Our Mountain Retreat

[Toybuilder]

You guys must have sent it back. Soooo muddy out back, I can't take pictures from a good spot. Will post pics soon...hopefully tomorrow.

[FormerBromineUser]

Bet you can't wait for decking and landscape!!!

[Toybuilder]

Not much progress in the past couple of days because of weather, but the decking has been started and the CFO will be going with the landscaper to pick out plants and trees on Monday. Should be more progress tomorrow thru Saturday so I'll post updates Sunday...weather willing.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020248_zpstpvz4nqe.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020248_zpstpvz4nqe.jpg.html)

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020252_zps1jadxxoc.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020252_zps1jadxxoc.jpg.html)
(The pool's holding water! Woohoo!) :)

[FormerBromineUser]

You still have the diving rock!!!! Did you decide to keep it?

[Toybuilder]

You still have the diving rock!!!! Did you decide to keep it?

Well, kind of. We have a smaller "overhang" that's more difficult to get to. It's also pretty low to the top of the pool so it's not this big jump off point. Here's what it looked like before:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Lanscaping%20-%20Waterfall%20and%20Retaining%20Walls/P1010799_zpsbofb5wfp.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Lanscaping%20-%20Waterfall%20and%20Retaining%20Walls/P1010799_zpsbofb5wfp.jpg.html)

You can see that there's quite a bit of difference.

[Toybuilder]

One step closer! Hardscaping is 90% complete and landscaping starts on Tuesday. We can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. Pool builder can now come back in and finish tiling (sun deck, benches and steps) and make a few adjustments to the equipment. Plaster is up next and we fill. We may be able to take a dip come Memorial Day. Woohoo! :)

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020283_zpswkxxi2h6.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020283_zpswkxxi2h6.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020296_zpseavmfzqb.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020296_zpseavmfzqb.jpg.html)

[JimK]

It's coming along nicely. :)

I hope our reptile friends found a safe new home. ;)

[Toybuilder]

It's coming along nicely. :)

I hope our reptile friends found a safe new home. ;)

Thanks Jim. Hoping and praying that we get to jump in by Memorial Day.

I went looking for them today, but I didn't see any signs. I'm sure they've grown up and moved on. :) Now we get to deal with bunnies and their babies.

[FormerBromineUser]

Fur, okay. Scales, not so much...

[Toybuilder]

Hi everyone and happy Mothers Day to all the great moms out there.

90% of the landscaping is complete. But we've had some delays due to weather. Heavy rains, lightning, thunder and a late season winter storm has set us back about a week or two.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020366_zpsz4zw1wmj.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020366_zpsz4zw1wmj.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020359_zpsb51kx61w.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020359_zpsb51kx61w.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020308_zpsr4mp37ab.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020308_zpsr4mp37ab.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020370_zpszo3kpchz.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020370_zpszo3kpchz.jpg.html)

And this morning:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020377_zpswjaxgt3j.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020377_zpswjaxgt3j.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020378_zpswsbyrk6l.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020378_zpswsbyrk6l.jpg.html)

We've got about 2 days of drying out before the landscapers can finish. Then, the builder will be coming in the following week to make some mechanical adjustments, plaster and fill. Hopefully, 2 weeks from today, I'll be posting our completed backyard.

[JimK]

I know the weather setback sucks, but you're getting closer to swim time!

Here's hoping you have much better weather soon. :)

[FormerBromineUser]

It looks great, Toy, even with the snow! Whatcha cookin' on that sweet grill?

[Toybuilder]

It looks great, Toy, even with the snow! Whatcha cookin' on that sweet grill?

Thanks, Former. Unfortunately, the grill is out of commission. After the landscapers connected the fire pit, the grill got jealous or something and stopped working. Our Mothers Day celebration has been delayed. We're looking at Memorial Day weekend when I'm hoping the entire backyard is complete. it's all good, from what I understand, it's a simple fix and should be in good working order shortly.

As for the snow, here's what the backyard looks now:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Flagstone/P1020385_zps92o60hwp.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Flagstone/P1020385_zps92o60hwp.jpg.html)

I'm just sorry I spent the time shoveling this morning.

[Toybuilder]

I know the weather setback sucks, but you're getting closer to swim time!

Here's hoping you have much better weather soon. :)

Thanks Jim. I just found out that May is our rainiest month of the year...I'm thinking they need to add it as one of the snowiest. :)

[FormerBromineUser]

Bummer about the grill and your Mother's Day plans. You WILL get there! ...and we will be there too!!!

[Toybuilder]

Morning everyone,

Our landscaping is now finished except for the waterfall. That will have to wait for final adjustments and light placement once the pool has been filled.

Plastering is scheduled for tomorrow, but we may have an issue with ground water leaking into the pool. We’ve had so much rain (and snow) in the past couple of weeks, the ground is completely saturated. Looking at the weather forecast, it doesn’t look like the rain is going to let up much for the coming week either. More delays. Sigh.

But, we’ve been able to make use of the fire pit and will fire up the BBQ for the first time tonight to celebrate Mothers Day…a week late. Steaks courtesy of our landscapers who felt bad about delaying our celebration.

Here’s the latest:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020451_zpsscg8qyyr.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020451_zpsscg8qyyr.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020448_zps3khhnk30.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020448_zps3khhnk30.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020449_zps3bxpkkee.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020449_zps3bxpkkee.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020442_zpsaahhhmbg.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020442_zpsaahhhmbg.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020405_zpsvljsi0bq.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Landscaping%20-%20Finished/P1020405_zpsvljsi0bq.jpg.html)

Fingers crossed for plaster and fill this week. Still hoping to take a dip this coming long weekend.

[JimK]

Beautiful!

[Toybuilder]

Beautiful!

Thanks Jim. I'm doing my anit-rain dance at the moment. Want to send some of the nice weather you guys are having this way? :)

[JimK]

Thanks Jim. I'm doing my anit-rain dance at the moment. Want to send some of the nice weather you guys are having this way? :)

Consider it done. ;)

[FormerBromineUser]

Looks great, Toy! Sending good weather-thoughts your way! Enjoy the steaks!

[Toybuilder]

Thanks guys!

One good thing, we may not have a leak at all. Water was pooled up behind the stair tile line. Swept it away with a broom. Will take a look a little later this evening to see if it's pooled up again. Hopefully it won't rain before I get back out there.

[FormerBromineUser]

Arg. Too much rain for you. I just got back to IL after graduation ceremonies. Maybe our weather-wishes are better than VA. Here's to it!!!

[Toybuilder]

Arg. Too much rain for you. I just got back to IL after graduation ceremonies. Maybe our weather-wishes are better than VA. Here's to it!!!

Thanks Former. Hope graduation went well. Maybe between you in IL and Jim in Va we'll get a decent surge of sunshine here.

[FormerBromineUser]

Woot!!! 50 degrees here today, but no rain, at least!
Graduation was awesome. Summa cum laude for the kid!!!! So proud.

[JimK]

Woot!!! 50 degrees here today, but no rain, at least!
Graduation was awesome. Summa cum laude for the kid!!!! So proud.

Congratulations!

[FormerBromineUser]

Forgive the proud Mom for hijacking and bragging BUT this just came out today: http://bridgewatereagles.com/sports/mten/2014-15/releases/20150514cxo65a
Yay!!!

[FormerBromineUser]

Forgive the proud Mom for hijacking and bragging BUT this just came out today: http://bridgewatereagles.com/sports/mten/2014-15/releases/20150514cxo65a
Yay!!!

[JimK]

:) :) :)

[Toybuilder]

Proud mom's are allowed to do what they please. Congrats! :)

[FormerBromineUser]

Thanks guys.... Any progress, Toy?

[Toybuilder]

We've had no progress this week other than laying the last bit of the tile on the sun bench. :( Weather has been horrible here. We're hoping for plaster on Monday, but the weather isn't looking promising. If it does happen, I'll post pics when it's complete.

[Toybuilder]

Evening everyone,

Hope all have had a good Memorial Day. We’re finally filling, but only the pool. The PB wasn’t happy with the way the plaster turned out in the spa so they’ll be returning tomorrow to cut, re-plaster, and fill.

Equipment pad is ready to go, and all my concerns have been addressed.

Here’s what’s progressed today:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020547_zpsrkdxw9qr.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020547_zpsrkdxw9qr.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020549_zpsqybji5iv.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020549_zpsqybji5iv.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020566_zpsibcc6pjg.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020566_zpsibcc6pjg.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020558_zpservpf3ki.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020558_zpservpf3ki.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020563_zpspqikxawz.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Plaster%20and%20Fill/P1020563_zpspqikxawz.jpg.html)

Final walkthrough is on Friday and we should be swimming! Finally!

[FormerBromineUser]

Woot! Looks great!!!

[JimK]

Woo hoo! :)

There's some ominous looking clouds in one pic.... :eek:

[swimdaddy]

In the pic where it looks like you are filling the pool, what is that garbage can looking thing on the deck? Looks like your water is going through it before it goes in the pool? Some kind of filter or pre-treatment?

[Toybuilder]

In the pic where it looks like you are filling the pool, what is that garbage can looking thing on the deck? Looks like your water is going through it before it goes in the pool? Some kind of filter or pre-treatment?

The trash can is filled with sodium bicarbonate. I discussed this with the builder a while back. On our previous pool (back in Ca), our plaster didn't last very long, 3 years. It was rough and coming out in small chunks. Wasn't sure if it was because of the plaster used, the builders ineptness, or our lack of understanding. Either way, I didn't want to go thru that again. So, with a tip from an awesome member here, we found this procedure to help protect the plaster and limit the dust.

[Toybuilder]

I came home today to see the builder here checking chems and starting the mechanicals. What I thought was very interesting, besides everything else he was doing :), is that the test kit he had had contained no test strips in it. Made me feel even better about this company.

The spa has been fixed and is filled. The pool has some catching up to do as we slowed the fill as to not back fill the spa before they fixed it.

Hoping to have completely filled pool/spa pics tomorrow night. :)

[JimK]

I came home today to see the builder here checking chems and starting the mechanicals. What I thought was very interesting, besides everything else he was doing :), is that the test kit he had had contained no test strips in it. Made me feel even better about this company.

The spa has been fixed and is filled. The pool has some catching up to do as we slowed the fill as to not back fill the spa before they fixed it.

Hoping to have completely filled pool/spa pics tomorrow night. :)

I'm glad to hear it's progressing nicely. :)

[Toybuilder]

Well, we're all filled. But, I'm not posting pics, yet. The pool is brown. :( The builder ran the waterfall today which has been sitting for quite a few weeks, and a bunch of "stuff" came flowing out, spiders, grit, dirt, and some other bugs...along with a plant. He hand vac'd and scooped out a much as he could with the net, but it's still pretty cloudy.

So, he added a bit of clarifier and I'm hoping we'll be back to crystal clear in a day or two. It was crystal clear before the waterfall fiasco.

But, he said the chems are right on. I didn't get the numbers from him so I have to assume it's all good.

Hope to have pics soon.

[JimK]

Yikes!

Not a good way to start. :(

Shouldn't be too much of a setback though.

You order a test kit yet? Time to start practicing. ;)

[Toybuilder]

Yikes!

Not a good way to start. :(

Shouldn't be too much of a setback though.

You order a test kit yet? Time to start practicing. ;)

My wife sent a pic earlier and it was beautiful. You can imagine how disappointed I was when I walked out back after work and saw a mess. I know. It'll be better.

I'm still waiting for the test kit from the builder. If he's going to give me a Taylor K-2006, why spend the extra money. :)

[FormerBromineUser]

Good news that it's clearing quickly. Dirt is easy compared to other issues. That darn diving board!!!!!

[Toybuilder]

Hi all!

Pool is complete! The dirt and gunk from the waterfall accident has been cleared and the water is sparkling! We had our walk though Friday afternoon and I can’t remember a thing we went over. There was a ton to review.

But, here’s the final result:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020567_zpswbsdbjbc.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020567_zpswbsdbjbc.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020576_zpsjkngosq9.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020576_zpsjkngosq9.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020570_zpss3ljo3gb.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020570_zpss3ljo3gb.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020569_zpshxmw5mlf.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Pool%20-%20Finished/P1020569_zpshxmw5mlf.jpg.html)
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah6/chieftoymaker/Pool%20-%20Finished/IMG_23841_zpst2ysec8n.jpg (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/chieftoymaker/media/Pool%20-%20Finished/IMG_23841_zpst2ysec8n.jpg.html)

In two weeks, the landscaper will be back in to finish their part. Will post final pics then.

[JimK]

Beautiful!

What a transformation from your first pics of your backyard. :)

[Toybuilder]

Beautiful!

What a transformation from your first pics of your backyard. :)

Thanks Jim. We definitely will not miss the old out of control forest we had. :)

[FormerBromineUser]

Congratulations, Toy! Tears in my eyes; it's SO beautiful and you did it!!! So happy for you!!!!

[Toybuilder]

Congratulations, Toy! Tears in my eyes; it's SO beautiful and you did it!!! So happy for you!!!!

Thanks Former! It's not quite done yet but we're really happy with the results. Now the fun begins. Keeping the water balanced and everything looking like new. :) Thanks for hangin in there with me/us throughout all this, and I'll definitely be posting more questions...plus final pics of the completed build. Hopefully in two weeks.

[FormerBromineUser]

Okay... Okay.... I can't wait the full two weeks! Any updates???

[Toybuilder]

Okay... Okay.... I can't wait the full two weeks! Any updates???

Well...yes. The waterfall has been mortared in, but we're holding off on turning it on until it dries a bit. Hopefully, by the weekend I'll have some pics. The landscapers are coming back tomorrow to finish what they need to finish. Including the piece of flagstone I knocked off trying to get to the skimmer cover. Ooops. My bad. :)

I also ordered my test kit yesterday so I'll be able to do my own testing instead of relying on their readings. I'm sure they do a great job but I want to know for myself.

[JimK]

Well...yes. The waterfall has been mortared in, but we're holding off on turning it on until it dries a bit. Hopefully, by the weekend I'll have some pics. The landscapers are coming back tomorrow to finish what they need to finish. Including the piece of flagstone I knocked off trying to get to the skimmer cover. Ooops. My bad. :)

I also ordered my test kit yesterday so I'll be able to do my own testing instead of relying on their readings. I'm sure they do a great job but I want to know for myself.

:cool: