Taking the Plunge

[WoodArtisan]

Well, I have tossed and turned, weighed and wined, hemmed and hawed, but I finally decided to build a pool and be the General contractor. I began researching the idea online... and spoke to several of my homeowners (I work in the homebuilding industry in Las Vegas) who built their own pools, I received lists of subcontractors they used along with their lists of who they wouldn't use.

I interviewed 6 pool builders from big multi-state companies to mom and pop companies no one seemed to understand what I wanted in my pool or how I wanted it to look. While at a large firm I noticed a pool design program that they were using and tracked a copy down. Being familiar with CAD and drafting I felt I could use it to design my pool.

This will be a record of what I did and how I did it. I hope you won't mind adding in your 2 cents if you see me going astray. Or if you have an alternative solution.

Today I'll simply post the pictures of the pool/spa I designed. I have a small back yard (about 55'x 20.5").

The program I used is called Pool Studio. It's a wonderful program and has many features... perhaps the biggest drawback is the cost. You cannot buy the program you only lease it at $99.00 per month. Luckily it only took me about 3 weeks to draw the whole thing.

[Watermom]

Your pool design looks great. But is there any way to shrink your pics before posting them to make it easier to look at the whole thing at once instead of having to scroll across?

Welcome to the forum!

[JoshU]

Nice job. Looks like you have a good plan down. Good luck with everything.

[WoodArtisan]

Thanks for the advice I hope the smaller pictures work better for everyone.

Alan

[Watermom]

Alan,
Thanks for shrinking the pics. We'll look forward to hearing of your progress. Good luck.

[26theone]

Looks great. Have you thought about making the seating area at the same level as the spa? Looks like your second step is at that level. That may simplify the design a bit. Also if you plan to use an automated pool cleaner you may want to round out the corners below the water line. My pb uses pool studio and it has been a great help with the design.

[Big_D]

Looks great,
I am sure you know you will also need a complete set of 2 D prints in order to quote and build. It was hard to find a sub that would open a PDF on email much less review an electronic cad file. I guess they make a living out in the field not in an office. Post copies of the final drawing on the inside of a window so they can see the print at all times and make many copies. I passed out at least 2 dozen blue lines during my build and quote process. Most just want a print to scale faxed to their house to quote at night. Also when you choose text make sure you use a large bold text that will fax and copy well.

If you have questions feel free to email me.
Thanks
D

[Deal Svengali]

I would also suggest having the seating area the same level as the spa. I really love Pool Studio really helps to visualize what you going to get.

[WoodArtisan]

I we have moved the spa up slightly and the seating down slightly to place the seating area the same level as the spa.

Thanks for everyones imput... that's what I was hoping for... the new design looks great.. we changed it in the Cad Drawings that engineer is drafting for them.

Alan