Owner-built pool build

[DwightB]

I also had difficulty sourcing. I used a couple of apps to do so, here's the final playlist:

Equipment	Supplier	Cost
Pool light	Florida Sunseeker	$508
Spa light	Florida Sunseeker	$497
Pentair CCP520 filter	FB Marketplace (used)	$400
Flowvis FV-2	Amazon	$112
Pentair Intelliflo	Amazon	$1802
Pentair Intellicenter	FB Marketplace (NOS)	$1081
IntelliChlor IC40	FB Marketplace (used)	$250
Pentair IntelliValve	AZPoolSupplies.com	$215/ea
Pentair 200k MasterTemp	AZPoolSupplies.com	$2171
Air Supply Silencer (spa blower)	FB Marketplace (NOS)	$126

I didn't list the white goods, because they were generally easier to find. There were also way more options in white good suppliers (although, I used 95% CMP).

Thank you.

 

[ShadyPool]

Tiling has started, which I'll be posting an update on once completed. But we've run into an issue.

In some areas, the spa venturi's are closer to inside wall - leaving only ~1/2" between the front of the niche and gunite wall. The venturi niche itself is ~2" long. Even at the shortest length, I would need to add nearly 2" to the gunite wall. Looking for ideas/advise.

 

[ShadyPool]

I didn't take any pictures, but we fixed the spa. TL;DR: Installed metal lathe, and built-up mortar a few inches, then waterproofed again.

Timeline

• Total = 2d
• 1 day mortar
• 1 day waterproof

Technical

• Started with a string layout giving the minimum increase in wall thickness (the greatest build-up was about 2").
• I cut-down the spa plumbing and installed the niche's, so we knew the min. final thickness.
• Since we already waterproofed, we added metal lathe to give the new mortar something to grab. Ramset the lathe into the wall.
• We then did a scratch coat of mortar.
• We then began building up the mortar thickness moving from wall-to-wall until we got to the desired thickness on each wall.
• After dried, we waterproofed. It turned out very nicely, and smoothed in quite well.

Costs

• Total = $182
• Metal lathe
• 1" ramset fasteners w/ washers
• Rapid-set mortar (up to $18/55lb bag!)

Lessons Learned/Comments

• Don't make my mistake - double-check your spa plumbing dims after rebar is complete, prior to gunite.

 

[ShadyPool]

Gas feeder was completed mid-March. I stubbed-up the outlet near the equipment pad, and capped the line.
Timeline

• Total = 1d

Technical

• I used a common trench for many utilities - my workshop subpanel feeder (2" conduit), pool heater gas feeder (1"), pool plumbing return loop (2"), and stormwater from my gutters (4"). I aimed for 32" depth and 6" wide, which put the important items (electrical and gas) well below 18" (to top of pipe).
• These utilities can share a common trench, but if you run supply & sewage you must take different precautions.
• IPS (plastic) pipe used for the majority of the ~75ft run. Heater required 1", and by my calcs I may be ever-so-slightly undersized (gamble).
• The gas needs to be shut off, and allowed to evacuate, prior to work.
• Tapped into an existing 1" main, and added a union. Converted to the IPS, and wrapped it in tracer wire. Leak-checked at 10psig for an hour - found a leak at an IPS fitting which had to be replaced. Repeated until no leaking.
• Taped exposed metal portions with corrosion-preventative tape, inspected, backfilled. Left gas OFF until final heater connections.

Cost

• Total = $459
• 1" IPS pipe and fittings = $262
• NG pipe dope, corrosion tape, tracer wire, and pressure gauge = $36
• Black Iron fittings to connect to existing line = $161

Lessons Learned/Concerns

• My pressure gauge leaked at a fitting that wasn't repairable. It took a long time to diagnose this failure, and I lost many hours doing leak-detection. There were no tell-tale signs of the failure. I had to build a replacement leak-tester last-minute.

 

[Yield2pj1]

I'm planning to self-build a pool in Houston. Here's some details. I'm looking for feedback, suggestions, advice - open conversation (at this point).
Pool Basics

• 22" W x 25' L x 4-1/2' (water level) D Pool (actual 5' depth)
  • + 22'W x 14'L x 6" D tanning ledge
  • with a 8'x8' x 38"D infinity-edge spa
• Gunite construction
• Pool equipment pad will be added alongside a workshop expansion slab, about 10' from the pool
• Planned build Jan '22-Jun '22
• No decking on long sides of pool - I'll be putting astroturf.
• The short edges will have wood patios. (this is the inspiration).

Pool Equipment

• Pump: Pentair IntelliFlo 011056
• Filter: Hayward W3C4030 Pentair CCP520
• Heater: Hayward W3H200FDN Pentair MasterTemp 200k or 250k (depending on availability & price)
• UV sanitizer: DeltaUV ES46
• SWG: IntelliChlor IC40
• Spa blower: Air Supply Silencer 1.5HP 240V
• Automation: Pentair IntelliCenter i5PS w/ valve expansion 522038Z
• (2) Bubblers: CMP Brilliant Wonders 4"
• (2) Skimmers: Hayward SP1072S2
• (2) Spa drains: Hayward 1053AVPAK2
• (4) Pool returns, (1) Spa: CMP 25524-200-000
• (8) Spa venturi's: CMP 25580-290-000
• (1) Pool lights: Florida Sunseeker Pooltone Std Color, 12V 18W
• (1) Spa light: Florida Sunseeker Pooltone Std Color Spa, 12V

No main drain.

The work I won't be doing myself ("what's contracted out"), and why

• Structural engineering: required by Texas
• Land & topographical survey: required for permitting
• Private utilities location: I lack equipment
• Plaster: I've always been frustrated by mudding drywall, and suspect this would be a similar frustration
• Bricklaying (for pool bath): similar to plaster, I expect frustration
• Slab pouring and smoothing: cheap enough
• Rebar: cheap enough, and because I'll be racing the clock at that point
• Gunite: I lack the tools and experience

(Actual) Timeline* and cost (last updated: 2/25)

• TOTAL = 33.5d, $35,994
• Overhead electrical moved underground = 35d, $3,311
• Relocate DCW main line = 9d, $667
• Site layout = 2d, $99
• Permit = 17w, $4,592
• Excavation = 3d, $10,191
• Electrical rough-in = 1/2d, $248
• Plumbing rough-in = 4d, $823
• Rebar = 1/2d, $3,393
• Gunite = 1d, $12,670

*NOTE: total timeline < summation, because many items happen in-parallel. This timeline indicates overall start-to-finish.

Did you final cost have the plaster and equipment cost in there? Post a final product photo if you dont mind. I would like to see your hard work completed!