the slope being done by the rules set up for that. We can get into that if you decide to go that route.

-6' or more to be able to cannon ball in
-7' or more to be able to dive in

Kim

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

If you go deeper than 8’ and required to have steel engineering plans the rebar will be larger in size or tighter in crossing or both. That will add to the cost of the steel cage.