Northlake, TX New Pool Build

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Thanks Tony....I have an awesome PB and things are moving right along since we started on May 23!

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TwinMama - It sure has come to life and now it looks much bigger. I was so worried we did not go big enough. My PB has been awesome and patient with all the questions I have thrown at him from reading almost everything from TFP. Thanks on the compliments on the setting we absolutely love it here....

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Hi Kim and thanks so much for following my posts. I have already ordered the TF-100 test kit and I have already started to review the links you provided from other folks posts. You folks here on TFP are the best and my family truly appreciates the feedback!
 
TFP stuff is here...should I use it to test my water from the tap since the finished pool is still going to be awhile?
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YES! Do the fill water except CYA as that has to be added. Write this info down and put it in the top of the box as that will be your base. We will get you set up with a shopping list to get you started.

Kim:kim:
 
Cliff, I just saw a post you made on another thread asking about edging to use between grass and a narrow border of rocks. About 5 years ago, a landscaper put in either polyboard or bend-a-board. I can't remember which but they're similar. They are a composite material that looks like wood. It has worked great for my beds between grass and rocks, grass and mulched beds, and rocks and mulched beds. You can't see any wear on them at all, and they look nice. A lot of the other metal or synthetic edges either don't last long (rusting) or don't look that nice (these are fine if they don't show like behind bushes or such). Also, some of the metal edges can be dangerous to human toes and pets.

Kim often suggests using roofing felt under the rocks to keep weeds away (or slow them down better than landscape cloth). I've heard that works great! Somehow, I forgot all about the roofing felt when I had bull rock put in around my equipment pad. Now I'm a slave to weed killer back there!

Your pool is really coming along, and I love the design - wonderful! The gunite looks great! I'm jealous of your location and surroundings!!
 
Suz - thanks for the compliments on pool and location. We do love our new home and location but there are some awesome pools on this site that are totally amazing. I really appreciate the feedback on boarders (I know exactly what you are describing) and felt under rocks. Lastly do you have any suggestions on landscaping or should I wait to take pics after pool is completed and sod replaced??
 

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Hey, that's no slouch of a pool you're building there! It's already lovely just with the gunite! It will be awesome when finished. I know what you mean, though. These designer and/or mega pool builds are something else. I sure do love looking at those pool threads, and without them, I would have missed out on some of their features I copied (well, on a smaller and less expensive scale!) When I start sighing and wishing over them, I just remember MY pool is perfect for ME.

I think with so much space and the lovely area you have, waiting until the pool is finished is a great idea. I saw one tree but otherwise it looks like you have a blank slate to start with. That's fun and makes possible all sorts of options! For me after living in tightly built neighborhoods for 40 plus years, I would want to keep the feeling of wide open spaces and that Big Sky (any nice sunrises or sunsets from back there? don't block them!). Everyone is different, but it's something to think about - which way you want your landscaping design to go - tropical, cottage garden, etc. Bmoreswim's pool is different from yours, but he has a big area. He is an expert with landscape design and gardening. I'd definitely use his place for ideas. His area is different in size and has serous slopes (hills), but he's kept that open space feel and uses great plants. I'm not sure what style you would call it, but I can see similar ideas working great for your place. I really should have first asked what you like or had in mind.

If you haven't already, start now and get the family to work together on inspiration ideas for the pool area. Collect pictures on your camera, Pinterest, or a notebook of prints of different aspects you and the family like - individual plants and trees (with names), maybe hardscapes like flagstone or crushed granite pathways (doesn't have to be expensive) or a sitting wall or raised bed, landscape lighting, and examples of 'whole looks' you like for your area.

I think once the pool is finished, you'll be surprised how ideas and decisions about the entire area will start clicking. Some you may want to do right away, some may be future projects. It's easier for me to start with a plan. But I usually add parts of the plan a little at a time. It never fails that as I work, my plans change - sometimes drastically. For me that's fun. My pool area landscape was completed by landscapers in about 3 days. I really loved it, but I've already made several changes and have more I'm planning - I can't wait!

You just ask, and these talented people will come out of the woodwork to help you - answer questions, give suggestions, and spend YOUR money! Lol! Just like the pool build!
 
Oh my! Those sunsets are breathtaking! No blocking the view allowed! I'm not sure how your pool sits back there, or where your patio is, but I'm seeing a sitting area viewing the pool with the sunsets behind the pool. A swing, loungers, chairs, rockers, something! How I miss the big Texas sky!
 
So I looked at your pool build and pics of your flowers, they are awesome! The Mountain Laurel tree andChinese Fringe tree are now tops on my list. Yes I want to keep the open feeling but now I'm really excited about adding some color. You and Kim are simply amazing and I promise to become a real TFP pest :)
 
Hey Suz! I think he might stick around and help! SWEET! There is no better feeling than to see someone's hard work pay off!

I can see myself sitting and just listening to nothing as I floated in the pool looking out over the landscape!

Kim:kim:
 
That's great, Kim! Cliff is definitely one to keep around!

Cliff, here is a link to bmoreswim's landscaping (pool included!) The first fence picture in post #223 is one I was thinking of when I thought of your place.
Pool Build - Baltimore - Page 12
From that page you can look back in his thread and see many more 'frame worthy' pictures of his landscaping and handy work. Since he's done most of the work himself, he can tell you how to diy! (or tell others how to do it!)
 
amazing pool build you have going on with a great piece of land! seems like you been doing your homework and its going your way.... i would have to tell you to suggest to put in a heater, we did not install one and now i really wish i did, we have great sunny weather during the winter with weather in the upper 80's but he pool would be too cold to go in, especially when kids are out of school like sprink break etc... i will probably start looking into one in the next year or so. About the peagravel decking, we have been happy with it, i can not say much about it being too "hot", i only have 3ft deck around the pool and when the kids are in it they keep that splashed/wet that it stays cool, and the rest of the peagravel decking is under our patio shaded so it hasn't been a aroused issue for us.
 
Suz - those landscape pics from bmoreswim are beautiful! I will certainly ask him for advice...thanks for the lead.
 
ap2002 - thanks for the compliment on our pool. We are held up due to rain but maybe by midweek we will get back on track. We thought about a heater but the cost of install, due to gas meter being on the complete opposite side of the house, was going to be a big chunk. We also gave thought to how much a heater would extend our swim season along with operating cost and decided against. At least for now... Lastly on the heater subject it seems to me if I can add solar then a heater would seem much more economical. On to peagravel - we think the look will lend well to our setting. The original plan calls for about 11000 sql of decking but that may get scaled back just a little. My biggest concern with heat is due to fact our pool area will have full sun throughout the day. I figured flip flops work well :) Please stay tuned as we move forward on this build and feel free to provide any and all feedback!
 

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