This would be our first pool so open to helpful suggestions. The waterline tile and tile on the raised walls have not been decided. Pool size is ~509 sq ft, 98 ft of perimeter. Trying to preserve some yard on one side of the backyard and this layout kind of gives us the best compromise between view from inside the house and grass.

No spa, but added a pool heater. Pool depth goes from 3.5-4-5'.
We are considering removing the side raised wall and just going with the rear raised wall. Also considering flaring out the side patio in case I want to add a covered structure or outdoor fireplace in the future.

The quote includes bubbler, two sheer descents, two skimmers, SWCG, Pebble Sheen, Kool Kote (sp?) decking which they will also do on the existing covered patio, outdoor kitchen on the existing patio, Pentair 3 HP variable pump, gas heater, cartridge filter, automation, and 3 color changing LED lights.

Biggest concern I have is the salt water and the stone coping. Any thoughts on that or the the specs?

Fire away.

I would give serious consideration to doing a hot tub. Ours gets used all the time - good for ambience too. We have 3 sheer descents and 3 bubblers, and when you run them, they are loud. Too loud for relaxing by the pool in the evening, the spillway for the spa on the other hand, sounds great. Also, have a second pump installed for the features so they can be run independently.

I don't know if you have kids or not, but the one place I get nervous with my 4-year-old is the area near our raised wall. It's the only portion of the pool he can't reach out and grab onto if he needs to. May not be an issue for you guys.

One minor thing on the lights we noticed if you have a combo of large leds and the micro leds in some colors the hue is very different. I would stick with the same size lights for all. Also, if you have an area you will hang out at a lot in the evenings, don't have a light pointing directly at it if you don't have to (especially the shallow micro on the shelf)

Good luck with your build, its going to get a lot messier before it gets nice, but it is totally worth it!

Did you learn nothing from Ducks4Breakfast's thread?

1) You must have a deep end
2) You shall not build a pool in Texas without a chiller
3) It is necessary to have 300 sf of lounge chair areas
4) Anchors for umbrellas formula is N+1
5) Don't get a pool
6) If you can't afford to build covering over the whole thing, don't bother

1) You must have a deep end
2) Don't put in a deep end because of volleyball
3) You shall not build a pool in Texas without a chiller
4) Why would you put in a chiller? How often will you use it?
5) It is necessary to have 300 sf of lounge chair areas
6) Dont put in too much lounge chair access...more deep end!
7) Anchors for umbrellas formula is N+1
8) Don't get a pool
9) If you can't afford to build covering over the whole thing, don't bother

Shawdaddy said:

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I would give serious consideration to doing a hot tub. Ours gets used all the time - good for ambience too. We have 3 sheer descents and 3 bubblers, and when you run them, they are loud. Too loud for relaxing by the pool in the evening, the spillway for the spa on the other hand, sounds great. Also, have a second pump installed for the features so they can be run independently.

I don't know if you have kids or not, but the one place I get nervous with my 4-year-old is the area near our raised wall. It's the only portion of the pool he can't reach out and grab onto if he needs to. May not be an issue for you guys.

One minor thing on the lights we noticed if you have a combo of large leds and the micro leds in some colors the hue is very different. I would stick with the same size lights for all. Also, if you have an area you will hang out at a lot in the evenings, don't have a light pointing directly at it if you don't have to (especially the shallow micro on the shelf)

Good luck with your build, its going to get a lot messier before it gets nice, but it is totally worth it!

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Appreciate that. Good thinking about the loudness of the sheer descents as I was at my neighbors pool last weekend and he had one and I thought it was pretty loud as well. I think we will remove that second one for sure.

The hot tub was heavily considered, still a possibility.

Curious if you did saltwater chlorine generation or added automation stuff?

mosdefn14 said:

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Did you learn nothing from Ducks4Breakfast's thread?

1) You must have a deep end
2) You shall not build a pool in Texas without a chiller
3) It is necessary to have 300 sf of lounge chair areas
4) Anchors for umbrellas formula is N+1
5) Don't get a pool
6) If you can't afford to build covering over the whole thing, don't bother

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7) Only pay cash for a pool, no financing.

Just curious...
When will the build begin? If summer timeframe, do you know if the builder would give any discounts if started later in the fall?? I'm debating on holding out on our pool until Jan possibly. Pre covid, I know builders would give better deals to keep them busy during the off season months.

Pool builder here.....

We do not do stone coping with saltwater. Strictly poured concrete coping only. Depending on the type of stone, the saltwater will start to eat it up, along with anything metal on your patio.

Make sure when they program that Pentair pump that the freeze protection rpm setting is set to high. They're typically set too low from the factory for proper freeze protection.

Make sure that they include turning the bubblers off and on with your automation (I'm assuming you will have a phone app). All they have to do is plumb it correctly at the equipment and add a automated valve to it.

Would also recommend a hot tub as stated above. 50% of the cost is typically the heater and you already plan on doing that. I would recommend something water level as it will minimize additional gunite & plaster.

Not sure if they did the design or if that's what you told them, but I try to get people away from having areas that jut out from the overall shape like that as that area will be more prone to cracking. If you could do a 34x16 then you could position the hot tub next to the tanning ledge and the rest be pool be open. Granted, you might lose some of the backyard you're trying to keep. Also, you give up quite a bit of area with those rounded corners just fyi.

Regarding the water features, I typically try to steer people away from tile on the walls as it has a tendency to pop off in freeze/thaw situations. You did not mention it, but i hope they plan on installing a separate pump for the water features. I would not run all of that on a single pump. Also i'd take it down to one water feature, it makes the pool area too busy.

Also would not recommend a pebble type product as it will tear kid's feet up on those extended days in the pool (also tears up bathing suits), due to most companies use a crushed stone product. I'd recommend going with a Quartz type product as they typically have the same warranty as pebble products and are much smoother (and probably less expensive).

AGGIE WH08P said:

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Just curious...
When will the build begin? If summer timeframe, do you know if the builder would give any discounts if started later in the fall?? I'm debating on holding out on our pool until Jan possibly. Pre covid, I know builders would give better deals to keep them busy during the off season months.

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Still in the early stages. I haven't specifically asked that, but most have said they anticipate material costs rising so I'm not thinking there would be a discount for a later fall build. I actually kind of prefer them building in the fall since we likely won't be swimming this summer.

Corps_Ag12 said:

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Pool builder here.....

We do not do stone coping with saltwater. Strictly poured concrete coping only. Depending on the type of stone, the saltwater will start to eat it up, along with anything metal on your patio.

Make sure when they program that Pentair pump that the freeze protection rpm setting is set to high. They're typically set too low from the factory for proper freeze protection.

Make sure that they include turning the bubblers off and on with your automation (I'm assuming you will have a phone app). All they have to do is plumb it correctly at the equipment and add a automated valve to it.

Would also recommend a hot tub as stated above. 50% of the cost is typically the heater and you already plan on doing that. I would recommend something water level as it will minimize additional gunite & plaster.

Not sure if they did the design or if that's what you told them, but I try to get people away from having areas that jut out from the overall shape like that as that area will be more prone to cracking. If you could do a 34x16 then you could position the hot tub next to the tanning ledge and the rest be pool be open. Granted, you might lose some of the backyard you're trying to keep. Also, you give up quite a bit of area with those rounded corners just fyi.

Regarding the water features, I typically try to steer people away from tile on the walls as it has a tendency to pop off in freeze/thaw situations. You did not mention it, but i hope they plan on installing a separate pump for the water features. I would not run all of that on a single pump. Also i'd take it down to one water feature, it makes the pool area too busy.

Also would not recommend a pebble type product as it will tear kid's feet up on those extended days in the pool (also tears up bathing suits), due to most companies use a crushed stone product. I'd recommend going with a Quartz type product as they typically have the same warranty as pebble products and are much smoother (and probably less expensive).

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These are great, thanks for this.

For the tile on the walls, we were mainly thinking that due to avoid additional stone. Any other alternatives to tile that is not natural stone?

Interesting about the jut out and cracking, definitely didn't think of that. We do have a fair amount of clay around here (east Round Rock). We were trying to avoid the standard rectangular pool and kind of form fit to the house. If we don't change the design, should we ask for better structural reinforcement in that area?
This is what they have quoted for structure: 1/2" grade 60 on 10" centers for the shell, 1/2" grade 60 x4 for the bond beam, 12" bond beam, 8-10" for the floors and walls, 4000 PSI gunite/shotcrete. I've also inquired about hey they prepare the soil and they said they will over excavate and bring in base which will be compacted by the excavator. I'm curious if I should ask about pilings or piers?

Can you specify a brand or a product name for the quartz product over the pebble?

She has a Pentair Booster pump quoted, but its listed under cleaner pump. I asked them omit the cleaner itself as I will buy a robot off Amazon or something, but maybe she left the booster for the water features?

Will definitely ask about the other items you brought up. Thanks!

we're using Quartzscapes by NPT

What is this, a pool for ants? It needs to be at least...three times bigger.

gates don't connect in the first picture. dogs, toddlers and skinny folk beware!

Quote:

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gates don't connect in the first picture. dogs, toddlers and skinny folk beware!

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edit...nm....was going to comment to removing the fence etc but those steps make things a bit tricky...i would just want to caution that fence could interrupt the natural view of your pool from your patio which would be a shame as, no matter the season, a nice pool is always a huge plus when hanging out on the patio or even viewing from inside the house.

aggiemike02 said:

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we're using Quartzscapes by NPT

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Brought this up to builder, going to check out some samples. Thanks.

What area of TX do you build pools?

planoaggie123 said:

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Quote:

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gates don't connect in the first picture. dogs, toddlers and skinny folk beware!

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edit...nm....was going to comment to removing the fence etc but those steps make things a bit tricky...i would just want to caution that fence could interrupt the natural view of your pool from your patio which would be a shame as, no matter the season, a nice pool is always a huge plus when hanging out on the patio or even viewing from inside the house.

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The fencing around the existing patio is already in place from when we built the house, there's no gap as it indicates in the rendering. It's not too bad on prohibiting the view from the rear and it makes for an easy place for me to add a gate since we do have 19 month old who is learning how to open doors. Our slab is kind of just high enough off the grade that not having railing would be a little scary with kids.

Getting close to finalizing things.
Made some modifications, but pretty similar to old design. Will probably add a couple more umbrella sleeves on the left side decking. Still no spa. Last thing I'm debating is slightly extending the left side decking for a future outdoor fireplace and/or covered structure. It's about 10' in width right now which seems maybe a hair to narrow for a group to sit around a fireplace.

Out hot tub gets used 4-5x the amount the pool gets used. Add a hot tub.

If you think you are going to do a covered patio or fireplace have them run electrical and gas now, and just stub it up near where you think it will be needed. Also be mindful that there may be some beams or additional reinforcing under some of that new decking for a cover or fireplace.

Where's the floating/swim up bar?

It may not be possible to adjust, but that step from the sunning deck to the pool looks like a far drop. From experience in a pool with a similar situation it can take some getting used to that. We actually had the same situation and moved the sunning deck back 18 inches to add an extra step and it feels much better walking into the water when there's not a big drop off.

Agree with others about adding the electrical/gas runs to the area you are considering decking.

Shawdaddy said:

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If you think you are going to do a covered patio or fireplace have them run electrical and gas now, and just stub it up near where you think it will be needed. Also be mindful that there may be some beams or additional reinforcing under some of that new decking for a cover or fireplace.

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Definitely, thanks. I have them stubbing out electrical.

I will be adding an outdoor fireplace at some point and have asked them for extra reinforcement on that section of decking.

What about area for fire pit?

Corps_Ag12 said:

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Also would not recommend a pebble type product as it will tear kid's feet up on those extended days in the pool (also tears up bathing suits), due to most companies use a crushed stone product. I'd recommend going with a Quartz type product as they typically have the same warranty as pebble products and are much smoother (and probably less expensive).

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Is this true?

Getting resurfacing bids now. Have only ever had plaster.

agz win said:

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What about area for fire pit?

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I'm contemplating having them add a bump out section on the left side decking. I will add an outdoor fireplace in the future, just not sure if the proposed decking is enough area for seating.

Greener Acres said:

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It may not be possible to adjust, but that step from the sunning deck to the pool looks like a far drop. From experience in a pool with a similar situation it can take some getting used to that. We actually had the same situation and moved the sunning deck back 18 inches to add an extra step and it feels much better walking into the water when there's not a big drop off.

Agree with others about adding the electrical/gas runs to the area you are considering decking.

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Thanks, hadn't really thought about that. I'll talk to the wife boss about it.

AlaskanAg99 said:

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Where's the floating/swim up bar?

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I am accepting donations if anyone wants added features.

BobAg I love your pool. What part of Texas do you live?

2nd Generation Ag said:

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BobAg I love your pool. What part of Texas do you live?

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Thank you, I'm in Round Rock.

It looks like you have already included this, but an umbrella sleeve right by the corner seat (on the same side as the steps) would be nice so you could enjoy some shade and the deeper bench when the sun is high and hot.

Is there enough room for the stairs to go straight out and the width of the existing patio? It'd be much more open and inviting to remove the landing.