Pool Time

[dirtslinger2]

Wife and I are ready to pull the trigger on a pool.

We just had Advantage come out, since they did a friends pool, and one of their salesmen lives here in Golden Shores/Topock.
He's working on some drawings right not, but I thought I'd post here.

I've read good and bad about Advantage, and really almost every pool company seems to have hit or miss reviews. The bad reviews I saw about Advantage seem to be related to the owner taking on too many at a time, and they seemed to be older reviews.

Anyone here worked with them recently?
Anyone one that I must have come give me an estimate, that will travel to Golden Shores.

FYI, if it matters, our budget is about 130, with decking, pool/spa, and a rock feature. Pool will be about 35x18 free form with a baja shelf. Are we outta line on pricing?

Any recommendations on must have items?

 

[CoolCruzin]

I couldnt get Advantage to draw a pool like I wanted.
We are using Sandcastle pool
Dig date was on time
5 weeks now we are in shotcrete

 

[Mr. C]

Have you thought about doing it yourself and subbing out as you go? Can save a shot ton of money if you’re able to have someone around to stay on top of the steps.

 

[FishSniper]

Wife and I are ready to pull the trigger on a pool.

We just had Advantage come out, since they did a friends pool, and one of their salesmen lives here in Golden Shores/Topock.
He's working on some drawings right not, but I thought I'd post here.

I've read good and bad about Advantage, and really almost every pool company seems to have hit or miss reviews. The bad reviews I saw about Advantage seem to be related to the owner taking on too many at a time, and they seemed to be older reviews.

Anyone here worked with them recently?
Anyone one that I must have come give me an estimate, that will travel to Golden Shores.

FYI, if it matters, our budget is about 130, with decking, pool/spa, and a rock feature. Pool will be about 35x18 free form with a baja shelf. Are we outta line on pricing?

Any recommendations on must have items?

We used Desert Storm for our Havasu build and are happy with the result. We did Baja shelf with table a water feature and a good amount of seating. I’m glad we added the water feature and some of the extra seating.

 

[Rajobigguy]

No recommendations on builders but I would encourage you to think real hard about that Baja shelf. Everyone I know that has done that wishes they had gone a different route.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Have you thought about doing it yourself and subbing out as you go? Can save a shot ton of money if you’re able to have someone around to stay on top of the steps.

I don't have the skills, background, or time. I'm not here full time.

 

[boater]

We are doing a pool right know in Havasu. Pool with Baja shelf, Jacuzzi, bench with table, fire pit, and about 1100’ of stone right at about your budget. We are using Desert Storm pools. So far a can”t say enough good things about them. Brian has been awesome.

 

[DMF]

Desert Storm Custom Pools did our as well in Havasu. They will not travel outside of Havasu.

 

[Ziggy]

We are doing a pool right know in Havasu. Pool with Baja shelf, Jacuzzi, bench with table, fire pit, and about 1100’ of stone right at about your budget. We are using Desert Storm pools. So far a can”t say enough good things about them. Brian has been awesome.

Desert Storm Custom Pools did our as well in Havasu. They will not travel outside of Havasu.

Brian worked for Sandcastle when we built ours. He saved me thousands when he assumed a slope angle on the estimate.
Brock was stand up & ate the extra labor & rebar redo the inspector demanded. Been a great pool.

 

[EarpRider]

No recommendations on builders but I would encourage you to think real hard about that Baja shelf. Everyone I know that has done that wishes they had gone a different route.

Why? I love mine.

 

[dirtslinger2]

We are doing a pool right know in Havasu. Pool with Baja shelf, Jacuzzi, bench with table, fire pit, and about 1100’ of stone right at about your budget. We are using Desert Storm pools. So far a can”t say enough good things about them. Brian has been awesome.

This is good news.

 

[dirtslinger2]

I couldnt get Advantage to draw a pool like I wanted.
We are using Sandcastle pool
Dig date was on time
5 weeks now we are in shotcrete

That looks about like what we're looking for.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

The older I get the more I want the best people working on my house. Referrals and word of mouth are everything to me from here on out. I would gladly spend more money for a job done correctly and on time over the lowest price. I learned this lesson with my pool.. Good luck ...

 

[Mikes56]

If your putting in a Baja shelf, be sure to put a hole in it for the umbrella.

 

[Rajobigguy]

Why? I love mine. View attachment 1366041

First off, that’s a nice looking pool. On the subject of Baja shelf’s, it’s a matter of personal preference but I know 4 people that did the shelf and later said that in retrospect they would rather be hanging out in the water rather than their butt sitting in a puddle. Again it’s just a matter of what suits your taste’s but most say they should have made it deeper with seating areas.

 

[Javajoe]

We did a 6” deep tanning shelf instead of a Baja. Baja is too deep. Wife puts a chaise lounge on it and young grandkids love to play on it. You can sit on it with your legs in the pool comfortably. The pool originally did not have it. I added it when we remodeled the pool.

 

[dirtslinger2]

The older I get the more I want the best people working on my house. Referrals and word of mouth are everything to me from here on out. I would gladly spend more money for a job done correctly and on time over the lowest price. I learned this lesson with my pool.. Good luck ...

I agree.

 

[dirtslinger2]

If your putting in a Baja shelf, be sure to put a hole in it for the umbrella.

Our friends who just had one built recommended we put 2 umbrella holes.

 

[sdpm]

Following. We are ready to do a pool and backyard makeover. After all the mixed reviews on the builders we have decided to wait a little while longer until we are there full time.

 

[riverroyal]

I like baja shelves

 

[dirtslinger2]

First off, that’s a nice looking pool. On the subject of Baja shelf’s, it’s a matter of personal preference but I know 4 people that did the shelf and later said that in retrospect they would rather be hanging out in the water rather than their butt sitting in a puddle. Again it’s just a matter of what suits your taste’s but most say they should have made it deeper with seating areas.

We shouldn't have a space issue, I'm thinking the self will be about 10ft, and that will leave us another 25ft of pool

 

[dirtslinger2]

Seeing a ton of good things about Mike Van Rooy, does anyone have his contact?

 

[sdpm]

Van Rooy has been taking care of all our plumbing needs for 2 places for many years. Always happy with them. If they offer pool builds I would be very interested too.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Van Rooy has been taking care of all our plumbing needs for 2 places for many years. Always happy with them. If they offer pool builds I would be very interested too.

I've seen a bunch of people recommend him for a pools. Sounds like he's been doing them for quite a while

 

[Lunatic Fringe]

Baja shelf and umbrella hole for the win.

 

[Raffit78]

Baja shelf two umbrella holes for sure

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

We love our Baja shelf. We had two umbrella holes put in and one for a volleyball net. Two things we would have added had we known are bubblers on the shelf and umbrella holes on the deck around the pool.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Baja shelf and umbrella hole for the win.



View attachment 1366529 View attachment 1366530

WOW

 

[CoolCruzin]

The pool we are building will have a 18” deep Baja shelf ,is what the builder recommend.
Several umbrella holes in and out of the pool.
Just doing what the build recommends
Huge pipe dia 4” for the spa and water feature

 

[dirtslinger2]

The pool we are building will have a 18” deep Baja shelf ,is what the builder recommend.
Several umbrella holes in and out of the pool.
Just doing what the build recommends
Huge pipe dia 4” for the spa and water feature

18" seems like you'd be all the way under with just your head sticking out, no?

 

[CoolCruzin]

mistake - 14” deep
Still deep

 

[NIKAL]

Our friends who just had one built recommended we put 2 umbrella holes.

Just remember to think about where your steps are, as you don’t want to have to duck to step in or around the umbrella to get in the pool or to get from the shelf to the actual pool. Typically shelves are around 15-18 inches deep, then the pole holder is another 5-6 inches. So that big umbrella is pretty low from the pool deck or steps in.

I was an owner builder on my pool. I had great subs, who gave me great advice as we went along. I have no regrets being an owner builder, and have actually helped others or been able to give them ideas or design suggestions.

I have a single umbrella holder in my shelf, but I also put pole holders in the pool deck around the pool & spa. So I can create shade in other parts of the pool, or for those who chose to sit in the deck putting their feet in, and it does not obstruct anyone in the pool. During summer nights I put tiki torches in the deck umbrella holders giving nice ambiance light & feature around the pool, plus helps with bugs.

 

[jailbird141]

Following as well. Ready to start our backyard project in Havasu. Our budget for the backyard is $100,000. Curious to see if it is realistic to get the project done in that budget or if we will be saving longer.

 

[havasujeeper]

I had a baja shelf at my old house but I realized that kids had a problem seeing the ledge leading to deep water, and we were constantly jumping in to rescue them. I finally drained the pool, and added a contrast tile line at the shelf edge, which helped the kids to see the edge.

If I had another pool built, I would forget the baja shelf and just have the gradual slope of the beach style entrance

 

[traquer]

I like the 8" or so baja shelf which my old pool had. Perfect place for playing with babies and dogs to play in, and also adults to sit in. Good for a "tanning shelf" too like others said, with a chair on it. That's what got the most use at my place, feels like you're floating on water while tanning and being dry.

If you get a deeper one say 14", that gets you the benefit of being able to get those curved water chairs that you can sit in and have just enough water on your butt and belly to be comfortable. Granted that's in SoCal. In Havasu, water might be too warm for that to even make sense, and you'd probably want to be chest deep in the water hanging out around the edge with a drink in hand.

 

[CoolCruzin]

We love our Baja shelf. We had two umbrella holes put in and one for a volleyball net. Two things we would have added had we known are bubblers on the shelf and umbrella holes on the deck around the pool.
View attachment 1366542 View attachment 1366545

Water looks good
Do you remember the color of the pool finish you did ?

 

[stephenkatsea]

If possible, avoid building solid block walls around your pool. The style in the attached provides ample air flow and works well for us.

 

[NIKAL]

I had a baja shelf at my old house but I realized that kids had a problem seeing the ledge leading to deep water, and we were constantly jumping in to rescue them. I finally drained the pool, and added a contrast tile line at the shelf edge, which helped the kids to see the edge.

If I had another pool built, I would forget the baja shelf and just have the gradual slope of the beach style entrance

I originally wanted a beach entrance. It was part of my original vision. But after talking with two people in my area with beach entrances, and talking to the guy who was going to do my Shotcrete, I changed my mind. A few things that were brought up to me by owners in my neighborhood of the beach entrance. One, you will see more small dead critters in the pool as they are more likely to walk in the pool looking for water. If you have birds in the area, they will land at the beach entrance and drink the water, but also leave poop at the waters edge that you need to clean or ends up in the pool. (Big issue for one neighbor) Two, I was told you will get more evaporation as the water is more shallow. You will also lose more water as kids play or jump in the pool. (This was a big thing for another neighbor.) Three, pool service said they see more dirt in the pool & filters on beach entrance pools.

Because of these things I did not do a beach entrance and did a Baja Shelve as my alternative. I’ve actually had more adults in the pool compliment the Baja Shelf and enjoyed sorting on it and hanging their feet off the edge into deeper water.

 

[NIKAL]

18" seems like you'd be all the way under with just your head sticking out, no?

18 inches is closer to 15 at the water line. Thats not deep when sitting on it. Then if you add a beach chair you lose another 5 inches.

Most shallow ends are 36 inches, and they split that fit the shelf then split that and you have a 8 inch step from the shallow end up to the shelf, and one more step from the shelf to the decking.

 

[FlyByWire]

Following as well. Ready to start our backyard project in Havasu. Our budget for the backyard is $100,000. Curious to see if it is realistic to get the project done in that budget or if we will be saving longer.

I think you’ll be fine at that number depending on what you want and the size etc.

Desert Storm did my Mom’s pool late last year and they were great to work with. Brian is a no-bullshit kind of guy.

 

[sdpm]

Following as well. Ready to start our backyard project in Havasu. Our budget for the backyard is $100,000. Curious to see if it is realistic to get the project done in that budget or if we will be saving longer.

That’s funny because that’s what ours was to. It went to $130,000 really quick. Pool was very basic rectangular shape, jacuzzi and some turf and a Little Rock with basic green scape plants. Then it came time for the propane tank, plumbing and electrical for it, and the list just kept growing.

 

[CoolCruzin]

That’s funny because that’s what ours was to. It went to $130,000 really quick. Pool was very basic rectangular shape, jacuzzi and some turf and a Little Rock with basic green scape plants. Then it came time for the propane tank, plumbing and electrical for it, and the list just kept growing.

Same here 136k pool and spa ,deck etc and walls / gates 31k

 

[dirtslinger2]

We got a rough/initial estimate from Mohave pools, pool, spa, rock/water feature, table, baja shelf, 3ft of decking, and pebble tech, at 144K. Thats before any gates, or finishing the rest of the decking. Im not sure if that's including any lighting, etc......
We haven't sat down with them yet, that just a phone consultation.

 

[Joker]

We got a rough/initial estimate from Mohave pools, pool, spa, rock/water feature, table, baja shelf, 3ft of decking, and pebble tech, at 144K. Thats before any gates, or finishing the rest of the decking. Im not sure if that's including any lighting, etc......
We haven't sat down with them yet, that just a phone consultation.

Ours took close to 6 months from start to finish, owner build. 2 months for decking was a part of that time frame. I'd stab myself in the eye with a dull spoon before I ever built a pool again. Mohave Pools did our neighbors in 2 months and it turned out decent but they said the customer service fell off once the checks were received. I actually don't even enjoy it because of how much of my life I spent fucking with it. Good Luck.

 

[EarpRider]

WOW, pool prices have gone crazy since I did mine 3 years ago, mine was only $78,000. ( All Pentair equipment with heatpump. )

 

[dirtslinger2]

WOW, pool prices have gone crazy since I did mine 3 years ago, mine was only $78,000. ( All Pentair equipment with heatpump. ) View attachment 1367047

what is your pool bottom? I like the color.

 

[EarpRider]

Ohh, good question. I'm at the river house, I'll check my paper work when I get back to Havasu. But, its like a white with tiny blue and black specs.

 

[DaytonaBabe]

We love our shelf, but we made ours deeper than most since it is so hot here in Phoenix. Ours is 17" deep. If you intend on putting some kind of chair on the shelf, make sure you check the recommended depth of the water for the chairs you like. The majority of the loungers only work in very shallow water (or they have to have an extender added which looks unsightly, in my opinion). We went with chairs instead of loungers and they are comfortable and way more useful, IMO. So, find chairs/loungers that you like first and then ink the depth of the shelf in your plans. Definitely put in an umbrella hole or two, as previously mentioned.

Also, be sure that you put a light on the shelf. Our original plans from our worthless pool builder didn't have it and thankfully we had a friend who is a pool builder look everything over and make suggestions. The shelf would have looked dark at night, but with the additional light now the pool is evenly lit.

Fire bowl water fountains for the win

 

[Melloyellovector]

Just to clarify factual information.
normal shallow end water depth is 3.5ft deep not 3
baja shelf, tanning shelf, ledge, etc… are all the same thing. Like saying vanishing edge or infinity edge same same
normal baja depths are 1st step depth 9in water depth, or 2nd step 21in water depth. Yes they can adjusted anywhere in those ranges. Engineering wise, the pool must be dug to minimum 18in depth at Baja’s, beach entry etc… So a to get at 9in water depth the shotcrete is now nearly 9in thick. Raising the build cost for the extra material needed to get to that depth. Doing it at 21in depth the baja would be dug at 27in depth and shot at 6in thick, no added material/cost.

As far as chairs and loungers. They make for both depths of Baja’s with longer or shorter legs to make up depth. In CA Iv never heard a customer say they regret doing. In AZ where sun can be brutal af, many opt for a bench with table to be submerged in water instead.
So basically review where ya live, what is the end desired use. Then decide what route to go

edit: for anyone thinking about beach entry. Yard needs to be BIG to accomplish a natural feel. Like if your thinking beach entry to shallow end depth 3.5ft you’ll need 30ft length plus your pool size say 30ft meaning you need 60ft total. Or you could do beach to baja depth with steps at end. But still need 10ft min for that transition and keep in mind that doesn’t give you 10ft of Baja depth water, it gives you about 4ft of Baja depth water. Typically deck is 3.5in thick, plus waterline from top of bond beam to water is 3in. So beach entry has to drop 6.5in before your even at water level. Theres more to it then just ehhh should have done ……

 

[jailbird141]

I think you’ll be fine at that number depending on what you want and the size etc.

Desert Storm did my Mom’s pool late last year and they were great to work with. Brian is a no-bullshit kind of guy.

View attachment 1366927 View attachment 1366928

I like how clean that looks!