I'd ask for some more details on the plumbing with respect to sizes. I dont love combined skimmer/md suction but if you're going with a vac you will be fine. I'd suggest 2.5" MD/SK suction, 2" vac line, and 2" return line to at least a 1.5" loop, and probably 5 returns. Your pump will love you for it. I'd ask for some details on how they are building the steps down to the lower deck. Outer block retainer or just dirt built up? Also, what type of pavers? As Im sure you know, concrete pavers are extremely hot in the AZ summers. I'd look into a light colored Acrylic if travertine is out of the budget. I'd highly highly recommend you have them waterproof (thoroseal at a minimum) the interior of the pool on the raised (out of ground) areas of the pool. Interior finishes (plaster, pebble etc) are not waterproof, nor is the shotcrete. You will experience efflorescence overtime as water passes through and leaves deposits. It's unsightly and pain to clean. Design is all personal preference, but I may extend your shallow end a little, as it appears the majority of your pool is deep. By shallowing your pool by altering the brake point, you should adjust your average depth, inturn altering your interior area and saving a little money (not a lot). I'd also recommend 9" step risers in the pool as opposed to the standard 12". I dont know how our industry gets away with 12" risers. Id recommend getting your specs narrowed down tightly, and getting a couple bids based on those specs. We have a great Home and Garden show this coming weekend at the AZ State Fairgrounds where you can get more info and ask a lot of questions to the many builders that will be there!

Austin, I cannot address price, but I'll provide feedback based on my own experience and research... - A pool of that size is typically bid with a single skimmer. I'd imagine two skimmers are better than one. How much better? Dunno, so I'll defer to the experts around here. - In FL, code requires 2 drains... mine are T'eed. Reason is to reduce suction thru each drain, thus reducing the possibility of someone getting stuck on a drain and drowning. - Running the grotto and cleaner at the same time? Only real reason to do that is "because you want to." :) I do not know how long the cleaner will run per day, so having the grotto off for that period of time might be a problem... grottos are much nicer to see/hear than a cleaner system. - In general, if the pump is on then the skimmer should be on. Skimmers capture surface debris. - Good call with wanting a separate line for a vacuum My personal advice: - Reconsider the in-floor cleaning system. I have a ~880 SF pool/spa, and I manually vacuum once per week. Takes no more than 1 hour tops. Yup, I do not even have a auto cleaner, but that is by choice. Save the money and put it elsewhere - Leaf Vac is a gimmick for most pools... unless you have a LOT of leaves. I lived in Tuscon for a bit. We hand no leaves. - I strongly suggest you get another quote based normal cleaning equipment (i.e. no in-floor system, plain skimmers, no Leaf Vac). Once you see what these extra "cleaning" systems will cost you, you may have second thought. I know I would. -Gorilla Here is a link that might be useful: Is this what you are referring to?

Jencjudd, If the builder wants to put that warranty in writing before signing...I suspect he was talking to hear himself rather than knowing what he was saying. Soap Box Note: Personal preference, In-Floor systems are expensive, need a substantial amount of flow to work well, and have issues when an algae bloom strikes. I prefer the Polaris 280 and Legend and Legend-II pressure side cleaners. Cheaper, highly effective in most situations, and reliable. Jennyn, If the difference in price is only $1000, go with the PebbleTec. Its worth it for the fact that it's a proven product and will continue to be around a long time to back the warranty. Terryibra, The Badu is Speck. Have two broom sticks handy so you can set the jet nozzles direction to suit your needs. What Hayward equipment? I assume the flagstone is just the coping? Its going to be a very cozy foot well with more than 2 people in the spa. I suspect that one LED in the pool may not be enough, especially when you go from white to colors. White tends to travel better than red, blue or green and will be dim and washed at the perimeter.

Asked if there was a topical he could use. Nurse said to try Metrogel; she called in a prescription. (shudder) I'm hoping that's not the full story. I know a lot of nurses try to play doctor but practicing medicine over the phone and prescribing medication on top of it? S/he should be turned in. Red, crusty & weeping. Of course it could be a lot of things or even a combination but the description of Eczema from this site says: "Eczema (from the Greek ekzein "to boil out") and dermatitis generally appear as dry or weeping, intensely itchy skin with raised areas that look like small blisters. In severe cases, atopic dermatitis and eczema symptoms may include crusted-over lesions. Eczema is usually caused by environmental irritants (nickel, detergents, perfumes, hair colorants) or allergies, whereas psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease with a strong genetic component. Psoriasis (from the Greek psoera "to itch") appears as reddened, rough, raised, and slightly itchy skin covered with silvery, scaly flakes. There is no cure for psoriasis. Common locations are the elbows, hands, feet, and lower back, although some outbreaks include an itchy scalp. Psoriasis can affect the joints and cause arthritis-like symptoms." I imagine he's quite uncomfortable. Hope he gets some relief soon.