OT: CF Lion - how did your pool turn out?

Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
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We’re putting in a pool now and while doing some research my wife came across a BWI thread from 2018 about pool installation and you mentioned you were about to install one. How did it turn out? Are you happy with it? Anything you’d do differently? We’re almost a year in and they haven’t even done any site work (just got our permits). But, we decided on a 16’ x 32’ rectangle with a spa, salt water, auto cover, and will have a Pebble Tec finish. We’re trying to decide on a color - I like a darker color since I feel it goes better with our setting in Virginia but we’ll likely go with something more ‘ocean bluish’. Would love to see pics if you have any! @CF Lion
 
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BW Lion

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Apr 9, 2020
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We’re putting in a pool now and while doing some research my wife came across a BWI thread from 2018 about pool installation and you mentioned you were about to install one. How did it turn out? Are you happy with it? Anything you’d do differently? We’re almost a year in and they haven’t even done any site work (just got our permits). But, we decided on a 16’ x 32’ rectangle with a spa, salt water, auto cover, and will have a Pebble Tec finish. We’re trying to decide on a color - I like a darker color since I feel it goes better with our setting in Virginia but we’ll likely go with something more ‘ocean bluish’. Would love to see pics if you have any! @CF Lion
Good luck. I’d rethink the colored gunite, especially anything dark. It negatively affects property resale value.
 
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Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
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Good luck. I’d rethink the colored gunite, especially anything dark. It negatively affects property resale value.
Resale absolutely not an issue for my zip code. :cool:

And not looking to sell anytime soon.
 

JoeLion

Senior
May 29, 2001
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A couple of thoughts: Do you have large trees in the pool area? They drop leaves and pollen, If yes , I would suggest darker as lighter will show more dirt, pollen and will stain
i don’t think you mentioned a enclosure, something else to consider.
Best wishes and good luck with your pool.
 
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Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
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A couple of thoughts: Do you have large trees in the pool area? They drop leaves and pollen, If yes , I would suggest darker as lighter will show more dirt, pollen and will stain
i don’t think you mentioned a enclosure, something else to consider.
Best wishes and good luck with your pool.

We live in a wooded area so there are some trees (though not really where the pool will be). Definitely something to consider. We will also have a fence around the pool. There will be pavers and a garden/pool house as well.
 

OUIrPSU

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Oct 6, 2021
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We live in a wooded area so there are some trees (though not really where the pool will be). Definitely something to consider. We will also have a fence around the pool. There will be pavers and a garden/pool house as well.
If season 11 of Curb Your Enthusiasm taught us anything, it’s that you definitely need that fence.
 

Midnighter

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Jan 22, 2021
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May 29, 2001
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We’re putting in a pool now and while doing some research my wife came across a BWI thread from 2018 about pool installation and you mentioned you were about to install one. How did it turn out? Are you happy with it? Anything you’d do differently? We’re almost a year in and they haven’t even done any site work (just got our permits). But, we decided on a 16’ x 32’ rectangle with a spa, salt water, auto cover, and will have a Pebble Tec finish. We’re trying to decide on a color - I like a darker color since I feel it goes better with our setting in Virginia but we’ll likely go with something more ‘ocean bluish’. Would love to see pics if you have any! @CF Lion
I would think twice about going with an auto cover and a salt system. The salt water can corrode the mechanisms of the auto cover over time.

My brother just installed a pool and his installer advised against the salt system if you have an auto cover due to corrosion.
 
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Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
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I would think twice about going with an auto cover and a salt system. The salt water can corrode the mechanisms of the auto cover over time.

My brother just installed a pool and his installer advised against the salt system if you have an auto cover due to corrosion.

Hm. Thanks - will look into that.
 

CF Lion

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Oct 6, 2021
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This is my pool (photo courtesy of Greenroots Landscaping):
41B2CF3B-BB1E-479D-A235-677DA5F951C2.jpeg
The pool is a 16 X 32 saltwater pool. I did not go with a pebbletec finish. It has a smooth plaster finish which I prefer. One thing about pebbletec that you should know is that it is harder to keep clean that a smooth plaster finish. I do not have an autocover, just didn’t think the cost was worth it. To the right you will see a firepit, which I use all the time. There is a small outdoor kitchen at the far end. Nothing elaborate, just a grill, outdoor fridge and granite counter. I did not put a spa/hot tub in and that is my biggest regret. My thinking was that I would add a hot tub later separate from the pool that I could use in the winter.

I pretty much live out here from May through September. I’d like to add a covered area with outdoor seating. TV, etc.

Good luck with your pool construction. I’m sure your family will love it. It really extends your living space. My main regret was that I did not build this when my kids were younger.
 
Apr 12, 2018
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This is my pool (photo courtesy of Greenroots Landscaping):
View attachment 182906
The pool is a 16 X 32 saltwater pool. I did not go with a pebbletec finish. It has a smooth plaster finish which I prefer. One thing about pebbletec that you should know is that it is harder to keep clean that a smooth plaster finish. I do not have an autocover, just didn’t think the cost was worth it. To the right you will see a firepit, which I use all the time. There is a small outdoor kitchen at the far end. Nothing elaborate, just a grill, outdoor fridge and granite counter. I did not put a spa/hot tub in and that is my biggest regret. My thinking was that I would add a hot tub later separate from the pool that I could use in the winter.

I pretty much live out here from May through September. I’d like to add a covered area with outdoor seating. TV, etc.

Good luck with your pool construction. I’m sure your family will love it. It really extends your living space. My main regret was that I did not build this when my kids were younger.
Looks great...

i’ll be right over for a dip
 
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Midnighter

Heisman
Jan 22, 2021
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This is my pool (photo courtesy of Greenroots Landscaping):
View attachment 182906
The pool is a 16 X 32 saltwater pool. I did not go with a pebbletec finish. It has a smooth plaster finish which I prefer. One thing about pebbletec that you should know is that it is harder to keep clean that a smooth plaster finish. I do not have an autocover, just didn’t think the cost was worth it. To the right you will see a firepit, which I use all the time. There is a small outdoor kitchen at the far end. Nothing elaborate, just a grill, outdoor fridge and granite counter. I did not put a spa/hot tub in and that is my biggest regret. My thinking was that I would add a hot tub later separate from the pool that I could use in the winter.

I pretty much live out here from May through September. I’d like to add a covered area with outdoor seating. TV, etc.

Good luck with your pool construction. I’m sure your family will love it. It really extends your living space. My main regret was that I did not build this when my kids were younger.

Awesome - looks great! Ours will be similar but will have the spa in one corner. We’ll likely add more landscaping and quality of life features like a fire pit, etc at some point. Kids are still young so should get many years of use. Thanks for sharing!
 
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Sep 10, 2013
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We live in a wooded area so there are some trees (though not really where the pool will be). Definitely something to consider. We will also have a fence around the pool. There will be pavers and a garden/pool house as well.
Address? I can bring moms or Atlantic City girls based on if your girl is gonna be home
also we had Dads banana hammock day at our pool in Chicago. Last Sunday of every month.
 
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Bkmtnittany1

All-American
Jan 12, 2014
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This is my pool (photo courtesy of Greenroots Landscaping):
View attachment 182906
The pool is a 16 X 32 saltwater pool. I did not go with a pebbletec finish. It has a smooth plaster finish which I prefer. One thing about pebbletec that you should know is that it is harder to keep clean that a smooth plaster finish. I do not have an autocover, just didn’t think the cost was worth it. To the right you will see a firepit, which I use all the time. There is a small outdoor kitchen at the far end. Nothing elaborate, just a grill, outdoor fridge and granite counter. I did not put a spa/hot tub in and that is my biggest regret. My thinking was that I would add a hot tub later separate from the pool that I could use in the winter.

I pretty much live out here from May through September. I’d like to add a covered area with outdoor seating. TV, etc.

Good luck with your pool construction. I’m sure your family will love it. It really extends your living space. My main regret was that I did not build this when my kids were younger.
I could pee in that!
 
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Bkmtnittany1

All-American
Jan 12, 2014
5,204
8,021
113
This is my pool (photo courtesy of Greenroots Landscaping):
View attachment 182906
The pool is a 16 X 32 saltwater pool. I did not go with a pebbletec finish. It has a smooth plaster finish which I prefer. One thing about pebbletec that you should know is that it is harder to keep clean that a smooth plaster finish. I do not have an autocover, just didn’t think the cost was worth it. To the right you will see a firepit, which I use all the time. There is a small outdoor kitchen at the far end. Nothing elaborate, just a grill, outdoor fridge and granite counter. I did not put a spa/hot tub in and that is my biggest regret. My thinking was that I would add a hot tub later separate from the pool that I could use in the winter.

I pretty much live out here from May through September. I’d like to add a covered area with outdoor seating. TV, etc.

Good luck with your pool construction. I’m sure your family will love it. It really extends your living space. My main regret was that I did not build this when my kids were younger.
I could also drink a bunch of beers in that sun room! Sweet!!!
 
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PAgeologist

Senior
Oct 19, 2021
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We’re putting in a pool now and while doing some research my wife came across a BWI thread from 2018 about pool installation and you mentioned you were about to install one. How did it turn out? Are you happy with it? Anything you’d do differently? We’re almost a year in and they haven’t even done any site work (just got our permits). But, we decided on a 16’ x 32’ rectangle with a spa, salt water, auto cover, and will have a Pebble Tec finish. We’re trying to decide on a color - I like a darker color since I feel it goes better with our setting in Virginia but we’ll likely go with something more ‘ocean bluish’. Would love to see pics if you have any! @CF Lion
We went with a dark blue on our new liner and think it makes the water look much nicer. Scout out some pools if you can. Maybe tour contractor can take to you see a few?

Living in a wooded area I can tell you that you will have to clean often when the trees are pollinating.

Most important is to keep up with your pool chemicals. Get a good testing kit. Unbalanced water can cause all sorts of problems, including damaging your pool finish.

Watch for algae. It spreads like wildfire if it isn't killed right away.

The more you swim, the better your water will look.

Keep your filter system clean. Back flush a sand filter at least once a week.

They're a bunch of fun but a bunch of work also. Good luck.
 

Quint526

Senior
Oct 29, 2021
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I already did. Twice. And it's not even 9 am.
When the adults/kids of family, friends or the neighborhood come to swim, I make it clear that it’s an Ool, because there is no P in my pool.

I am sure that the P has been added more times than LionJim can count.
 
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Quint526

Senior
Oct 29, 2021
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We went with a dark blue on our new liner and think it makes the water look much nicer. Scout out some pools if you can. Maybe tour contractor can take to you see a few?

Living in a wooded area I can tell you that you will have to clean often when the trees are pollinating.

Most important is to keep up with your pool chemicals. Get a good testing kit. Unbalanced water can cause all sorts of problems, including damaging your pool finish.

Watch for algae. It spreads like wildfire if it isn't killed right away.

The more you swim, the better your water will look.

Keep your filter system clean. Back flush a sand filter at least once a week.

They're a bunch of fun but a bunch of work also. Good luck.
All good advice. We have woods behind us, and controlling leaves and pollen is always an issue.

Agree about the liner too. However, I miss the nighttime effect of the liner that we inherited with the house. We thought that it was still light blue, but it was bleached white due to age. At night, the pool would glow like the blue grotto. Great effect during pool parties. The down side is you can see every speck of debris in the pool.
 
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LafayetteBear

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Nov 30, 2009
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also we had Dads banana hammock day at our pool in Chicago. Last Sunday of every month.

 
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