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Osage Hills Pool Build

11 years ago

They are laying out the pool Wednesday and digging Thursday!

50 x 22, 27k gal freeform

3.5 to 6.5 depth

10 foot diameter tanning ledge with 2 bubblers and 2 brass umbrella sleeves with lids

Integral color salt finish cantilever deck

Rear 50 foot of pool with extra width bond beam and 18 in wide flagstone coping with boulders

French gray plaster

2hp 2sp Whisperflo punp

TR 100 sand filter

Pool Pilot SWCG

Polaris 280 with booster

2 Intellibrite LEDs

Here is the builder drawing

Here is a view of the yard from upstairs over the garage. We started removing some sod last weekend, will finish tomorrow. We moved it to another part of the property, too expensive to waste! The spa will be moved and refurbished (I have owned it since I bought it new in 1998) as this existing flagstone patio will be demo'd to make way for the new deck. I will buy a new cover for it :-)

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Comments (24)

NewLKNPool
11 years ago
Very nice design! How exciting!!
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Day 1!!

PB on the left, helper on the right. Laying out the pool and leveling forms.

Here is the same shot from over the garage, no spa, no patio. Sorry about the shadows!

This is looking back toward the house instead of away from it. It's gonna be awesome!
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Cannaluver, Nice looking pool and decking. I've been around quite a few structures like what you want to build and the main thing that I could tell you is that you need a HEAVY DUTY structure underneath it. This will require some good engineering to create it. You don't want it to come crashing down with someone on the slide or in the pool. I'd recommend having the support structure designed by someone who knows what they are doing and then you'll be able to build the surround as you please. I'd also check with your insurance company too. Liability is a huge concern on something like this. If you do it yourself there is no company to fall back on to take responsibility except you. I dont mean to be a wet blanket on your idea but there is lots to consider when doing this. Good luck.
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To the beach, We paid very similar costs, though anything engineering/permit related was bundled into one fee so I'm not sure of our exact breakdown. Just curious... we have a $6500 enviro bond with the county. Did you work with your engineer on the landscaping plan or did they just submit something for you? We were so desperate to get the pool in the ground that we didn't even look at what was submitted. When we finally realized it, we hated the plan and had to work with our site inspector to come up with a landscaping plan that we liked but also satisfied the county's requirements. Also- hope you were told (we weren't) that you don't get the bond back immediately after you plant. Your site inspector will have to see a full season of growth and no dead plants. Yikes. Was really hoping to have that cash back sooner rather than later! Good luck on the build. I think I recall another poster who used NVBlu had a pool built in 5 weeks or so. Was Alan Nobling your salesman? Very nice guy. We ended up going with Huston Pools because of great recommendations and we felt like we got a few more extras for our money but NVBlu is a very solid builder. Will def post some pics soon. We just opened the pool Tues but I'm actually due to have our second baby in a few weeks so we've been kind of preocupied!!!
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Thanks SO MUCH Scott for the reply. My answers in **: What is the hopper and bottom made of? **It says Galvanized Steel Wall System How much decking? **As much as I can possibly fit. 4ft is the minimum due to Code, but going to all of the edges of the yard above the retaining wall. A 20 mil liner is fine but it they have it, many offer thicker material for the pool's steps. There are colored thermoplastic steps too. I am glad I have mine (white). My pool is 39' and I wouldn't want steps or a bench taking up my shallow end. I have lots of floats, boats and noodles. Yes, they make 28 mil walls and floors. Great for wall foamed concrete walled or wood walled pools. They don't last any longer than a 20 mil for normal use. **I've selected the Plastimayd Sandstone Liner, no Border. It only comes in 20 mil so that works! Concrete is fine with salt systems. Skip the Frog and UV. **Done. They are out. Laminars will normally require their own pump and it is strongly encouraged that a filter be added too. See below though where I talk about the pump. **Thanks. I'll ask PB about additional Pump,Filter I suspect you meant either Deck Jets or Deck Jet IIs when you mentioned Water Jets. **Yes, but now going with Laminars as Deck Jets do not have lights, correct. Aren't Laminars essentially Deck Jets with Lights? I can't see needing more than a 1 HP for general circulation unless the equipment is 100' away. **It is not Do your power costs justify a variable speed? If you are going with laminars, its extra flow capabilities might save the need for a second pump to feed them but I would suggest bumping the filter up to a Quad 80 DE filter for the increased flow capabilities. **I have no idea how to calculate power costs to justify? I know my electic rates are 0.931/KWH. I will ask PB to bump up to Quad 80 DE I would go with the colored rails and ladders with the salt cell. Make sure the sockets the rail (s) and ladder fit in to are also plastic. I have seen what happens when cheap sockets get used here. **Plastic sockets vs metal or powder coat? I did ask Inter-Fab about powder coat and brass anchors with SWG and they said they are fine, but rise off occassionally. Two lights are fine but get colored Intellibrites. They have white built in too but colored lighting really adds to the ambiance. **Done. Can't wait. I don't see a need for the Easy Touch unless you put in the laminars, Intelliflow, Intellibrites and Intellichlor. Then you will want to decide on which remotes to use. Those aren't mentioned and will likely cost more. **I do plan on those 4 things you mentioned. Didn't realize the remote was not included. I'll ask. What brand of safety cover is important. They aren't all the same. The big guns in this market do things that make them stronger that many others don't do to keep costs down. **He said Coverlogix 5000M. Is that brand good? I know it's not Ultra-Loc. I was going to ask to upgrade to 9000M to keep the sun out better. I live in Omaha, NE so the water temps will not be very warm at all in off season. The M4 robot is designed for pools to 36', yours is 40'. I suggest the Supreme M5 or Diagnostic models. They are made to accommodate larger pools such as yours. **Done. I will PB to change. Are there limits on running the electric? **No, other than the bill I willing to pay. ;-) How big is the decking? **As much as I can possibly fit. 4ft is the minimum due to Code, but going to all of the edges of the yard above the retaining wall. WRT the diving board, check your homeowners insurance. Some won't allow it. Don't expect a spring board like a swim club might have. **Insurance Agent said OK. I was going to go with the Inter-Fab Bounder Spring Diving Base with a Tan board to blend in with the landscape. Hopefully the boulder base doesn't look cheesy in person. How long is the warranty for the pool? **It says "Contractor warrants that all work performed by Contractor shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner in accordance with accepted trade practices. Contractor guarantees the workmanship on the swimming pool for the life time of the pool to the original pool owner provided Contractor is notified of the problem within a reasonable time. This guarantee does not cover, shifting or settling of soil, ground movement, damages resulting from underground, surface or drainage water, or any problems that occur from an act of nature. Warranty coverage term begins upon completion of the pool, subject to Contractor�s receipt of final payment. The warranties for assemblies, equipment, liner, pool walls, etc. and the like shall be those warranties provided by the manufacturer or supplier of that item rather than based upon Contractors� warranty herein. Contractor shall assemble and provide Owner all such manufacturer�s warranties. It is agreed and understood that any product warranties are subject to the express limitations of the manufacturer. " Any fencing? If not, budget it in. **Yep...Working on that now. Not sure how it's going to work with my weird shape yard. THANK AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP. YOU ARE AMAZING.....and VERY KIND.
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bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
The truck broke down bringing the excavation equipment out. Rescheduled for tomorrow.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Day 3:

Houston, we have a hole!

Crew trimming and getting walls plumb. PB is in the Bobcat spreading dirt.

Tony in the excavator doing his thing.

A shot from the tanning ledge toward the deep end.

My favorite shot, I love the way it looks from this window!
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Well, I guess I've been slacking on posting for some reason. Anyway, steel was done on Wed.

We passed inspection on Thursday and today the gunite crew is out.

I'll put up some more when they are done.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
They're done! I think it looks great!! Let me know what you guys think. Sorry no cool waterfall or grotto to look at!
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
This is day 12 since the build started. Today was waterline tile.

Things are looking good!
mark75501
11 years ago
Looking good! I like the tile.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Day 14: Plumbing

There are 3 suction outlets: main drain, 2 skimmers, all 2". Technically 3 return inlets: a 2" loop that encircles the pool with 5 returns, 1.5" each, a 2" pipe to the bubblers on the tanning ledge, and a 1.5" pipe for the Polaris cleaner.

The return is the line the others have to go up and over. Hmmm.

There is a Poolmiser autofill as well.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Day 17 (is today, the last day they worked was Thursday, no work on pool Friday or today):

Thursday we passed electrical conduit inspection and they filled in the trenches and started compacting soil under where the deck will be.

There will be 2 atrium drains around goldfish pond and the 2 tall green pipes are for the channel drain in the deck.

The PB and I messed around with the boulders and we like where we are. It will look great once the flagstone, deck, and landscaping is done.

I put the umbrella in one of the sleeves just to see what it looked like. The sleeves are 2" and umbrella pole is only 1.5". I think I have heard a 1.5" PVC pipe will go over umbrella pole and fit down in sleeve to take up slop, I will try this later.

Masons should be here Monday to set the boulders and lay flagstone. Can't wait to see that! But it is starting to look like a pool.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Today is day 23 since the build started. We have deck formed, supposed to pour tomorrow, yea!!

We also have the 2.5" "hazelwood" flagstone coping on the back side of the pool in.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Day 26:

They poured the deck this am. It is very dark now but should lighten considerably. The final color should be very light.

Tentatively scheduled to get plaster a week from today. There's still a few things to do, hope they make it! I'm already running out of warm weather!
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
It is actually day 30 of the build. That seems like a milestone for some reason.

Quite a few people here today. The two tile guys were here putting 2" spotters on the steps and swim out:

They also bullnosed the tanning ledge. This was suggested by the PB. It was very expensive as they had to cut 3x12 bullnose tile down into 2" pieces to match the regular (non-bullnosed tile) that they used on the face of the ledge. I went ahead and paid for it not without some hesitation but in the end I just thought it would look cool!

The electricians were also here. They have everything on line!

Ready for plaster which is scheduled for Monday. Pretty good chance of rain tomorrow and that would push us back a day.

Oh, the PB's crew was here too. They sealed the flagstone after acid washing them yesterday. They used and impregnating salt resistant sealer. Supposed to look like it hasn't been sealed when it dries, but now it is a little yellow and darker. Hopefully it will cure out some more.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Sorry I haven't been updating. They plastered the pool this last Tuesday:

SORRY! Not that kind of plastered, this kind:

We have since filled with water and had our first swim today, our 3rd day with water in the pool.

We love it!! The plaster is very smooth and we think the water color is amazing with the french gray. The kids are really enjoying it!
michaelwy
11 years ago
Very nice pool. We just got ours as well. Question, do you have and extension on your pool umbrella shown on the last picture? I have been trying to find a pool extension for our pool that will allow us to stand under it.

Thanks
chrish_MA
11 years ago
Congratulations on the beautiful pool. Very nice design, and the I like your finish selections as well.

Would you mind answering some questions, please?
1) Deck finish is rock salt? I was unsure based on your description and wanted to confirm.
2) what are you going at ground level in the area outside of the flagstone coping... the "top" of the design drawing? Is it planned for grass, or some other material in mind?

Regards,

Chris
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
No extension. It is from Pottery Barn and I believe 96" tall. I did find some pricey stainless steel ones that were 102" tall on umbrellas and cushions dot com. I did have to stick the umbrella into a 1.5" PVC pipe to make it fit snug in the 2" sleeves that are in the pool.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Chris,
It is a rock salt finish, it also is an integrally colored concrete mix, Butterfield U-20 "smoke".

There is some sod at the "top" already but there is a long planting bed that goes the entire length of the pool. I buried some extra boulders next to the boulders on the pool beam and will do planting in the spring.

I want to also put a pergola next to the house as in the original drawing at the beginning of the thread.
chrish_MA
11 years ago
bpricedo, thank you for the response. I like the way the planting bed cuts down on the decking required, but I wonder if you are at all concnered about access to the pool from that side for maintenance, etc?

Also, do you know the approximate distance from the pool to the equipment.

Thanks so much for your posting and willingness to share. We are about to get started on our project, and seeing what you've done has provided some great alternative ideas.

Regards,

Chris
MiaOKC
11 years ago
Thanks for posting the finale! Have been watching with interest, as we are in OKC and hope to someday refinish our 37 year old pool. French gray is our choice, too! Love the look of your water. We have some flagstone as our pool coping in some places, but want to remove it for standardization so we can get a safety cover (no kids yet but on the horizon). What are you doing regarding winterizing/covering/kid safety? We winterized last year because we didn't move in until late December and didn't know what we are doing, but we think we will keep it open this winter. For the cost of closing and opening, we could pay for the chems/electric to keep it going and not have to look at a swamp out the back windows. However, skimming in the cold wind is no picnic, either. And emptying skimmer? Whew! I lost feeling in my arm! Attached the angel handles to the basket this summer, so don't have to submerge anymore, so one problem solved.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
Chris,
The top side where there isnt any deck was where all of the dirt from excavation went. What the PB had originally discussed was making the dirt slope away quickly from the edge of the pool, giving it an infinity edge look. However they made it flat up there instead of sloped. So I went with the planting bed along the pool. The flagstone coping there is 18" wide so it is plenty comfortable to stand on to brush and vacuum the pool, we made it extra wide just for that reason.
The closest edge of the pool to equipment is about 30 feet.

Mia,
We are going to try keeping it open all winter. Our last pool we winterized and put a cover on and that is its own set of pains. We will see how it goes.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
I took a couple of pictures from the other end that show things a little better maybe:
grannysmith18
11 years ago
Looks great! Can you tell me a little more about the French Gray plaster, please. Is it light gray or dark gray? Is it a solid color or mottled/marble-y? Most importantly, what color does the water look? We want to refinish our 27 year old pool which is white. I feel like I'd like to do something a little different, but really I just want the water to look very blue and fresh.
bpricedo
Original Author
11 years ago
The picture below the plaster company's hat shows the pool with plaster but without water so you can see the color. The french gray is a "medium" gray, not too dark. The color is not even, I do think it looks marble-y more than mottled. I think it is absolutely beautiful to see the color variation through the water. The water color shown in the last couple of pictures is very indicative of the water color in person. It is very blue without any green or turquoise hues.

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