Best of luck to you in your conversation! Seems like we've been of similar opinions throughout the process so far - so I'm glad to see that your build is looking so great! Even a small pool is such a huge undertaking, but I couldn't be more grateful for the support of this community. I hope to be able to share pictures of our post-demolition yard before long. And I will contact the design company and get the specific equipment that they are planning to use, to make sure we're using the best options for our pool size and location.
New pool build (soon!) in San Fernando Valley
- Thread starter JenLA
- Start date
The tile we got is very similar, though it is 1x1. I wanted 1x2 and still think it would have been better because there would be less grout overall. But I lost on that particular household compromise.
What I really like is the textured look on some of the pieces, which is different than yours. You can see it here: Essence | National Pool Tile Group
Regarding the Quartzscapes, we are very happy with it. Pebble was too rough for us and we wanted more than white plaster to improve the odds of a longer life. The sparkle from the quartz pieces is cool, though most obvious in the shallower ~3 ft ends. I think we could have gotten a better quality install, but we were too new, and didn't have TFPers advice on how to go through the replaster process. On the other hand, we are fine that our plaster has some blotchy "character" spots. With TFPC water, I can see some plaster defects 50 feet away from our back window. At night. (With the pool light on.)
The defects don't bother us. I am continuously amazed at how clear the TFPC water is so that I can see them at night!!
We are finally on for demolition - just to endear us to the neighbors, we are getting underway around 7am on Saturday! It's not a large yard, so I am hoping that the demolition goes quickly. The supervisor will be giving us a roadmap of the project and rough timeline as we get started. There are a lot of moving parts to coordinate - even with one company doing much of the project. We got new sconces for the lights over our sliding doors, and we want to get those installed before the pergola is built. We need to get a fencing company out to repair a hole in the fence that is the result of us removing a neighbor's tree limb that came through our fence, and we need to figure out when that can happen before pool inspection. So many variables...and yet, so worth it! Still hoping that we can get the pool ready for use while there's still some summer remaining.
Edited to add - still narrowing down the finish but considering something in the area of Stonescapes Tropics Blue. Considering PebbleSheen as well. Will almost certainly add abalone and maybe some glass as well. Details still to come.
Edited to add - still narrowing down the finish but considering something in the area of Stonescapes Tropics Blue. Considering PebbleSheen as well. Will almost certainly add abalone and maybe some glass as well. Details still to come.
I see some designer coffer and yummy breakfast for the whole neighborhood for the 7am Saturday start!!!
Definitely. We're figuring breakfast burritos for the crew to get us off on the right foot (and definitely water/Gatorade since we're heading to 90 degrees on demo day). Our house had been torn down to the foundation and rebuilt just before we bought it, so hopefully the neighbors are patient people.
We started looking through more samples for pool finishes and I have to admit, there are a few in the Finest Finish catalog that are appealing. I hardly see any builds with them, but the ones I've seen look outstanding. We've narrowed it down to a few options (unfortunately, a couple of PebbleSheen, a couple of Stonescapes (generally the Puerto Rico blend) and a couple of Finest Finish options. We'll be aiming for a medium blue with minimal green - and the pool isn't going to be deep (4 feet...possibly a couple of inches deeper if we overthink it enough). The decking, coping, and adjacent stone wall will all be in lighter grey tones and we get a decent amount of sun for most of the day. I've unfortunately gotten into the mindset of "it's a small pool, even an expensive upgrade won't be THAT much..." which I suspect is a slippery slope!
We started looking through more samples for pool finishes and I have to admit, there are a few in the Finest Finish catalog that are appealing. I hardly see any builds with them, but the ones I've seen look outstanding. We've narrowed it down to a few options (unfortunately, a couple of PebbleSheen, a couple of Stonescapes (generally the Puerto Rico blend) and a couple of Finest Finish options. We'll be aiming for a medium blue with minimal green - and the pool isn't going to be deep (4 feet...possibly a couple of inches deeper if we overthink it enough). The decking, coping, and adjacent stone wall will all be in lighter grey tones and we get a decent amount of sun for most of the day. I've unfortunately gotten into the mindset of "it's a small pool, even an expensive upgrade won't be THAT much..." which I suspect is a slippery slope!
LOL yeah..............."oh it is only $200" "Hummmmm it IS only $400" and before you know it you have added $1000 to the cost 
Be careful with that.
Kim
Be careful with that.Kim
Your neighbours will hate you anyway [emoji23] Probably not as much as mine... five day dig into hard shale with the hammer attachment. Hope all goes well with your dig!
Oh yes! You wait until the end [emoji31]
LOL yeah..............."oh it is only $200" "Hummmmm it IS only $400" and before you know it you have added $1000 to the cost
Kim
Oh yes! You wait until the end [emoji31]
We'll see what happens when they actually start (they said more like 7:30, so I'm sure the neighbors will be fine...) but the supervisor said the plan is to break up all of the backyard concrete, "scuff" the yard, and grade and possibly form the pool. That seems like a lot of work for a single day, but we'll see what the soil is like during the dig. I'm hoping that the fact that there's a lemon tree and an orange tree means it's reasonably well-draining soil and won't be too dense or rocky.
- Oct 18, 2009
- 3,648
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Hi I would definitely think over how deep you want your pool. We wanted a pool where we could stand comfortably all over the pool with our head above the water. ie with a drink in our hands. Ours is a spool aka social pool. Our pool is customized to our height that is 4’ 10 inches in the deepest part , possible 5’ when the pool is over full. Hope this helps.
@Brent, how tall are you/your spouse/the most frequent users of the pool? Our original plan was to go from 3.5 feet to 4.5 feet. Given the small size of our pool (15 feet in length, but with a bench wrapped around the end opposite the steps - so shorter than yours, I think), the pool builder feels like the grade would be too steep. We considered going from 4 feet to 4.5 feet, but our heights are 5 feet and 5'7...which means that one of us has water almost up to her mouth in the deeper portion. We measured what 4 feet would mean for each of us and it seemed okay, but we were also considering something intermediate, like 3'9" to 4'3", mostly to account for taller people who will occasionally use the pool.
Hearing that they're planning to grade and possibly form the pool tomorrow has motivated us to come to some decisions on the small details! But the reminder to make sure of the big picture items like depth is much appreciated!
Hearing that they're planning to grade and possibly form the pool tomorrow has motivated us to come to some decisions on the small details! But the reminder to make sure of the big picture items like depth is much appreciated!
- Oct 18, 2009
- 3,648
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Hi my wife is 5'1" and I am 5' 6". I really appreciate the fact that your pool is 15 ft and ours is 20 ft long and it is good that your PB is looking at the grade as being too steep. Our pool grade is 3.5 ft to 4ft 10 inches and while it is good for us, the fact is that most of the time we either are in the shallow end or in the deep end sitting on the benches watching TV or listening to music. We really don't appreciate much of a grade however maybe it is because our pool is 20 ft long. Perhaps you can get your PB to do a steeper grade and you can actually walk in it before they put in the rebar. Hope this helps. None the less your pool is going to be great
Our pool is 20 foot long and although it isn’t finished yet I don’t think our grade is too steep to be noticeable. Ours goes from 4 foot to 6 foot. I say pick the depths you want and don’t worry too much about the grade.
The neighbor never responded to our attempts to reach out - we stopped by and left notes, but she never answered the door or got back to us. So we took down what could safely be removed that was over the property line, and that did take care of much of the problem. There are some unsightly branches on her side, but nothing we can do.
Thanks for the comments on depth...we measured, considered what would be comfortable, and ended up staying with the agreed upon 4 foot maximum depth, but we will examine the depth once it’s been dug. Hard to tell from standing next to a tape measure, but it looks like 4 and a half feet is a little more than would’ve comfortable, and 4 feet 3 inches is still a little deep for the less tall among us. We’ll see what it looks like when it’s an actual hole in the ground.
I’m shocked about how relaxed our cats are during this. They barely stir from their napping as the trees come down (except the boy who is hiding under the couch). I suspect they’ll have a harder time relaxing during concrete removal...
Thanks for the comments on depth...we measured, considered what would be comfortable, and ended up staying with the agreed upon 4 foot maximum depth, but we will examine the depth once it’s been dug. Hard to tell from standing next to a tape measure, but it looks like 4 and a half feet is a little more than would’ve comfortable, and 4 feet 3 inches is still a little deep for the less tall among us. We’ll see what it looks like when it’s an actual hole in the ground.
I’m shocked about how relaxed our cats are during this. They barely stir from their napping as the trees come down (except the boy who is hiding under the couch). I suspect they’ll have a harder time relaxing during concrete removal...
That’s strange that your neighbour never responded. Oh well. At least you have mostly solved the problem by taking down the overhanging branches on your side.
Depth is such a personal thing and you’ve given a lot of consideration to it. It sounds like 4 foot will be perfect for you and as you said you can double check once it’s dug.
Funny you should say that about your cat! Our dogs would sleep against the temporary fence 2m from where the excavator was hammering out our rock! I expected them to be stressed and as far away as possible. They’re going to miss their tradie buddies once we finish!
Depth is such a personal thing and you’ve given a lot of consideration to it. It sounds like 4 foot will be perfect for you and as you said you can double check once it’s dug.
Funny you should say that about your cat! Our dogs would sleep against the temporary fence 2m from where the excavator was hammering out our rock! I expected them to be stressed and as far away as possible. They’re going to miss their tradie buddies once we finish!
Liz, the neighbor works in the film industry and is (mostly) away for the next couple of months on location. We spoke to her housesitter when we happened to catch him, so we know she was home for the weekend a couple of weeks ago. We were hoping that our notes (with cell phone and email contact information) would be enough for her to reach out, but I think we did all we reasonably could. I appreciate all the input on depth, we feel much better about the 4 foot depth now that we’ve really thought it through multiple times. We’re having similar discussions now about finishes.
Any thoughts on step markers? I am in favor and my spouse has been opposed, though I’m working on it. We are both in our 40s and I have terrible eyesight. No kids, though I expect we’ll have friends and family over with their kids. The majority of the pool use will be by adults, though, and generally not with mobility issues at this point (always good to plan for the future though). We’re going to end up with a pebble surface that should lead to medium blue water (Tropics Blue, Aqua Blue, Blue Surf, Blue Frost...depending on the company we go with). We considered a row of our waterline tile (glass) versus something with a little more contrast. The other possibility which we’ve seen in some pictures, is tiling the top surfaces of the steps and bench. Still many decisions to go and I’d like to make them soon. I gather that glass tile needs quite some time to cure/set fully, and we don’t want to take chances so it looks like that part of the process will require patience.
Also, we've been looking at glass tile and step marker photos on this board and are considering waterline tile that extends further down - 8 inches? 10? 12? Now we're just giving ourselves extra decisions to make...
Here's day 1 (still in progress)!
Any thoughts on step markers? I am in favor and my spouse has been opposed, though I’m working on it. We are both in our 40s and I have terrible eyesight. No kids, though I expect we’ll have friends and family over with their kids. The majority of the pool use will be by adults, though, and generally not with mobility issues at this point (always good to plan for the future though). We’re going to end up with a pebble surface that should lead to medium blue water (Tropics Blue, Aqua Blue, Blue Surf, Blue Frost...depending on the company we go with). We considered a row of our waterline tile (glass) versus something with a little more contrast. The other possibility which we’ve seen in some pictures, is tiling the top surfaces of the steps and bench. Still many decisions to go and I’d like to make them soon. I gather that glass tile needs quite some time to cure/set fully, and we don’t want to take chances so it looks like that part of the process will require patience.
Also, we've been looking at glass tile and step marker photos on this board and are considering waterline tile that extends further down - 8 inches? 10? 12? Now we're just giving ourselves extra decisions to make...
Here's day 1 (still in progress)!
I would not tile the whole step/bench as I would worry about it being slippery. I DO like step markers for the very reason you say-visibility!
Kim
Kim
Okay, end of day 1:
We have a pool-site! There appears to be a concrete wall inside the dig site so I'm not sure what that is or whether it was expected. The soil is typical for the region and is practically sand, so mostly not a bad dig, but there was some construction debris in there. There was a demolition supervisor onsite today, but the project coordinator will be here Monday so we can get an idea of what that concrete wall means, and a bit more detail on what to expect. We didn't have any communication to speak of with the crew - they came in, did their work, ate the lunch they'd brought themselves, and left. It has been a hot day so we'd have liked to feed them breakfast or lunch, but they took care of everything, and I would say a 7:30-4:00 workday, especially on a Saturday, is above and beyond our expectations.
The job supervisors - Tawny is earning his keep, but his sister Ruby is lying down on the job. (Of course, when the workers were actually here, Mr. Tawny was hiding under the couch while his sister watched things take shape!)
We have a pool-site! There appears to be a concrete wall inside the dig site so I'm not sure what that is or whether it was expected. The soil is typical for the region and is practically sand, so mostly not a bad dig, but there was some construction debris in there. There was a demolition supervisor onsite today, but the project coordinator will be here Monday so we can get an idea of what that concrete wall means, and a bit more detail on what to expect. We didn't have any communication to speak of with the crew - they came in, did their work, ate the lunch they'd brought themselves, and left. It has been a hot day so we'd have liked to feed them breakfast or lunch, but they took care of everything, and I would say a 7:30-4:00 workday, especially on a Saturday, is above and beyond our expectations.
The job supervisors - Tawny is earning his keep, but his sister Ruby is lying down on the job. (Of course, when the workers were actually here, Mr. Tawny was hiding under the couch while his sister watched things take shape!)
The other pic in your album..........is that a vacuum by the dirt?
That wall had to been a surprise for everyone! Here is hoping it is an easy fix. How old is the house? I wonder if it was an old well structure?
LOL on the kitties! Yeah he is all brave now that they are gone
Ruby is wore out from her turn as look out!
Kim
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That wall had to been a surprise for everyone! Here is hoping it is an easy fix. How old is the house? I wonder if it was an old well structure?
LOL on the kitties! Yeah he is all brave now that they are gone
Ruby is wore out from her turn as look out!Kim
[
@Kim, I'm not exactly sure what that is. I know the demolition crew brought it because it startled all of us (cats included) when it landed loudly on the ground! I know that the original house/foundation were built in 1947, but the original structure didn't extend as far back into the lot as the current house does. The previous owner tore it down to the foundation and built a new house in 2013, but I don't know enough about the engineering to say what that might be. I don't feel like our permitting process was long or complicated, so I can't imagine any vital structure would be there...hoping to find out something from the project coordinator.
Thanks for the thoughts on the tiled bench and steps...we agree and I think may be leaning toward a subtle but visible step and bench marker.
The cats are a bit flummoxed by it all...our young man misses his lawn, but I think that he'll grow to love the new view!
Thanks for the thoughts on the tiled bench and steps...we agree and I think may be leaning toward a subtle but visible step and bench marker.
The cats are a bit flummoxed by it all...our young man misses his lawn, but I think that he'll grow to love the new view!