New pool build - HELP!

[Riverhound]

Need some help from the RPD brain trust...

We've had 3 pools in the past but it's been about 13yrs since our last build and oh how things seem to have changed...

Couple questions for folks in the know...
Equipment - Hayward vs Pentair, depending on who you talk with one is better than the other! I've had both and didn't really have an issue with either one. Is there really a difference in the newer technologies that sets one apart from the other these days?

Cleaning systems - Are the in-floor systems worth the $$$ over the more traditional suction line creepy crawly cleaners or the newer robotic cleaners?

Automation and Lighting - Loving the new LED's and all the cool colors but seems like you could go down the rabbit hole on automation systems to control all the other features (lighting, bubblers, water features, pool functions etc). Y'all have any you like better than others?

Pebble Tec or Stonescape - These seem to be the current front runners for interior finishes and while I've never had anything but standard plaster, we really like the look of these type of finishes. I will say, I've been in an original Pebble Tec finish pool and I though someone was chasing me with a f'ing disk sander by the time i got out. It was absolutely terrible. We'll be going with either the sheen or quartz versions. Any feedback here?

Decking - We're leaning toward travertine and really like the look of some of the new pavers but everything I'm reading is they get "really hot" during the summer. Fact is I live in So. Arizona and anything we put down is going to get "really hot" so does it really make any difference? Any reason other than temperature not to do pavers?

We've narrowed it down to just a couple builders and will likely pull the trigger in the next few weeks. It's a big investment and would appreciate any and all feedback and guidance.

I'll be sure to post up the design once we've got it locked in.

 

[jones performance]

i dont have a pool yet, but jus tthinking out loud on a couple..

on equipment, whats near you with replacement parts? pentair seems most common in havasu i think (people i know with pools all have pentair)
decking, it all gets hot, some hotter than others. one thing about travertine is its kinda slippery when wet.

 

[Melloyellovector]

Need some help from the RPD brain trust...

We've had 3 pools in the past but it's been about 13yrs since our last build and oh how things seem to have changed...

Couple questions for folks in the know...
Equipment - Hayward vs Pentair, depending on who you talk with one is better than the other! I've had both and didn't really have an issue with either one. Is there really a difference in the newer technologies that sets one apart from the other these days?

A) We use pentair.
There have been quite a few making the change to Hayward in the last year or so. But usually the shift is based off of rebates offered to the builder for using.
Quality, pretty equal. Personally I like pentair better. Mainly because I can talk a monkey through every step over the phone if needed.

Cleaning systems - Are the in-floor systems worth the $$$ over the more traditional suction line creepy crawly cleaners or the newer robotic cleaners?

A) in AZ yes in floor system worth it. Ca not worth it. Basically in floors work great in sand type debris. True worth is relative to your income. A suction side cleaner works perfectly fine. When they break a couple hundred bucks and unit is new.
Comparing to In floor system heads need replace every few years, main valve rebuild every few years. Depending on head count can be in 1000 range to replace/rebuild.

Automation and Lighting - Loving the new LED's and all the cool colors but seems like you could go down the rabbit hole on automation systems to control all the other features (lighting, bubblers, water features, pool functions etc). Y'all have any you like better than others?

A) pentair intilitouch or ez touch (we do a lot of ez touch) or Hayward Omni logic. Both equal units in quality and functionality
Either system get phone remote, also color led lights we pretty much only do the small 1.5in size units regardles of manufacture. What ever equipment you go with match controls lights pumps heater etc. all same manufacture

Pebble Tec or Stonescape - These seem to be the current front runners for interior finishes and while I've never had anything but standard plaster, we really like the look of these type of finishes. I will say, I've been in an original Pebble Tec finish pool and I though someone was chasing me with a f'ing disk sander by the time i got out. It was absolutely terrible. We'll be going with either the sheen or quartz versions. Any feedback here?

A) Pebble Tec stonescapes same difference. Both are premix bags PT uses dry dye SS uses liquid. Other then that warranties same, manufactures equally good and not going anywhere (for warranty concern)
Yes full size pebble,the asphalt size aggregate, no one uses anymore
Pebble sheen or stonescapes mini pebble same same rougher then plaster smoother then old school Pebble.
But will give you the best long term life expectancy.
Quartz and micro pebbles are similar, smooth like plaster. Life is longer then plaster but less then Pebble. The draw back is you can still see stains. So depends on what your goal is.


Decking - We're leaning toward travertine and really like the look of some of the new pavers but everything I'm reading is they get "really hot" during the summer. Fact is I live in So. Arizona and anything we put down is going to get "really hot" so does it really make any difference? Any reason other than temperature not to do pavers?

A) travertine will get warm/hot in AZ. Not worse then concrete though. Look into artistic pavers. Shell lock etc.. similar look as travertine but cool to touch. Same price range


We've narrowed it down to just a couple builders and will likely pull the trigger in the next few weeks. It's a big investment and would appreciate any and all feedback and guidance.

I'll be sure to post up the design once we've got it locked in.

 

[TCHB]

1. I like Pentair products. They have been very reliable.
2. I would not go with the pop ups for cleaning. Your crawling vacuum will do the job.
3. We have Pentair led lights and always keep it on blue setting.
4. I like the pebble sheen blue toon blaster.

 

[beaverretriever]

1. I like Pentair products. They have been very reliable.
2. I would not go with the pop ups for cleaning. Your crawling vacuum will do the job.
3. We have Pentair led lights and always keep it on blue setting.
4. I like the pebble sheen blue toon blaster.

This ^

We are building a pool right now, well it starts in about four weeks. Some may have had good luck with the infloor cleaning systems, but I chatted with two of my buddies who have them and both said they have had multiple issues and wouldn't do it again. Hard to beat a basic robot cleaner. They last forever, and are cheap to replace if they fail.

We did do some app related stuff on our new pool, but skipped the light colors. We like the Caribbean blue color best and just felt we would never put it on purple, or green or any other color.

We like the quartz finishes as they are the most sturdy.

 

[boatdoc55]

i dont have a pool yet, but jus tthinking out loud on a couple..

on equipment, whats near you with replacement parts? pentair seems most common in havasu i think (people i know with pools all have pentair)
decking, it all gets hot, some hotter than others. one thing about travertine is its kinda slippery when wet.

Our pool here in Havasu is almost 5 years old, can't believe that. We use Pentair everything and really have had no problems except for the start capacitor on the heat pump/ chiller. Piece of cake to replace and all is well.

We opted for travertine because it is easy to replace a piece if need be, as it is a natural material and could and does go away some, plus it looks great. Yes it does get a little slick but we warn everybody about it. It's not like you're walking on ice though. No one has had a problem going down. About getting hot, when we were deciding on all the options I asked and received a couple pieces and laid them next to our original concrete patio in the sun and and the travertine was about 15 degrees cooler than the patio slab .

 

[FishSniper]

Need some help from the RPD brain trust...

We've had 3 pools in the past but it's been about 13yrs since our last build and oh how things seem to have changed...

Couple questions for folks in the know...
Equipment - Hayward vs Pentair, depending on who you talk with one is better than the other! I've had both and didn't really have an issue with either one. Is there really a difference in the newer technologies that sets one apart from the other these days?

Cleaning systems - Are the in-floor systems worth the $$$ over the more traditional suction line creepy crawly cleaners or the newer robotic cleaners?

Automation and Lighting - Loving the new LED's and all the cool colors but seems like you could go down the rabbit hole on automation systems to control all the other features (lighting, bubblers, water features, pool functions etc). Y'all have any you like better than others?

Pebble Tec or Stonescape - These seem to be the current front runners for interior finishes and while I've never had anything but standard plaster, we really like the look of these type of finishes. I will say, I've been in an original Pebble Tec finish pool and I though someone was chasing me with a f'ing disk sander by the time i got out. It was absolutely terrible. We'll be going with either the sheen or quartz versions. Any feedback here?

Decking - We're leaning toward travertine and really like the look of some of the new pavers but everything I'm reading is they get "really hot" during the summer. Fact is I live in So. Arizona and anything we put down is going to get "really hot" so does it really make any difference? Any reason other than temperature not to do pavers?

We've narrowed it down to just a couple builders and will likely pull the trigger in the next few weeks. It's a big investment and would appreciate any and all feedback and guidance.

I'll be sure to post up the design once we've got it locked in.

We are also in the process of getting ideas together for a pool build so will be watching thread for ideas also. Having the same debate with the flooring I like the paved look better but have been told in the Havasu heat they aren’t a good option. I like the travertine look but them being a bit slippery when wet has me a little hesitant. Are you doing spa also or just pool ? We were just planning on pool but now are having second thoughts and considering adding a spa also.

 

[TCHB]

I would also make my Baja shelf smaller. We do not use the shelf like we thought. We tend to sit on our wall seats where the water comes up to about mid chest. This is nice during the hot summer days.

 

[TCHB]

We have pavers in our house in Henderson they are warmer but not that big of a deal. I would never go back to cook decks.

 

[Riverhound]

@Melloyellovecter I was hoping you'd respond... I've been watching your pools builds from afar and they are incredible. Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Riverhound]

i dont have a pool yet, but jus tthinking out loud on a couple..

on equipment, whats near you with replacement parts? pentair seems most common in havasu i think (people i know with pools all have pentair)
decking, it all gets hot, some hotter than others. one thing about travertine is its kinda slippery when wet.

There are tons of pools in our area and there doesn't seem to be any shortage of common parts for repairs for either brand.

 

[Riverhound]

I would also make my Baja shelf smaller. We do not use the shelf like we thought. We tend to sit on our wall seats where the water comes up to about mid chest. This is nice during the hot summer days.

We'll have a big baja shelf only because we're going to have a couple of those large loungers. I might regret it but it sounds like a good idea today The plan is to have MUCHO wall seating cocktailing

 

[Riverhound]

We are also in the process of getting ideas together for a pool build so will be watching thread for ideas also. Having the same debate with the flooring I like the paved look better but have been told in the Havasu heat they aren’t a good option. I like the travertine look but them being a bit slippery when wet has me a little hesitant. Are you doing spa also or just pool ? We were just planning on pool but now are having second thoughts and considering adding a spa also.

Only the pool... We don't see using a spa much and given the additional cost it didn't make sense. I'd rather take that $$$ and put into an outdoor kitchen, lighting, landscaping etc.

 

[TCHB]

We'll have a big baja shelf only because we're going to have a couple of those large loungers. I might regret it but it sounds like a good idea today The plan is to have MUCHO wall seating cocktailing

We thought we would use the loungers that way but have never used it that way. When it is above 100 in the sun under the water is the best place. At night we stay in the water because it can get chilly above the water. Yes chilly! Evaporation off your body can make it cool. Have fun with the design of your pool.

 

[boatdoc55]

I would also make my Baja shelf smaller. We do not use the shelf like we thought. We tend to sit on our wall seats where the water comes up to about mid chest. This is nice during the hot summer days.

Same here with me. Mama does like her baja shelf though. She and her friend love it on the shelf with their plastic Adirondack chairs.

 

[Riverhound]

We thought we would use the loungers that way but have never used it that way. When it is above 100 in the sun under the water is the best place. At night we stay in the water because it can get chilly above the water. Yes chilly! Evaporation off your body can make it cool. Have fun with the design of your pool.

Good point... Might have to reconsider that. THX

 

[Tooned Up]

We are in the process of building our pool right now and are doing an owner builder. We went with Pentair equipment, a 5’x14’ Baja shelf, a traditional robot cleaner, and pebble sheen. We hope to have it buttoned up by June 1st. I’m hoping we made all the right choices for our needs....

 

[scottchbrite]

We are in the process of building our pool right now and are doing an owner builder. We went with Pentair equipment, a 5’x14’ Baja shelf, a traditional robot cleaner, and pebble sheen. We hope to have it buttoned up by June 1st. I’m hoping we made all the right choices for our needs....

Where are you building your pool at? Asking because I’m thinking if doing the same. I built my own house, so a pool shouldn’t be overwhelming.

 

[calkid]

We are in the process of building our pool right now and are doing an owner builder. We went with Pentair equipment, a 5’x14’ Baja shelf, a traditional robot cleaner, and pebble sheen. We hope to have it buttoned up by June 1st. I’m hoping we made all the right choices for our needs....

Are you close to plaster yet Rick?

 

[boatpi]

Use Arizona stone pavers the ones with the seashells in them they’re fabulous

The model is called step loc.

like others have said Pentair with a new automated system is the only way to go.

 

[TCHB]

We looked at limestone pavers. They are very nice.

 

[Tooned Up]

Where are you building your pool at? Asking because I’m thinking if doing the same. I built my own house, so a pool shouldn’t be overwhelming.

Surprise, Az

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

I did all Hayward but from the pool builders I sell to, they most say, 6 of one half dozen of another.
When you get ready for travertine or Artistic Pavers like boatpi used or Belgard and Ackerstone pavers, contact me at my Tucson location and I'll make sure you only pay cost.

 

[Tooned Up]

Are you close to plaster yet Rick?

Shotcrete is scheduled for Monday and Pebble Sheen is set for the 28th. Thanks for all your help and advice, you definitely made the process a lot easier!

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

We've narrowed it down to just a couple builders and will likely pull the trigger in the next few weeks.

What builders are you looking at?

 

[FishSniper]

Only the pool... We don't see using a spa much and given the additional cost it didn't make sense. I'd rather take that $$$ and put into an outdoor kitchen, lighting, landscaping etc.

Yea that’s kind of what we’re thinking too not to mention we’d have to get propane set up to heat the spa since there is no natural gas in our area.

 

[boatpi]

Artistic pavers when we were building our backyard and barbecue last year.

to this day they look as though they

were put in last week they’re fabulous and I believe the coolest of any service under the sun.

 

[Riverhound]

Artistic pavers when we were building our backyard and barbecue last year.

to this day they look as though they View attachment 875106 were put in last week they’re fabulous and I believe the coolest of any service under the sun.

Those look great!

 

[Riverhound]

I did all Hayward but from the pool builders I sell to, they most say, 6 of one half dozen of another.
When you get ready for travertine or Artistic Pavers like boatpi used or Belgard and Ackerstone pavers, contact me at my Tucson location and I'll make sure you only pay cost.

Will do... PM me your contact info

 

[Riverhound]

What builders are you looking at?

Imperial, Pools by Design and Valley Oasis are on the short list.

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Imperial, Pools by Design and Valley Oasis are on the short list.

I sell to all 3 of them.
Good companies.

 

[beaverretriever]

Our builder did this cool video for us. We have made some small changes to this rendering but overall it should be close. We have some plans going in as well. We should hopefully be done by Labor Day but who knows. So far the builder has been great. Oh, no douche between the chairs on the wet deck.

 

[hawgty55]

Auto water fill!

 

[grumpy88]

Artistic pavers when we were building our backyard and barbecue last year.

to this day they look as though they View attachment 875106 were put in last week they’re fabulous and I believe the coolest of any service under the sun.

Those look really nice . Is there a big cost difference to those compared to concrete and cool deck spray ?

 

[lebel409]

We did Pentair variable speed pump and filter, pebble tech (blue and white on a dark plaster), travertiine coping, concrete deck, single progamable LED, 2 side returns, regular pool sweep. pretty happy with everything....but.

We shoulda had a beach entry added. Also should have extended the pool to have a lap lane. Last, I would have liked LEDs all the way around the pool, not just the deep end.

 

[Riverhound]

We did Pentair variable speed pump and filter, pebble tech (blue and white on a dark plaster), travertiine coping, concrete deck, single progamable LED, 2 side returns, regular pool sweep. pretty happy with everything....but.

We shoulda had a beach entry added. Also should have extended the pool to have a lap lane. Last, I would have liked LEDs all the way around the pool, not just the deep end.

Good tip on the pool length. Ours will be at least 35’ long with the anticipation of doing laps on occasion. I have room to go larger if needed but 35’ seems like a good compromise. I was just having the lighting with the wife, I’d like 3 of the smaller lights spaced throughout the pool

 

[Riverhound]

Our builder did this cool video for us. We have made some small changes to this rendering but overall it should be close. We have some plans going in as well. We should hopefully be done by Labor Day but who knows. So far the builder has been great. Oh, no douche between the chairs on the wet deck.

Great video... it’s amazing what they can do now with these programs, it gives such a better feel for the finished product. Agree on the douche...LOL we’re not going with those.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

We just installed a pentair 400k btu mastertemp heater and have been using it almost nightly. I am shocked at the efficiency. Our bill went up but is still under 100 a month. We will see what the next one looks like but i couldnt be happier. Thanks again @Melloyellovector

 

[Riverhound]

HUGE THANK YOU for all the feedback... It was really helpful as we plowed through all the details.

We're making a few small changes but this is our overall design concept.
1. equipment is getting moved from the house to the perimeter fence line
2. Turf is gone... We have large dogs and were concerned about the urine smell in our main seating area. Deck will run all the way across.
3. There will be a planter behind the pool that will framed in and contain different color rock

Pool is going to be 35x15 plus the baja step and will be 3.6 to 5 feet deep with lots of seating seating around the perimeter and a small 4" sheet decent water feature along the back wall. StoneScape mini pebble in a dark blue and three (3) LED Color logic lights will round out the interior. Because of the yard slope we're adding 12' raised bond beam to the north side to accommodate the lounge chair area and add some more dimension to the yard. Overall deck space is about 1,400 sqft. so to keep costs in check we went with a paver rather then travertine. This isn't our forever home so we'll we'll go "stupid" on our next build. The pergola will be custom and bad ass! All welded in place steel tube with capped ends, sliding curtains on the underside for additional shade when needed and lots of electrical for lighting and fans. We're going with an aged, rusted patina look. They'll spray it with some type of acid to start the aging process and once its gets to the look we like they'll seal it. Supposably, we wont have to touch it again. Equipment will Hayward with Omni hub automation for control.

BBQ is in there as a place holder for now. I'm going to build it myself over the winter.

Dig starts in a couple weeks... I'll create a build thread as things get moving.

 

[DLC]

That’s going to be a great family pool!

i would add 3 things....
1- make a solid patio cover in the U area for when it does rain you have a dry area, to store cushions and furniture, enter/exit the house In dry area
2- add a big tv to watch a sports game or have movie night from the pool, need to place it so it doesn’t get a glare on the screen
3- water fall need to be bigger like 18 or 24” wide

I’m looking towards your build thread

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

No spa? If you do put a table in it.

If you don’t do pop ups in the whole pool at least have them in the Baja shelf and in seating areas since the crawler won’t make it up there.

Also led fire spill pots would look real nice on top of those two columns.

Use multiple small led lights instead of one large one.

 

[boatpi]

For Artistic Pavers, Step Lock design I paid $10 a sq ft in Las Vegas installed.

 

[crzy2bealive]

Didn't realize pavers is cheaper alternative.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Riverhound]

No spa? If you do put a table in it.

If you don’t do pop ups in the whole pool at least have them in the Baja shelf and in seating areas since the crawler won’t make it up there.

Also led fire spill pots would look real nice on top of those two columns.

Use multiple small led lights instead of one large one.
View attachment 881365 View attachment 881366 View attachment 881367

Thanks Walt... No spa on this one. We had one previously and NEVER used it so we skipped it on this one. The pool will have 400k btu heater on it so we can keep swimmable year round if wanted. We are thinking about a couple different fire features that we've talked with the builder about and have sometime before we have to pull the trigger. For lighting were going with three (3) lights, one (1) eight inch and two (2) 1.5 inch so we'll have good coverage across the entire pool.

 

[Riverhound]

Didn't realize pavers is cheaper alternative.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Yep... Cheaper than pored concrete out here for what ever reason.

 

[Riverhound]

That’s going to be a great family pool!

i would add 3 things....
1- make a solid patio cover in the U area for when it does rain you have a dry area, to store cushions and furniture, enter/exit the house In dry area
2- add a big tv to watch a sports game or have movie night from the pool, need to place it so it doesn’t get a glare on the screen
3- water fall need to be bigger like 18 or 24” wide

I’m looking towards your build thread

It doesn't show in the rendering but, there is a 15' deep stucco patio on the house prior to the courtyard which will have TV and secondary entertainment area. Hard to tell scale in the renderings but the sheer decent water fall is 4' wide.

 

[HB2Havasu]

Has anybody used an Electric Spa Heater?
I'm in a non natural gas area of Havasu and really don't want to deal with getting propane delivered if there is an alternative. Curious how well the electric heaters work, and what the costs differences are?

 

[boatdoc55]

We have the Pentair Ultratemp 140. I over sized it quite a bit to heat/cool the pool faster. Our pool is on the smaller gallon size at about 9300 gallons and it does very good at either.

 

[DLC]

Question for anyone -

how well do those black Roof top type solar heaters work In the desert Climate? Do they last for 5-10 years?
what about the blue solar water top covers during non Extreme temps? I get About 2 years out of mine in San Diego then the blue bubbles Start to break

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Question for anyone -

how well do those black Roof top type solar heaters work In the desert Climate? Do they last for 5-10 years?
what about the blue solar water top covers during non Extreme temps? I get About 2 years out of mine in San Diego then the blue bubbles Start to break

We covered our 20 by 50 rv garage in the black solar tubing mats for the pool, we could swim from April until Thanksgiving, best $5000 I have spend in a long time, added about two months on either end of the swim season for us.