The rocks at the shallow end might enourage jump from there. This is too shallow an area to allow the extra hight.

The other rocks around the perimeter will make vacuuming a hassle.

The rock with the fountain will prevent you from using a pool sweep. It will constantly get caught there.

The deep end skimmer is too close to the waterfall. I suggest swapping the rock and skimmer locations.

I don't think your pool is large enough for a grotto.

Two LED style light fixtures in the pool. Under the proposed deep skimmer and one under the shallow one.

HTH,

Scott

Phxownerbuilder, I like the concept and the incorporation of stones. That said, I agree with Scott that you might have a bit too much going on for this size pool. Our build is 660 sq ft, also freeform, and I fear I might find some of those features to be a bit of an obstacle course, but that is purely my preference.

I definitely like the way you've left a clear swim area throughout the middle, not jutting the features into the center. You've also avoided a design element that I find distracting on some pools, namely the "Big Pile of Stones at One Location" by adding elements that, if done well, build the poolscape across the horizon, not just emphasizing one point. Kudos for incorporating those rock elements more pleasantly than just a pile. That said, you may want to think about how the above-water features might or might not compete with each other once completed.

I only see one light shown...you'll definitely need two. I recommend the Pentair Intellibrite LEDs because of their even light distribution.

The decking run on the far side looks a little thin. If that space will be used for jumping, walking or sitting, you might want to widen that up a bit.

All in all, a really nice start!

Phx,
As a local PB I must ask why you want to do this yourself.

This market is so competitive you can probably get it done for close to the same or cheaper then doing it yourself, with out all the headaches, and liabilities.

The owner/builder market here has plummeted for a reason.
Check it out, you may be suprised.

But check out the PB's as well, there are still plenty of shaky ones out there. If you have any concearns about a pool builder going south, you can always get a performance bond, or put the money in a escrow account till the pool is finished.

Just my 2 cents.

Not to knock the original poster, but frankly in Vegas we see the same thing that just a pb describes above. We just do hardscapes, no pools. I have had 3 calls from homeowners stuck with product/design/permit problems in the last 2 weeks. Frankly I refuse to bail them out anymore. Insurance ya right. Unpermitted design, not my problem. Told you have permits, sure, check with your city. Am I bitter, no just refuse to bail out people who thought they got a 'great deal" on price only to find they can't possibly accomplish what they started, and expect us to fix it and not charge because they already spent money. To the OP good luck on your build, but please check with your building authority frequently, read that daily, as codes change constantly, and you must comply just as any contractor does. New year will bring many updates to codes, watch your timeline. Happy building , Barb

Wow, this forum is great!

Scott  I had placed the accent boulders by the shallow end to be a transition from deck to coping, but great point about the jumping risk  those rocks would be smaller and hopefully not as tempting to jump from as the 3 intended jump rock areas. I didnÂt anticipate the pool sweep climbing up 2 feet onto the baja shelf, but will have to think about that. Already made the changes per your skimmer and light location suggestions.

Bobinbaltimore  Will seriously consider the obstacle course feel, but we too like the look of various accent boulders throughout. Your note about the thin decking on the far side is a great one  the plan should state that it is 1 wide coping around the entire back of the pool. I intended that section to only be walked on when climbing out of the pool from the bench and onto the rock waterfall . Gonna have to think about how weÂll use it and how wide it should be. BTW, your pool looks great so far!

Just-a-pb  IÂve known several friends/neighbors do OB with the general comment being that it is a headache, but you will get more pool for your $. I hadnÂt heard that the OB market has plummeted. Not sure how the downturn in the past 18 months in the pool biz has altered the OB market. WeÂll only use licensed, bonded, insured subs who are clean with the ROC and have been recommended by other OBs  and we are hiring an inspector to check after each sub. So not totally on our own.

Barb ÂThanks for the warning - IÂll make sure I check codes before I get permits.

Thank you all for your feedback!

More of this good, honest feedback would be awesome!

Just-a-pb - I'm interested in more info regarding your comment about pool market in Phx. Could you email me with your info so I could give you a call? Thx!

phx owner builder,

By "hiring an inspector to check after each sub" do you mean a "consultant"? If so, curious to know which one...assuming it is a company or individual that does this for a living.

Being another local builder here in AZ, I second just-a-pb's comments and opinions to a "t".