Moving to AZ - research thread

I only have 3 bathrooms, lol, HA

 

ok pool pros,

Im going to start from the beginning and work with a company out there to design and get some budget ideas rolling.

what considerations are important

here is what the prelim thought is

1) freeform pool
2) salt water
3) propane heater (for special occasions)
4) Im going to pass on the integrated spa and go with a vaulted hot tub later for more therapeutics.
5) I want a more natural rock and minor landscaped area around most of it with the exception of between the crib and pool, so no 100K of travertine
6) smooth pebble tech blue surf color
7) want some water features if it works with the budget
8) cool lighting a must, not just one light on a side like old days

not sure on a solar cover, have to talk to them to see if they can intragrate one or what

 

Sand, DE or cartridge filter? I've had all 3 and prefer the cartridge. I typically remove and rinse them in Mar/Oct and will go 2-3 years with a set, YMMV.

In ground sweepers or mechanical cleaner...you'll need a dedicated vac line for that. Currently have in ground but didn't mind the mechanical in the old pool.

Def add an aerator and auto fill leveler.

 

can you elaborate on that? Im new to pools and need to learn what your talking about

thanks !!

 

Sand, DE, or cartridge refer to the method of filtration for the water.

the in-ground vs sweeper is the method for cleaning the bottom of the pool

I had in ground and wasn't impressed with its cleaning ability.

 

I was told the in ground for floor cleaning was to avoid since they can leak ,etc

is that valid?

 

Filtration systems typically use either sand, diatomaceous earth or cartridges. Each has their own pro's - cons.

In ground cleaners are built into the pool floor and systematically sweep the debris to a central drain point.: In-Floor Pool Cleaning System: In-Floor Pop Up Cleaning System | Jandy

...as opposed to a mechanical cleaner that moves along the bottom of the pool via a vacuum line when the pump is running: Pool Cleaners - Hayward Pool Products | Hayward Pool Products

An auto fill leveler keeps the water level at a certain point. As the water level drops the valve kicks in like a toilet and back fills as needed.

An aerator is a basic water feature that helps recirculate and cool the water: What Is a Pool Aerator and Are They Worth It?

Otherwise, I think you're on the right track...

 

I've never heard that. Heads can pop off/break, but that's about it. The rest of it is just standard plumbing and requires the same maintenance as other parts of the pool filtration system, like inspecting o-rings, gears, etc. The only time in-floor cleaners kinda suck is after a monsoon or when a bunch of leaves drop.

As for the filter media discussion, cartridge filters are way easier to maintain, but nothing beats the clarity you get from a DE filter. That said, cleaning the DE filter is kind of a pain and a mess, but if you hire a pool company to do your chemicals and maintenance, you can let that be their problem lol.

The newer pool lights actually throw light much better than the old school side wall ones, so I wouldn't discount that method. It would really depend on how many benches and shelves you include in your design (e.g. we put in a large Baja shelf for lounging and that area stays darker at night because of the height above the light). I've thought about installing perimeter lighting that would work in addition to the side wall light, too.

 

I suppose they could... Our pool was put in in 2015 with an in=ground system and we haven't had any issues with the pop-ups. I think we have 12(?) and just replaced them all free of charge a few years back....lifetime replacement from a local manufacturer. You just need to make sure you keep your filters and any associated baskets clean.

 

Im torn on the lounging shelf thing, I can see it being nice, but also taking up swimming space and needing to make the pool a little larger

was also thinking of maybe just a 0 entry thing instead, especially with the elderly crowd

 

Im a minimal maintenance type of dude,

specifically, I don't mind doing maintenance and like to wrench etc, but I like to set things up to be easy as possible and not try to trip over a dollar to pick up a nickel.

so far good info guys, thanks

 

Think that comes from pool maintenance companies that don’t have the knowledge or readily available access to parts for the system. I’m on my second pool in AZ with in floor cleaning and wouldn’t own one without. Never clean my pool, don’t even own a vacuum. Monsoon hits, turn pool on and scoop out the big stuff. Neighbors spend lots of time cleaning their pools after a monsoon, f-that. My cleaning system has a lifetime warranty with $125 service call fee. Did use it once, but it was because the turf installer got a bunch of the infill material in the pool that damaged the mechanism in the pop up heads.

Also wouldn’t build a pool without the baja shelf. Everyone in the family loves it, nice to stick your feet in during off season, dogs really enjoy it also.

 

The zero entry is a cool idea, but you’re taking up even more space with that vs the lounge/baja shelf. I would recommend trolling through some of the galleries for the local builders and get some ideas there

 

ya, here is one I want to base it off of I like, take out the spa and swim up bar stuff, no interest in that.

but the pool shape, color, and I like the way the basic landscape looks.

so Im kinda using this as a starting point.

I'll have to talk to them about the space and price of 0 entry vs shelf, vs just some basic ledge/stair thing. My yard is WAY bigger than this so I have room for anything, going to have a large trampoline and a small outdoor basketball court area as well at some point.

it kinda looks like they have that chair spot where the fountain is

 

Trampoline into the pool sounds fun! Or at least close enough to the house to jump in from the roof?

 

lol, no far away, the old lady would have a melt down, lol..

 

Just note that water features can cause a load of built of dirt to dump into the pool if you only use it occasionally. I have one, capped it off and never use it. Plus anything that is aerating the pool is messing with the chemistry, specifically driving up the ph.
Also, anything that you get that automates cleaning/echmicals etc. is worth it.

 

noted , I think we would use the water features a ton but I’ll see what they say and what I can afford , I want something though to add some spice

 

The water hardness is horrible out here, a salt system will really help. My last pool was, this one isn't...yet.

Our scupper's get real cruddy by the end of the season. I don't run them during the winter. We just had the tile media blasted and water changed the water:

 

yup, blast furnace time

 

Sign me up.

 

Only one day of sun here in the next 10, lame. Humid as well for this time of year dew point 65+ already

 

Starting to lool like a 3rd week of July to move there , right in the middle of the blast furnace but there is nothing I can do about it .

So it is what it is

 

Peak monsoon season. It'll be awesome.