So a month has flown by and we finished our second gunite shoot last week so I finally have a little extra time to give an update and post some pictures. First: There were some concerns brought to my attention about the quality of the plumbing (crossovers/heat bending and such) work so after looking into it a bit here is what I did. 1. I had 25 yards of sand and AB gravel delivered to my yard. 2. I proceeded to backfill the plumbing trenches with sand by hand/shovel and water hose until a good layer of sand was underneaththe plumbing. This took two days but I think it was worth the effort. 3. I then used a mix of AB and sand to continue filling the trenches 1/3 up, and any crossovers to get adequate support. 4. I then hauled out 30 yards of trenched dirt/rock as it was not my intention to use any of this crappy material to fill back in the plumbing trenches. 5. On the first gunite shoot I used the gunite rebound (3 or 4 yards) and lots of water to continue filling trenches. 6. The next day I used a bobcat to finish backfilling the trenches with AB gravel to grade level. 7. The plumbing has been under pressure at 40 psi for over a month with no problems. (I was told by some very reputable plumbers that setting the plumbing pressure any higher then this is a bad idea.) Undoubtably my plumbing will last for 20+ years maintainance free! :) Second: I took some extra time and expense to have the engineering firm I used send out an engineer for two on-site inspections just before each gunite shoot. It was good piece of mind for me to have the engineer on site and give final approval of the construction before gunite. Neil Anderson is the engineering firm and I am not sure if you could find one person in Northern CA who would disagree with the statement that they are the best there is. All right, onto the pictures and the progress. One week later it was time for the second gunite shoot: So I am calling it a little over half way done at this point and it has been time consuming road to get to this point as an owner builder. But I still have to say that doing an owner/build is a GREAT way to go. I would recommend it to anyone instead of using a pool builder unless you live in TX near Kelly. Then I would just use him!

Yes, it is fun seeing all the progress! Tx for the tips on taking pictures. I am taking lots so that I have that for future reference like you mentioned and so I can make a scrapbook. I agree with you on the swimming privacy. Unfortunately in this neighborhood you can only have 5' fences and they can only be either black chain link fences or vinyl fences. I would definetly like a vinyl fence for privacy but they are so expenses since the size has to be cut down, etc. Since we are spending so much on the pool, we will landscape some about the screen and maybe put up a fence later. Now I am working on my research of plants, etc. so I can get some nice stuff put up after everything is completed. Gunite was done today. The majority of it was covered due to rain so I can't get good pictures of it but once that comes off, I will take some and post then. Right now I peaked under the cover a little and I am pleased that I added that additional step to get in/out of the deepend swimout and the height of my additional bench in the shallowend for sunning purposes.

Ok, I have narrowed down my tile choices to a Mexican Travertine or a Porcelain tile with a natural stone "look". Would appreciate input from everyone regarding which tile you think would be a better match for my granite and cabinets. I am leaning toward the Travertine but it is much more expensive and I suppose a little more maintenance involved with the sealing every year. I have never had natural stone tile before so any advice or tips on the pros and cons of Stone vs Porcelain would be appreciated also. :) Oh... and the sample tiles are 4x4s but I will be using 6x6 tiles. Desert Cream Imperial Mexican Travertine - FloridaTile Ankara Porcelain Tile in True Beige and Noce - FloridaTile

Who could possibly hate red? I love your laundry room idea. Laundry is such a mind numbing chore that the room at least ought to be cheerful. I once had carpet installers in who were only here for a day, thankfully. Their inappropriate language while "conversing" with each other made me really uncomfortable - they had a distinct lack of vocabulary involving words longer than 4 letters. Next time we needed carpets, I didn't call that shop. Consider yourself fortunate that your people are civilized and polite. P.S. Laundry - the rule at our house was that when the kids were old enough to reach the dials on the washer, they were old enough to take care of their own laundry. #1 and 2 children thought #3 child got pampered on this, but actually #3 was just shorter longer than the older two. When they went to college they couldn't believe how many times they had to instruct their dorm mates on the fine art of using the washing machine. #2 child was also the dorm expert on patching walls, as if spackling was some special talent. Moral of the story - share these wonderful chores with the small fry!