Want to get a pool. Looking for advice or recommendations on who to use in Spring area. Looking for any lessons learned or any other tips that I should follow. I don't know anything about the process so any info is appreciated. I assume I need a design first? Hire pool consultant or just ask contractors for design? Thanks.
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New Pool
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Last: 1 yr ago by drumboy
Pool contractor in Fort Worth here
Most pool builders should be able to provide you with a design and 3D renderings unless they're too cheap to use Pool Studio. That being said, some will provide landscape design (if you need that) and some won't.
Inspirational photos prior to them starting a design are very helpful IMO. Nothing like working on a design and then getting inspirational photos and having to start over. Again, in my design software this isn't a big deal.
I personally do not like a pebble type finish, I prefer plaster, Quartz plaster, or a polished finish. People will say they love pebble and a lot of builders push pebble as "standard" because it makes start up for them a breeze. Colored plaster or colored Quartz require a lot more effort during start up.
Regarding equipment, I think they're all about the same. I personally sell & install Jandy products, but if think they're all about equal at this point. I know both Jandy & Pentair both offer a 3 year warranty on everything with the purchase of a pump, filter, and heater. Not sure on Hayward though. I imagine they do too.
Standard construction for pools is typically 3/8" rebar on 12" centers, but I'd get details on this from your builder. Most will build above this, personally we do a minimum of 8" thick shell on the walls & floor with 1/2" rebar on 8" centers. Bond beam around the perimeter should be a minimum of 12" thick and 12" deep.
For sanitation, a lot of people swear by salt water pools, some people hate them. I personally do not like doing them as you have to wait 30 days to put the salt in so it just adds an extra trip for me. The most cost effective solution imo is liquid chlorine. Tabs only should be used to keep your CYA up. Also, make sure you use a very hard stone (Pennsylvania, travertine, or something similar) or concrete with salt water. If you use a flagstone or limestone the salt will eat it up.
Most pool builders should be able to provide you with a design and 3D renderings unless they're too cheap to use Pool Studio. That being said, some will provide landscape design (if you need that) and some won't.
Inspirational photos prior to them starting a design are very helpful IMO. Nothing like working on a design and then getting inspirational photos and having to start over. Again, in my design software this isn't a big deal.
I personally do not like a pebble type finish, I prefer plaster, Quartz plaster, or a polished finish. People will say they love pebble and a lot of builders push pebble as "standard" because it makes start up for them a breeze. Colored plaster or colored Quartz require a lot more effort during start up.
Regarding equipment, I think they're all about the same. I personally sell & install Jandy products, but if think they're all about equal at this point. I know both Jandy & Pentair both offer a 3 year warranty on everything with the purchase of a pump, filter, and heater. Not sure on Hayward though. I imagine they do too.
Standard construction for pools is typically 3/8" rebar on 12" centers, but I'd get details on this from your builder. Most will build above this, personally we do a minimum of 8" thick shell on the walls & floor with 1/2" rebar on 8" centers. Bond beam around the perimeter should be a minimum of 12" thick and 12" deep.
For sanitation, a lot of people swear by salt water pools, some people hate them. I personally do not like doing them as you have to wait 30 days to put the salt in so it just adds an extra trip for me. The most cost effective solution imo is liquid chlorine. Tabs only should be used to keep your CYA up. Also, make sure you use a very hard stone (Pennsylvania, travertine, or something similar) or concrete with salt water. If you use a flagstone or limestone the salt will eat it up.
Swim family here in an area of volatile clay soils making routine leaks in gunite pools.
Curious as to current costs resulted in
Above ground pools: between $1,000 - $6,000. In-ground fiberglass pools: $5,000 - $40,000. In-ground concrete pools: $5,000 - $78,000.Feb 11, 2019
How Much It Costs to Build a Pool | Credit Union of Texas
YIKES
This would justify pre-spending $2000 or so on a structural engineer's opinion based upon his 20ft deep soil sample.
[url=https://www.cutx.org/loans/how-much-it-costs-to-build-a-pool#:~:text=Above%2Dground%20pools%3A%20between%20%241%2C000,ground%20concrete%20pools%3A%20%245%2C000%20%2D%20%2478%2C000][/url]
Good advice above!
Curious as to current costs resulted in
Above ground pools: between $1,000 - $6,000. In-ground fiberglass pools: $5,000 - $40,000. In-ground concrete pools: $5,000 - $78,000.Feb 11, 2019
How Much It Costs to Build a Pool | Credit Union of Texas
YIKES
This would justify pre-spending $2000 or so on a structural engineer's opinion based upon his 20ft deep soil sample.
[url=https://www.cutx.org/loans/how-much-it-costs-to-build-a-pool#:~:text=Above%2Dground%20pools%3A%20between%20%241%2C000,ground%20concrete%20pools%3A%20%245%2C000%20%2D%20%2478%2C000][/url]
Good advice above!
Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
We just finished our pool build in Secember in Austin so far it's worth every penny. I love sitting out here under my covered patio on a beautiful weekend afternoon like this.
Austin pool here also. Built in 2012 and we love it but it does get stressful during Winter, especially the last three years of storms. Ours is 3.5 to 4.5 because we mainly just stand around or float. No kids so no jumping/diving or need of a slide. We have a shallow "beach" area that can accomodate an umbrella. It allows the dogs a standing area and also an escape route if they ever fell in accidentally. A few years ago we switched to a Dolphin robot cleaner which is miles better than the Polaris. We have midnight blue Pebbletec and prefer it over plaster.
Yea we went with a tanning ledge or Baja shelf too and it's a great place to hang out. Here's the wife today hanging out in her chair on the tanning ledge. Great place to sit and drink beer. Today is the first day where we actually went swimming in the pool rather than the hot tub.
Options to consider:
- iAquaLink Internet control with app. Early models had Wifi issues, so ours is hardwired.
- LED lights - Nice for different colors at night, though we mostly use blue and green these days. Some can be controlled with iAqualink.
- Auto refiller - I wish I'd known about these. I use a timer valve. Some use a sprinkler zone.
- Pebbletec looks really nice.
- Don't skimp on patio.
Also, I didn't believe the guy when he said 4.5 feet is right for a "play pool" so I went with 5. It's too deep in the middle.
Building a pool is like building a house. Don't make the last payment until your "punch list" is completely done to your satisfaction. Also, ask for the manuals to all equipment you buy. You'd think that would be obvious.
Edit: there's another thread on chlorine vs salt. We got salt because it's easy on the eyes and skin. Others may say that's wrong.
- iAquaLink Internet control with app. Early models had Wifi issues, so ours is hardwired.
- LED lights - Nice for different colors at night, though we mostly use blue and green these days. Some can be controlled with iAqualink.
- Auto refiller - I wish I'd known about these. I use a timer valve. Some use a sprinkler zone.
- Pebbletec looks really nice.
- Don't skimp on patio.
Also, I didn't believe the guy when he said 4.5 feet is right for a "play pool" so I went with 5. It's too deep in the middle.
Building a pool is like building a house. Don't make the last payment until your "punch list" is completely done to your satisfaction. Also, ask for the manuals to all equipment you buy. You'd think that would be obvious.
Edit: there's another thread on chlorine vs salt. We got salt because it's easy on the eyes and skin. Others may say that's wrong.
Get on TroubleFreePool.com and learn as much as you can. Lots of great resources there.
We got salt as well and so far are very happy with it. I'd also recommend getting an auto fill. It's nice not to have to worry about filling with a hose when evaporation loss occurs.
Lone Star Pools - Rocky Kirk
https://www.lonestarpools.net/
He completed ours this past December and we are very happy with the results. He doesn't want to build a million pools, and he picks and chooses what he wants to do. I'm OCD about how I want things done and he was the same way so it worked out great. Tell him Kyle and Angela referred you if you decide to go that route
https://www.lonestarpools.net/
He completed ours this past December and we are very happy with the results. He doesn't want to build a million pools, and he picks and chooses what he wants to do. I'm OCD about how I want things done and he was the same way so it worked out great. Tell him Kyle and Angela referred you if you decide to go that route
We have an autofill but the backflow preventer has to be inspected every year for the CoA. This past Christmas freeze I apparently didn't get all the water out and it cracked, so that was a $500 mistake.
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Ha, they probably had those auto fill things back when we had a previous house with a pool, but I didn't know about it and that sure would have been nice. Lot of water is lost in evaporation and next thing you know your skimmer is sucking air. We also had ours resurfaced and painted and it's just a personal preference but I like a darker shade of color in the pool, just seems to stand out more.ReloadAg said:
We got salt as well and so far are very happy with it. I'd also recommend getting an auto fill. It's nice not to have to worry about filling with a hose when evaporation loss occurs.
Since it's new, there shouldn't be any leak or line issues, but make sure you know were your lines run and depth for way in the future issues if you are planning on being there long term (I'm guessing since you are considering a pool).
Person Not Capable of Pregnancy
Yes sir for sure. We took lots of pics during construction. We plan on being in the home "forever".
I'm in your area and built at the height of the COVID pool rage. I think Regal has a good rep. I'd suggest talk to Aquascapes (Sean); Houston cool Pools (mike Lopez is a good man) and Design Network.
Stuff I did that I liked:
Roll neck edge on my spa
Sun deck (plan it to be in the sun in summer & big enough to hold whatever chairs/loungers you'll use)
Lights - yes lots of lights. LED. Not cheap but it's worth it
Think about your water feature. I did scuppers & they're a little loud for the height I have mine
Put umbrella holder in the sun deck.
I wanted access to sun deck w/o getting wet so I made a walkover which also serves for seating
I made my top step pretty large to accommodate a chair as another sun deck. With umbrella holder
I extended my 2nd step to wrap in front of my spa spillover. Sitting there with the spa water flowing over is great
Make sure to put tiles on edge of your steps - this was my only "miss" as it's hard to see 3rd step during day with water moving.
Mine is salt. No regrets
I'd do a play pool except I have kids that like cannon balls. So I did 6 1/2 ft. If I didn't have young kids I'd do play pool
Don't over stress on your plaster finish. I spent way too much time on this. There's light/medium/or dark blue finishes. Think which one of those you want but then don't stress over which of the 100 "medium blue" options they have. Ask your PB which one they do the most of in the blue you like best and go with that.
Take lots of pictures during build to know where lines are
Double check your survey. I have an older home; paid for a new survey and it was damn good I did.
If you're gonna run wired speakers have them run the conduit while they're doing your pool
I did flagstone & PB did all my deck drains & skimmer covers in that stone. I think it looks cool but if you do this have them cut you a few extra (I didn't think of that, so if/when one breaks I don't have a quick/easy fix)
Auto fill.
Good luck.
Stuff I did that I liked:
Roll neck edge on my spa
Sun deck (plan it to be in the sun in summer & big enough to hold whatever chairs/loungers you'll use)
Lights - yes lots of lights. LED. Not cheap but it's worth it
Think about your water feature. I did scuppers & they're a little loud for the height I have mine
Put umbrella holder in the sun deck.
I wanted access to sun deck w/o getting wet so I made a walkover which also serves for seating
I made my top step pretty large to accommodate a chair as another sun deck. With umbrella holder
I extended my 2nd step to wrap in front of my spa spillover. Sitting there with the spa water flowing over is great
Make sure to put tiles on edge of your steps - this was my only "miss" as it's hard to see 3rd step during day with water moving.
Mine is salt. No regrets
I'd do a play pool except I have kids that like cannon balls. So I did 6 1/2 ft. If I didn't have young kids I'd do play pool
Don't over stress on your plaster finish. I spent way too much time on this. There's light/medium/or dark blue finishes. Think which one of those you want but then don't stress over which of the 100 "medium blue" options they have. Ask your PB which one they do the most of in the blue you like best and go with that.
Take lots of pictures during build to know where lines are
Double check your survey. I have an older home; paid for a new survey and it was damn good I did.
If you're gonna run wired speakers have them run the conduit while they're doing your pool
I did flagstone & PB did all my deck drains & skimmer covers in that stone. I think it looks cool but if you do this have them cut you a few extra (I didn't think of that, so if/when one breaks I don't have a quick/easy fix)
Auto fill.
Good luck.
We own and operate a pool, patio, and outdoor kitchen company in Spring. Check us out if you'd like a quote.
www.creekstoneoutdoors.com
www.creekstoneoutdoors.com
Get pricing from about 4-5 contractors. We just signed with Aquascapes in Tomball and they have been great so far!
Curious what you guys believe a 12' x 35' in-ground, gunite type pool would cost to install?
Running some quick numbers without much context regarding your depth and other nuances, between $52k and $65k.
Reiterating what many have said:
Find out how big of a space you need for four plastic adirondack chairs. Thats your sundeck. You'll use the heck out of that space whether you do or don't have kids.
Get the hot tub and make it so you can heat the pool. Maybe you'll do it sometimes in the winter, but you'll love it in May, when its hot outside and you need that pool a few degrees warmer for comfort. Same for late September/early october.
Whatever you think you need for a hot tub, add an extra foot in each direction. Bigger is better there as you don't want your buddy's knees touching your wife's knees, then she leaves you because he has better knees.
Commit to improving your patio. The space around your pool is as important as the water itself. You need covered spaces with power, lighting and fans. You need spaces for relaxing and spaces for eating. You'll create a completely new space for your home that you'll use all year if you do it right.
If you can afford it and the space works out, add good commercial quality electric heaters above your patio.
No matter what the pool company tells you, do not put the pump equipment outside a bedroom window.
Find out how big of a space you need for four plastic adirondack chairs. Thats your sundeck. You'll use the heck out of that space whether you do or don't have kids.
Get the hot tub and make it so you can heat the pool. Maybe you'll do it sometimes in the winter, but you'll love it in May, when its hot outside and you need that pool a few degrees warmer for comfort. Same for late September/early october.
Whatever you think you need for a hot tub, add an extra foot in each direction. Bigger is better there as you don't want your buddy's knees touching your wife's knees, then she leaves you because he has better knees.
Commit to improving your patio. The space around your pool is as important as the water itself. You need covered spaces with power, lighting and fans. You need spaces for relaxing and spaces for eating. You'll create a completely new space for your home that you'll use all year if you do it right.
If you can afford it and the space works out, add good commercial quality electric heaters above your patio.
No matter what the pool company tells you, do not put the pump equipment outside a bedroom window.
Anyone have experience with the pre-cast plunge pools? I've got a small area that I'm considering I stalling one of these. I don't need a large pool for young kids and would prefer one for sitting/lounging.
Cocktail pools are growing in popularity and frequency.
Just completed our last summer.
Make sure you and your builder are on site for the concrete decking pour! Concrete guys will install the rebar "chairs" to help raise the rebar off the ground for the inspection. Then, when it comes time to pour, they remove 100% of the chairs so they can drive that concrete dump truck buggy and make the pour easier. Had a big issue on my pour because of this.
Concrete contractor said "but my guys raise up the bar as the concrete is poured". He was right. But then half a dozen guys still walked over the rebar, so it was obvious to see it wasn't where it was supposed to be. My security camera caught all of this! I had a last minute work trip and couldn't be here and my pool builder sent a rookie out to my house to "watch".
Ended up getting an extended 20 year warranty from not just the concrete company but both individuals of the company in case they close shop or rebrands.
Make sure you and your builder are on site for the concrete decking pour! Concrete guys will install the rebar "chairs" to help raise the rebar off the ground for the inspection. Then, when it comes time to pour, they remove 100% of the chairs so they can drive that concrete dump truck buggy and make the pour easier. Had a big issue on my pour because of this.
Concrete contractor said "but my guys raise up the bar as the concrete is poured". He was right. But then half a dozen guys still walked over the rebar, so it was obvious to see it wasn't where it was supposed to be. My security camera caught all of this! I had a last minute work trip and couldn't be here and my pool builder sent a rookie out to my house to "watch".
Ended up getting an extended 20 year warranty from not just the concrete company but both individuals of the company in case they close shop or rebrands.
I've gotten 3 quotes in the past week:leachfan said:
Curious what you guys believe a 12' x 35' in-ground, gunite type pool would cost to install?
Aquascapes Triumph (30 x 12.5): $73ish saltwater w/ a heater
Sylvan Gunite symmetrical but haven't seen design (35 x 14ish): $85ish + $15ish for flood mitigation since we're in CoH 100 year
Pools 123 Sydney Harbour (35 x 14.5): $98K w/ a heater
Canyon99 said:
Anyone have experience with the pre-cast plunge pools? I've got a small area that I'm considering I stalling one of these. I don't need a large pool for young kids and would prefer one for sitting/lounging.
I've priced them before and a gunite pool was cheaper at the end of the day.
drumboy said:I've gotten 3 quotes in the past week:leachfan said:
Curious what you guys believe a 12' x 35' in-ground, gunite type pool would cost to install?
Aquascapes Triumph (30 x 12.5): $73ish saltwater w/ a heater
Sylvan Gunite symmetrical but haven't seen design (35 x 14ish): $85ish + $15ish for flood mitigation since we're in CoH 100 year
Pools 123 Sydney Harbour (35 x 14.5): $98K w/ a heater
Don't want to continue to rain on your parade but it makes me kind of happy to see that fiberglass isn't near a cost effective as people make out to be compared to gunite/shotcrete.
15x31 with hot tub and tanning deck
95k
Platinum Pools is builder
Has the self cleaning pop up sprayers so this is different to the Polaris as before
Just started install today.
95k
Platinum Pools is builder
Has the self cleaning pop up sprayers so this is different to the Polaris as before
Just started install today.
Coworker got a basic fiberglass 12.5 x 26 w/o a heater for $47k 1-2 years ago. That seems better.
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