Divnkd101 Pool Build

[divnkd101]

Well, the contract was signed last Friday. Excavaters showed up on Wednesday as scheduled. Dig went well. The excavation crew warned us in advance that we would probably lose phones and cable. They never put the lines in the ground deep enough. The excavaters won that bet (No Cable, No Phones). Steel showed up today (Thursday). Should be finished shortly. Plumber is on his way for the short stub. Inspection occurs tomorrow (Friday). Gunite early Saturday morning. Here are the pics I promised.

22 x 36 IG Pool
7' Spa
4' x 9' Tanning ledge
2 - swimouts w/ seating

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/PoolConstruction001.jpg
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http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/PoolConstruction007.jpg

[divnkd101]

I had to do 2 posts due to pic insert limit. Here is the next set of pics of the steel.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/PoolConstruction009.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/PoolConstruction011.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/PoolConstruction012.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/PoolConstruction013.jpg

[eljefe281]

Very nice!

Who's the builder?

[divnkd101]

Monterey Bay Pools. To date, I could not have asked for anything more. Everything is going as planned and discussed. Keep your fingers crossed.:) :) :)

[SeanB.]

Very nice. What are the specs on the pool?

[divnkd101]

Very nice. What are the specs on the pool?

22 x 36 IG Pool
7' Spa
4' x 9' Tanning ledge
2 - swimouts w/ seating
Estimated @ 21K gallons

I will post the rest of my equipment specs at a later date including additional pics. How is your pool coming along? I have been trying to follow your thread as well.:rolleyes: :)

[SeanB.]

22 x 36 IG Pool
7' Spa
4' x 9' Tanning ledge
2 - swimouts w/ seating
Estimated @ 21K gallons

I will post the rest of my equipment specs at a later date including additional pics. How is your pool coming along? I have been trying to follow your thread as well.:rolleyes: :)

Pretty good. We've had work going on the past three days. The electricians are here now. I saw the lights in the back of their truck, and they will be doing our sub-pannel. We didn't have enough open breakers in our current box. I think I like the idea of the pool stuff being seperate anyway, and that will give us room to add later.

[divnkd101]

I finally gave up on the cable company to fix my line so I did my own splice in order to get my internet back up online. Here are some pics from early this morning. Those of you looking at building a pool, be certain someone from the pool company will be there to supervise. My pool builder was in my back yard the entire time during gunite making sure things were done the way I wanted them done. So far so good and still on schedule.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092342.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092351.jpg
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http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092354.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092357.jpg

[SeanB.]

Looking good! I like the little extra step you did by the swim out, great idea.

Looks like your yard is pretty dry. Mine is a mud pit right now. We keep getting just enough rain to keep it wet. It doesn't help that the home going up next to us just got their sod and they left the sprinkler on overnight.

[divnkd101]

Looks like your yard is pretty dry. Mine is a mud pit right now.

It was until last night. However, I saved on not having to wet the pool until this evening. It is amazing to see the water get soaked up by the gunite. I think the plumbers are scheduled for Wednesday. It should be cured enough by then so they can get going again. By the way, the step was a last minute thought during gunite. Both sets of parents are getting a little older and a little slower. They need all the help they can getting out of the pool. More to follow later in the week.:) :) :cool:

[divnkd101]

My wife called me at work today when she got home and look at what we got:

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092505.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092503.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06092502.jpg

They still have a little work to finish. They plan to be back in the morning to finish the spillway and the marker tiles. What do you think? :) :)

[SeanB.]

Nice. Looks like it's coming right along. Is that flagstone for the coping? The color looks like flagstone, but I wouldn't expect it to be so uniform in shape. There's a nice mix of color in your tile too.

Our tile and coping is supposed to be going in tomorrow. When you say marker tiles are you talking about the one's to outline the edge of the steps? I think our builder called them toe tiles or something.

[divnkd101]

When you say marker tiles are you talking about the one's to outline the edge of the steps? I think our builder called them toe tiles or something.

Yes, our tile installer is taking the 6x6 tiles and cutting them into 3x3 squares. They plan to mark out each step/ ledge/ swimout/ spa with the tiles on 6-to-8" centers. I will try to get some more pics uploaded when they finish.

You know, knock on wood but it sure has been so nice having everything go so smooth to date. I certainly sympathize for the individuals on this forum that have had or are having trouble with their builder.

[divnkd101]

OK, it is Saturday. 10 days in since beginning. Tile and Coping (flagstone) are finished. The plumbers started late on Thursday and finished up last night. I was awakened this morning by a truck pulling into my back yard. The electricians are here. All the equipment is on the pad. Gas line has been run to the meter (inspection on Monday). Oh, I also got all the conduit run (with help of my 7 year old boy) for my speakers on the back side of the pool. Here are a few pics. I don't want to get in the guys way. Once they finish, I will upload more.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06093005.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06093003.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06093002.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06093001.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06093000.jpg

[SeanB.]

Moving right along and looking good.

[divnkd101]

It has been a few days since my last post. The weather has been in our favor since the start of construction. We are now 25 days into our adventure. All trenches from plumbing/ electrical were filled. Rebar and decking is now complete. The cool deck (Desert Sand) will go on Monday. Plaster is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Here are the pics from the decking. What do you think???

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100801.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100810.jpg
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http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100812.jpg

[eljefe281]

Very nice! On the home stretch...

[SeanB.]

Looks nice.

We are at almost exactly the same point in our build. I think I'm looking forward to getting my yard back, even more than swimming. lol

We are scheduled to have the stacked stone on the backside of our spa done tomorrow - couldn't be done until the deck was in. I will get an update from the pb tomorrow on the rest of our timeline - sounds like you may make it to the finish line first. ;)

[SeanB.]

So, did they do the Cool Deck today?

[divnkd101]

Cool Deck is down and looking good. I think the color my wife and I picked really brings out the color of our brick and shows the contrast between the deck and flagstone. My wife has the natural knack of putting colors together to get them to match. She really did a great job. Here are the pics. What do you think??

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100904.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100903.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100901.jpg

[eljefe281]

Looks good! The selected colors do complement one another.

[divnkd101]

I have been promising to put up my equipment specs. Here they are with a pic attached. The blower is not up because the location of the pipe will be moved due to fence clearance issues. I plan to put up a privacy fence, where you see the blower pipe, to help conceal the equipment.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06100909.jpg

Pool: Est. 21k gallons/ White Plaster
Filter: Hayward Cartridge 5025
Pump: Hayward Northstar 3 H.P.
Valves: Jandy
Skimmer: 2 Waterway
Pool Lights: 2 Hayward Color Logic LED Pool Lights
Spa Light: 1 Hayward Color Logic LED Spa Light
Main Drain: 2 with Anti-Vortex/ Anti-Entrapment covers
Air Blower: Polaris QT 1.5 H.P.
Spa Jets: 8 Waterway 2 1/2" Spa Jets
Heater: 250K BTU Hayward H-Series "Low-Nox" induced draft heater
Pool Cleaner: Polaris 280 with Booster Pump
Chlorinator: Jandy Aqua-Pure Salt System
Controller/Timer: Jandy PDA PS8 Wireless Controller

Note: Donations are now being accepted to assist me in paying for this thing. My wife plans to put a plastic fish bowl up for our first party with a donation label inside. Ha Ha!!!

[eljefe281]

3 hp! Great balls of fire!

[divnkd101]

I was spec'd for a 2 H.P. pump. Received a free upgrade (3 H.P.). I want a lot of action in my spa (agitation). My PB wants to make sure I am pleased. Hence, the 2 1/2 Spa Jets and the free upgrade. I am a little concerned about use of elctricity but I guess we will see.

[SeanB.]

Great combination. How long did it take them and how long before you could walk on it?

[eljefe281]

divnkd, it's really none of my business and it may be too late, but, if I were you, I'd blow off that 3 hp pump and see if you could put that upgrade toward a 400,000 btu/h heater.

[divnkd101]

divnkd, it's really none of my business and it may be too late, but, if I were you, I'd blow off that 3 hp pump and see if you could put that upgrade toward a 400 mmbtu/h heater.


Eljefe, I must tell you that was one of the easiest decisions we made. I have no plans of heating my pool. Even though it is piped so I can heat it, I will never take that step. My heater is for the spa. I don't deny the fact that the 400K BTU heater would heat the spa slightly quicker, but I am willing to wait the extra 5-7 minutes. That is why I spent the extra money on the wireless controller. With a push of a button, I can turn on the spa, set the desired temperature of the water and watch the remote until that temperature is reached. Furthermore, I would have to dish out an extra $500 bucks to swap the gas meter and have the inspection done before upgrading to a larger heater. Keep the opinions coming. I enjoy learning what everyone else's thoughts are. Thank you.

[eljefe281]

Ah, I didn't think about having to upgrade the gas meter. Good point.

I hope it's only an extra 5-7 minutes.

[divnkd101]

Great combination. How long did it take them and how long before you could walk on it?

Sean, I was not present when they started. My PB told me they got started around 9:00 AM in the morning. After everything was masked off, textured and paint was done, the PB estimated 3 hours. My wife is a school teacher and was home by 4:00 PM. She walked on it immediately. The PB told us as long as it is not tacky to the touch that it is dry enough to walk on. I am forcing them back out to put a second coat of paint on because after more detailed inspection, I can see tiger stripes (lack of paint in some areas). They will be done before 10 AM this morning.

[divnkd101]

Well, the weather has not been on our side this week. The plaster crew showed up this morning and opted not to start. I stuck my own pump in the bottom of the pool last night. Woke up to a fairly dry pool. The only problem is the water is draining from around the light sockets/ plumbing. The PB said that leakage/ drainage will cause staining on the side of the wall before the water line can reach the areas in question. I think mother nature won this round. My PB nor I want any problems now. I can wait. Tentative schedule to begin plaster is tomorrow morning. :( :cool:

[divnkd101]

Well, my weather dance did wonders. Everything dried out the way it should have and look at what we got this morning.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06101401.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06101407.jpg
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http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06101423.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06101424.jpg

[eljefe281]

Another pool!

Keen!

[SeanB.]

Excellent!

[divnkd101]

Update: The pool was full by early Sunday morning. My PB wanted to make sure I got it full before the rains came. Too bad we couldn't let mother nature take over on the fill. 8+ inches of rain will go a long way to help fill a pool. I am hopeful to get the equipment up and running ASAP. I want to start getting this water filtered as quickly as possible. I'm not too sure what effect all of this rain would have on a plaster job if the rain is very acidic. Anyone know???

[SeanB.]

I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm in the same boat. I believe they are supposed to come by today and fire up the pump and put in some Chlorine.

I'm anxious to get the polaris going to get the leaves off the bottom - can you run a vac on new plaster?

[eljefe281]

Sean, I'm not sure about regular plaster, but the Diamond Brite installation manual includes the following statement:

Do not vacuum the pool with a wheeled vacuum for 14 days, to avoid leaving “wheel marks”. Brush type vacuums may be used immediately.

I would tread carefully, so to speak.

[divnkd101]

I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm in the same boat. I believe they are supposed to come by today and fire up the pump and put in some Chlorine.

I'm anxious to get the polaris going to get the leaves off the bottom - can you run a vac on new plaster?

Sean, My PB will not bring the 280 until late next week. I would imagine for the same reason Eljefe was talking about. Do you have a wetsuit? As long as you can get in the pool without stepping on the steps or walking on the bottom, you should be able to clear by hand. I am fortunate that when they built our neighborhood, no trees were left standing. Good luck.

[GutierrezPlastering]

Sean, I'm not sure about regular plaster, but the Diamond Brite installation manual includes the following statement:

Do not vacuum the pool with a wheeled vacuum for 14 days, to avoid leaving “wheel marks”. Brush type vacuums may be used immediately.

I would tread carefully, so to speak.


Just as el jefe the same instructions go for regular plaster, so no vacumming or putting in the steps you insert into anchor sockets for 14days and continue brushing daily Twice a day for 1 week thereafter once a day for another week

[SeanB.]

Just as el jefe the same instructions go for regular plaster, so no vacumming or putting in the steps you insert into anchor sockets for 14days and continue brushing daily Twice a day for 1 week thereafter once a day for another week


Sorry for the threadjack...that's kind of what I was thinking. They have not delivered our 280 either. No wetsuit though, but maybe I'll let the kids loose, lol, they are begging to go swimming.

[divnkd101]

Sorry for the threadjack...that's kind of what I was thinking. They have not delivered our 280 either. No wetsuit though, but maybe I'll let the kids loose, lol, they are begging to go swimming.

You see, there are benefits to having kids. If you don't want to do it and they are excited to do it, I think you have a perfect match. Just keep them off of the sides and the bottom of the pool. Happy leaf hunting.:D :D

[geralde]

How long did it take to get plastered? My PB is trying to get the plaster done tomorrow morning. And it looks like it might rain by 11:00..12:00, not sure if that will be an issue?

[SeanB.]

How long did it take to get plastered?

About three shots. :D

Actually, it takes several hours. the plaster goes on fairly quick but getting it all perfect takes awhile. Personally, I'd rather put it off than have it start raining mid-job. My pb said that can make your pool a real mess.

[divnkd101]

How long did it take to get plastered? My PB is trying to get the plaster done tomorrow morning. And it looks like it might rain by 11:00..12:00, not sure if that will be an issue?

Geralde,
I agree with Sean's previous entry.

They started the plaster on my pool around 7:00 AM after getting all set up. They did not begin to fill the pool until 1:30-2:00 PM. We had rain scheduled for Sunday early morning. I used water from both sets of neighbors on either end to help me with the fill. My pool was full by 7:30 AM on Sunday (est. 21K gallons). As I mentioned in a previous thread, I would err on the side of caution when it comes to the plaster. Good luck and be sure to upload some pics. :) :)

[geralde]

Well..the plaster crew was here. They did some clean up of the pool....it started to drizzle, now they are gone. Should be back tomorrow.

Oh well...better to wait on this based on your comments.

thanks..jerry

[divnkd101]

Well..the plaster crew was here. They did some clean up of the pool....it started to drizzle, now they are gone. Should be back tomorrow.

Oh well...better to wait on this based on your comments.

Wise decision. I watched the guys during the entire process. The plaster is very wet going on. A thick soupy paste. Rain drops would definitely cause havoc. Furthermore, I would imagine in your cooler/ colder climate that it will take a little longer for the plaster to set up. We hit 80+ degrees the day of our plaster with a lot of sun in the afternoon. I would think you are lucky to get out of the 60's this time of year. I know how anxious you are. Sean and I were both there last week wanting to get it done ASAP. I know I am glad I waited and I am sure Sean would give the same thought (Right, Sean???). Keep us updated. :D :cool:

[divnkd101]

It has been a few days since the last update. The equipment is up and running. We are brushing the pool twice a day. I have to wait at least 10 days before I can fire up the Spa. Must give the plaster time to cure before adding heat into the mixture. Anyways, my kids and I jumped in the pool and went swimming. For all of you living up north, the water, according to my PS8, is 82 cool degrees. Wow, it sure was refreshing. I have to share a little extra special something with everyone. I put a few extra dollars into the pool for when party-time came around, we could have a party with all of the lights. Color Logics (LED) at their best in Disco mode. 2 in the pool and 1 in the spa. Hope the video works and tell me what you think.

http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/?action=view&current=FamilyPics2003CannonPowershot.flv

[SeanB.]

Cool. I'll bet the kids love it.

[divnkd101]

Cool. I'll bet the kids love it.

Absolutely!!!!! They are also my Quality Control team. BTW, the heater is already programed to come on 15 minutes before I get home tomorrow (1st time). I can't wait.

Here is the shot of my QC team in all of their glory.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n186/divnkd101/06101802.jpg