Small pool, NorCal

[fejones]

Hey All,

Been lurking on here for a while trying to get info before I started my pool building process. This forum has been a gold mine of information, so thank you all for contributing to this site.

So, I have a fairly small yard, about 55ft wide and 30ft deep. I kind of wanted a "hotel" pool. Something you can lounge and float in, but no real swimming or diving, just hold a drink and socialize.

I had six contractors come out, five of which came back with bids. All except for one bid came back within 5k of each other. Everybody uses variable speed pumps, cartridge filters, some sort of pool sweep, and automation since I am getting a spa. Three came back with the price for salt, which is what I want.

I went with a builder that is family owned/operated that has been in business over 30 years. I felt really good about the salesman, who is also a part owner, when he came to see the property. He didn't try to push anything but gave some constructive feedback regarding the design I had sketched up. Here are the specs for the contractor that I am going to go with.

29.6x15 ft pool
6x6 spa raised 18"
89' perimeter, 10,500 gallons, 3.5 to 5.5 depth
Pentair equipment

Intelliflo VS pump
320 cartridge filter
IC40 SWG
SandShark pool sweep
Easy Touch PS4
400k heater
3 returns, 1 skimmer
pool light, light on cabo shelf, spa light
raised 12" bb on the back side of pool and into a retaining wall
Quartzscapes Anvil
Broom finish concrete deck, coping, and caps




The "deep end" is actually a "deep side", but with the cabo shelf, the pool is almost a square.

Let me know what you guys think, or should consider, before I sign the contract.

 

[Tony411LA]

Hi FE, Welcome to TFP!

The "Deep Side" is very interesting. I have never seen that before. Is there a reason why you decided to go with a deep side as opposed to a deep end or "Sport pool" where it is deeper in the middle?

Your equipment looks good. I would consider a 420 filter as opposed to a 320. It will reduce the frequency that you have to clean it, but not a major issue. Also, with your lighting, if you're considering placing it away from the house (as you should), then I would recommend going with two lights as opposed to one in the pool. I think it will provide more even lighting across the pool. By the way, your pool design is very similar to what I am doing. Good Luck.

 

[fejones]

I wanted to just have a lounge pool, and I wanted to maximize standing and resting space. With the shallow side, I figured there would be a lot of ledge space to lean on or set your drink on. I originally wanted to go with a sport pool, but because of the small size, the majority of the pool would be on some sort of slope.

 

[mknauss]

I do not have one as my pool is odd shaped but your design looks to me to be ideal for a robot cleaner. I assume the SandShark is a suction side cleaner? I had one of those and found it be not very effective and a pain with the hose in the pool all the time. So I just brush, use the maindrain, or haul out a manual vac as necessary.

Good Luck!

 

[Brentr]

I would also recommend adding lots of Benches for seating. We use ours quite a bit. You can look at our build in the signature bar.

 

[grumpiebk]

I wanted to just have a lounge pool, and I wanted to maximize standing and resting space. With the shallow side, I figured there would be a lot of ledge space to lean on or set your drink on. I originally wanted to go with a sport pool, but because of the small size, the majority of the pool would be on some sort of slope.

Nice design! The slope also caught my attention. A 2' drop over 15' is going to feel steep IMO. For mostly standing in a social pool, it may actually feel lopsided. You're right tho, with your length of actual pool, you may not be a great candidate for a typical sports pool profile, especially at 5.5'. Have you considered a 3.5' to 5' standard profile? That would maximize your shallow end but still keep your deep end standalone for many.

The only other points I would suggest at this point is getting your shelf depth right (I would recommend 9" or 12") and step layout (at 3.5' shallow your risers will be 12" high). Ours are 12" and are fine but many pool steps are commonly 10". May be something to consider once you lock in your shelf depth.