It's 18x35, 130' perimeter, 32,700 gal, 3M quartz, diving pool. Has a 12x10 shelf off one corner of the shallow end, a 4' sheer descent waterfall (small tiled wall) 625 sq.ft. acrylic decking, sand filter, and vaccuum for cleaning (I've got teens - we'll see if they get it done). It's a very simple pool compared to the gorgeous things being done these days, but I like it.

The interior is being done this week. The only problem I've had was finding a sub to do the wall where the sheer descent was to be installed. I had a designer draw up the plans and it called for a mason to build the wall. In hindsight - it should have been done as part of the shotcrete shoot. Aside from the interior sub being a bit slow in getting me on the schedule, the waterfall wall has been my only problem area.

I knew nothing about this going into it. I read every page of howibuiltmyownpool.com and thought I could handle it. It took me longer than I hoped, but I took my time laying pipe for landscaping and hauling rocks around right before the final inspection, that added almost a month, and then that month wasted on the waterfall wall.

It took more of my time in the beginning. Decisions on designs took a while, finding and contacting subs takes a few weeks, but I had the time to do it. I do not know how I would have done it if I was working full time with a family. Ben, at the website did it though.

It's the busy season now, and getting the subs will be harder. It's easier in the fall/winter for owner/builders. I've noticed a difference in their availability even in January/February.

I haven't been reading here very long - started last Sept. but it seems there are more owner/builders in the west. Don't know where you're from, but if you've got the time and the interest, look into it. I'm saving between $9 and $20 grand, depending on which pool builder's estimate you look at.

Valerie