About to build a IG pool......just a bit nervous!

[PoolDoc]

Hi BS;

You might want to look at Ben Choi's site, www.howibuiltmyownpool.com

He build a pool himself after being active here for a year or so, and then started the website. The site is not actively maintained any more, but he kept meticulous records which you might find informative. He's also in the SW - Arizona - though I forget which city.

You've obviously thought about your pool from a technical view point; I'd encourage you to think about it from a user's point of view. For example, dark pools can look very dramatic, but will be significantly hotter. When I painted the pool the Camp Adahi Girl Scout camp on Lookout Mountain a dark "Viking Blue", the temperatures increased 4 - 7 degrees. That was a good thing, up there in that shady location. But if you are in, say, Phoenix you'll be gaining more like 6 - 10 degrees . . . and you may not want to have 100 degree pool in July!

That's just a start . . .

Ben

[B.S..]

Supermom,

I'm thinking cartridge because of lower maint in that there would be no frequent back washing. Though I may be wrong it is my understanding that the cartridge filter is not much more expensive but does require a bit less attention.

Pool Doc,

I'm in North TX and my pool spot would see about 3-4 hours a day of direct sunlight....would that cause heating issues? My wife is pretty set on a dark bluish color.

Thx!!!!

[PoolDoc]

3 - 4 hours of direct sun daily? Yeah, you can probably count on 6 degrees or more. Is that a problem? Depends on how warm you like your pool.

It will increase algal growth rates, so you'll need to stay on top of the chemistry.

Ben

[Manslick]

Hey B.S.

A couple of key words here have my red flag flying.
1. Automated cleaning device
2. Lower maint.

Both of these wish list items may seem like minor items now but when the pool is in you will find that they won’t deliver.

A pool takes time and a new pool owner can get in trouble fast, end up with a swamp and their post count soars.

As an experienced pool servant I know what can go bad if you leave things like “cleaning”, to robots, and assume a low maintenance device won’t need attention.

I am not trying to put you off at all. A pool is a wonderful thing but they need a lot of attention and care.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies in earnest when it comes to pool care.

From your OP I believe you are on the right track and doing all the right research in the planning and decisions department. But be prepared to spend the time to keep your new baby happy.

Best of luck.