Well it is easier to fix if needed without the rebar in the way so..........maybe it is working out for the best??
Owner/Builder pool in Phoenix (Phase: Start-up!)
- Thread starter Winter247
- Start date
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Been a productive few days!
Gas lines installed!
They still need to come back and put in the riser and then again for connections. The contractor I used was quick to get me a quote and had a better rate than most. Only negative is I specifically told them if they tear up the drain line I put in 2 months ago.... to mark it so I know where to repair it. Not only did they tear up the drain line in multiple spots, they didn't mark where and they backfilled it. I will have to re-dig that entire line now.
Not the end of the word, but pretty annoying. Overall they were fine though.
Plumbing started!
All I can say is... wow, that's a lot of pipe. These guys were fast and impressive. No short cuts, communicated well and easy to deal with. Plus they came in a little lower than the rest of my plumbing bids. Win, win! If anyone needs a solid plumber message me for the contact. Also, the plumber got me a rebar crew the next day!
Steel installed!
Okay, I thought the plumbers were fast (which they were), but WOW... this crew was insane. I was expecting them to take a large portion of the day... nope, started at 5am and were finished by 10am. They took no breaks and cleaned up well after. They spoke very little English though, so having good plans helped with my sad Spanish attempts.
Water Softener
I also sand finished the wall for the water softener so it'll match the house when painted. So I will say, every person that I've mentioned hooking up the soft water to the autofill has looked at me sideways and said "you don't really want to do that". I told the plumber I wanted both soft and hard water plumbed to a valve so I can switch between them if need be. He didn't have any objections, but said most of the time soft water isn't good. That makes 4 people who've been building pools for 15+ years that say don't do soft water. The concern sited is that it will leach the calcium from your plaster/finish and eat away at it, which I've read before. I'm not overly concerned because I will have the option to use either, but I know it's been a big discussion on this forum and nobody I've worked with so far really supports the idea. Not changing my plan, just something to note.
Wednesday is electrical and plumbing finishes up. Need to schedule inspection and the search for shotcrete continues!!
Gas lines installed!
They still need to come back and put in the riser and then again for connections. The contractor I used was quick to get me a quote and had a better rate than most. Only negative is I specifically told them if they tear up the drain line I put in 2 months ago.... to mark it so I know where to repair it. Not only did they tear up the drain line in multiple spots, they didn't mark where and they backfilled it. I will have to re-dig that entire line now.
Not the end of the word, but pretty annoying. Overall they were fine though.Plumbing started!
All I can say is... wow, that's a lot of pipe. These guys were fast and impressive. No short cuts, communicated well and easy to deal with. Plus they came in a little lower than the rest of my plumbing bids. Win, win! If anyone needs a solid plumber message me for the contact. Also, the plumber got me a rebar crew the next day!
Steel installed!
Okay, I thought the plumbers were fast (which they were), but WOW... this crew was insane. I was expecting them to take a large portion of the day... nope, started at 5am and were finished by 10am. They took no breaks and cleaned up well after. They spoke very little English though, so having good plans helped with my sad Spanish attempts.
Water Softener
I also sand finished the wall for the water softener so it'll match the house when painted. So I will say, every person that I've mentioned hooking up the soft water to the autofill has looked at me sideways and said "you don't really want to do that". I told the plumber I wanted both soft and hard water plumbed to a valve so I can switch between them if need be. He didn't have any objections, but said most of the time soft water isn't good. That makes 4 people who've been building pools for 15+ years that say don't do soft water. The concern sited is that it will leach the calcium from your plaster/finish and eat away at it, which I've read before. I'm not overly concerned because I will have the option to use either, but I know it's been a big discussion on this forum and nobody I've worked with so far really supports the idea. Not changing my plan, just something to note.
Wednesday is electrical and plumbing finishes up. Need to schedule inspection and the search for shotcrete continues!!
Attachments
Last edited:
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Good thought, except rebar is in now! I though they same thing too though... for the few days it was just dirt. lol.
thewolf56
Bronze Supporter
- Aug 3, 2015
- 239
- Pool Size
- 15900
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
This could be true if you filled with soft water from the beginning, but topping it off with soft water won't leach calcium if there is already an appropriate level of calcium in the pool water. The Ca does not evaporate with the water, which is why the CA levels rise when you fill with hard water.
thewolf56
Bronze Supporter
- Aug 3, 2015
- 239
- Pool Size
- 15900
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Everything else looks good. For your skybars on the back wall, just double-check your engineering plan to make sure the spacing is correct. I failed my steel inspection because my skybars for the grotto had double the spacing required in the engineers report.
Did you do the sanded finish yourself? looks good.
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Okay, good to know. I'll double check that.
No I didnt do the stucco, I had a guy who's done some block work for me do it. He's cheap and was ready the day I called him. I've done it before, but wouldnt have saved that much $, plus juggling too much as is right now. His looks better anyway.
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Okay, sky bars are good at 24" oc for my raised sheer wall. I did see that a grotta requires 12" oc on the engineering plans. Thanks for the heads up though!
thewolf56
Bronze Supporter
- Aug 3, 2015
- 239
- Pool Size
- 15900
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
No problem. I figured a quick 5-minute review could save you some frustration from the inspectors. On my engineering plan, it's 12" for artificial rock and 6" for natural rock water features.
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Plumbing complete (couple small adjustments required)
I'll say it again... that's a LOT of pipe! Got all the runs finished and the equipment plumbed. Super impressed with the job they did. Manny Gordillo = outstanding. DM me for his contact info. They even installed my crazy auto-fill option idea. so I have a run for the auto-fill that allows me to choose between hard water and soft water. Initial pool fill will be with city water (hard), but then my auto-fill will be with soft water. That way if I have any issues or need to switch, it's just two ball valves.
Notes: Check the pressure each day after the plumbers charge the system. I noticed mine slowly dropping. Found that the downspouts for the MultiCyclone Pre-filters were leaking. They'll be out on Tues to fix it.
Electrical 75% complete
All conduit runs done. Automation panel mounted and wired up. Will need to do the lights and transformers once shotcrete is done.
Notes: Double check conduit runs if any trades out once they're installed. I found a spot where one of the lines got cut. They'll be out Monday to fix it.
We had some rain, but nothing major luckily. So far no issues there, but we'll see. The shotcrete battle is real. Of the 12 companies I've contacted for bids, only 4 have even gotten back to me and they're all over $400/yd with 5-12 week lead times!!! Crazy times, still not sure what my plan is. To be continued...
I'll say it again... that's a LOT of pipe! Got all the runs finished and the equipment plumbed. Super impressed with the job they did. Manny Gordillo = outstanding. DM me for his contact info. They even installed my crazy auto-fill option idea. so I have a run for the auto-fill that allows me to choose between hard water and soft water. Initial pool fill will be with city water (hard), but then my auto-fill will be with soft water. That way if I have any issues or need to switch, it's just two ball valves.
Notes: Check the pressure each day after the plumbers charge the system. I noticed mine slowly dropping. Found that the downspouts for the MultiCyclone Pre-filters were leaking. They'll be out on Tues to fix it.
Electrical 75% complete
All conduit runs done. Automation panel mounted and wired up. Will need to do the lights and transformers once shotcrete is done.
Notes: Double check conduit runs if any trades out once they're installed. I found a spot where one of the lines got cut. They'll be out Monday to fix it.
We had some rain, but nothing major luckily. So far no issues there, but we'll see. The shotcrete battle is real. Of the 12 companies I've contacted for bids, only 4 have even gotten back to me and they're all over $400/yd with 5-12 week lead times!!! Crazy times, still not sure what my plan is. To be continued...
Attachments
SWEET on all of the work done!!
GUrrr on the messed up work-leaking and cutting REALLY??? sigh...............
OH MY on the only 4 getting back to you and the cost and the lead time................OUCH!
GUrrr on the messed up work-leaking and cutting REALLY??? sigh...............
OH MY on the only 4 getting back to you and the cost and the lead time................OUCH!
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Well... it passed pre-gunite inspection, however, I'm not certain that the "inspector" knew all the much about her job. She basically looked at the pool with a mildly confused look on her face and said "yeah, it looks like you have everything." and passed it. It took maybe 3 minutes. I've had plenty of construction projects in the past that I would have LOVED to have an inspector like that... but this isn't one of them.
Couple things that MAYBE shouldn't have passed:
1. Skybars (rebar) for the sheer descent wall need to be 24" oc per the engineering plans. At first glance I thought they were, but after I measured, it turns out they're 37" oc. Should I just go buy some rebar and tie it in myself?
2. There's a section of 2 1/2 PVC that touches the rebar (steel wall) in 3 places. I thought it needed 3" clearance on both sides of the rebar? I realize it's all going to be incased in shotcrete, so maybe it won't matter. Wondering if I should have them move the pipe to avoid the rebar?
3. All my contractors are split on if my Hayward heater needs a pressure relief valve. The consultant and gas guy are adamant it needs one to pass final inspection. The plumber and Hayward rep I got the equipment from say it's not needed. I currently don't have one and can't find it anywhere in local codes that state it's required. Also, the Hayward manual for the heater (HDF400) doesn't say anything about it. There's a port (with a plug) on the heater, but I can't find a single piece of information online that states what specific relief valve would be needed IF one is needed. I don't care either way, but I would need to know what exactly to add. I can find it for Pentair, but even that states "Some local codes require it". I emailed Hayward customer service and they just referred me to the manuals and replacement parts catalog... which was no help. Anyone actually know if this requirement exists for the City of Phoenix?
Anyway, now I'm just waiting on shotcrete. I'm supposedly "on a list to get scheduled" once they have someone out to pre-site. No clue when that will be. Sounding like it'll be months before I actually have shotcrete.
Couple things that MAYBE shouldn't have passed:
1. Skybars (rebar) for the sheer descent wall need to be 24" oc per the engineering plans. At first glance I thought they were, but after I measured, it turns out they're 37" oc. Should I just go buy some rebar and tie it in myself?
2. There's a section of 2 1/2 PVC that touches the rebar (steel wall) in 3 places. I thought it needed 3" clearance on both sides of the rebar? I realize it's all going to be incased in shotcrete, so maybe it won't matter. Wondering if I should have them move the pipe to avoid the rebar?
3. All my contractors are split on if my Hayward heater needs a pressure relief valve. The consultant and gas guy are adamant it needs one to pass final inspection. The plumber and Hayward rep I got the equipment from say it's not needed. I currently don't have one and can't find it anywhere in local codes that state it's required. Also, the Hayward manual for the heater (HDF400) doesn't say anything about it. There's a port (with a plug) on the heater, but I can't find a single piece of information online that states what specific relief valve would be needed IF one is needed. I don't care either way, but I would need to know what exactly to add. I can find it for Pentair, but even that states "Some local codes require it". I emailed Hayward customer service and they just referred me to the manuals and replacement parts catalog... which was no help. Anyone actually know if this requirement exists for the City of Phoenix?
Anyway, now I'm just waiting on shotcrete. I'm supposedly "on a list to get scheduled" once they have someone out to pre-site. No clue when that will be. Sounding like it'll be months before I actually have shotcrete.
Attachments
- Sep 3, 2018
- 1,330
- Pool Size
- 17000
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
At least you passed so you can get on shotcret’s schedule then in the mean time figure out the other things. When we were getting shotcrete, their guys went around and fixed all the rebar and made sure all distances were correct. They dug out some dirt and fixed blocks. They even needed to fix part of the deep end wall by the skimmer so it would lay right. They don’t just come and shoot it and seemed to expect it since they were doing all that waiting for the cement truck to get here.
@ajw22 @jimmythegreek any input on the rebar for the pipes? How about the heater?
The pipes right by/touching the rebar is a no go as there needs to be some space between the pipe and rebar so it is fully enclosed by the gunite.
The pipes right by/touching the rebar is a no go as there needs to be some space between the pipe and rebar so it is fully enclosed by the gunite.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,481
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Yes, I would add rebar to the sheer descent wall and move the pipes that are too near the rebar.
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Thanks, that's good to know! The pre-site guy for the shotcrete company actually just called to say he'll be out today. I'll ask him about those issues.
thewolf56
Bronze Supporter
- Aug 3, 2015
- 239
- Pool Size
- 15900
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
It's really starting to come along now.
I'll just add that my pre-site ended up being same day and they didn't do half of the stuff Niki mentioned. Luckily, our consultant pointed out things to watch out for and I cleaned out the dirt that built up along the edges my self from the electrical crew.
My rebar sub was out the next day or so to fix my skybar issue, so hopefully your sub can make a pretty good turnaround as well. I would also agree with Niki that because you passed city inspection, get on that schedule as it could be a long wait.
Add the rebar and have them do it. No relief valve needed it's outdoors only inside heaters need them
- Sep 12, 2021
- 79
- Pool Size
- 15600
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Well... after a couple months and a few monsoon storms that required me to get in there and dig out the rebar in several spots, we FINALLY have shotcrete!
I sprayed it down several times a day for 5 days. I feel like they did a pretty good job. It ended up being 35 cubic yards and I paid just over $12k (for those curious). Not on the cheap side, but way better than a few quotes I received.
Does anyone have an suggestions for getting this wash tub hauled out of here?
I sprayed it down several times a day for 5 days. I feel like they did a pretty good job. It ended up being 35 cubic yards and I paid just over $12k (for those curious). Not on the cheap side, but way better than a few quotes I received.
Does anyone have an suggestions for getting this wash tub hauled out of here?
Last edited by a moderator:
SWEET!!! That looks great! Have you started bonding with it yet? aka watering it to help slow down the curing.
It is time for your set of links! The first set is all about what to do and ask about to get a great plaster job. The second set is all about how to care for your pool after you get the plaster.
Plaster links:
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster Best one of all
All Plaster Finishes Should Last 20 Years
Not All Color Pigments are Good for Pools How to pick a good color for plaster.
A Plastering 'Watch List' | Professional Watershaping | Watershapes
Trouble Free Pool
Trouble Free Pool
Pool care links:
Print these out:
Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule
Pool School - Recommended Levels
Bookmark these:
Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals
Trouble Free Pool
Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
Kim
It is time for your set of links! The first set is all about what to do and ask about to get a great plaster job. The second set is all about how to care for your pool after you get the plaster.
Plaster links:
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster Best one of all
All Plaster Finishes Should Last 20 Years
Not All Color Pigments are Good for Pools How to pick a good color for plaster.
A Plastering 'Watch List' | Professional Watershaping | Watershapes
Trouble Free Pool
Trouble Free Pool
Pool care links:
Print these out:
Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule
Pool School - Recommended Levels
Bookmark these:
Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals
Trouble Free Pool
Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
Kim
If it's not too late, I'd take a sledge to the leftovers and try to break it into manageable pieces before it sets solid. Even if it's already hard, it will be easier today than ever again.