Pool project in Central NJ

[JerseyPool2021]

New to the site and would love some feedback. Our PB installed our pool two weeks ago and I have been reading all the great information here so I figured I would jump in too. We had a 36x22 pond shape & 8 ft deep end pool installed and now waiting for the liner. I'm a newbie here with the equipment but here is what we have. Hayward sand filter, Hayward super pump 700, Hayward turbocell salt system and a Hayward Summit XL heat pump. Couple of questions for the forum.
1) Any experience with these Hayward products? Any concerns? There were some supply issues and the PB recommended these based what was available.
2) I've been reading a lot of comments about the back fill. We have a clay and shale soil here. There was some ground water at the bottom of the dig (8-10 deep) so they put in a few drains. The PB back filled will the soil from the pool dig. I've read the recommendations from @jimmythegreek about using rock base for back fill and I trying to figure out how I should move forward. The back fill has been complete for a week. Is there a way to help settle that back fill? Should I water it frequently? Can you I use a tamper by hand or will that potentially cause damage? Any thoughts on how to increase my chances of settling the ground and preventing cracks in the pool deck? If I change the pool deck to pavers (which would require a base), is that more likely to be successful? Should I bit the bullet and just have them replace the back fill? Thanks all for the help.

 

[JerseyPool2021]

Here is a current picture. The eyesore of a shed will be gone too.

 

[jimmythegreek]

You can water it a little but the floor is in so you should keep it light til theres a liner amd water. Big rains will settle it some. Honestly its gonna take a year for it to be packed well. Pavers are not forgiving amd will likely settle. Concrete will bridge the voids left behind. It's down the road you have to worry about. Too costly now to remove soil, that ship sailed.

 

[JerseyPool2021]

You can water it a little but the floor is in so you should keep it light til theres a liner amd water. Big rains will settle it some. Honestly its gonna take a year for it to be packed well. Pavers are not forgiving amd will likely settle. Concrete will bridge the voids left behind. It's down the road you have to worry about. Too costly now to remove soil, that ship sailed.

Thanks for the feedback. The liner should go in shortly. I’m going to use some water and help it settle after the pool is filled. The PB says that he will fill the area with crushed concrete after the ground settles and that the deck supports will provide enough support.

 

[JerseyPool2021]

Here is some additional information on the details of our pool. Like I mentioned, I’m a new pool owner and I’m impressed with all the knowledge here. What am I missing or any additional recommendations?

36x22 mountain pond royal pool

Hayward sand filter with veri-flo xl valve
Hayward super pump 700
Aquarite 925 chlorine generator
Hayward Tcell925 turbocell salt system
Hayward Summit XL heat pump
Jandy valve never lube

2 skimmers, 2 return lines and dual main drains
Inside radius cove
Liner - blue ridge slate embossed
Galvanized walls, braces, vermiculite floor and concrete collar.
4 feet of concrete deck with deck supports
Aluminum cantilever edge
500 watt light (any recommendations for an upgrade?)
8 foot stairs
Solar cover
Safety line
Ladder

I also picked up a Dolphin Explorer e30 vacuum and a basketball hoop for the kids. I may use it more than them.

 

[jonnyd91]

Thanks for the feedback. The liner should go in shortly. I’m going to use some water and help it settle after the pool is filled. The PB says that he will fill the area with crushed concrete after the ground settles and that the deck supports will provide enough support.

Did they install 4" pvc pipes filled with cement around the pool before backfill? Do you have a pic before backfill? If that the case that should ease a lot of your worry.

 

[JerseyPool2021]

Did they install 4" pvc pipes filled with cement around the pool before backfill? Do you have a pic before backfill? If that the case that should ease a lot of your worry.

No they did not. I started researching a little too late. The rain really helped settle the soil thank goodness and the PB says the deck supports will really help. It’s not 100% ideal but such is life. I will post another pick once the he liner is in.