Building a new pool ... tons of questions

[pauster]

All,

we have finally started the process of contacting pool builders to get quotes for a pool build in Princeton, NJ.

I'll post more info and progress over time ... so far here is our wish list:

- a "fun" pool for the family. Or kids are 15 months and 4 years old. Eventually we might add a diving board (dictating parts of the pool shape for safety) One deep zone (8' - 9', one shallow 3' 6", and a taning ledge/beach entry). Longest dimension 30-40 ft long.
- fairly basic or geometric shape, modern but not too extreme (because too modern - although I'd prefer that style would not work well with our 50 year old split level home).
- gunite/shotcrete
- smooth pebble finish such as Baja-Pebble ground flat
- relatively narrow coping/deck - 3-4 feet around the pool. Grass around that. I'd love limestone (Canadian so it can withstand the frost) but budget limitations will probably encourage concrete (although with white cement and pigments I'd want is to be an off-white color)
- solar heat - to extend the pool season without extendig the fuel bill. There are lots of large trees around the perimeter of the property ... and we won't cut ant trees down.
- energy-efficient pump (Pentair Intelliflo ?)
- SWG (Pentair IntelliChlor ?)

Now I have seen beautiful pictures of pools with a perimeter overflow. I know this is an expensive option and requires a really capable pool builder to get it right. From your experience, how much would this add to the cost of building such a pool ? Other considerations to keep in mind ?

Anyway, I'll have tons more questions over time ...

Thanks !

Patrick

[aylad]

Just throwing my $.02 in--I would strongly encourage you to add a cleaner to the package, especially if you have large trees on the property that you're not cutting. I have no trees whatsoever in my back yard, but my next door neighbor has a forest in hers, so I end up with a pool full of leaves every time we have a storm with wind. Having a cleaner will save you hours of upkeep time that you could be spending doing something else!!

Janet

[pauster]

Thank you Janet,

yes a pool cleaner is a must ! I don't know which ones. I hear the robotic cleaners may not hold up long-term ... bummer. Do you have any recommendations ? Polaris 360 ? 380 ?

Thanks,

Patrick

[aylad]

I personally am a fan of the Polaris 380. I have an 18 x 36 IG liner pool, and the Polaris can completely clean it (only occasionally getting stuck on the ladder) in 2-3 hours, unsupervised. In 7 seasons, the only thing I've had to replace is one set of wheels, one set of drive belts, and a backup valve......but my pool stays open year-round, the Polaris lives in it year-round, and I keep high chlorine levels because I intentionally run a high CYA level..so I can't complain.

Otherwise, I have a Poolbuster for quick pickups when needed, and am very satisfied so far with both cleaners.

Janet

[biker2]

All,

we have finally started the process of contacting pool builders to get quotes for a pool build in Princeton, NJ.

I'll post more info and progress over time ... so far here is our wish list:

- a "fun" pool for the family. Or kids are 15 months and 4 years old. Eventually we might add a diving board (dictating parts of the pool shape for safety) One deep zone (8' - 9', one shallow 3' 6", and a taning ledge/beach entry). Longest dimension 30-40 ft long.
- fairly basic or geometric shape, modern but not too extreme (because too modern - although I'd prefer that style would not work well with our 50 year old split level home).
- gunite/shotcrete
- smooth pebble finish such as Baja-Pebble ground flat
- relatively narrow coping/deck - 3-4 feet around the pool. Grass around that. I'd love limestone (Canadian so it can withstand the frost) but budget limitations will probably encourage concrete (although with white cement and pigments I'd want is to be an off-white color)
- solar heat - to extend the pool season without extendig the fuel bill. There are lots of large trees around the perimeter of the property ... and we won't cut ant trees down.
- energy-efficient pump (Pentair Intelliflo ?)
- SWG (Pentair IntelliChlor ?)

Now I have seen beautiful pictures of pools with a perimeter overflow. I know this is an expensive option and requires a really capable pool builder to get it right. From your experience, how much would this add to the cost of building such a pool ? Other considerations to keep in mind ?

Anyway, I'll have tons more questions over time ...

Thanks !

Patrick

I am one town over from you an just put a post in about a pool inspectors qualifications. Leaving NJ for property tax reasons as I am sure you know all about.
A Pool cleaner thats built in as well as a saltwater chlorine generator are two items that will save you time and money. I dont know what kind of pool you will be installing but find a builder who does not subcontract out the job and is watching over the whole process. The township will make sure it is done to code. Concrete will be more expensive and require more general maint. over many years. I have the Polaris 380 and it has worked but after 4 years I have put more time and effort into keeping the cleaner working than the entire pool. When its going its a dream come true. I beleive they have updated their pump and 380 unit so it is more reliable than 6 years ago.