New pool build, Tomball, TX- Time to fill!

[Annoulini]

I started a thread a couple months back comparing PBs. We signed a contract, have all of the permits and today was dig day! We did run into some issues, i.e a gas line running outside of the easement that thankfully the gas company relocated while we waited for permits.

It was pretty difficult to contain my excitement when that excavator/dump trucks showed up. Onto rebar tomorrow and hopefully gunite early next week.

Took lots of photos and checked the dimensions per the recommendations from this group!

Geometric pool with sunshelf
37 L *11 width
109 sqft perimeter
13K gallons
22 feet raised wall length , 18’ H
#3 3/8 Rebar in walls and Floors tied on 8" Centers, 12" box beam #4 rebar
2 skimmers
2.5 inch suction, 2inch returns (6 minimum)
Equipment
Dual suction channel drain (VGB compliant), 3/4" Pool Automatic Fill Line with PVB Backflow Device, Jandy 2" never lube valves, overflow drain 2" tied into drainage,
Vs Omni / App Control
C4030 (Cartridge Filter)
Aqua Rite (Salt)
H-Series 400,000 BTU
Tristar 950 Vs Epump

2 Hayward UCL LED Pool Lights
1 4’ sheer descent
Electrical includes sub panel, 360 Degree Earth Ground at Steal of Pool Beam
Pebble finish level I
Drains per linear feet to street

 

[TexEdmond]

WOOOOHOOOOO! Go, BABY GO! That's gonna be awesome for y'all.

 

[HermanTX]

2 skimmers

I would highly recommend that each skimmer be independently plumbed back to the equipment pad. With a long pool such as yours, you want to be have individual control of how the skimmers function.

Your main bottom drain should be also independently run to the pad so you will have 3 suction pipes that you can control.

1 4’ sheer descent

See you have a water feature as well. It shows only 1 pump so your main drain and skimmers will provide suction for this and on the return side, ensure you have a Jandy Never-Lube valve to control flow to this water feature.

Overall, looks great.

 

[Annoulini]

I would highly recommend that each skimmer be independently plumbed back to the equipment pad. With a long pool such as yours, you want to be have individual control of how the skimmers function.

Your main bottom drain should be also independently run to the pad so you will have 3 suction pipes that you can control.

See you have a water feature as well. It shows only 1 pump so your main drain and skimmers will provide suction for this and on the return side, ensure you have a Jandy Never-Lube valve to control flow to this water feature.

Overall, looks great.

Thank you. I confirmed with the PB that skimmers will be individually plumbed and adding an actuator and jandy valve to control the sheer descent

 

[Annoulini]

The PB is moving quickly, finished rebar and plumbing stub out. They added the main drain, skimmers and what I am guessing are the returns? Not sure what the pvc pipes on the sunshelf are for.

We saw some rain today, small puddles but nothing collapsed. Hoping for gunite next week so we dont have to worry about more rain.

 

[HermanTX]

Not sure what the pvc pipes on the sunshelf are for.

If you do not have bubblers, then did you request umbrella holders? You should verify before gunite.

Also, take lots of pictures of your plumbing especially where it is in relation to distance from pool or house, etc as it is good to have if you have to track down a leak or plan to add something. It is just good to know where those pipes are.

In addition to returns, your lights will be be pulled through conduit (or PVC) so those should be protruding through the wall as well.

 

[Annoulini]

The PB said that the pvc on the sunshelf is for additional returns. We opted to not have an umbrella holder in the pool. It seems more of a hassle than something useful.

Gunite was completed this week and they added the light niches and pvc for those! They also sprayed something for waterproofing along the waterline tile. My hubby sprays the gunite twice a day.

Hopefully the rest of it will go as quickly!

 

[HermanTX]

The PB said that the pvc on the sunshelf is for additional returns.

I can't really see them in the picture with the gunite as the shelf is not fully shown. In the earlier picture with just the rebar in place, it is interesting to note that the return pipes are vertical rather than horizontal. I wonder what type of return nozzle they will place on them. Almost seems like a mini-bubbler.

 

[Annoulini]

I haven’t provided an update in a while, things have been slow due to weather and material delays. Plumbing and electrical is all done and they (finally) showed up yesterday to start the tile. The placement looked great this morning but then I went to look at the finished product this afternoon and I hate the grout color! I was not given a choice and in my opinion it looks ugly. It’s darker than what I would like both for the waterline tile and coping. Is this something they can fix? Do I ask them to remove and do it all over again and risk damage to the tile? Tagging @kimkats for some very needed input

 

[Annoulini]

I can't really see them in the picture with the gunite as the shelf is not fully shown. In the earlier picture with just the rebar in place, it is interesting to note that the return pipes are vertical rather than horizontal. I wonder what type of return nozzle they will place on them. Almost seems like a mini-bubbler.

They said it has a special valve and its not a bubbler

 

[Annoulini]

Adding some more progress photos of the equipment pad and tile work. @HermanTX I will try and take some better photos of the equipment pad set up

 

[kimkats]

That is darker than I would like BUT I think it will get lighter as it cures. Let your PB know you are not happy with the grout so it is writing (Email is best, Text next best. NO verbal-needs to be in someone of writing) if it does not lighten up. Give it a solid week then share pics again and we will go from there.

 

[JamesW]

What stone is the coping?

Are you going to seal the stone?

What does it look like when wet?

What color grout did you want?

 

[Annoulini]

That is darker than I would like BUT I think it will get lighter as it cures. Let your PB know you are not happy with the grout so it is writing (Email is best, Text next best. NO verbal-needs to be in someone of writing) if it does not lighten up. Give it a solid week then share pics again and we will go from there.

Thank you @kimkats. No change in grout yet, it does get lighter when not wet but that wouldnt be the case with my family using it. I am waiting on grout samples still and pb says they can fix it, just wondering if its worth it at this point

 

[Annoulini]

What stone is the coping?

Are you going to seal the stone?

What does it look like when wet?

What color grout did you want?

We used Atlantic grey for the stone and its not sealed. Its natural and varies but most of it is pretty light even when wet so still a contrast when both stone and grout are wet. I just wanted a shade or two lighter so it “blends in” more. Noone asked beforehand......

 

[Annoulini]

They finished the plaster yesterday and we are filling the pool today!!!! Super happy to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Its been going since 6pm last night but granted I only have one hose going.