Pool Time

[27Daytona]

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 is that? We love our Baja Shelf

 

[dirtslinger2]

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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

What finish is your pool bottom?

 

[DaytonaBabe]

What finish is your pool bottom?

This is Shasta's "Frisco Bay Blue". We wanted a bright blue that looks like the water in the BVI. Very happy with how it came out.

 

[dirtslinger2]

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This is Shasta's "Frisco Bay Blue". We wanted a bright blue that looks like the water in the BVI. Very happy with how it came out.

I like the color, is it rough on feet and bathing suits?

 

[DaytonaBabe]

I like the color, is it rough on feet and bathing suits?

It's definitely not as smooth as plaster, but doesn't feel super rough either. I've had no issues with snagged bathing suits. Pebble lasts way longer than plaster too.

 

[GreenEnergy28]

Not out there, but we went with a reputable pool builder out of Riverside and we still had issues. Overall, we are happy that we have a pool, but I wouldn't expect to have any contractors do anything around my house without having some sort of issues... It may just be me, but I expect a certain level of professionalism from these "big name" contractors. One small example of the kind of crap we experienced was when they brought their truck out for dirt removal, they left about 2 quarts of oil in the street right in front of my house. I mean, if you know that your truck leaks that amount of oil, how about you put a f-ing pan down so you don't leave oil stains all in front of my house man! Anyway... Enjoy the build experience! It will all be worth it in the end.

Here's my build.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Not out there, but we went with a reputable pool builder out of Riverside and we still had issues. Overall, we are happy that we have a pool, but I wouldn't expect to have any contractors do anything around my house without having some sort of issues... It may just be me, but I expect a certain level of professionalism from these "big name" contractors. One small example of the kind of crap we experienced was when they brought their truck out for dirt removal, they left about 2 quarts of oil in the street right in front of my house. I mean, if you know that your truck leaks that amount of oil, how about you put a f-ing pan down so you don't leave oil stains all in front of my house man! Anyway... Enjoy the build experience! It will all be worth it in the end.

Here's my build.
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NIce.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Here's my next dilema, If I don't want to fence in the pool, I need to install slats in all of the chain link fencing. I don't like slats, I don't like the way they look, and in my opinion they catch the wind and want to rip the fence out, and it's also a full 1 acre of fencing. That being said, my lot is sloped, so the raised area where the pool is going is not the same height along the length of the area.
I don't want to take away from my view, and the S/W corner is where we plan to put the spa. So i'm debating whether or not I put a fence down on the ground below the pool, or a short one on top of the wall. There is a retaining wall all the way down to rest of the lot, maybe this still counts as 6ft????
Any ideas that I'm obviously not thinking of?

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

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

It’s white plaster with blue quartz. I’m not sure of the exact blue. I’ll try to find it in my paperwork.

 

[HBCraig]

Just when I think I have a cool backyard I see this thread. I'll go be poor somewhere else

 

[NIKAL]

I like the color, is it rough on feet and bathing suits?

Definitely go with a pebble finish. It will outlast plaster twice as long. Im told the white plaster is not as good as it used to be. They have different size pebble finishes. They have a “standard” then a mini, and now micro. The smaller the pebble the smoother it would feel.

On my pool I have a mini pebble which is pretty common now. But I paid to have the plaster guys polish the pebble finish. That made a big difference. The people that did the pebble were really cool. The daughter who helped run the company would tease me saying my Indian name is “Tender Foot” as a joke.

 

[GreenEnergy28]

Here's my next dilema, If I don't want to fence in the pool, I need to install slats in all of the chain link fencing. I don't like slats, I don't like the way they look, and in my opinion they catch the wind and want to rip the fence out, and it's also a full 1 acre of fencing. That being said, my lot is sloped, so the raised area where the pool is going is not the same height along the length of the area.
I don't want to take away from my view, and the S/W corner is where we plan to put the spa. So i'm debating whether or not I put a fence down on the ground below the pool, or a short one on top of the wall. There is a retaining wall all the way down to rest of the lot, maybe this still counts as 6ft????
Any ideas that I'm obviously not thinking of?
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My sister in law had temporary fence and posts put up to pass inspection... There are holes in the concrete but at least no fence to block your view.

 

[NIKAL]

My sister in law had temporary fence and posts put up to pass inspection... There are holes in the concrete but at least no fence to block your view.

I’d be worried about liability with not having it fenced off.

 

[scottchbrite]

Here's my next dilema, If I don't want to fence in the pool, I need to install slats in all of the chain link fencing. I don't like slats, I don't like the way they look, and in my opinion they catch the wind and want to rip the fence out, and it's also a full 1 acre of fencing. That being said, my lot is sloped, so the raised area where the pool is going is not the same height along the length of the area.
I don't want to take away from my view, and the S/W corner is where we plan to put the spa. So i'm debating whether or not I put a fence down on the ground below the pool, or a short one on top of the wall. There is a retaining wall all the way down to rest of the lot, maybe this still counts as 6ft????
Any ideas that I'm obviously not thinking of?
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I owner built my pool, I’m not a tradesman, pool builder, or landscape designer by any means so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I think I’d do the slats and then plant something to block the view of the fence. Or could remove it later and do a black iron fence. I don’t like the idea of confining your pool with the property you have. I am on 5 acres and there was no way I was going to confine mine. Like someone above said, maybe do something temporarily to pass inspection? I did. I have a few random areas on the slope of hills with thick vegetation and no fence yet. Its damn near impossible to get through, but it still wouldn’t pass final. In my pics, you can see I installed the fencing in where the turf went so there wasn’t any unsightly holes. I bought the black iron fence from a wholesale guy in Riverside. It was a little more than I wanted to spend, but I’ll use it for an eventual vegetable garden area. It’s about 23rd on the list of projects though

BTW, we love our Baja shelf. It was originally supposed to be 9” but I was talked out of that by a pool guy who said the same thing Tim did. We have black adirondack chairs that sit us at the perfect height. The bubblers in the shelf are cool too. I also have an umbrella holder that will instead be used for a table I have yet to fab.

Also, micro pebble in French grey

.

 

[GreenEnergy28]

I’d be worried about liability with not having it fenced off.

Their yard is fenced off, just not to county code for a pool. The temp fencing got them past the inspection. The OP has fencing, just doesn't want to block his views with fence that will pass inspection.

 

[East Wood]

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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

what are the lit balls floating? amazon?

 

[DaytonaBabe]

what are the lit balls floating? amazon?

The floating ones are inflatable from Amazon - they are solar powered and the LED lights cycle through a rainbow of colors. I find them to be very relaxing during the day as they move and blow around the pool and the night lights give a cool vibe.

https://www.amazon.com/Esuper-Floating-Inflatable-Waterproof-Rechargeable/dp/B07RVFG9N5

 

[Melloyellovector]

Here's my next dilema, If I don't want to fence in the pool, I need to install slats in all of the chain link fencing. I don't like slats, I don't like the way they look, and in my opinion they catch the wind and want to rip the fence out, and it's also a full 1 acre of fencing. That being said, my lot is sloped, so the raised area where the pool is going is not the same height along the length of the area.
I don't want to take away from my view, and the S/W corner is where we plan to put the spa. So i'm debating whether or not I put a fence down on the ground below the pool, or a short one on top of the wall. There is a retaining wall all the way down to rest of the lot, maybe this still counts as 6ft????
Any ideas that I'm obviously not thinking of?
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you could do mesh on the outside attached to chain link fence. just have to make it not climbable. after inspections if wind blew it off, and you don’t have budget to “repair” then so be it. Lol
if your chain link is the small link you would be ok. Don’t need anything, 2in or smaller.
other option is to do automatic pool cover Or even a safety mesh cover. Then your view etc would remain exactly as you have.
the removable safety fencing, if considering check with building official first it’s about 50/50 with cities allowing for pool safety.

typically most cites / counties require
door alarm, floating alarm, fencing/gates.
but a safety pool cover can eliminate 1 of the above.

 

[dirtslinger2]

you could do mesh on the outside attached to chain link fence. just have to make it not climbable. after inspections if wind blew it off, and you don’t have budget to “repair” then so be it. Lol
if your chain link is the small link you would be ok. Don’t need anything, 2in or smaller.
other option is to do automatic pool cover Or even a safety mesh cover. Then your view etc would remain exactly as you have.
the removable safety fencing, if considering check with building official first it’s about 50/50 with cities allowing for pool safety.

typically most cites / counties require
door alarm, floating alarm, fencing/gates.
but a safety pool cover can eliminate 1 of the above.

I have the standard chain link fencing around the property, so I'm guessing it's the 2". My wife is starting to lean a little towards the slatting the chain link because she wants a little bit of privacy.
I'm good with a door alarm, we have our first grand baby, so when she's walking/running age, I'm not gonna be mad if I get an alert that she ran out back.
Whats a floating alarm?

 

[NIKAL]

I have the standard chain link fencing around the property, so I'm guessing it's the 2". My wife is starting to lean a little towards the slatting the chain link because she wants a little bit of privacy.
I'm good with a door alarm, we have our first grand baby, so when she's walking/running age, I'm not gonna be mad if I get an alert that she ran out back.
Whats a floating alarm?

There are different types and different areas either require them, require a style or don’t at all. In San Diego County I had to have one for both the pool & spa . And the bobber type like a chlorine tablet floaty was no longer ok. So I had to buy two of these side deck mount ones that when the water moves the pressure changes sets the alarm off.

In theory it’s good. But if you have a spa spill way that circulates or even a skimmer hose that could hit it, it triggers the alarm. So in reality they don’t work as intended.

I bought two Pool Guard brand sensors. Because the final sign off was before the plaster and water in the pool. I just had to show two new sensors in the box. After I passed my final I chose to return one alarm and keep one alarm. The Pool Guards are $250 ea! Plus you’re supposed to drill a hole in the coping to hold it. Yeah that was not happening.

Here’s a picture of the box.

 

[GreenEnergy28]

There are different types and different areas either require them, require a style or don’t at all. In San Diego County I had to have one for both the pool & spa . And the bobber type like a chlorine tablet floaty was no longer ok. So I had to buy two of these side deck mount ones that when the water moves the pressure changes sets the alarm off.

In theory it’s good. But if you have a spa spill way that circulates or even a skimmer hose that could hit it, it triggers the alarm. So in reality they don’t work as intended.

I bought two Pool Guard brand sensors. Because the final sign off was before the plaster and water in the pool. I just had to show two new sensors in the box. After I passed my final I chose to return one alarm and keep one alarm. The Pool Guards are $250 ea! Plus you’re supposed to drill a hole in the coping to hold it. Yeah that was not happening.

Here’s a picture of the box.

I had to buy them as well. One for each "body of water". Used sticky tape to get past inspection then removed them.

 

[havasu5150]

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

however, DO NOT leave the umbrella in it for an extended period of time

 

[NIKAL]

I had to buy them as well. One for each "body of water". Used sticky tape to get past inspection then removed them.

Yeah my inspector told me as long as I showed him two new in the box sensors, and a copy of the receipt, I was ok. I kept one, for just in case we had people over with small kids that could not swim, I could set one in the pool. I also have a Ring Camera that views the pool and records if someone’s around the pool. I can also make sure the pool guy does his job each week too! .

The door alarms I was able to sneak by ones that had an on off switch as I have two sliding glass doors to the backyard. I chose to keep them, but turned them off when not needed. Also they would not let me use my home alarm sensors that would ring when opened, or a sensor that chimed. It had to be an alarm sensor that stayed on until the door closed. Lame!

 

[dirtslinger2]

Well we got our first rendering from Sandcastle. We're going to ask them to move the Spa over to the top right corner next to the rock feature, thats sorta where we are thinking we want it. The wife also wants to see what it looks like if we put the spa in that same corner, but move the rock feature over to the far right wall. We're trying to preserve the view we have and not block it.

We should have another rendering coming in next week as well from Advantage.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Here's my next dilema, If I don't want to fence in the pool, I need to install slats in all of the chain link fencing. I don't like slats, I don't like the way they look, and in my opinion they catch the wind and want to rip the fence out, and it's also a full 1 acre of fencing. That being said, my lot is sloped, so the raised area where the pool is going is not the same height along the length of the area.
I don't want to take away from my view, and the S/W corner is where we plan to put the spa. So i'm debating whether or not I put a fence down on the ground below the pool, or a short one on top of the wall. There is a retaining wall all the way down to rest of the lot, maybe this still counts as 6ft????
Any ideas that I'm obviously not thinking of?
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I think we've decided to slat the fence, it gives a little privacy, and we can always take them out if we don't like them. we're gonna build something low on top of the block wall probably around 18", most likely rusty corrugated steel, similar to Topock Marina. The outdoor kitchen I'll be building will be similar.

This is my poor attempt at photoshop.

In the video, those Sequoros will not be real, I'm buying the steel ones from Cody Wagner.

 

[dirtslinger2]

@Melloyellovector

We're waiting for a 2nd rendering, but we're thinking about getting a 3rd estimate from another builder out here. Do you have recommendations for who or who not to use?
Do you do jobs out this way?

 

[J DUNN]

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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

Hey Babe,

I like those chairs, are you happy with them? Mind sharing the brand and any review? Maybe in a DM to not thread jack.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Hey Babe,

I like those chairs, are you happy with them? Mind sharing the brand and any review? Maybe in a DM to not thread jack.

This thread can be Hijacked, my wife may want the same chairs

 

[DaytonaBabe]

Hey Babe,

I like those chairs, are you happy with them? Mind sharing the brand and any review? Maybe in a DM to not thread jack.

I got them from Tupelo Goods (link below). We really like them and they are way more functional and comfortable than the loungers, in my opinion. The only issue we have with them is because our shelf is so deep, the front of the chair floats up a bit, so that's why we have them up against the wall. Honestly, I don't think I'd want them in the middle of the shelf anyway, so it's no big deal to us. I'd definitely buy them again. The company recommends a depth of 11", but told us that they would work at our 17" depth. Just something to consider.

Loop Modern Outdoor Lounge Chair

The tupelo Loop Lounge Chair is the perfect addition to your outdoor space. With its everlasting durability, superior comfort, and timeless aesthetic, the modern Loop Lounge Chair will elevate any landscape, patio, fire pit, or gathering space. Price is for each (1) chair. Weight capacity: 500...

tupelogoods.com

 

[dirtslinger2]

I got them from Tupelo Goods (link below). We really like them and they are way more functional and comfortable than the loungers, in my opinion. The only issue we have with them is because our shelf is so deep, the front of the chair floats up a bit, so that's why we have them up against the wall. Honestly, I don't think I'd want them in the middle of the shelf anyway, so it's no big deal to us. I'd definitely buy them again. The company recommends a depth of 11", but told us that they would work at our 17" depth. Just something to consider.

Loop Modern Outdoor Lounge Chair

The tupelo Loop Lounge Chair is the perfect addition to your outdoor space. With its everlasting durability, superior comfort, and timeless aesthetic, the modern Loop Lounge Chair will elevate any landscape, patio, fire pit, or gathering space. Price is for each (1) chair. Weight capacity: 500...

tupelogoods.com

I was not expecting them to be that pricey, LOL.

 

[traquer]

Seeing lots of nice $100k+ pools in this thread with crappy fencing right behind it haha. I'd say it's worth spending a few extra bucks on some stucco and nice bullnose caps on block walls, or re-doing a wooden fence with a modern lateral design.

The problem though is even though it's easy work, materials are up there so even if you DIY you'll be in high 4 digits

 

[yard dog]

@Melloyellovector

We're waiting for a 2nd rendering, but we're thinking about getting a 3rd estimate from another builder out here. Do you have recommendations for who or who not to use?
Do you do jobs out this way?

https://nationalconstructionpools.com/ Give Tracy a call , his was a neighbor when I lived in Desert foothills . He does some very nice pools in Bullhead and the surrounding areas.

 

[HNL2LHC]

I was not expecting them to be that pricey, LOL.

Hello!!!!! This is @DaytonaBabe we are talking about. That is how they roll!!!

 

[dirtslinger2]

https://nationalconstructionpools.com/ Give Tracy a call , his was a neighbor when I lived in Desert foothills . He does some very nice pools in Bullhead and the surrounding areas.

Whats your name, I'm gonna give him a ring in a few.

 

[yard dog]

Whats your name, I'm gonna give him a ring in a few.

Keith and Maureen , we lived on la Paloma Drive it’s been few years , moved to Fort Mohove so my wife could be closer to the hospital were is employed in the ER and on call sometimes . Tracy probably will remember us because my wife had her ambulance for her business parked in the driveway Until HOA got complaints

 

[dirtslinger2]

Keith and Maureen , we lived on la Paloma Drive its few years , moved to Fort Mohove so my wife could be closer to hospital were is employed on the ER .

Thanks my wifes a Nurse as well, but she's over the ER, did it for 20 years.

 

[yard dog]

Thanks my wifes a Nurse as well, but she's over the ER, did it for 20 years.

Thanks my wifes a Nurse as well, but she's over the ER, did it for 20 years.

That‘s nice way of putting it, we move to Havasu because was she recruited to fly with Air Evac . After 10 years she was done medical transports and back to the hospital and she also has American heart training Center as a business .

 

[yard dog]

@dirtslinger2 , also,my wife has another friend that she has worked with that her husband is a pool contractor and builder in the area . Mynk Construrtion also has build some nice pools and houses but smaller builder . John Mynk 928 234 8735 . At least you have some more options to get some prices from some local builders .

 

[dirtslinger2]

@dirtslinger2 , also,my wife has another friend that she has worked with that her husband is a pool contractor and builder in the area . Mynk Construrtion also has build some nice pools and houses . John Mynk 928 234 8735 . At least you have some more options to get some prices from some local builders .

Cool thanks, just got off the phone with Tracy, he's gonna try and come by this weekend while I'm in town. Sounds like he sorta quit doing pools unless it's friends or family, apparently I made the list.

 

[petie6464]

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.

Yeah used this guy too. Never seen him again after giving them a deposit. Basically I had to general the pool as the crew would show up and had no idea what to do. Imo it was a shit show and extremely poorly handled. The end result was good but a pain in the ass the whole time. Would definitely look elsewhere.

 

[Melloyellovector]

@Melloyellovector

We're waiting for a 2nd rendering, but we're thinking about getting a 3rd estimate from another builder out here. Do you have recommendations for who or who not to use?
Do you do jobs out this way?

I don’t know anyone out there I’d refer. Basically I only see and hear the bad. So hard to say who I’d trust, lol
I don’t do jobs out there, Iv talked about it for couple years about getting a crew set up. Been to busy in Ca

 

[dirtslinger2]

I don’t know anyone out there I’d refer. Basically I only see and hear the bad. So hard to say who I’d trust, lol
I don’t do jobs out there, Iv talked about it for couple years about getting a crew set up. Been to busy in Ca

Thanks for the reply, it's hard to pick, if you use the interwebs at all, you'll hear that so and so is the best, then followed up by so and so is the worst.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Keith and Maureen , we lived on la Paloma Drive it’s been few years , moved to Fort Mohove so my wife could be closer to the hospital were is employed in the ER and on call sometimes . Tracy probably will remember us because my wife had her ambulance for her business parked in the driveway Until HOA got complaints

Shoot me a PM, I wasn't able to send you one.
Met with Tracy today, dude is a straight shooter no BS guy. My initial phone call with him was pretty damn funny.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Back with more questions.

What are peoples thoughts on cool deck? Good or stay away? I have one builder who says it's the only thing he recommends, and that if done correctly it will last a long time.

Also pool tile color, I'm hearing that I don't want any mexican tiles, or dark blues due to Calcium build up, and that a tan color is probably best. Same builder as above says I want tan/light tile.

Ideally we want a stamped concrete terra cotta color decking, but wondering if that will get too hot or too slippery, or if it will build up a calcium layer over time from pool water being splashed on it, same for the tile, we want a mexican tile, but I also don't want to build myself into a pain in the ass pool to maintain.

Last one for now, Salt water or No?

 

[dirtslinger2]

Since people like pictures here, here's our 2nd rendering that showed up last night.

 

[EarpRider]

I went with a beige tile, but I wish I had gone with a lighter colored grout so that the calcium scale wouldn't show as much.

 

[Mrs. Riley1]

We’re in Boulder City. When we had our pool built 4 years ago we were on a tight budget. We had a decent amount of preexisting concrete so the builder recommended cool deck to have it all match. He would not warranty the cool deck on the existing concrete though. It starting peeling off within a year. I would not do it again.

We have very hard water out here and we have a calcium build up problem.

We went with a salt pool because my husband has eczema and salt water is supposed to be easier on it. The builder did not recommend it because of the hard water. We should have listened. We are on our third salt cell already and we are constantly fighting pH issues.

Your rendering is beautiful. If you stay on top of cleaning and brush the pool daily, you should be fine. We are not good at that.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Since people like pictures here, here's our 2nd rendering that showed up last night.

There are some cool deck types of materials that you can tape lines on the base coat, and skip trowel the color coat. Pull the tape, and now you have "grout lines". The only ones I did were years ago, and for heavy traffic areas. They had about 5 years before needing touch-up or repair. I honestly don't know how long they'd last in a residential situation. It was pricey to do it that way.

 

[dirtslinger2]

We’re in Boulder City. When we had our pool built 4 years ago we were on a tight budget. We had a decent amount of preexisting concrete so the builder recommended cool deck to have it all match. He would not warranty the cool deck on the existing concrete though. It starting peeling off within a year. I would not do it again.

We have very hard water out here and we have a calcium build up problem.

We went with a salt pool because my husband has eczema and salt water is supposed to be easier on it. The builder did not recommend it because of the hard water. We should have listened. We are on our third salt cell already and we are constantly fighting pH issues.

Your rendering is beautiful. If you stay on top of cleaning and brush the pool daily, you should be fine. We are not good at that.

Thanks for your reply, The one builder who is recommending the kool deck, is the same builder that is telling us we don't want dark tile, or a Salt water pool, all based on the hardness of our water out here. He would be installing the Kook Deck on fresh concrete, and from my research that appears to be the way to go with it. He appears to have a good working knowledge of pools in this area and fighting calcium.

I've joined a pool building forum as well, while boring compared to RDP, I'm seeing, and hearing a lot of recommendations on installing a whole house water softner system, and especially on the auto fill. This seems to be popular to help with calcium levels in the pool, keeping the tile looking nice, as well as keeping me from draining the pool every year. FWIW, I'm on a septic, and Topock does not have a sewer system, so figuring out what to do with all that water every year is a concern.

We're meeting with the people who did this rendering tomorrow in Havasu to do some tweaking, look at some pools, and go over pricing. We haven't talked about SW or Chlorine, or decking or tile yet.

 

[Spitfire]

I had pool put in 8 years ago. Went with salt water. We are in Charlotte NC and got 7 years out of first salt cell. Pool has a breeze to maintain and keep balanced. I keep it open year round as it is my water feature after moving away from my hometown peninsula next to Boston. I went with a light gray tile and a caribbean blue pebble etc.