I was reading this thread and noticed someone posted about calling Caribbean Blue Pools and Spas without delay. I too was shopping for a pool, started to do some research, and came across their internet advertisement claiming they are the number 1 landscape architecture firm in New Jersey. What I can't understand though is when I started looking at Caribbean Blue Pool's and Spas landscaping pictures, I found that they were showing landscaping pictures done by scenic landscaping.If you go to the bottom of Caribbean Blue Pools and Spa�s landscaping page which just so happens to be titled Scenic Landscaping Outdoor living:http://www.caribbeanpoolsspas.com/gallery.html and open up any of the landscaping pictures you will see they give credit to Scenic Landscaping. I don't understand why Caribbean Blue Pools and Spas who "does it all" include landscaping featuring a competitors portfolio on their web site? I also googled their so called staffed landscape architect (NJ Landscape Architect Marc Nissim RLA CLA NJS50096900) and found out he owns his own design firm www.hdglandscape.com/information.html. I've found there are several swimming pool companies in New Jersey who actually do it all. If you live in Central New Jersey including Mendham NJ You can try calling Ivy Construction, Inc./Ehrich & Ehrich Landscape Architects, Inc. in Cranbury, NJ or Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, LLC in Southampton, NJ From Northern New Jersey there is B & B Pool and Spa in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Stephen J. Miller Enterprises in Mahwah New Jersey or Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping also in Mahwah NJ. I live in Mendham New Jersey and I know all of these swimming pool companies service my area.

thejimbar...cool design and idea. You will like the shallow water for soaking you're feet and lounging while watching the kids play. A few thoughts as it relates to our experience with a large shallow area of the pool. Ours is about 4" deep and 10'x20'. 1. I think anything shallower than 6" is called a thermal shelf because it actually heats the water rather nicely in direct sun. Here in Louisiana, our shallow area of the pool is comfortable to soak your feet year round when the sun is shining. In NJ, this probably isn't a big deal but you will notice your season for the shallow pool will definitely be extended. 2. If you think you will use this shallow pool more in the off-season than the regular pool, you should consider this when deciding to tie it into your existing pool. If you winterize your pool, it will be hard to do so and still keep the shallow pool in operation longer if it is tied together. 3. On the other hand, tying the two together will give the added benefit of heating the primary pool also, if the shallow pool is located in a sunny area of the yard. 4. If the decision is to tie them together, technically, it's possible to do so and still keep the two bodies physically separated from one another as you originally wanted. The equalizer line would have to be sized rather large (and likely multiple lines needed) to keep up with the passive flow from one body to the other during high flow requirements in the shallow body. 5. Would also recommend a separate pump for the negative edge pit if you already have water features that require flow with your existing pump...nothing more aggrevating than hosting a party and not being able to use all water features at the same time because of pump limitations. 6. We love our 4" shelf for the heating benefits and soaking your feet any time of the year. We also love our bubblers in the 4" water...nothing more relaxing than sitting in a chair with your feet being massaged by water coming from the bubblers in the floor of the pool (that's what I'm doing right now). We have a separate pump for the bubblers, aerators and deck jets also. 7. Connecting the overflow from the negative edge directly to the pool would be the easiest way to tie the two together..much like an oversized spa and no need for equalizer line. This may not meet your original vision though if you were thinking of keep the 2 bodies physically separated. One last thought, if you keep the 2 bodies separate from one another, then the new pool will have to have it's own filter and sanitizing system. If you tie them together, it will save cost but you will not be able to winterize one and keep the other open. They will have to be closed at the same time...if you close the pool at all. Oh..one more thought...size the negative edge pit so that you can fit your favorite leaf skimmer in it to scoop out leaves and debris easily...all the debris will end up in the pit and you'll want to skim it easily. Decisions....decisions. Hope this helps.

The two leaks that I was worried about have been attended to, simple adjustments needed. Inspections have passed. The pool and spa have been done (shotcrete)...and the bench in the spa is indeed going all the way around. The part that didn't have the rebar looks absolutely no different than the part that did. It was exactly how the pool builder said it would be. Looking forward to the tile & decking.

He repeated much of the same: the township approved the plans, he's built 200 houses in the last 15 years all with no rebar all with no issues, reminded me he gaurantees no water coming in to the basement for 10 years, that he used 3,000 psi concrete when the code only calls for 2,500, etc. Have you seen and talked to past clients who have used this builder to confirm what he's telling you? I would. I would also double check with a qualified home inspector or engineer of your choosing. My feeling is a few hundred dollars paid to an expert is worth the peace of mind. For example we just had a question on some of the ductwork on our HVAC system and we hired an independent HVAC inspector. Sure enough, they weren't quite happy with one of the duct runs and flagged it. It was corrected by the builder's HVAC company. Our home inspector noticed some bolts had not been tightened. It was fixed the next day.