Hello all, Just found this site, wish I found 3 years ago. My wife and I have decided to get an inground pool after deciding we are going to stay in our current house and not move. We currently have an above ground but now are ready to make the move. We live in San Antonio and plan on going with one of the better know builders here. Below are the details of the proposed plan. After reading a few post about other plans I already know I don't want the Ozone but not sure about the other stuff they are proposing. Current price is $95,600 and we are willing to spend a little more (but less would be better!) to get what we want and the right equipment that will last. To me getting the best mechanicals for a higher up front cost is worth it after reading TFP. Also, decking can be upgraded if in the long run it will be better Travertine tiles are something we are looking at.. We want something that will be viewed 15-20 yrs as timeless, if that is possible with a pool. Anyways, look forward to your comments and if I need to change the format to make it more readable let me know.
GENERAL POOL SPECIFICATIONS: Approx. Pool Dimensions: PER PLAN Spa Dimension: PER PLAN Pool Design: CUSTOM Spa Design: PER PLAN Pool Type: Type 0 - NON-DIVING Spa Depth: 3’6” Pool Depth: 3’6” to 5’ Spa Elevation: 18 inches above pool with pool being elevation zero inches. Pool Steps: Included Spa Jets #/Color: 8/Lt. Gray Approximate Pool Gallons*: *pool steps, seat benches, beach & sun shelf areas will affect actual pool gallons 12,560 Spa Arm Rest: 1 - Four (4) inches around spa interior, below water line tile Spa Bench: 1 - 16-inch-wide seat bench. Location Per Plan.
PLUMBING CIRCULATION Pool Pump:
1 - 2.7 HP Variable Speed pump(s) with freeze guard. N/A - 1.85 HP Variable Speed pump(s) with freeze guard. Main Drain: 1 - Gray drain cover 32-inch drain Schedule 80 compliant with Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Drain Act. Pool Inlets: 7 - Clear 1.5-inch adjustable directional returns, fed by a 2-inch header line and stainless-steel trim ring. Location Per Plan. Bubblers: N/A - Clear 1.5-inch adjustable non-lighted floor inlet bubbler, fed by a 2-inch header line and stainless-steel trim ring. Location Per Plan. Heater: 1 - 399,000 BTU (NG or LP) w/electrical ignition and VERSAFLO heater bypass system when heater is not in use. Heat Pump: N/A Fuel Source: Propane - 250 Gallon Above Ground Gas Line: 30 LF (Approx.) - 1.5-inch gas line to connect the heater. Location Per Plan.
PLUMBING PURIFICATION Pool Filtration:
1 - 60 square feet D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth); 3 to 5 microns; Flow rate 120 GPM. Filter tank is non-corrosive, UV stabilized and complete with pressure gage, automatic air relief and backwash valves, as applicable. Multi-Cyclone N/A - Multi-Cyclone 16 port filter. Pool Pre-Filter: 3 - KZP patented pre-filters with a 300-micron mesh bag and basket that collects 4X the leaves and debris than traditional basket filters. Pool Skimmer: 2 - Surface skimmer with hydrodynamic weir and 2-inch suction line generally placed at 250 to 400 square feet intervals. Brass skimmer lid included. Chlorinator: 1 - Inline chlorinating system with adjustable strength dial and a clear, see through, housing. Pool Ozone Unit: 1 - AquaStar unit utilizes a discharge process that kills and removes over 99.9% of present bacteria and viruses in your pool water. Brass ozone lid included. Pool Cleaner: 1 - Model 3900 Polaris vacuum sweep with a .97 HP booster pump. In Floor Cleaner: N/A - Automatic in floor cleaner with five port water valves. Estimated N/A pop-up floor nozzles at pool floor and steps. Final in floor cleaner design may increase or decrease the actual number of pop-up nozzels. Nozzle color N/A.
STRUCTURE - STEEL/GUNITE
Steel: 9 inches on center each way, Grade 60 - 1/2" reinforcement - 16 gage galvanized bar ties. Complies with American Society for Testing and Materials. Cementitious block supports are placed throughout the pool floor of rebar grid to insure proper placement of rebar within gunite shell. Concrete Wall and Floor: Approximately 6 to 8 inches thick walls and floor, 4,000 PSI concrete. Wall thickness can vary depending on soils and engineering requirements. Gravel and Pool Drain Relief: Approximately 4 inches of washed gravel under the pool floor with 1.5-inch hydrostatic relief port.
POOL TILE & COPING/DECK Coping:
Flagstone coping. Tile: 6 inches of standard grade frost proof water line tile. Pool Coping Notch: N/A linear feet of water line coping on pool side of raised pool wall.
Pool Steps: Included - Underwater location Per Plan. Decking: Approximately 1,002 square feet of topping, walks and patios.
Finish Coat - Cool Deck Deck Underlayment - #3 - 3/8” reinforcing bar, 12” on center, both ways - Grade 60 steel.
Top Soil: 15 cubic yards Cubic yards of contractors mix topsoil.
POOL FEATURES Swim Out: Included -
Seat bench Per Plan. Fill Line: Included - 3/4" PVC fill line connected to pool skimmer with autofill float at pool prefilter Per Plan. Connection at water source with dedicated water feed to pool. Overflow Included - Concealed PVC overflow. Pool Equipment Slab: Included - Reinforced slab and poured in place. Location and size Per Plan. Umbrella Anchor(s): 1 - Umbrella anchor(s). Location Per Plan Volleyball: N/A - Volleyball set with anchors, poles and net. Basketball: N/A - Basketball hoop and backboard with anchor. Brass Deck Jet: N/A - Inset brass deck jet(s). Location Per Plan. Brass Spout: N/A - 1 ½ inch brass spout(s). Location Per Plan. Cantera Scupper: N/A - Scupper(s) are 8” x 8” or 10” x 10” as selected. Material and location Per Plan. Sheer Descent: N/A - Stainless steel. Straight or radius as selected. Sheer descent(s) length and location Per Plan.
WATER & FIRE FEATURES Gas Fire Feature: N/A - Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LP) Fire Pit Circular approximately (5 ft .x 5 ft. OD) or Square approximately (5 ft. x 5 ft. OD). Wood Fire Feature: N/A – Circular Wood Burning Fire Pit approximately 3 ft. (ID) in circumference. Decorative Concrete Bowl: N/A - Decorative Concrete Bowl(s) - As selected (Planter, Water, Fire, Combo Water/Fire). Pentair Magic Bowl w/LED Light N/A - Decorative UV-resistant resin bowl with LED light. Color and shape as selected
POOL SURFACE FINISH Pool Finish Interior Color & Type: LX AZURE PLASTER Plaster. CHECK-OUT & POOL SCHOOL Onsite Pool Orientation and Instruction: After plaster completion and pool filling, our technician will meet with you at your home and perform a comprehensive pool operating orientation and equipment instruction. Cleaning Equipment: Includes a telescopic pole (8’ to 16’), leaf net, 18" nylon brush and standard pool chemical test kit. Pool Startup Chemicals: Includes all necessary pool chemicals to balance your pool water. Pool Access Alarm: Includes two (2) pool access alarms. Additional access alarms may be purchased separately. Pool Maintenance: Includes one (1) month of complimentary pool cleaning. Pool MUST be within our designated service area.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS: Includes iAqualink remote control [iPhone] Includes AquaStar ozone purification system Includes promotional (3) white LED lights Includes LX smooth pebble plaster (3 colors) Includes ALL rock excavation Includes 250 gallon above ground propane tank Includes topping on existing patios
SPA Configuration - SPA #__8__ recommend #9 Spa Steps: 1 - Location Per Plan. Spa Jet Functionality: Adjustable water volume control, removable nozzle. Air Control: 2 - Spa side air control assembly with molded "O" ring seal, foam insert and brass cap. Drains: 1 - Gray drain cover 32-inch drain Schedule 80 compliant with Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Drain Act. Top Finish: Flagstone cap top on elevated spa. Pool Side Finish: Raised spa wall finish on pool-side - N/A. Deck Side Finish: Raised spa wall finish on deck-side - N/A. Coping Notch: N/A linear feet of water line coping on pool side of raised spa. PDA Controller: N/A - PDA wireless controller: Turns valves from standard pool operation to spa setting. Turns heater on and off for both pool and spa temperature settings. Two switches are for auxiliary functions: Pool and spa lights, water features, etc. AquaPalm Controller: N/A - AquaPalm wireless one-touch remote.
ELECTRICAL Connect: Included, all electrical wiring of the pool equipment including Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) and #8 ground wire from pool to equipment slab. Sub Panel: Includes, a separate breaker panel box for swimming pool electrical. Pool Light: 3 - AquaStar White LED Pool & Spa Lights. Spa Light: N/A - N/A. Rack: 1 - Electrical tower with outdoor light and GFI plug at pool equipment slab. Valves: 2 - Motorized valve(s) operates from control system selected. iAqualink: 1 - Either JandyIQ Pump01 or iAqualink wireless 4 or iAqualink wireless 8 function. Specific control system based upon your pool’s configuration.
GENERAL POOL SPECIFICATIONS: Approx. Pool Dimensions: PER PLAN Spa Dimension: PER PLAN Pool Design: CUSTOM Spa Design: PER PLAN Pool Type: Type 0 - NON-DIVING Spa Depth: 3’6” Pool Depth: 3’6” to 5’ Spa Elevation: 18 inches above pool with pool being elevation zero inches. Pool Steps: Included Spa Jets #/Color: 8/Lt. Gray Approximate Pool Gallons*: *pool steps, seat benches, beach & sun shelf areas will affect actual pool gallons 12,560 Spa Arm Rest: 1 - Four (4) inches around spa interior, below water line tile Spa Bench: 1 - 16-inch-wide seat bench. Location Per Plan.
PLUMBING CIRCULATION Pool Pump:
1 - 2.7 HP Variable Speed pump(s) with freeze guard. N/A - 1.85 HP Variable Speed pump(s) with freeze guard. Main Drain: 1 - Gray drain cover 32-inch drain Schedule 80 compliant with Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Drain Act. Pool Inlets: 7 - Clear 1.5-inch adjustable directional returns, fed by a 2-inch header line and stainless-steel trim ring. Location Per Plan. Bubblers: N/A - Clear 1.5-inch adjustable non-lighted floor inlet bubbler, fed by a 2-inch header line and stainless-steel trim ring. Location Per Plan. Heater: 1 - 399,000 BTU (NG or LP) w/electrical ignition and VERSAFLO heater bypass system when heater is not in use. Heat Pump: N/A Fuel Source: Propane - 250 Gallon Above Ground Gas Line: 30 LF (Approx.) - 1.5-inch gas line to connect the heater. Location Per Plan.
PLUMBING PURIFICATION Pool Filtration:
1 - 60 square feet D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth); 3 to 5 microns; Flow rate 120 GPM. Filter tank is non-corrosive, UV stabilized and complete with pressure gage, automatic air relief and backwash valves, as applicable. Multi-Cyclone N/A - Multi-Cyclone 16 port filter. Pool Pre-Filter: 3 - KZP patented pre-filters with a 300-micron mesh bag and basket that collects 4X the leaves and debris than traditional basket filters. Pool Skimmer: 2 - Surface skimmer with hydrodynamic weir and 2-inch suction line generally placed at 250 to 400 square feet intervals. Brass skimmer lid included. Chlorinator: 1 - Inline chlorinating system with adjustable strength dial and a clear, see through, housing. Pool Ozone Unit: 1 - AquaStar unit utilizes a discharge process that kills and removes over 99.9% of present bacteria and viruses in your pool water. Brass ozone lid included. Pool Cleaner: 1 - Model 3900 Polaris vacuum sweep with a .97 HP booster pump. In Floor Cleaner: N/A - Automatic in floor cleaner with five port water valves. Estimated N/A pop-up floor nozzles at pool floor and steps. Final in floor cleaner design may increase or decrease the actual number of pop-up nozzels. Nozzle color N/A.
STRUCTURE - STEEL/GUNITE
Steel: 9 inches on center each way, Grade 60 - 1/2" reinforcement - 16 gage galvanized bar ties. Complies with American Society for Testing and Materials. Cementitious block supports are placed throughout the pool floor of rebar grid to insure proper placement of rebar within gunite shell. Concrete Wall and Floor: Approximately 6 to 8 inches thick walls and floor, 4,000 PSI concrete. Wall thickness can vary depending on soils and engineering requirements. Gravel and Pool Drain Relief: Approximately 4 inches of washed gravel under the pool floor with 1.5-inch hydrostatic relief port.
POOL TILE & COPING/DECK Coping:
Flagstone coping. Tile: 6 inches of standard grade frost proof water line tile. Pool Coping Notch: N/A linear feet of water line coping on pool side of raised pool wall.
Pool Steps: Included - Underwater location Per Plan. Decking: Approximately 1,002 square feet of topping, walks and patios.
Finish Coat - Cool Deck Deck Underlayment - #3 - 3/8” reinforcing bar, 12” on center, both ways - Grade 60 steel.
Top Soil: 15 cubic yards Cubic yards of contractors mix topsoil.
POOL FEATURES Swim Out: Included -
Seat bench Per Plan. Fill Line: Included - 3/4" PVC fill line connected to pool skimmer with autofill float at pool prefilter Per Plan. Connection at water source with dedicated water feed to pool. Overflow Included - Concealed PVC overflow. Pool Equipment Slab: Included - Reinforced slab and poured in place. Location and size Per Plan. Umbrella Anchor(s): 1 - Umbrella anchor(s). Location Per Plan Volleyball: N/A - Volleyball set with anchors, poles and net. Basketball: N/A - Basketball hoop and backboard with anchor. Brass Deck Jet: N/A - Inset brass deck jet(s). Location Per Plan. Brass Spout: N/A - 1 ½ inch brass spout(s). Location Per Plan. Cantera Scupper: N/A - Scupper(s) are 8” x 8” or 10” x 10” as selected. Material and location Per Plan. Sheer Descent: N/A - Stainless steel. Straight or radius as selected. Sheer descent(s) length and location Per Plan.
WATER & FIRE FEATURES Gas Fire Feature: N/A - Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LP) Fire Pit Circular approximately (5 ft .x 5 ft. OD) or Square approximately (5 ft. x 5 ft. OD). Wood Fire Feature: N/A – Circular Wood Burning Fire Pit approximately 3 ft. (ID) in circumference. Decorative Concrete Bowl: N/A - Decorative Concrete Bowl(s) - As selected (Planter, Water, Fire, Combo Water/Fire). Pentair Magic Bowl w/LED Light N/A - Decorative UV-resistant resin bowl with LED light. Color and shape as selected
POOL SURFACE FINISH Pool Finish Interior Color & Type: LX AZURE PLASTER Plaster. CHECK-OUT & POOL SCHOOL Onsite Pool Orientation and Instruction: After plaster completion and pool filling, our technician will meet with you at your home and perform a comprehensive pool operating orientation and equipment instruction. Cleaning Equipment: Includes a telescopic pole (8’ to 16’), leaf net, 18" nylon brush and standard pool chemical test kit. Pool Startup Chemicals: Includes all necessary pool chemicals to balance your pool water. Pool Access Alarm: Includes two (2) pool access alarms. Additional access alarms may be purchased separately. Pool Maintenance: Includes one (1) month of complimentary pool cleaning. Pool MUST be within our designated service area.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS: Includes iAqualink remote control [iPhone] Includes AquaStar ozone purification system Includes promotional (3) white LED lights Includes LX smooth pebble plaster (3 colors) Includes ALL rock excavation Includes 250 gallon above ground propane tank Includes topping on existing patios
SPA Configuration - SPA #__8__ recommend #9 Spa Steps: 1 - Location Per Plan. Spa Jet Functionality: Adjustable water volume control, removable nozzle. Air Control: 2 - Spa side air control assembly with molded "O" ring seal, foam insert and brass cap. Drains: 1 - Gray drain cover 32-inch drain Schedule 80 compliant with Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Drain Act. Top Finish: Flagstone cap top on elevated spa. Pool Side Finish: Raised spa wall finish on pool-side - N/A. Deck Side Finish: Raised spa wall finish on deck-side - N/A. Coping Notch: N/A linear feet of water line coping on pool side of raised spa. PDA Controller: N/A - PDA wireless controller: Turns valves from standard pool operation to spa setting. Turns heater on and off for both pool and spa temperature settings. Two switches are for auxiliary functions: Pool and spa lights, water features, etc. AquaPalm Controller: N/A - AquaPalm wireless one-touch remote.
ELECTRICAL Connect: Included, all electrical wiring of the pool equipment including Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) and #8 ground wire from pool to equipment slab. Sub Panel: Includes, a separate breaker panel box for swimming pool electrical. Pool Light: 3 - AquaStar White LED Pool & Spa Lights. Spa Light: N/A - N/A. Rack: 1 - Electrical tower with outdoor light and GFI plug at pool equipment slab. Valves: 2 - Motorized valve(s) operates from control system selected. iAqualink: 1 - Either JandyIQ Pump01 or iAqualink wireless 4 or iAqualink wireless 8 function. Specific control system based upon your pool’s configuration.
Seems to be quite the build. You already know how we feel about ozone sales, so that's good. But also discuss the chlorination. The inline (tabs) will last you about 3 months before your CYA is too high, then you're back to adding liquid chlorine manually. Most builders in our area seem to frown against salt water generators falsely claiming salt is no good for the pool surround (flagstone, etc). We here at TFP don't agree with that, but they may twist your arm claiming warranty concerns, so be prepared to discuss that with them. Chlorine is chlorine (tabs, bags, liquid, salt), the big difference between them all is what side effects are you willing to live with. IMO, salt is the way to go for convenience followed by adding liquid each day. If you have any questions about this subject, let us know.
You should be able to get any filter type you want though. Me personally, even with all the hype of additional micron filtering, DE not worth the effort, but some people stick by them. Keep us posted. Hopefully your other quotes will be a little more accommodating. Now let's see if we get more liquid sunshine today. 
