thinking about 'putting my toe in the waters' of pool building...

15 years ago

Hi everyone!

I've been toying with the idea of putting a pool at our PA home and not sure what I need to think of first. I did a quick search on this forum for "pool newbie" "pool preplanning", but due to being at work, I don't have much time to do a thorough search. Also, we literally just finished a whole house remodel (buy new home next time, ugh) so if dh sees me dreaming about a backyard oasis, he's going to call me "certifiably insane" :)

So, what are some things I need to think about if I was going to start this? This is what I do know:

I need to check w/ our township on what is permitted and not permitted.
I live in Eastern PA, so I would want a heated pool (last year neighbor kids only used their pool twice due to how frigid their water was). I don't want to put alot of $ down and not be able to use it due to water temp.
I want in inground, aesthetically pleasing pool...

Now,what are some factors I need to think of first?

1. what are the pros vs cons of fiberglass vs other materials used for inground pools? What is gunite? Is that cement? What's a good material to use for my Eastern PA environment?

2. what is the saltwater system? I only heard about chemical type of cleaners/purifiers (excuse my lack of knowledge of proper terms)

I am definitely not ready to talk to pool builders/designers, I am just starting my "inspiration" folder.

How much for a reasonable inground pool? I'm thinking 50-75K.

Thank you so much for your help (and understanding on my lack of knowledge in this area). I am looking forward to hearing some directions.

Now, I'm off to drool over some of your pool pix!

Peace,

Debbie

2.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

tresw
15 years ago
Hello and welcome! Well there's a lot to consider, the pool forums are a great place to start. Garden Web is a great resource, I also recommend the TroubleFreePool forums if you haven't been by there yet.

==1. what are the pros vs cons of fiberglass vs other materials used for inground pools? What is gunite?==

Gunite is a type of concrete used in in-ground pool construction. Basically the hole is excavated, then rebar placed, then the gunite is shot in to form the bottom and walls. A thin plaster (or pebble/ plaster) finish is installed over the gunite. You'll see a lot of debate about which is "better". Basically gunite and fiberglass are about the same price for a given shape. With fiberglass you don't have unlimited shape options, you have to go with an existing shell shape. But it's easier to maintain chemicals supposedly.

==2. what is the saltwater system?==

A saltwater generator generates chlorine from salt in the pool. There's not a lot of salt in an SWG pool, it's about the same salt taste as a human tear. A lot of owners rave about salt pools; they like the smooth, silky feel on the skin & hair when you get out. What most people don't realize is the dry hair/ red eyes/ smelly characteristics that they identify with chlorine pools are all caused by chemical imbalance. A correctly balanced chlorine pool has no smell or taste.

==How much for a reasonable inground pool? I'm thinking 50-75K. ==

This is highly dependent upon many factors- regional location, time of year built (spring will cost more than winter because the builders are busy), size of pool, pool features, etc. 50k-75k would buy a LOT of pool in my area of Texas, but it may be more expensive to build in your area. You probably won't know for sure until you firm up what size pool you want and start shopping builder prices.

Good luck!
callie8799
Original Author
15 years ago
tresw, thank you so much for sharing your insight! I do agree that this site, Gardenweb, is full of very helpful and knowledgeable people- I have relied on this site during the remodels of my bath & kitchen!

when I get home, I'm going to do more of a search with the information you shared. Thank you! :)

Deb
Related Discussions
I'm Building a Garden Shed. Should I Put In Water & Elec?
Q
Comments (7)
alpiner makes a good point. I hadn't thought about the permitting bit, as we are rural and have no need for a permit to install underground lines on our own property. However, the one line that would be the most messy and difficult in the future is water, as even in Z-6, a frost line needs to be considered, whereas nat. gas and electric can be laid just enough below the surface to be safe from a rototiller. So I would still encourage you to get your water line in now, and cap it with a freeze-proof faucet. As alpiner correctly notes, if you have your contractor install a tap for nat. gas and an outside electrical outlet; tapping into them and running a shallow trench later would be pretty simple. Come to think on it; I recall an earlier post from a GH owner who only had LP gas and no place near their GH to keep another tank, or get a delivery truck to it, to fill one, so had to devise a means to tap into their main tank at the house and run a line out. If you are going to heat with LP, you might want to think about heating your shed now. If you will want gas to it, plan for an additional connection on your main tank. So many details to think about when construction a new house! Giving thought to a future potting shed is very proactive on your part, and smart.
...See More
The Cold Snap Has Put Cold Water On My Plans
Q
Comments (13)
Jan, I did not plant the pecan, it must be 30 feet tall? don't know how to estimate, but as you see my street from the closest intersection, the tree is the tallest thing in that street. I know the back cabin was built in 1895, so some of the trees could be 100 years old for all I know. The figs look like they might be that old. I would say avocado but mine died. Actually 3 avocado trees have died on us already, we are experts in killing avocados by now.... :-( There is a nursery in the San Fernando valley called papayatreenursery.com They have several types of dwarf fruit trees, so maybe something you would like? We have a plum tree that we love, plums might do well where you are. Why not apples or pears? Whatever you get, look into getting a dwarf variety.
...See More
What to think about, putting AC in 1923 home?
Q
Comments (8)
Sue, tell us about your home-size, sgl story or two story, insulation properties of walls, attic, and underneath. you refer to a furnace. Don't you mean boiler? there is no existing ductwork now. Correct? you have a decent crawlspace where ductwork can be installed? ductwork should be installed to code for your area. check with building inspectors for your city/county. If you are considering central AC, I probably would opt for a high eff HP system. Keep in mind you want a system that qualifies for the fed govt tax credit. size of condenser and accessibility for installing ductwork will determine pricing. I have never liked the idea of using a person who does HVAC on the side. You may save some bucks but you most likely will get the quality of install that you deserve. I assume there are similar homes in your area. check around and see how they have handled adding AC. I want a dealer who has demonstrated experience in homes like yours. IMO
...See More
My MD Pool build
Q
Comments (13)
We just upgraded the slide within the last 3 weeks and the drawing was done in Aug. so it is not correct. The fire pit is not on the drawing either. The drawing was done for the 15' 5" slide. We are not sure exactly how the patio will be laid out yet either but we were quoted for 1300sq ft. They told me they would lay it out well in advance so I can move it if I would like more or less in a certain area. As for the other questions I am not 100% sure. We told him we wanted the maximum amount of jets that we can have on that pump and still get max. pressure. There are pipes sticking out of the back of the spa with a separate valve, if that answers your question. I will have to get a pic of the back of the spa and post it. They have 2 valves under pressure at this time. One is out of the spa and one out of the deep end. The pad has not been laid yet and trenches have not yet been dug so I don't know about the line. They are planning to come out tomorrow to begin grading the dirt. We had 3+'" of rain here last week and it is still really wet. I have a shed that I bought that they need to place. All the eqip. will go behind the shed. My husbands biggest pet peeve is being able to see the eqip. in plain view. Before I added the fire pit and larger slide he was telling me they had about 14 days of physical labor left, not counting permit checks. I was hoping to have it done by April 15th but between rain and other factors I don't see that happening. I really need time to get out and landscape before the pool party season begins. We have a grass service so we don't want any grass inside the fenced in area. We have a lot of work to do. I was so happy with the spa stone. I was shocked when the were using individual stones. I assumed it would be stone veneer. The fire pit will have the same stone. As you can see they ran out of coping for around the spa but they will be back to do the fire pit coping so they will finish then.
...See More
amateurpb
15 years ago
Check out waterworldpools.com for information about fiberglass pools. I purchased one of their diving pools in 2005 and it has been great. I am in Maryland and we will be in the pool next week (with the pool heater , of course).

thinking about 'putting my toe in the waters' of pool building...

Comments (3)

tresw

callie8799
Original Author

Related Discussions

amateurpb

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

thinking about 'putting my toe in the waters' of pool building...

Comments (3)

tresw

callie8799Original Author

Related Discussions

amateurpb

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

callie8799
Original Author